Welcome to May! Unfortunately as I look out the window I see that we have not been welcomed with clear skies just yet but I’m confident things will turn around very soon. The late snow falls and very rainy weather has made for some muddy, early season races. Of course that also leads to a little extra fun doesn’t it. 

Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to.

Keith, Blane, JC and myself raced up in the soft snow at Mansfield April 3rd. That made for some tough riding and lot of running. I do look back at that race thinking it wasn’t as bad as it was because of how fun the day was. Riding up with a van full of teammates is a great way to travel to the race and good for a few laughs for sure.

The Tour of Pelham was the same day. I hear there was a corn field/cross course that made for some ultra tough riding and a maybe a few hills out there as well. Congrats to Steve DeBoer on his great result and Shawn Conlon in his first race post knee surgery. No more excuses buddy. Denis and Val also had good results on a tough day. Let’s not forget Debra Robert finishing strong in her first race with the team. 

Paris to Ancaster had a few crazy club members in it. I bet the muddy sections were really muddy and those cross winds were killer. I believe Shawn had the highest overall result finishing just outside the top 100. Paul Humber, Charles Gravely, and Jamie Madronich were the other men representing to their fullest. McGyver 29er rode strong on his singlespeed and Marie Faughnan had a great result for the ladies. Marie has also been doing a few road races and won the Elite 3 women’s cat. At the Good Friday Road Race. Way to go Marie!

Yesterday was a big one, XC O Cup number 1. JC was back at Mansfield for his first race in the Expert category and was happy with his mid-pack finish considering how sick he’s been this week. Ryan Jacob has been enjoying himself on the skies a bit too much to be super strong on the bike. As usual Ryan will be racing/riding himself into shape this year and will surely climb the ladder. Conlon won’t stop racing and had an opportunity to take his new bike for a spin competing hard in the 40+ Expert category.

We also had two new race team members competing as well, Shawn’s son Matthew finished 8th in pee-wee (11-12) and Tommy Waldeck finished 19th in Cadet (15-16). Way to go boys!

So RACERS, I want to remind you to submit your RACER log sheets. This is to be done on a monthly basis to make it a little easier on the person keeping record, me. 
Although not mandatory, it would also be great if once and a while you posted a Race Report on the forum and shared you experiences. 

Don’t forget that registration for the Liberty Bicycles 12 Mile Series is now open. So stop by their store before it’s too late. First race goes may 18th.

May Race Schedule
May 15th - O Cup #2 – Woodnewton
May 18th – 12 Mile Race #1
May 21st – Victoria 100 Miler
May 26th – Opus Spring 8hr. – Mansfield
June 1st – 12 Mile Race #2