Day 1, North Vancouver

At 29k, Day 1 is the shortest stage in the 2009 BC bike race. What today lacked in length it made up for in technical challenge. The trails of the North Shore, if they can be called trails are legendary for being the most technically demanding in the world. Rock drop after ramp after bridge after rock drop they plummet thousands of feet through the old growth forest to leave one begging for a section of smooth road.

Today was a lesson in contrast, you were either climbing smooth roads or descending the scariest stuff you have ever laid eyes on. The sharp contrast is what makes team stage racing so special and adds a traditional stress to the 2 person dynamic.

Here  is a quick introduction to the Monavie-Cannondale Teams and what they faced today:

Ben Sonntag (The German) and Matt Shriver (Pro Team):  With Ben leading the climbs and Shriver leading the DH these 2 put in a solid performance. Ben promises to ”stop the crashing tomorrow” which may be all these 2 need to notch a stage win.

Bart Gillespie and Alex Grant (Pro Team): Having ridden a lot together they know each others strengths and weakness on and off the bike. Bart had an off day on the climbs and Alex had an off  day on the descent, but somehow as a team these 2 put in a respectable ride. 6 more days…

Bryan Alders and Sue Butler (Coed Team): Coed teams can be challenging. Bryan and Sue seem to have it down and came through the finish chute all smiles. Bryan compliments Sue after the Stage saying how shocked he was at some of the stuff  she “hucked.”

Matt Ohran and Tim Butler (Masters): These 2 have some work to do on the team dynamic thing, but are surely up to the task. Tim promises to bomb the DH tomorrow, and Ohran hopes to shed his “sales meeting legs” on the climbs.

Jamin (soingeur) and Chris (Mechanic): Behind the scenes these 2 do it all. Set up the compound, work on bikes, work on bodies, and generally keep things running smooth. Did they know what they were getting themselves into?

Stage 2 tomorrow…