Alberta Cross #7: East End Supercross

Bright and early Sunday morning Calgary awoke to frigid temperatures and several centimeters of snow. According to plan Keith came by to get us to the course for some last minute setup. The night before we had staked the course and the plan for morning was to run the ribbon (generously supplied by Maxxis) between the stakes, flag the straight sections and put up the sponsor banners. After a sketchy drive with plenty of sliding involved we arrived at Penbrook Meadows to discover that the one end of the course had been completely destroyed; stakes were broken and many of them stolen. I wasn't too pleased, but this is the city's east side (it was even spray painted on a fence bordering the course). I rallied the volunteer troops and set out in the blowing snow to rebuild the entire west end of the course. Several hours of pounding stakes, running ribbon and flag setting later the course was good to go and the Sport Men were set to test it as the first start of the day. As it turned out the inventive switchback offcamber sectors I had built proved too technical in the snow and had to been tackled on foot. The same was true for many on the deep pea gravel sections. I was happy that I had managed to turn a relatively flat and bland venue into a festival of technically challenging pain and suffering with every pedalstroke. I owe a great deal to the snowfall, it couldn't have come at a better time.
Despite the cold and snow over 30 riders came out in support of the event and to contest for valuable Alberta Cup points. Every race unfolded without trouble. I was very excited to see all of the smiling faces following each race, riders seemed to love the course and claimed it suited the unconventional conditions perfectly. The commisaires had shortened every race by 15 minutes which aided in more fun and less frost bite. Throughout the day I got the chance to witness some exciting racing with close finishes and new riders showing themselves at the front thriving in the slippery corners. When the Elite race finally rolled around I was punched. After a already long weekend I suited up and gave it everything I had left to try to defend my top four Cup position and build on my solid performance of the day before. Turns out I didn't really have anything left, at all. I suffered more than ever before this season and ended up in a very disappointing 10th. I was beat by people I had but over 3 minutes into the day before. I have new found respect for event organizers and course setup. It is an incredible amount of work and it takes a lot out of you. My substandard race performance was however offset by the feedback from the riders who attended. People were generous with the compliments and that was greatly appreciated after I had put so much into trying to create the best race possible.
I couldn't have pulled it off alone though and there are several people who need to be recognized. First off Keith Bayly, for providing inspiration in putting on the event, for hours of help setting up the course, for his expert design input and unwavering support of cross in Alberta. Keith has to be one of the brightest flames in the fire that is Alberta cross this year. He will have invested countless hours in pulling off all of the Calgary events this year, which is a record three events. He is in charge of provincials to take place this weekend, don't miss it, I have seen the course, it will be the race of the season! I also need to thank James Purdy for lending hours of his time to aid in course setup, coordinating volunteers, taking care of the ABA van and infusing the event with his positive spirit and desire for success. Then there are all of the other volunteers from Bicisport including C Sparls, Greg Y, Bobby V, Claude and Joanne, Evan, Nic and everyone else. They came through and did an incredible job in the driving snow to ensure the race went smoothly. My good friend Alex for rounding up the sponsors and ensuring virtually every rider in attendance walked away with a quality prize. Also a huge thanks to Andy at the ABA for advice and support, to Carrie with Calgary Parks for securing the venue on extremely short notice. Thanks to the riders who came out to support the event through their participation. Finally a thanks to the generous sponsors who donated prizes and banners including: Cycles Lambert, Devinci Bicycles, Maxxis (the brightest orange course marking tape ever), Louis Garneau (Sean Carter), Pedalhead Bicycle Works, Techno Sport, Metro Vino (fine French champagne for the winners in Elite men and women), Urban Baker and Regional 1 charter airlines.
Next year there will be another Supercross. Next year I will have longer than 2 weeks to pull it off. Next year it will be huge. Stay Tuned!