World Police & Fire Games - Vancouver
Local Information:
Vancouver Weather - Granville Island Hotel - Grouse Mountain
Event Information
Cycling (Street Bike)
Venue: Sprint: University of British Columbia 2329 West Mall, Vancouver
Dates: Monday, 3 August 2009
Venue: Criterium: University of British Columbia 2329 West Mall, Vancouver
Dates: Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Venue: Hill Climb: Mt. Seymour Provincial Park 1700 Mt. Seymour Road North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3
Dates: Thursday, 6 August 2009
Venue: Road Race: 19097 26th Ave, Surrey
Dates: Friday, 7 August 2009
Grouse Grind Mtn
Venue: Grouse Mountain 6400 Nancy Greene Way North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
Dates: Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Thursday August 13, 2009 9:59:
Back home now. Time to shut me 'twitter' down. Not by 'russian' means either(!).
Just before I do, its final twitter time (have too really, you'll see why).
So left Vancouver Tues 11th (local time). Check in painless (pay extra for bike $CD60) expected that one (27kgs) not to bad actually (but going to complain to Canadian Affairs anyway, well you do don't you. Didn't charge on way out!).
Paid for more leg room on flight (more room my arse!) 30C by the exit (except for the sliding box in the way!)(letter, see above!).
And the seat (!!) my arse is in 'bits'. More comfortable sitting on rocks! Going to get two(2) tubs of Hargan Dass ice cream for my butt cheeks(!!) one cheek in each(!).
Still wide awake (!!) arrive back @ Gatwick. 3hrs to flight home, time for checkin and pint(fluid levels of course!!).
2 (TWO) hrs later still waiting for bags @ Gatwick (!!).
Welcome 'home' and bring on the Olympics(!!).
Went to have a 'moan'. Meet with a blank look from our 'oh so helpful british workers'(!).
Just get through customs and to the North terminal (BA). Can't wait to see how much this is going to be (doh!).
Is it me or is this 'new' check-in system just another 'chain in the link?'.
You check-in to check-in again (me??).
At first this system was for hand baggage only, just how does it work efficiently for anything else(?).
Anyway the 'impending' bike check-in (put the flustered look on, well you women do and it works. NO flashing the eye lids though!! not with BA!).
'1(one) bag sir'...... and a bike....pause....no problem 'how much does it weigh?' he says........pause......'just under 19kgs' me says......(just checked the weather outside for lightening!)........pause......'no worries just put this tag on and over to the 'oversized' section please'.............la la la la (women do have uses then!)(I didn't say/txt/write that!!!).
£15 later (taxi, tariff 1) and home.....sorted.
Final 'twit!'.............
Lessons learnt(?)....of course, catch me on the bike or @ the bar and find out.
Hope you've enjoy me 'twittering'..................ttfn.
(ps images of various will appear @ a later date, got to wash me undies now!!)
Monday August 10, 2009 19:46:
Hey ho, back from whistler. Busy (big mountain bike weekend) just got away with weather.
Closed in today (monday) but had gaps for hiking and ATV'ing sunday. Although the ATV'ing wasn't really up to much :( (different levels available, so they said afterwards. Bit late now!!).
Saturday August 8, 2009 0:04:
Bloody weather. Its gone cold('ish). Race or no race(?).
Drive down (50k away) assess then. No coffee, no food(!). Leave 0800 arrive 0910.
(Good organisation, as long as you know where you are going!)
50+ entrants in age group. No idea of course (good prep really...not!). 1040 start time, still not decided.
Ok if its no good (4 x 10k loops) can drop out after one (1) loop.
Bun fight(?) @ end or flat out(?) really only a TT (40k).
Check in line up 3/4 down group. Rule 1 (slight wind) get into pack. If its 'hot' then try for a 'free ride'.
1040 & off........
Slight 'manic' speed, just hang on..........lost a little but got it back after 3k.
No ones away(?) it looks like a 'steady' first couple of loops.
The two (2) little climbs take their toll (!) short and very sharp (!). Had to chase back after 2nd climb.
Ok 2nd loop requires me to be @ the front before the 1st hill (allow backward time, Grouse is taking its toll!).
Through 1st loop (stop start stop start!) turn right and take the lead (pace is too slow!).
Push on (but well within myself). Lead till 1st climb. Get passed and slide back to mid pack (plan 1). 2nd climb ='s back of pack.
Chase back to mid pack. Idea is to do it again (3rd loop).
Bugger. Get to same point (paced slipped again!). Push on and a break is made.
Didn't want that(!).......need to save energy. Drop to mid pack before 1st climb.
Out back door, need to get back before 2nd climb.
Missed out by 100m. Pack moves on well @ top of climbs. Cannot afford to 'dwell'.
Gap appears (elastic stretches) with unfortunate result. Hey ho(!).
TT begins in ernest(!). Alone for 10k. Not end of world. Must be prepared for the climbs (survival is name of game) once over last one its head down time.
Line appears.
Finish 28th (+3min down) top 18 crossed line in pack.
Time - 01.03.16 / Max Sp - 64.4kph / Av sp - 35.3kph / Max Power 956 / Av Power 376 / Av Hr - 141bpm / Av Cad - 95rpm (that actually felt good cad).
Game off. Whistler time!
Friday August 7, 2009 1:45:
Another great day in the saddle (not) well that was (F) hard, so much for the game plan of big ring. Small ring lowest gear and................13min 01.33sec (19th spot/26 in).
Retail therapy required(!)............road race(?) wake up and think about it.
Did I mention, turbo trainers and rollers everywhere(!) serious stuff. As the results show...............its a good standard as always.
Thursday August 6, 2009 1:50:
A chilly morning(?) makes for an 'interesting climb'. 300+ punters ready and waiting.
Off in waves (age groups) 25 in mine. We've got to go through cloud to get to the top.
2.8k - 830m elevation (240m > 1070m) - 2850 steps. Flat(?) only start 50m and last 200m to finish.
Compare(?). Walk up pier road towards the car park, take the steps left hand side, first left turn and you are faced by steps.
Add another 2780 steps at that angle plus un-even (height/level) and slippery.
Sweat like a devil, don't look up only in front of you.
Off @ 1116hrs > 43.58mins later I'm up. 14th in age group, top 70 overall.
Winning time(?)....31min (and in my age group too!!).
Wednesday August 5, 2009 1:53:
Just done 2hrs in Gym................how heavy are my legs (!!??!!).....
Been thinking (a lot!).........which brings me back to my thoughts of Sunday last and question really.
The changes in training and atmosphere does contribute to 'lesser performances' on build up and competing.
By this I mean you change from training 6 days a week burning 'loads' of calories to burning no calories and having no metabolism working. You feel heavy and 'lacklust'.
This applies to me (not everyone) I think on these types of trips (too late now though!!). On cyclesportive trips away or short and sharp trips, my 'time off the bike and training' is minimal (24hrs max) not like now - 72hrs+ and the competition ='s ....sprint - 2000m (max).....crit - 20k (max).....hill climb - 3k......big different from 4 rides of average 85k (!!).
See what I mean (?)....................twat!.....(but another learning curve, which ticks that box again......always learn from your experiences, whatever they my be!)
Tuesday August 4, 2009 20:59:
What a complete (F) twat. Another waste of time. Not sure why I'm bothering (?) lost interest.
Rule 1 don't get dropped on the 1st lap of a crit. What do I (F) do(?) lose the wheel in front. A complete waste of effort trying to get back on.
29min later get lapped (get off course!!)..not much point doing the road race me thinks(!).....laters...off to throw some large weights around the gym now (!!!)...
Tuesday August 4, 2009 0:29:
Ok so that's the crit over and done with, now we move on (very quickly!).
Yes a bit of a 'dogs dinner' really. Some really quick guys out here(!). Stuck to game plan (the heats are a lottery because you've no idea of the strengths and weakness's of anyone) for the 1st round (3rd in heat) then went to push in 2nd (didn't work 3rd again!) therefore now out of it.
So 3rd and final thought I go and force the pace (strong) and go out in a blaze of glory (or not!) but at the last minute a guy that I'd been talking to (who had a 1st and 3rd) needed to finish top 3 to go on (I'm now out) so I sacrificed myself and 'lead' him out (he got through to the finals!).
Now definitely 'dead and buried!!' Never know might get the favour returned later on in the week.
As normal the standard is pretty dam good. Big teams with talent. Tomorrow's Crit is going to be fast (very fast) so I don't expect anything from that. All I'm going to do is get to the front and see if people go 'off on one'. If they do, then they do. You can't afford to be at the back of a fast crit. Inside info (from Vancouver CC) suggests that it will be one or another (group away to stay away or all together and have a 'bun fight' at the end) its Vancouver CC's main crit course.
Till tomorrow then.
Monday August 3, 2009 0:50:
Checked out the Sprint/Crit course(s). Don't see how the Sprint is uphill(?) but wind will be a factor (Camino work might pay off!). Crit is not to technical, but does finish on a tight little uphill.
Hill climb course is again questionable (7%?) don't think so (if I'm on the right road) might suit me (but I'm no liteweight! Power!!).
So tomorrow it all begins, game plans(?) set out below, slightly different for obvious reasons:
Sprint (mon): 5 groups (30+ guys) top 6 go through to final 3 rounds. Rule 1 get a win under your belt(!). How you achieve that is anyone's guess. In Adelaide I went from the gun in round 1 (failed badly) lesson learn't(?). Round 1 sit on and see (assess after that for the other 2 rounds).
Crit (tues): From the off get up in the front group. I feel that a breakaway could happen very early(!) 30min + 2 laps (blood sweat and tears!).
Grouse Grind (wed): No idea(!) honest answer really.
Hill Climb (thurs): If its the same road I'm thinking of its a test before to select the right gear and just stay there (!) Will do that on the day.
Road Race (fri): 40k (!!) just going to be a flat out sprint. Looking at it, on the final lap (10k each) just around the 5.5k mark there is a hill (or rise) thats where it'll be won or lost. If I'm there thats where I'll go. Up then down slightly and then onto a 2k straight road (dash).
Thats all folks........dinner/lager/bed....................till after the race tomorrow....
Did I mention its still .......hot hot hot (!!!)...................sorry(not!)......
Now this is the way to run a web site - My Event Info (cycling) - best go a test my right hand turns then(!).
25 min run this morning along the waterfront - hotel > BC place stadium - very nice along there :) re building of the area for the 2010 Olympics (you see it is possible to make a place look nice! what am I saying(?) bad boy!)
So normal predicaments, which = 'your out of your routine' namely training, weight lose during, re build etc. This leading to your body 'jumping' up and down until you 'level out'.
Body weight @ mo = 82 500 (+1kg) which is not bad considering you eat out each night and (it would be rude not too) drink Canadian lager (purely putting fluids back in the system! as the good book tells you to do. Who am I to argue)
Which reminds me of the lovely Les Minty (swimming coach) who would train you morning noon and night (0430/1300/1930) and install all of the good things into you that you must do(!).......until competition time, when whilst being joined in a duet on the 'black and white ivories', kept you up till all hours drinking Red Wine(!!). 'Do as I say not as I do!' (never heard that much!)
Anyway breakfast time, coffee and rolls in the Market......laters............
Sunday August 2, 2009 1:52:
Beware of the Canadian Geese(!)
Popped out for 5 laps of Stanley Park (1hr 40min - 49k) only to disturb the Geese(!).
Well it was 0700hrs(!).
A very pleasant morning meet with a low flying goose(!!). He/she hadn't quite got his/her 'landing gear up' as he/she decided to move on. Good job the 'rear end' wasn't working as well or it would have been a nice Stanley Park welcome.
Legs tired and heavy (to be expected), therefore maybe a 'light run' tomorrow instead.
Saturday August 1, 2009 13:51:
That's better. Now I know which way round the page goes(!) Doh(!).
Confused time starts now. 0600hrs now and awake. Little things to do. Looks like another glorious day out there.
Put bike in back of van and test round Stanley park me thinks, before it gets to busy and hot.
Think about where to ride tomorrow.
Any need to check out a 650m straight sprint course(?) Me don't think so. The Crit is around the same area on the Tuesday, so I'll check that out on the Sprint Monday.
The Hill climb and Road race will need a coat of look though.
Bloody room was boiling hot yesterday(!) That A/C is staying on all day(!)
R.I.P. Sir Bobby Robson 
Saturday August 1, 2009 1:58:
Ok quick update (time above is BST not BC time -8hrs) and bloody hell its hot(!!).
Twittering is meant to be short sharp stuff, so here goes......
Left Gatwick 1300hrs (BST) arrived Vancouver 1500hrs (local time), registered and in hotel by 1700hrs. Absolutely no 'hassles' registering (at last somebody's got it right!).
Built bike, no damage, set Tom Tom for directions to venues, need shower(!!).
Now for the 'middle bits'
Paid Club class for what(?), complete waste of time (Canadian Affair!).
Never 'interupt' a moving man with Bike on wheels and bags over shoulder. A lady of the opposite sex and non-reflective type found that out(!) Not a good idea to 'drop anchor' and have a chat was it(!). Not my best gentlemanly move I grant you, but she knew the risks(!).
Hotel room(?) not that good to be honest, no 'room', big balcony but no where to dump me stuff(!).
Tom Tom works nicely (when you switch it on correctly! doh!).
Hey ho, twittering done, shower and food now required (1900hrs local time).
Thursday July 30, 2009 21:00:
Relaxing after a very pleasant evening meal after the 1st leg of my journey at the Gatwick Premier Inn.
Now not that I'm one to 'moan' but is it me(?) or is the 'new' Jersey Airport departures a 'mess'(?).
The 'new style' check-in (to stay for good?) at the British Airways section is a 'farce'. I'd been told of the procedure and I thought it was just for hand baggage. So the 'farce'(?) is for all check-in's.
You line up, insert a reference number (from your confirmation), answer a couple of questions and out comes a ticket(?)......uuumm no, no really.
You see I went though the procedure (thankfully it wasn't busy, god knows what its like at a peak period!) and ended up with a 'sorry you are no reconised to fly'. So across came an assistant (who bats for the other side, thought I share) and he entered the information, only to tell me that I've already been booked in(?). Well that works well then(!).
So after you've done that, you still have to go to a desk and confirm. WHY(?) or should it be 'Why do you do the first (1st) machine check-in(?)'.
Right that's it, Mocha and bed. 8 hour flight tomorrow :)
Thursday July 30, 2009 13:39:
Bit ironic this headline - 'Critical mass bike ride' - no prizes for guessing where I would 'like' to be at that time(?). Oh well if I can't get registered on Friday it'll wait till Saturday.
Wednesday July 29, 2009 21:13:
For the 'geeks' out there here's a brief 'run down' of my bike training from CTS (its a PDF 
document) - Training Records.
So its close to the 'off' and my mind now starts to think. 'Correct training, enough training?'
Previous games(?) maybe a bench mark(?) for those thoughts. Well Adelaide '07 (last) was held in our March (our winter, their summer) so therefore the training was held during our winter months. More K's this time, less weight (5kg) now. Only time will really tell.
My confidence is that I feel I have done the training (correct type in my mind) so therefore if things go a little 'wrong' then I'd just have to re-assess and re-visit the results and therefore my training (then just give up!!).
So for now those thoughts are 'put to bed'. Its time to chill and travel, then (hopefully on arrival day) register and get more information.