Not sure why but there is just something I love about the Sudbury race weekend. Its really nice to get up to race in some of that terrain again that feels a little like the glory days of Elliot lake and Calabogie but with a bonus of having lots of accommodation options.




They changed up the course a fair bit this year, it used to feature one big climb and one big decent this year it was a little more broken up, they also filled in a couple rough spots and smoothed it out a bit. But its still a very rough course.




Weather was threatening all day for the race but the rain held off for a fast race. Had a good start for once just missed the traditional Sudbury start crash. I was in a fine position heading into the climbing but the legs just didn't back that up and I fell back a few spots. Mainly to my teammates Guthrie and McNeely so it wasn't all bad.




Ended up in a bit of no mans land between two groups as we hit the long flatish start straight. Just rode a high “tempo” and didn't fight the inevitble catch from an aggressive group behind. The pace eased a bit after and the group in front was still in sight so I went out again to try and bridge up to Guthrie and Mitch. The legs were coming around and I felt a little more confident riding on my own. Traffic was playing a bit of a factor and timing was key. But can sometimes come out in a wash.




On the 5th lap called a “on your right” and sure enough the rider veered to the right and put us both into a pile of sharp rocks. And ppsssssssttttttt right away I knew Havy wasn't gonna be stoked with that.




I didn't loose too much time riding and the wheel change was quick but its tough to make it back. Did a little battling with Antoine he was crushing the DH's but i was able to edge out a lead on the final climb to hold onto 10th.




3 for 3 for something at this race but again with some awesome teammates and support from Paige I had nothing to be upset about.




Its nice to be healthy again, racing somewhat consistently and the knee hasn't felt this good in years. Its weird but without last years tangle at Sudbury and Nationals to really knock it out maybe I wouldn't have got on a path to figuring out what it was that has been causing the problem for so many years.

We'll its been a peach, the past few weeks has been great thanks to a long break in the calender. That all wrapped up today with a nice group ride over to Creemore to the coffee shop which I have little doubt cyclists help keep in business.

Paige pipped us on her home town sign, I'm very disappointed in myself for not seeing that one coming. We rolled in after her with our heads low. The coffee was great I had an Americano in Gainers honour as he had to call for a pickup outside Angus after rolling over some tornado debris. #topgearrules

Of course the biggest climb of the day is right after the coffee shop, up fairgrounds road not sure if T Glass still has that segment but it wasn't in any danger today as we stopped for pics and I took the opportunity to photo bomb not one but two selfies. Your welcome guys for you making your pics awesome.

We finished the ride with a strong tailwind back through Phelpston and into the big C. But not before a wee bit of a close call on flos 4, genius driving a black 4 door decided it was a wise decision to pass on a blind downhill corner? Would have been fine if a 2 door coupe wasn't coming up said blind hill. Some screeching tires and “oh shit oh shit” later and somehow everyone rode/drove away intact. You win sedan its your road from shoulder to shoulder we'll just get out of your way.

A great couple weeks of riding, BBQ's, friends and a few beers

On deck for the week is bringing down the mileage a bit to get ready for the next few weeks of racing.

Sudbury Canada Cup July 13th

National Championships Eliminator July 17th – XCO July 19th – Team Relay July 20th




Ontario Road Provincials July 26th