Stage 6

Wow...it is hard to believe that we only have one more day to go. After a tough stage 4, I elected to ride at a more moderate pace on stage 5 to give myself a break and actually have some fun. Jeremy attacked most of the climbs at his pace and then would wait for me at the top. We would descend together and then he would fly up the next pass. We finished the day strong and managed to pip a few riders right at the finish line. Stage 5 was a "stress free" day with no expectations for results with the emphasis on fun. The consequence of this approach is that as a team we dropped 39 spots to finish 135th out of 230 Masters teams.


For stage six we decided to go all out and ride as hard as we could individually. Jeremy really hasn't had a stage where he went full out with no one to hold him back so we decided to have at it and see if we could move ourselves back up the ladder.

Today's stage had arguably the toughest starting climb. It was a 11km climb with long stretches of grades in excess of 16%. It was like climbing Spiller Rd back home...but for 11kms. After reaching the top there was about 15kms of short descents and rolling terain that lead to a long, 17km climb called the "Manghen Pass". Both Jeremy and I pushed ourselves hard and had good days. Jeremy's finishing time of around 4:40hrs was about 46th out of 230. I came in at 5:05hrs which was good for 87th spot. The team time is based on when the last rider of the two crosses the line so our time for the day was based on my result. After today's stage we moved up 37 spots to sit 98th out of 230 Masters teams. It was very rewarding for us both to go out and ride hard and push to the end.

I have to give some props to two of our fellow Penticton riders Ian McAndrews and Jim Miller for "digging into the suitcase of courage" the past two days and finishing both stages.This race tests you in every single way and I really admire their determination and fight. I know they both would say that they could not have gotten through those stages without the help and support of their respective teammates Gary Denton and Chris Prowse. Good on ya lads!

With the final stage tomorrow I guess Jeremy and I need to have a beer tonight to decide our strategy...hmmm...maybe if I can get Jeremy to have 3 beer the strategy will naturally unfold!

Ciao for now!

Chris H.