Beans N' Barley

Goal for the race: Finish in the top 10

I can't believe it's almost all done for the season. This was the last ABA Cup race and then it's Provincials next week.

Today was a local race, so my parents decided to come out an watch. For some reason I always feel more pressure then usual to do my best because I want them to be proud of what I'm able to accomplish. My last race they got to watch me suffer as I ran up a muddy hill and slid down the other side just barely missing getting lapped in the process so I really wanted to do well today.

The race was at Shagannapi Park which is a really good venue for cross. I did a practice here at the beginning of the 'cross season and I did a Midweek Mayhem race so I knew what kind of terrain to expect. We got a later start then usual which I like because I don't have to get up super early to get my breakfast down in time before pre-race meal cut-off. The weather looks like it was going to be brisk but sunny which is great to race in and the course would probably fairly dry despite the weeks weather.

The course was not overly technical but had quite a bit of off-camber, 2 run-ups, barriers and plenty of steep climbs. All in all..today's race was going to be super painful but super fun as there were lots of people out and Terrascape had 2 members providing color commentary. After doing my warm-up lap and stretching I got to start in time and lined up right at the front this time.


For some reason the Calgary races always have these weird non-countdown surprise starts so I was ready this time for the random start. The starter yelled "Go" and I sprinted hard to stay up in front. I fell a few places going into the first climb as it was pretty tight so we had to file up before going into the technical off-camber section. On the dowhill I lost a few more places as guys were bombing down at full tilt. Then came the first run-up...it seems some people were struggling into this one as I was able to shoulder and run as hard as I could. A few more twists and turns and we got to the 2 steep climbs. I powered my way up each climb and passed a whole bunch of guys.

I dismounted a little early for my first barrier set but got my bike shouldered properly right after and transitioned into the second run-up without losing too much steam. First lap down and I checked to see the damage. I could still see the race leaders and to my surprise I was right up there with Brent. I stayed on his wheel for a bit but then decided to go for a pass. Brent and I rode together pretty much the rest of the race.

I finished off the second lap and I still felt pretty strong. Everytime I went by my parents my mom kept yelling at me to ride harder (I don't think she realizes how much it hurts). Everytime I would get to the first run-up, Tim was there shouting "Get that guy, Kyle, c'mon run harder!". Third lap in, I wasn't sure how many laps I had to do and if my legs would be able to hold on. I think this was my fastest race yet. 4th lap in, Brent put his hand on my back and gave me a little push and told me I was doing awesome and to keep going hard. We had two more laps and I was getting really tired. Each run up hurt more and more.

My last lap I was trying to catch a guy from Pedalhead. I pushed so hard and finally managed to pass him on one of the climbs. I went hard to gap him but after the descent on the second run-up, I couldn't clip in my left pedal so I had to slow down going into the final climb to find my pedal as I needed to power sprint the last climb and go for the finish line. I caught up to him but I wasn't able to pass as the section into the finish line was pretty technical. I finished 1 second behind him.

Result: 6/34

By far my best race this season and it couldn't have come at a better time. It was unbelievable to finish that high up along with Brent who always finishes well in every 'cross race. It wasn't a podium...but for once it was in my sights. I was so glad my parents got to watch me in this race and see all the work I put in all season finally pay off. Also Brent's encouraging push gave me the confidence to keep going hard and push through all the pain in my legs. It was awesome finishing next to him in the race.

It was ironic that a series of firsts took place at one of the last races of the season:

- My first ABA points

- My first series ranking

- My first single digit finish

- My first cash prize

It turned out to be a really good day for the team as well with Craig and Devin placing 4th and 6th respectively in the Elite category. Also for one of my teammates it was his first 'cross race and he managed to stay in to the end without getting lapped. I also wanted to thank everyone for all the cheering and support, it was very much appreciated.

All Photos: Bill Quinney