DONE & DUSTED - MEC VICTORIA CENTURY RIDE

Competing priorities almost had me missing MEC Victoria's Bikefest and Century ride.  Luckily, everything (transportation, accommodations, and kid care) came together in the last hour, and off I went, bound for the BC Ferries. 

Andrew McCartney

The jam-packed weekend would see former ITU-level triathlete, Andrew McCartney and I, lead an on-bike Skills Clinic on Saturday morning, then have me facilitate an in-store presentation on using a power meter as the basis of an effective training program in the afternoon. Sunday was earmarked for MEC's Century ride.  

Ride, eat, talk bikes, hang out, ride some more, you say? Good enough, I'm sold!

Saturday's Skills session and Power 101 presentation went off without a hiccup.  Being somewhat of an advanced science, training with power is an emerging field in the world of cycling.  Widely embraced by pro-level cyclists for many years, the technology is finally starting to trickle down to local racers en masse, and, with more and more competitors starting to fill the marketplace and drive the cost of entry down, we're starting to see power meter use with fitness oriented cyclists looking to maximize their training ROI.  All good stuff!

Roll on Sunday's Century Ride.  Having participated in a number of Fondos, most notably the Whistler Fondo, I wasn't sure what to expect, beyond MEC's notoriously good planning.  I turned up at the Sea Cider with about an hour to spare before the proverbial gun went off, which allowed for ample time to unpack, get dressed, and have what in all likelihood was way too much coffee.  The start venue was incredibly beautiful; an apple orchard overlooking the gulf islands - doesn't get much better than that!  Speaking to several of the staffers, I heard there were close to 300 people signed up between the 50km and 100km rides, Incredible! 

A few more coffees (sure, why not), a nibble of a cookie, and the Sea Cider was full of cyclists and volunteers.  Recognizing a few people, including the mom of an Olympic 2016 Hopeful (Barb, I'm looking at you!), I milled about, saying hello and meeting new faces, always with a foolish grin firmly on my face, giddy with anticipation - let's get this thing rolling already!

A brief announcement from the lead organizer, and off we went.  Pace was brisk as the 100km riders took to the street.  Not knowing what to expect (or the route), I stayed near the front.  Once the pace settled into a steady rhythm, everyone did their share of work at the front.  No craziness, no heroics, just a good, fun, controlled tempo pace.

Once past the ferries and onto Land's End Road, the route started to roll, with a few short spiky hills that served to separate several of the riders. Passing the Airport and Brentwood Bay, a few longer climbs further segregated riders. Did I say that a smile was permanently glued to my face?  It was!  The route was absolutely, categorically, stunningly beautiful - rolling roads, farmer's fields, lake shore, ocean side, even a tour past the infamous Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings!  This has got to be Victoria's best kept secret.  But wait, it gets even BETTER!  No, really! Well stocked aid stations, mechanic support, and even an event photographer that followed our every twist and turn (check out the photo gallery HERE). Wheeling into the finish at the Sea Cider, riders were greeted with an astounding mix of panini sandwiches, fantastic coffee (more please), fruits, cookies and samples of Sea Cider's award winning ciders.

What I am I saying at the end of all this? If you've never participated in MEC Victoria's Century Ride, I heartily recommend it for next year!