July 11 2010

Sunday was the fifth Ocup of the season at Buckwallow in Gravenhurst. It's a great venue with twisty, rocky, rooty trails  smack on a chunk of our Canadian Shield. It is privately owned and extremely well maintained and a perfect spot for a race. Though with all the obstacles on the trails one needs steady effort, and constant pedaling to keep up the momentum which makes for a busy race.

The Bettys had two racers, Erica and myself, entered and we faired pretty well I must say!! After the last couple of seasons of tons o'rain and downright boggy sections at Buckwallow,  this year's course was dry and fast!!! So fast, in fact, we both came 4th in our categories. Congratulations, Erica, that's a great finish for your second senior elite race.

We seem to have lost Holly to her studies this season and we wish her well in her board exams coming up. In addition Becky has been unable to make the Ocups.... it sucks when work gets in the way...but new jobs that entail travel are kinda like that!!   We hope to see you at the next one at Kelso in August.

Speaking of the next race....there is a 'try an Ocup' category at these races, ya know...it's an early race and is a great way to check out this series-racing thing if you might have any interest for next year...there are only two races left in the season..August 8 and August 22...check out the chicoracing link on our home page for the details if you are interested.

It's really great to have support at these events ...It was nice to see Eleanor there and both Erica's and my families were able to come and cheer this week, which I think made me go faster   ....a special thanks to the lady in the feed zone who helped with the autofeeder     (not really necessary, hence the name, but sweet of her all the same!!)...too bad about the mean official I had the misfortune of meeting just prior to  my race who seemed to relish squishing ingenuity and gumption, while simultaneously muscle flexing, which is unattractive by the way..... I do note though that these kind of encounters are like the roots and rocks that are on the trail and can slow you down...you have to put it past you and move on...just keep pedaling, oh and smiling politely, of course. It may be a race which takes some level of seriousness but hey, the main purpose is to have fun.... and so, you will always find my autofeeder politely poised at the 'end of feed zone' sign at official OCA events.

Ride On!

Melinda.