BC Bike Race Day 7
Finishing
Jon’s One Cut
One of Many Cuts for Troy…
best looking team in the race
support + Ben.
Done! Day 7 was listed at 30 km around Creekside in Whistler–the hardest 30 k I’ve ever done!! We had some wicked climbs beginning with 7.5 km right off the start, then later a loose gravel climb that kept going up around each corner, and finally 2km on a road 20 minutes before the finish. We hammered it again– I particularily have now found my riding legs–in 2 hours 42 minutes. The pro’s did it an hour quicker than us. To summarize our race:
- 374 km
- 29 hours 43 minutes 13 seconds of riding
- 2 flats
- 1 pair of wrecked bike shoes
- 4 ferries
- calories burnt ????
- cuts Troy-100 Jon-1 (see photo)
What an amazing experience in all aspects–weather, trails, food, fitness….. I find challenging yourself to do things like this allows you to test your mental strength; often times you have the physical capabilites to continue pedalling but its your mind that wants to stop. You learn to control your thoughts and push the threshold at which you have these thoughts arise upwards. You can apply your experience from these challenges to everyday life -better controlling what is limiting us mentally from achievment. Pick a challenge and get after it; you have nothing to lose.
A special thanks goes to Larry & Perry-Lynne Bula (Jon’s parents) and Laura Bula (Jon’s wife) for all they did with race support. We literally ate, slept and rode and did no have to worry about anything else. We couldn’t have done it without you. I’d also like to personally thank my sister Jody & two friends Mac & Tim and Jon’s brother Ben for coming up to watch the finish at Creekside. (also Bob Faulkner) It means alot to see people you know and have them there cheering for you at the end of almost 30 hours!!
July 5th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
You guys are inspirational!!! Congratulations and the blog was a great idea keeping everyone informed of your progress. We were cheering for you guys every inch of the way. You should put together a Powerpoint presentation (slide show) and make it a GWA fun night when you get back. I bet there are lots of stories…
Props to your support Crew, too.
July 6th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
great job Troy and Jon! and the support team!
we knew you could do it. I’ll bet you got stronger as the race went on. What’s next?
mom and dad
July 6th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I will miss reading your blogs Troy…good write ups!! I agree with Leon…you should do a slide show or p/point presento…that would be awesome to see more pictures of your trip! I’m sure we just saw a small glimpse of your entire 7 day journey with Jon and the Motorhome Brigade you had with you guys for great support! Woo Hoo! The Finish line must have been sweeeeeeet!! Cheers!!
July 6th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Wow, congratulations to you, Jon and Troy!!! What a huge achievement! Thanks for blogging and keeping us updated on your progress. I think what you said at the end about the human tendency to limit oneself was “spot - on”, and I agree that the mental challenge can be applied to other everyday experiences! You two are good mascots for this philosophy - I’m inspired by your race, and hope one day perhaps to participate…I guess I better start loving those uphill climbs a bit more! Best wishes for a restful and happy recovery week. See you at the gym!