Staff Writer
“There’s a common saying that ‘there are only two types of bike riders; those that have fallen and those that will fall’,” explained Chris Condon. But Condon, his riding partner Joe St. Peter, Edmund Therrien and partner Martin Kovacs have already taken some tumbles, so a seven-day race mountain biking through the Canadian Rockies isn’t too big of a worry for them.
Besides, all four riders will wear sturdy helmets. “Helmets are good; they are worth every penny,” said Condon.
Beginning on Aug. 10 in Panorama, British Columbia, the four cyclists will join 500 riders from over 30 countries in a race that tests endurance, speed and balance through some of the most stunning natural vistas of the Rockies.
The race route includes park service fire roads, single tracks, river crossings and hike-a-bike sections where the rider must carry his bike up an incline.
“They want it to be the toughest race on the planet,” said Therrien, who will be participating in the race for the second time. Therrien first completed the trek with Kovac in 2006, and is looking forward to the second experience.
“Ed was sharing with us that there’s one day that’s 40-miles and 15-miles of that is uphill,” said Condon.
The four friends prepared for the race by building their core strength and getting at least seven to 10 hours a week on their bikes. They all ride upper-level, full-suspension mountain bikes from Jamis, Canondale, Rocky Mountain and Kona.
“You want a bike that you know; that the brakes will work and the frame won’t crack,” said Therrien.
According to Therrien, the hardest part of the race is often “to get your body up every day and keep going.”
The group will have a little competition to keep them motivated as the two teams compete for the best time and boasting rights. “It’s four good friends going out on an adventure with a little friendly competition,” explained Condon. “We all get caught up in our routines, but now we get to do something different in a beautiful place.”
Each pair can be no longer than two minutes apart on the trail. Along with the teammate support along each leg of the journey, the TransRockies race organizers set up a tent city at every stop point of the day with maintenance tents and catering.
The 2008 race promises even more challenges including an extended seventh day route.
The two teams look forward to their reward at the finish in Fernie, British Columbia.
Only racers who complete every day of the event get a medal. Any leftover honors are melted down to assure only those who made it the entire length own the memento.
For more information on the race, visit www.transrockies.com.
Contributed photo
AT JOURNEY’S END – Ed Therrien (right) and Martin Kovacs (left) cross the finish line of the 2006 TransRockies event.
