Brad Makes Podium at Buckwallow!

Too bad we didn't stick around for the glory!

Check out www.chicoracing.com

This was O-Cup #4 weekend at Buckwallow near Gravenhurst. We have never ridden here. It is about 2 hrs north of Mississauga. Going to ride here is an adventure for us south of Hwy. 7 people.

We even had to make reservations for our overnight accommodation. This was our home away from home sitting on Hwy. 11. It felt a little like being in that episode of the "Apprentice" where they had to redo the hotel rooms in the motor court in Jersey. The guy was still remodelling as people were signing in for the weekend. But hey for $70.00, we got a clean room, toilet paper, hot shower a comfy bed and OLN. Just how many times can a person watch Bobby Ullich go down in the Time Trial? Ouch, that must have smarted!

For all you kids out there wondering about nutrition and training and the question of carbo- loading before the big race, look no further than Brad for some pre-race conditioning. Find the best local pub you can. In this case, we had to drive to Bracebridge. Gravenhurst seemed like slim pickings for food. Here is the local watering hole which is part of some chi-chi resort called "Inn at the Falls" www.innatthefalls.net

Drink lots of white wine. The red stuff can leave you with a dry mouth and a headache. The white is usually chilled and easy to drink during the hot summer race months.

Make sure your bike is comfy and it gets a good nights sleep. Here the his and her's Specialized are spooning for a good night together. Notice the PAL in the background. No get-away is complete with out your own set of tunes to set the mood.


In the morning, make sure you slip under the tape in order to get a good position. Even though guys get in the start gates nice and early to get a good position, there is always room for one more late comer who buts in line - especially if you are polite and make nice small talk.

Apparently, this group of guys needed a little talking to from Chico. He had to inform them that the most complaints are a result of this 40 - 49 age group. They are a little aggressive on the trails. Hmmm, middle-aged guys with big bikes trying to hold on to that Alpha male status. I'm sure they are pussy cats out there and just misunderstood by the ladies they are lapping.


The course was treacherous but relatively short. The dutiful wife didn't have to wait too long to get this action shot close to the finish line. Notice the aggressive riding technique - out of the saddle and edging past the competition.


The finish line is so close in this shot. One issue though. Never confuse, the word "lap" with the word "finish". What this picture doesn't show is Brad in another 20 seconds veering stongly to the left into the other guy because he confused the signs.


Here is Brad, a covered in sweat and dirt after wiping out in front of the "lap"/"finish" signs.

The important thing though....and we missed it trying to beat the traffic back to Toronto is that Brad, came in 3rd. We will never know the swag he would have recieved. Nor do I have the picture of him on the Podium.

.....Just to drive Barry nuts, Ian has now raised his rates by 30%. I think the man is worth every penny!

You may ask what this is. It is one cool sign from Bracebridge. We loved the little chef guy on the sign.