Every second Wednesday night in Squamish, BC where I live we have a mountain bike race put on by SORCA (Squamish MTB Club).  The cost of the race is $2 (Toonie coin) which includes the race fee, beer after the race and meal.  The past two years I haven't been able to do the Toonie races due to my new profession as a bush pilot in Gold River, BC.  This year I have been hired by my dream employer, Harbour Air, which is based in downtown Vancouver.  My schedule is Friday to Monday which is an amazing schedule to attend all the summer's Sorca Toonies.  Last night was the first Toonie in years.

As usual all the local speedsters showed up. I think I counted over 100 people on the start line ready to hit it hard.

My goal was to sit close to the front pack and see what happens.  During the warm up I was feeling pretty good but a bit awkward.  It was my first ride of the season on my speedy Epic.   I do most of my non-race riding on my Enduro.  The Enduro likes to have fun while the Epic likes to go fast.  The speedster was feeling speedy but a tad twitchy compared to my regular Enduro.

I had a horrible start and was forced to dig deep to bridge up to the front.  I was getting close.  As I hit the first rise I punched it hard and upshifted to keep my cadence high.  The next thing I hear is a loud crunch and the loss of power.  I looked down and saw in horror the source of the noise.  My rear derailleur had gone into my wheel and snapped off.  I was out!  Ugh! 

I walked back to the start and finish line to cheer on my fellow Sorca buddies.  For the next hour I had to answer the same question, "Pete, I thought you were racing?  Did you drop out?"

I am off to the bike shop this morning to see if the boys can fix my poor beat up Epic.

See you on the trails!

Pete