TransRockies
Stage 5 (Fuel for the Bikers)
Cory Wallace / 13.08.2009
Riding in the rain through mud holes and up and over bone chilling passes has presented a new challenge to the already exhausted riders as the finishing times are getting longer and the bikes are getting dirtier. I've been pretty stoked to ride along the last couple days taking photos although the course today was alot tougher then the profile revealed. With a bunch of steep hike-a-bike climbs, countless mud holes and stream crossings and the infamous "rock gardens" at the end of the day. I was pretty worked over by the finish line and I wasn't even racing.<br><br> The ride down the rock gardens was super sketchy as we rolled over about 5 ft of piled up bowling ball sized rocks which would move as we went over them. A prime place for a flat and nasty crashes but it sounds like most everyone kept it upright with probably over 85% of the field hiking the section.
On a sunny day today's stage would've been very scenic as we rode through prime backcountry. Along the way we were lucky enough to see a moose and a couple white tail deer along the course. The Rocky Mountain team would go on to take the day's victory although there was a close call with a mountain grouse flying dangerousy near Lazarskis front wheel which could have caused quite a scene.
After a very warm welcoming from the town of Elkford the riders are now settling into there sleeping bags preparing for another day in the saddle tomorrow as they head over the divide and into Alberta.
SleepMonsters
