BC Bike Race Day 4 and 5, Sunshine Coast

Stage 4:  Wake at 4:30 am–> 1 hr school bus transfer–> 1 hr ferry ride- -> 30 min school bus transfer–> 45 min ferry ride–> Race start at 11 am–> 4-5 hr stage–> makes for possibly the toughest day of the race!  How did the Monavie-Cannondale teams cope?

Sonntag and Shriver: Tough stage for sure. Hit it with the lead group until a flat derailed  any chances for a win. Disappointment can easily get the best  of you when your luck runs out. Fortunately a good German teammate is always crashing and good for a laugh.

Bart and Alex: Bart has been struggling with an infected wisdom tooth and day 4 nearly put the nail in the coffin. ”The hardest day I have ever had on the bike.”  Tomorrow is another day…

Sue and Bryan: These 2 have a race on their hands and were able to claw back into 3rd overall coed after a strong ride on the “Alders Express.”

Matt and Tim: Can 2 strong personalities gel as team? These 2 seem to be making it happen and put together a smooth day in the saddle.

A common theme with this crew is a positive attitude through adversity, day 4 was never a concern!

Stage 5:

Quite possibly the best singletrack bike trails on earth!  Loamy soil, dark woods, twisty trails, rocks, roots, and streams. Did we die and go to heaven? Actually, Bart may have after a rough night in the tent.

Sonntag and Shriver: 5th place on the stage.  Ben “the German” had his daily crash. But, with trails like these who cares about the placings?

Bart and Alex: Bart just wanted to finish today despite being in the hurt locker. Alex was itching to test himself at the front of the race,  sure enough he spent the day with the leaders. They continue to hold down a solid 6th overall.

Sue and Bryan: 2nd place on the stage and 3rd overall on GC, these 2 have it dialed!

Matt and Tim: These 2 have a “system” in the singletrack. Matt rides the front calling out obstacles, ROCK, ROOTS, GO LEFT, While Tim confirms by bellowing ROCK, ROOT, GO LEFT.  It might be comical to watch, but seems effective for getting these 2 safely down the trail.

If you are a mountain biker and enjoy single track, then at some point in your life you need to ride the descent to the Langdale Ferry Terminal. It is absolutely unforgettable!