ANNUAL 2017
BUYERS GUIDE Part 1
2017 Road and Urban Bikes
FAR EAST TOURING E-BIKE REVOLUTION LATEST ELECTRONIC TECH CANADA 150 GREAT RIDES $5.95 www.pedalmag.com
HOT RIDES
Felt, Opus, Ridley, Cannondale
RAPS
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Tuft, Pendrel, Veal, Stieda, Harnett
C60
CONCEPT
The combination of pure power and speed
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CONTENTS
ANNUAL 2017, VOLUME 31, ISSUE 1
28 92 43
51
SPECIAL FEATURES
GEAR
COMPETITION
26 Interview with Kevin Wallace
17 New 2017 Gear 32 Elby 9-Speed BIKE TEST
104 Canadian 2017 MTB Preview
34 Felt FR3 BIKE TEST
36 Opus Vivace 2.0 BIKE TEST
38 Ridley X-Trail CR50 BIKE TEST
Founder of Gears Bike Shops by Tim Lefebvre
28 Power to the People
e-Bike Revolution in Canada by Chris Keam
43 Canada 150 Great Canadian Rides
by Ryan D. Butt, Cory Jay, Gary Conrod, Peter Wedge, Bill Kinash, Leah Kirchmann, Gord Singleton, Louis Garneau, Alex Steida, Sara Bergen and Denise Ramsden
92 Far East Touring
by Linda Shin
by Ben Andrew by Gary Smith
98 Latest Electronic Tech by Mike Sarnecki
by Sandra Walter
106 UCI MTB Preview 2017 by Sandra Walter
108 2017 Track Preview by Jamie Gilgen
109 2017 Road Preview by Gaelen Merritt
by Barry Lyster
40 Cannondale SuperSix EVO BIKE TEST by Ben Andrew
by André-Jean Maheu
51 2017 Road & Urban Buyer’s Guide
by Peter Kraiker, Mike Sarnecki, Braydon Bourne, Paul Newitt, Steve Fleck and Tim Lefebvre
DEPARTMENTS 8 Out In Front 18 Tuft Enough
ANNUAL 2017
20 MTB Frontlines BUYERS GUIDE
22 Veal Report
Part 1
2017 Road and Urban Bikes
FAR EAST TOURING E-BIKE REVOLUTION LATEST ELECTRONIC TECH CANADA 150 GREAT RIDES
HOT RIDES
$5.95
Felt, Opus, Ridley, Opus
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RAPS
Registration Number 9874 Agreement Number 40064311 Printed in Canada
Tuft, Pendrel, Stieda, Veal, Harnett
Pedal Annual 2017-Cover.indd 1
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2017-04-07 2:00 PM
Neo-Pro Nickolas Zukowsky joins Silber Pro Cycling for 2017 and trains at their altitude camp on Mt. Lemon, near Tucson, Arizona. BRIAN HODES/VELOIMAGES
24 Clubs 110 Back Pedaling 111 Sportif Stieda 112 Last Word ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 1
publisher/editor Benjamin Sadavoy graphic design Steven Boyle contributors Ben Andrew, Tiffany Baker, Zach Bell, Sara Bergen, Ryan D. Butt, Gary Conrod, Louis Garneau, Jamie Gilgen, Curt Harnett, William Humber, Cory Jay, Ron Johnson, Chris Keam, Bill Kinash, Leah Kirchmann, Peter Kraiker, Tim Lefebvre, Barry Lyster, Andre-Jean Maheu, Gaelen Merritt, Paul Newitt, Catharine Pendrel, Denise Ramsden, Chris Redden, Mike Sarnecki, Linda Shin, Gord Singleton, Gary Smith, Alex Stieda, John Symon, Svein Tuft, Ed Veal, Sandra Walter, Peter Wedge photographic contributions Atlantic Canada Cycling, Tiffany Baker, BionX International, Bosch eBike Systems America, Fraser Britton, Department of Canadian Heritage, Canadian Press, Michal Cerveny, City of Fredericton, Thomsen D’Hont, Alphonse Desjardin Sporting Complex, Elite s.r.l., Freewheeling, Louis Garneau Sports, Gears Bike Shop, Michel Guillemette, Bill Kinash, Peter Kraiker, Nicholas Kupiak, Marc Lapointe, Dawn Leja, Local Ride Racing, Andre-Jean Maheu, Gregory C. McNeill, Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance, Catharine Pendrel, John Pierce/Photosport International, Procycle Group, Fernand Roseboom, Shimano Canada, Alex Steida, Glen Strickey, Guy Swarbrick, Team Novo Nordisk, Team RaceClean Canada, The Cyclery Racing, Jon Watkin copy editing Claudia Brown circulation/admistration Crystal Burs production Crackerjack Enterprises advertising sales Benjamin Sadavoy webmaster David Irving head office 260 Spadina Avenue, Suite 200 Toronto Ontario, Canada M5T 2E4 Phone: (416) 977-2100; Fax: (416) 977-9200 info@pedalmag.com; www.pedalmag.com subscriptions (2017) Newsstand $4.95 Annual Buyers Guide $5.95 1-yr Subscription (6 issues) $20.95 2-yr Subscription (12 issues) $36.95 US Subscribers: US$28.95 (1-yr); US$51.95 (2-yr) Int’l Subscribers: US$50.95 (1-yr); US$91.95 (2-yr)
Change of address: subscriptions@pedalmag.com General inquiries: info@pedalmag.com Subscribe: www.pedalmag.com/subscribe member of 2017 Pedal Annual Pedal, a division of 1198189 Ontario Inc., is published 6 times annually: Annual Buyer’s Guide, Spring, Fashion, Summer, Fall, Winter, at 260 Spadina Ave., Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2E4. The entire contents are the property of Pedal Magazine and may not be reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited material or contributions must be accompanied by return postage. Pedal assumes no responsibility for such photographs or manuscripts. 2nd Class Publications Mail Registration #9874, paid at 969 Eastern Ave., Toronto, ON M4L 1A5. If undeliverable or address changed, please notify: 260 Spadina Ave., #200, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4. U.S. Office of Publication: 240 Portage Road, PO Box 670-25, Lewiston, NY, 14092. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. 2nd Class U.S. Publications, USPS Registration #012177. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Pedal Magazine, PO Box 553, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
2 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
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TREAD
4 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
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Raising the Bar
The Canadian Men’s Team Pursuit squad (l-r) Jay Lamoureux, Adam Jamieson, Bayley Simpson, Aidan Caves along with Ed Veal won historic first-ever UCI Track World Cup gold in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands last year in addition to earning their first sub-4 minute time at the Pan Am Track Championships in Mexico. www.pedalmag.com
GUY SWARBRICK
As another season gets underway, the road ahead for Canadian riders across all disciplines looks bright. This past year was one for the record books as milestones were on order, from Catharine Pendrel’s and the women’s Team Pursuit Olympic bronze medals, to Stefan Ritter’s Kilo gold at the Junior Track Worlds, to Finnley Isle’s Junior DH Worlds title and World Cup overall title, to Tristan Chernove’s three Paralympic medals and the team’s record nine medals, to Leah Kirchmann’s second place in the Pro road women’s overall rankings, to the men’s Team Pursuit stunning Track World Cup gold and first-ever sub-four-minute result. There are too many to list in these historic times, as our Canadian athletes continue to raise the bar in testimony to their talent and the fabulous support crews behind the heroes, including family, friends and fans. We salute you all in your quest for more success in 2017 and beyond. - BAS
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 5
Cycle Niagara’s South Coast
Uncharted Unexpected
CONTRIBUTORS André-Jean Maheu André-Jean Maheu went on his first bicycle tour in 1994 on the Carretera Austral in Patagonia, where he quickly fell in love with wild places and the simplicity and freedom of life on the road. During the following years, he cycled through 15 countries on five continents over many different trips. His wife, Robyn, discovered that she was pregnant with their first child, Nicolas, while they were riding together in the Western Isles of Scotland. Bicycle touring became a family affair. Each year, modest trips were planned, slowly determining what they were capable of as a family of three and then four. With a longer trip now under their belts, the family went on to explore Southeast Asia. Maheu lives in Vancouver, B.C., where he works as an avalanche forecaster, wilderness first-aid instructor and freelance writer.
Get cycling route descriptions, maps and information about cycling and experiencing Niagara’s South Coast at www.PortColborne.ca/page/cycling
1.888.PORT.FUN
www.PortColborne.ca
Mike Sarnecki Based in Edmonton, Alta., Mike Sarnecki has contributed to Pedal magazine since 2008. He is a commuter who rides to work year-round and is also a racer who focuses on MTB and cyclocross events. Sarnecki is the 2014 Alberta MTB XCO provincial champion, and his love of cycling is steadfast. Driven by the lifestyle of a cyclist, he hopes to share his passion with others on the road, the trails, or over a good cup of coffee.
Chris Keam
Distributed by
zmcyclefitness.com dartmoor-bikes.com
ZM Cycle & Fitness Ltd 2055 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6E 3R3 (416) 652-0080
6 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
Chris Keam has worked as a writer and editor in Vancouver, B.C. since 1989. He has been involved in cycling advocacy in Vancouver since the mid-’90s and has written about many aspects of cycling, from covering professional racing to children’s safe-cycling education for Pedal, Bike Trade Canada and other cycling publications. He believes the next phase in bringing cycling back as a means of transportation will be to look beyond the borders of big cities and create better cyclists at a younger age. He’d like to see cycling options made easier for people for whom long-distance bike commuting or downtown living isn’t a desirable option! In addition to cycling, Keam has a keen interest in sustainable living trends, parenting, media issues, current affairs and local history. You can visit his blog at www.chriskeam.com. www.pedalmag.com
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Your body contributes about 80% of aerodynamic drag so staying aero for longer means fast times. The Oltre XR4’s revolutionary Countervail® vibration cancelling technology increases control, reduces fatigue and frame turbulence that affect performance, so you will be able to hold your most aero position at high speed for longer to maximize your aerodynamic advantage. Oltre XR4 was designed to be at the absolute cutting edge of aerodynamics thanks to advanced CFD and Flow Visualization – technologies borrowed straight from aerospace and F1 car design. When combined with advanced analysis, the resulting data enabled us to achieve a significant aerodynamic saving of 20 watts over our already hugely efficient XR2 frameset. Developed for NASA by the Materials Sciences Corporation, Countervail® is a composite-material system that combines viscoelastic carbon material within a unique fiber preform to cancel road vibrations and reduce turbulences in the frame that affect its performance. Countervail®, exclusive to Bianchi CV frames and forks, enhances rider peak power output by maximizing the vibrational dissipation in the surrounding polymers.
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Aggressive race geometry, lightweight, highly aerodynamic and with Countervail®’s unique vibration-cancelling technology, the Oltre XR4 keeps you in position to race faster.
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ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 7
OU T I N F RO NT
Rochette Takes Gutsy Fifth at 2017 CX World Championships
Canada’s Maghalie Rochette at the finish following a stellar breakthrough ride to claim 5th at her debut CX Worlds in Luxembourg.
M
aghalie Rochette, reigning Canadian Elite women’s National champion from St-Jerome, Que., delivered a gutsy breakthrough ride on Jan 28, the opening day of the 2017 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, claiming a stunning fifth in the Elite women’s race in Bieles, Luxembourg at her debut Worlds. Despite a poor start, Rochette was able to move up quickly, establishing herself in the top-10 at the start of the second of five laps. Ice and mud made for an extremely slick course, with many riders crashing on the tricky off-camber climbs and descents. Rochette held her own, moving up to fifth by the start of lap three, and sat at the back of the lead group as Sanne Cant of Belgium battled with Marianne Vos of The Netherlands, a seven-time world champion. On the final lap, Vos attacked, with only Cant able to respond as the Belgium took the win over Vos, while Rochette rode in to claim a stellar fifth. “I had a horrible start,” admitted Rochette, “but I just kept paying attention to what was ahead, and when there was a crash, I was able to get around it and I was able to catch up to the front group. After that, I just kept moving forward. I had a clean race and didn’t really crash, so it was pretty amazing and I’m really happy. I didn’t think about it [top five], and I have a lot of people to thank – my boyfriend and coach, my family, my teammates and Cyclo-cross Canada [sic]. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m super-happy and thrilled about it.” 8 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
© MICHAL CERVENY
BY BEN ANDREW
Edmonton’s, Alta.’s Michael van den Ham was the top Canadian in the Elite men’s race, finishing 38th in the event won by Wout van Aert of Belgium. Van den Ham was followed by reigning National champion Jeremy Martin of Quebec City in 47th and Mark McConnell of Calgary in 55th. “All in all, I’m very pleased with the race I managed to put together. Looking back on the race, I think what I achieved was close to my best possible race on the day,” said Van den Ham. “Of course, there were a few mistakes here and there, a flat and a crash on the first lap, but given the chaotic nature of the course and hearing the stories from other riders, I feel like I came away relatively unscathed.” Following the race, McConnell, who has made a name for himself in European cyclocross with his “Hot Sauce” brand, commented, “It was really muddy today, but I’ve never had more fun at a race. I had the worst luck, crashed at the start and had a flat – it was just carnage today. There was obstacle after obstacle, but the crowd was fantastic.” In the junior men’s race, Gunnar Holmgren of Orillia, Ont. finished 22nd, with fellow Canadians Brody Sanderson in 25th and Noah Simms crossing the line in 46th. In the Under-23 men’s and women’s races, Canada’s lone entrants were Trevor O’Donnell of Barrie, Ont. and Ruby West of Dundas, Ont. West finished 26th in her race, while O’Donnell crossed the line on the muddy course in 46th. www.pedalmag.com
Synthe Helmet PHOTO: ©TDWSPORT.COM
Giro.com/synthe
RICHIE PORTE BMC RACING TEAM
FASTER IS COOLER
O UT I N F RO NT
Coles-Lyster Heads to Europe
GARNEAU RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH CYCLING CANADA TO 2020 The road to the next Olympic Games got a little smoother recently with the announcement on Dec. 22, 2016 that Canadian cycling-apparel manufacturer Louis Garneau Sports (LGS) and Cycling Canada have extended their long-term partnership to the Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2020. The partnership, now in its 33rd year, dates back to the 1984 Summer Olympics when Garneau himself competed in the Individual road race for Canada. LGS will continue to provide competition clothing for the Canadian National Team in road and track cycling, mountain bike and BMX for all Olympic and Paralympic events. Team Canada will also wear Garneau clothing in all international competitions during the next four years. Garneau and Cycling Canada also announced the creation of the Podium 2020 committee, which will work closely with research, development and technical experts to develop the world’s most aerodynamic, best-fitting technical apparel for every cycling event in Tokyo, Japan. “There is still so much to do with Cycling Canada,” said Louis Garneau, founder, designer and president. “Our team’s motivation is at its highest level, knowing that we are now on the road to Tokyo.”
Joins Lares-Waowdeals Women’s Team
A
B.C.’s Maggie Coles-Lyster will race more in Europe during 2017 to reach the next level.
LOCAL RIDE RACING
fter a big year in 2016, 17-year-old Maple Ridge, B.C. cyclist Maggie Coles-Lyster is looking for even better results in 2017, her final year competing as a junior. Coles-Lyster has her sights set on the Junior Track World Championships in China this August, where she will compete in the Omnium, as well as in the road race at the Road Worlds in Bergen, Norway this coming September. While competing in Belgium last year, ColesLyster caught the eye of the team director of Belgium-based Union Cycliste Internationale women’s team Lares-Waowdeals, and was offered a contract with its newly formed development team for 2017. Concluding her successful season last year by winning bronze in the Omnium at the Junior Track World Championships in Aigle, Switzerland and finishing 14th in the junior women’s road race at the Junior Road Worlds in Doha, Qatar, Coles‑ Lyster is eager to upgrade her skills in Europe. “After racing in Belgium and at the Road World Championships, I knew that if I was to reach the next level in my racing career, I would have to spend more time racing in Europe,” says Coles‑
Lyster. “The competition is so strong and the racing so physical that it really suits my style.” The rising star will attend a team training camp in Spain this spring, and plans to move to Belgium in July, once she graduates from high school. Coles-Lyster will start the season with TaG Race Team and represent the B.C.-based squad at North American races until she can make the transition to Belgium full-time.
New Team for Calgary’s McClure
LIV CANADA OPENS FIRST STORE IN VANCOUVER
Signs With Novo Nordisk
10 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
Reid McClure, 22, moves up to the Pro ranks with Team Novo Nordisk in 2017.
“We want to show that diabetes does not stop us from chasing our dreams and it shouldn’t stop others from chasing theirs.” This past season, the Team Novo Nordisk men’s Professional squad competed in its first World Tour stage race, Tour de Pologne. Across 43 races in 23 countries, Team Novo Nordisk earned its best overall result to date when Javier Megias (ESP) finished second overall at the Tour of Korea. McClure’s first race this season was in late January at the Mallorca Challenge, a series of four one-day races.
TEAM NOVO NORDISK
R
eid McClure, a 22-year-old Calgary, Alta. road cyclist, will join the Professional ranks this year as a member of the Pro Continental Team Novo Nordisk. Team Novo Nordisk, the world’s first all-diabetes Professional cycling team, will race its fifth season with an expanded roster of 19 athletes from eight countries. McClure, the only Canadian on the team, has been riding with the Novo Nordisk development squad, competing in races in Canada, the United States and in Europe. “It’s an honour to race as part of the Professional peloton and inspire more people around the world affected by diabetes,” said McClure. “It wasn’t until I found out about Team Novo Nordisk that I thought it was possible to become a Professional athlete.” McClure was an alpine skier, but switched to mountain biking when he was 15 following a severe accident. By 17, he had switched to road and attended a Team Novo Nordisk Talent ID Camp. McClure was diagnosed with diabetes when he was three years old. “The team aims to inspire, educate and empower people affected by diabetes,” said McClure.
On Feb. 17, Liv, a bicycle brand dedicated to female cyclists and sister to Giant bicycles, opened its first Canadian operation in Vancouver, B.C. The new boutique, owned and operated by avid cyclist Anne-Marie Gagnon, features Liv brand bikes, as well as accessories, clothing and a customer experience tailored to the female rider. The women’s cycling market is growing with each passing year. Gagnon recognizes that growth, and said she is eager to create a bicycle retail experience that meets the needs of women like her – active women seeking high-end products that offer quality, performance, style and comfort. Gagnon intends to offer a variety of clinics, rides and events as part of her effort to grow the sport among women. In addition, she has already purchased a high-end espresso machine to get things rolling, as she appreciates the inextricable link between coffee and cycling culture. “It’s my dream shop,” she said. “Clean, organized, classy, welcoming, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and good coffee . . . it’s everything I would want from a bike shop as a customer.” The new store is located next to Giant Vancouver in the West 4th shopping district. Continued on page 16 www.pedalmag.com
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ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 11
Women Who Love to Ride – Together
Start your own women’s group in your area.
BY TIFFANY BAKER
T
here was this boy. A cute boy, and he rode a road bike. A lot. With no prior experience, suddenly I too owned a road bike, helmet, things that locked my bike shoes to my pedals, bike clothes so tight that I avoided all mirrors, and no kickstand! This boy rode with the Edmonton Road and Track Club (ERTC), and suddenly I too was a registered member. Sensing a theme? There I was, new to cycling and group riding, but excited to be part of a cycling club. A club full of . . . guys who rode fast. To be fair, there were wonderful supportive women, but women were definitely the minority. The guys were great, but sometimes they spoke another language (Mars versus Venus, right?). Thank goodness for that boy with his support. I’m not sure many women have that kind of cycling support system, and thus are intimidated about joining a cycling club. Sound familiar? When the opportunity arose to ride beside another woman, I was elated. I had questions – female cycling questions. It’s difficult to attain strategies on female issues on a predominantly male-attended group ride. On a whim, I decided to organize a women’s 100km ride in conjunction with the 2015 Rapha Women’s Ride. I sent out notices, found a safe route that included a stop for cinnamon buns, and hoped for the best. Fifteen women came! Half of whom I had never met before.
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There were other women cyclists in Edmonton and a need for someone to organize a group and encourage them. I could be that person. A week later, the Women of ERTC was born. Our focus was on the non-racing female cycling enthusiast. We spent our first season (2016) improving group-riding skills, increasing comfort with drafting, learning new cycling routes in and around Edmonton, understanding different components of cycling, integrating women into regular club rides, all of which built encouraging friendships. Weekly emails with ride information and a simple FAQ section helped address the natural lack of cycling knowledge in our new group. Twenty-five women attended our second annual Rapha Women’s Cinnamon Bun Ride. The word was spreading. In one season, we increased female membership by 80%, supported three women trying their first races, encouraged 10+ women in long-distance gran fondos and cheered for 10 women through their first cyclocross season. We helped many new women integrate into ERTC, and created relationships both within our club and in the larger cycling community. We hosted three large women’s-ride events for more than 50 riders, and even organized fatbike rides in the off-season.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIFFANY BAKER
O UT I N F RO NT
OU T I N F RO NT Our group isn’t just exciting women; the men in the cycling community now have a group that they can promote to the women in their lives who have not been comfortable in taking the leap to club cycling. Now there is an encouraging stepping-stone for women that makes that leap less intimidating. If 2016 was exciting for the Women of ERTC, then 2017 is going to be thrilling. We will continue to focus on growing our recreational group and will add a women’s Learn to Race program. One of the biggest barriers to new female racers is the number of elite racers and lack of newbies. Not this year. This year, with the support of a trained coach, we are offering information seminars, skill sessions and race support. We will flood the start lines with new racers. Most importantly, we will face the intimidation of our first races together. If you are from the Edmonton area, check us out (www.ertc.org/
women). If there is no women’s cycling group in your area, consider starting one. I can guarantee you that there are other women in your area who want to ride with other women. Be that person and start with one ride. It would be great to have a network of women’s groups across Canada who share ideas, support each other and increase the number of new riders and racers. Approach local businesses for support. Our partnership with Revolution Cycle has been invaluable. The Grounded Café in Devon, Alta., popular for its fresh cinnamon buns, opened on a Sunday specifically for our Rapha Women’s Ride (now coined “The Cinnamon Bun Ride”). All because I asked. Who really wants to ride alone? If I can go from never having ridden skinny tires to teaching new riders about the ins and outs of group riding, you can as well.
Women’s Rides/Events June 25 - Black Sage Road Race, Kelowna, B.C.; xellecycling.com/events/
In one season, Women of ERTC increased female membership by 80%.
July 23 - Rapha Women’s 100, Various locations; pages.rapha.cc/womens100 July 22 - Hot On Your Heels, Enduro style, Squamish, B.C.; www.hotonyourheels.ca Women’s Skills Camps Trek Dirt Series, Mountain Bike Camps; www.dirtseries.com Shred Sisters, Multiple events; shredsisters.ca/course-calendar Liv Cycling Vancouver, Multiple events; livcyclingvancouver.com/events Women’s Weekly Rides Check your local bike shop or cycling club for weekly rides for women.
www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 13
O UT I N F RO NT
Tribute to Ellen Watters Tragic Loss of Rising Canadian Star
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CYCLERY RACING
Ellen Watters was a rising star with some solid 2016 victories and was knocking on the door of Canada’s National women’s team.
BY JOHN SYMON
#EllensLaw Tabled in New Brunswick Legislature
T
he cycling community across Canada was stunned by the tragic loss of Ellen Watters, who passed away this past December due to injuries she sustained when struck by a vehicle from behind during a training ride near her home in Sussex, New Brunswick while visiting her family over the holidays. Watters was a rising star with some solid victories last year and was knocking on the door of Canada’s National team. She rode for Ottawa, Ont.-based The Cyclery-Opus Team for several years, and recently made the Pro ranks, signing with Colavita/Bianchi for 2017. Her tragic death unleashed an outpouring of sympathy for the popular rider and a renewed push for stronger laws to protect cyclists. The Saint John Cycling Club posted an Ellen’s Law page on its website, calling for a minimum one-metre passing distance between motorists and cyclists in New Brunswick. There has been a long-standing movement to enact such laws across North America, and its proponents had a name for this safety measure for cyclists, now dubbed “Ellen’s Law.” There were rallies, tribute rides across New Brunswick and beyond, and “Memories of Ellen” blogs included stories, comments and fond memories from many people whose lives Watters touched. An emotional memorial was held at The Cyclery store in Ottawa on Jan. 2, where friends and family remembered
14 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
her vibrant life. At some gatherings, people carried placards and chanted; at others, they silently remembered a fallen comrade. Watters distinguished herself in 2016 winning the Tour of the Battenkill and Tour of Somerville in the U.S., as well as claiming bronze in the Criterium at the Canadian Road Championships. She was also a stalwart team player, helping her teammates, as she did for Tara Whitten, who won the overall at the 2016 Cascade Cycling Classic. Her passion for sport and cycling was one of her biggest assets. As part of a Canadian National Team project that headed to Europe, she was on the podium again, winning a Kermesse in Hasdonk, Belgium on Aug. 18. Apart from her riding prowess, Watters was well-liked and known for her antics. The Cyclery’s directeur sportif, Chris Reid, described her unique style, engaging smile, optimistic attitude and amazing persona in a passionate tribute. “We asked Ellen to join The Cyclery Racing program, as she had a great and unique style, along with talent. I was soon to learn I’d underestimated both her talent and immense personality. She had a huge presence, and her warm and loving persona was a contradiction to the warrior she was in races. Ellen was a role model with an infectious smile, and her tragic loss brought the entire cycling community across Canada together and galvanized support for Ellen’s Law.” www.pedalmag.com
Watters had an amazing persona.
The 2016 Cyclery-Opus women’s team
“We asked Ellen to join The Cyclery Racing program as she had a great and unique style along with talent. I was soon to learn I’d underestimated both her talent and immense personality. She had a huge presence, and her warm and loving persona was a contradiction to the warrior she was in races. Ellen was a role model with an infectious smile, and her tragic loss brought the entire cycling community across Canada together and galvanized support for #EllensLaw.” Watters won the 2016 Tour of Sommerville.
Watters topped the Tour of Battenkill podium in 2016.
#EllensLaw, first posted by the Saint John Cycling Club, became a mantra for safety across Canada.
Ontario was the first Canadian province to enact a one-metre law in 2015. Quebec enacted a law in the summer of 2016 requiring either one or one-anda-half metres, depending on the posted speed limit on a particular road. Nova Scotia also has similar legislation, and legislation is now pending in B.C. To date, some 30 U.S. states have enacted similar (three-foot) laws. “The benefits in safety and health to the public far outweigh the few seconds that it takes for motorists to slow down and move over into the passing lane,” said Wayne Arrowsmith, chair of the Velo NB Advocacy Committee. In mid-February, the New Brunswick legislature tabled an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act aimed at improving safety for cyclists. Under the proposed New Brunswick amendment, a driver of a motor vehicle shall not pass a bicycle travelling in the same direction unless there is sufficient space to do so safely and the driver leaves at least one metre of open space between the vehicle and the bicycle. The amendment will be recognized as “An Act Respecting Ellen’s Law” in tribute to Watters, who had the heart of a lion and will be sorely missed. www.pedalmag.com
DON RICKER
Her mother, Nancy, told Global News that her daughter remarked about not feeling as safe on New Brunswick roads as she did while at a recent training camp in Arizona, a state with a three-foot passing law. The Cyclery-Opus women’s team at the GP Gatineau
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 15
O UT I N F RO NT
Blade Wheels Test Report Ride Quality is Everything BY TIM LEFEBVRE
R
Blade Wheels performed admirably in a number of different test scenarios.
obert Milligan of Barrie, Ont. continues to hone his Blade Wheels business as his company introduces its second-generation carbon wheels. Custom wheels have been Milligan’s strongest selling point, accomplishing a made-to-measure wheelset that leaves nothing to chance. The consumer is able to order a custom carbon weave for the rim at either a 3k, 12k or UD woven, in addition to the width of that rim. The width is a massive decision, as it can greatly affect the performance of a bike, from crosswinds to sprinting. Blade provides a choice between 35mm, 45mm, 55mm, 69mm and 79mm to adequately handle any setting. The Blade hub, which encompasses Japanese Ezo bearings, is available in standard and disc brake, and in black, silver or white colours. New for 2017 is the ability to choose a Chris King, White Industry T 11, DT Swiss or Extralite Cyber as well. Even the spoke model, colour and pattern for lacing are your choice. You’re also able to fully customize the colour of the decal on the rims, with 17 different options on offer. Needless to say, there are an incredible variety of hoops available for both road and track, depending on preferences. Each set of wheels comes with brake pads, skewers and rim tape to help you get ride-ready. Price can range from $1,500 to $2,700, depending on the selections made. Over this past winter, Pedal Magazine was able to test out a pair of second-generation 35mm wheels with a Blade hub at a weight of 339g, which is comparable to all the rest except the Extralite at 177g. Out of the box, this carbon wheelset has that initial feeling of featherlight. Aesthetically, the wheelset looks sharp, with a white hub, mixedspoke combination and a glossy carbon rim. In my opinion, the look equals and even surpasses some 16 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
of the big hitters on the market. Ride quality is everything with a set of wheels. No matter the bike, you can stand on the pedals and it’s the wheels that hold the weight, harness the power and let the bike perform. These wheels have the lightness and carbon strength that provide the initial feeling of speed and power that is pivotal for a high-end set of hoops. Climbing and sprinting are great tests for a wheelset, and the Blades performed very well, with little to no lateral flex under load. Cornering feels smooth and controlled, with no chatter upon heavy braking into tight turns. Quiet and efficient, the Blade wheels did not possess annoying carbon creak sounds that can fluster even the most hardened racer. The wheelset also performs nicely on bumpy rural roads, as it has the ability to soak up vibration and maintain the course. These wheels performed admirably in a number of different test scenarios, inspiring confidence and, perhaps, loyalty in the long run. Backed by a two-year manufacturer’s defect warranty, only time will tell when it comes to longevity. Blade has secured sponsorship with the Canadian Cycling Association to provide both the National track and road teams with Blade wheels for their upcoming year. According to Olympian and National Team member Allison Beveridge, “I haven’t had too much experience on the wheels, but for me when I race, I don’t like to feel like I’m on something different that I have to worry or think about. I just like to feel comfortable and settled on my bike, focusing on the race and letting the characteristics of the equipment provide the advantages, and I found that with Blade Wheels.” For more information, visit www.bladecarbonwheels.com.
Continued from page 10
ROSSIGNOL ACQUIRES FELT On Feb. 3, Rossignol Group, one of the world’s leading global winter-sports groups, entered a binding agreement to acquire Felt Bicycles, with headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Felt Bicycles is an internationally recognized brand whose bicycles and products are currently sold in more than 30 countries, with more than $60 million of sales globally. Felt was founded by Jim Felt in 1994, and has sponsored numerous Professional cycling teams and athletes who have won national and international events, including World Championships, Olympic gold medals, ESPN X-Games and other major world-stage competitions. “Cycling is a very natural extension of Rossignol’s business, given its overlap in participating geographies, consumers and distribution channels as well as complementary in seasonality,” commented Bruno Cercley, CEO of Rossignol. “It’s never been a better time to be part of the cycling industry,” said Bill Duehring, president of Felt Bicycles. “Felt shareholders are confident that this move will accelerate the development of the brand in this growing bicycle world.” Closing of the transaction is expected to happen within the next two months and is subject to customary antitrust clearance.
SILBER PRO CYCLING RENEWS WITH GIORDANA When you see a cyclist racing in a kit dashed with a certain shade of fluoro-orange, the first team, perhaps the only team, that comes to mind is Silber Pro Cycling. As team owner Scott McFarlane says, they “own orange.” Recently, the team announced its continued partnership with Giordana Cycling for the upcoming 2017 season. It was the design team at this Italian cycling-apparel company that helped brand the team in 2015 with its now distinctive fluoro-orange colour scheme. Giordana also partners with two WorldTour teams, including Astana. This year, the design of Silber’s race kit has been revised, while its Café jersey has been redesigned and is now available as either a racing jersey or in merino wool.
PACIFIC CYCLING CENTRE TEAMS UP WITH VICTORIA WHEELERS One of the oldest cycling clubs in the country, the Victoria Wheelers, has teamed up with the Pacific Cycling Centre to offer the club training and coaching services and to develop a youth program with the intent of forming a U19 team. The Wheelers, a club that was once home to three-time world champion Continued on page 18 www.pedalmag.com
NEW
GEAR GARNEAU HÉROS MIPS RTR HELMET The Héros MIPS RTR helmet is precisionengineered to deliver safety, comfort and performance. Benefiting from Garneau’s brand-new Spiderlock 4D adjustment system, the helmet can be adjusted both laterally and vertically so you can make sure it sits perfectly in place, with the right level of height and a secure fit. The Tri-Glide PRO strap system allows you to comfortably fine-tune your fit, while the 22 vents and moisture-evacuation channels provide better airflow around the head. The SRP is $229.99.
OAKLEY EVZERO STRIDE PRIZM TRAIL SUNGLASSES Oakley’s new performance ultra-lightweight toric rimless frame design is sized for a comfortable fit on small to medium faces and comes with an unobstructed view provided by a sweeping Plutonite lens. The no-slip Unobtainium nosepads increase grip with perspiration while the geometric design language adds the refinement of lens etching to these ultimate multi-sport sunglasses. A Three-Point Fit holds Prizm lenses in precise optical alignment while eliminating pressure points and allowing unprecedented lens control of light transmission for colours precisely tuned to maximize contrast and enhance visibility. With multiple lens options in the line, the SRP for the EVZero Stride is $195; the Prizm Trail is $215.
SP GADGETS CONNECT BIKE BUNDLE The SP Gadgets Connect (SP stands for Smart Performance) bike bundle lets you mount your smartphone to your bike in the centre of your vision with a turn of your wrist, allowing you to use your apps, access your playlists, read messages or navigate. The phone case features a micro rail mount on the back, and it’s slim, protective and functional with its three-layer case construction for ultimate safeguarding. The weather cover protects your phone from the elements while adding shock resistance. The clamp mount features 360° rotation in 6° increments and can accommodate diameters from 23-43mm. The stem mount is a low-profile stem-cap attachment. Bundles are available for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, iPhone 6/6S and 6/6S Plus, iPhone 5/5S/5E and Samsung Galaxy S7. The SRP is $69.99.
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PEDAL10 WINTER 2016 PEDAL 17
2017-02-08 9:25 AM
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Tuft Enough
Pushing Yourself to the Limit BY SVEIN TUFT
18 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
Keep things simple, be patient and remain accountable.
TEAM RACECLEAN CANADA
W
ithout sounding too much like a crusty old guy, I’d like to say a few words about the next generation and how Pro cycling is evolving. In many ways for the better, I believe, but there are some things getting left behind. Very important things. This off-season, I’ve taken on some coaching projects, trying to help a few young guys who want to make it to the next step. It has been a learning experience to say the least. The thing that strikes me the most is the amount of information these guys have at their fingertips. Everything is TSS, FTP and Strava records. Don’t get me wrong – all of this stuff has its place and has helped many people out, but I feel we are losing touch with reality. The Internet provides instant gratification, and I feel that this is what is making it very difficult for young riders to succeed. They want results and a Pro contract now. They’ve beat so-and-so on Strava and now they are ready for the big leagues. I try to stress that numbers, lab tests and Strava records don’t necessarily apply to WorldTour bike racing. It’s nice to have the ability to push big power, but quite often that isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. There’s no bypassing years of hard work and dedication no matter how talented you are. There are very few genetic anomalies out there, and even the Peter Sagans of the sport still have their struggles despite how easy they make it look sometimes. When I started, we had a Speedo and a heartrate monitor. As archaic as this sounds, I loved those days. The training was so straightforward. Just go out and ride hard for five to six hours, and if your body held up, you started making adaptations. This might sound very simplistic and old school, but I still believe that if you have the drive to make it in Professional sport, there is no perfect magic recipe. It’s about pushing yourself to the limit and getting up to do it again the next day. I’ve noticed people don’t want to hear this. They want to hear about a crazy interval that is going to propel them to winning stage races all of a sudden or some special supplement that will give them huge gains. Nature doesn’t work like this. Nature is about adapting over time, and what we are doing in these Endurance sports is far from natural, so the adaptation will take a lot of time. The other issue I’m seeing is the massive connection to social media. People can no longer be content with just going out on a great ride and smashing it. It has to be published to
the entire world. I understand that it is fun to share with friends, but I feel it has become an obsession. It is an addiction, showing your efforts to the world. This reminds me of riders who are the world’s greatest trainers, but when it comes to race time, you wonder, “What happened?” The reason we work this hard is to perform in races. This, I believe, is something that’s been forgotten by many young riders. You have to pick your battles when competing at such a high level. You only have so much energy to expend. You choose – best trainer or race winner? Then there are the coaches. Nowadays, it seems they must have some amazing selling point, something to keep them employed by the athletes. A magic recipe to take them to the next level. It seems the trick now is to make the athletes so dependent on coaches that the athletes almost lose all accountability. This is a dangerous precedent. I’ve seen athletes bounce from coach to coach, blaming their performance on them. The athletes aren’t responsible for their performances – that’s on the shoulders of their gurus. For me, coaching is a day-to-day affair. I want the athletes to understand their own bodies first. Personally, I need a coach’s feedback daily before we can discuss the next day’s training. I can’t give someone a month-long spreadsheet and tell one to formulate a training plan. Real life is not like this. In a perfect world, the month-long approach looks great, but life can throw spanners in the works, and this is where we need to be flexible and set aside the anxiety associated with not completing the task. Nature is the long game, and, first, you have to love what you are doing because planning to make a living off of Professional sport is a very bad business model. I believe we are in an information-overload era and that, in the future, everything will come full circle again. People will begin seeking out the less-complicated approach. This is what I hope for the upcoming generation, as I can’t see the current model being sustainable for many. I hope to share more of my ideas on this subject in the future. Until next time, happy riding.
Continued from page 16 Alison Sydor, will benefit from the coaching résumé of Houshang Amiri, who has more than 30 years of experience in coaching, having trained numerous athletes to World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games in road, mountain bike, track and Paralympics disciplines. The youth team will take advantage of the Victoria Wheelers long-standing relationship with Oak Bay Bikes and the store’s desire to ensure that these young riders have what they need to achieve their goals. “The combination of Houshang’s expertise and the Victoria Wheeler’s passion for cycling will undoubtedly be the foundation for future cycling stars,” says Karl Ulrich, owner of Oak Bay Bikes.
LOWESTRATES.CA PARTNERS WITH BIEMME & PROCYCLINGSTATS.COM The LowestRates.ca Cycling Team kicks off its 2017 season in Tennessee on April 9. Biemme America will help get them there in style after announcing a partnership with the Gatineau-based squad that will allow them to train and race in the full range of Biemme gear, including jerseys, shorts and other outerwear pieces and accessories. Biemme is an Italian-based manufacturer of high-performance cycling clothing distributed in Canada and the U.S. through Logica Sport Inc. The team will also partner with ProCyclingStats.com (PCS) for the 2017 season. The Dutch-based company, co-founded by Stephan van der Zwan, produces a comprehensive database of professional cycling results and statistics, including those on individual riders, teams and races. The LowestRates.ca Cycling Team will use data generated by ProCyclingStats. com to tabulate race results and rider performances throughout the season. The partnership will focus on the promotion of cycling through social-media platforms, as well as the shared interest of helping to develop the sport. Van der Zwan first met Frederick Gates, director of the LowestRates.ca Cycling Team in the African country of Rwanda. Fitting then that their new partnership also includes a commitment to development of the sport throughout Africa, as well as Asia. The LowestRates.ca team has a full competition calendar in 2017, wrapping up at the Tour de Rwanda on Nov. 13-20. Last year, in addition to its race season that included good results in Union-Cycliste-Internationale-sanctioned races in Europe, Africa, the U.S. and Canada, the LowestRates.ca team made it a priority to assist in the development of cycling in impoverished Continued on page 20 www.pedalmag.com
VICTORY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF 4X AND COUNTING Felt engineers are pioneers in aero-dynamics. Each Felt model is purpose-built to a specific discipline. No compromises. Since the launch of our Felt IA in 2013 our athletes have won the top spot at Kona every year. At the Kona World Championships in 2015 and 2016, Daniela Ryf executed a blistering bike split aboard her Felt IA FRD, with 2013-2014 champion Mirinda Carfrae finishing just behind. Two amazing Felt athletes sharing the world title over a 4-year stretch. With countless victories and podium finishes worldwide, the Felt IA has become the go-to bike for athletes with a strong desire for victory. Victory speaks for itself.
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MTB Frontlines
Continued from page 18 Rwanda. The team collected new and barely used equipment and clothing to donate.
Building Strength Off the Bike
NORCO FACTORY TEAM TO RACE AT UCI WORLD CUP IN 2017
BY CATHARINE PENDREL
S
COURTESY OF CATHARINE PENDREL
trength training has been a part of my all agreed that squats and deadlifts are key – the training program since I first started workcaveat being that they must be done properly to be ing with a coach in 2003. It is an importbeneficial. When asked what role they saw S and C ant component for injury prevention, increasing playing, they had this to say: overall athleticism, all-round strength and bone Schumlick: “I see a proper strength and condidensity, while also enabling more training variety tioning program playing a role in developing an athand load over the winter. lete’s bio-mechanics, or, more specifically, ‘weakest I was curious if strength and conditioning (S links.’ This includes giving athletes variation in their and C) was where I could find more gains on routines.” His advice: “Endurance athletes . . . do the bike in 2017, so I decided to reach out to not need to be consumed by weight-to-power ratios Todd Schumlick (PerformX), arguably the go-to alone! Instead, focus on what’s holding you back from guy when it comes to strength training for MTB. increasing your performance. If you are unsure, seek Schumlick works with many of the world’s best professional help [from a strength specialist].” in gravity racing, such Stellingwerff, physias Aaron Gwin and ologist and husband of Richie Rude, but he Olympic 1,800-metre had never worked with runner Hillary Stellina cross-country racer. It gwerff: “I’m a huge was going to be a learnbeliever in S and C, as ing curve for both me there are lots of studies and Schumlick and my to show increased coach, Dan Proulx, who peak strength/power/ creates and oversees speed, as well as my seasonal and day-toimproving economy (at There are many exercises you can do at home to strengthen day training program. least in running), and and stabilize your legs, arms, shoulders core and back. Our strength training for minimizing injury started with a four-week program identifying and risks. However, for Endurance athletes, who are addressing imbalances and weaknesses and already training many, many hours per week, the then moved onto three-week build stages, hitting philosophy in the weight room needs to be ‘less is the gym more frequently and with much routine more’ – or . . . what is the minimal effective dose?” He variation. As opposed to previous years, there’s finds 90-120 minutes/week sufficient for pure Endurnow a much greater emphasis on upper-body ance athletes in the off-season, and by race season, strength and shoulder stability, something I think he says, “I’m a fan of continuing S and C, but minimal is particularly important for female racers, and I effective dose – literally might be three to five exerwill be curious to see how this translates when cises, and less than 20 total lifts across three to five I get outside on the bike. There is also now a muscle groups, or even less!” wider range of movements included to improve Proulx: “There is no doubt that a well-planned my overall athleticism, movement patterns and strength-training program improves performance in stability for injury prevention – exercises such as MTB. The strength training has to be well sequenced adduction and abduction to maintain pelvic staand integrated into the athlete’s overall training bility, something often overlooked by us cyclists, plan. Even though it’s important, strength training who tend to think only in linear terms. I’m excited should be viewed as supplemental to an athlete’s to see how the program evolves throughout the on-bike program. The primary goal is athleticism, spring and summer, with non-gym workouts injury prevention, speed of recruitment, coordination being used on the road while racing. and, lastly, strength gains.” He also believes, “It’s To further discussion on this topic, I spoke also critical that strength gains are achieved without with some of Canada’s top experts in Endurance adding excess muscle mass. We’re after functional sports and/or strength training to discover their strength. . . . We’re not bodybuilders. Strength relathoughts on strength training for Endurance tive to body weight is key.” athletes including Schumlick, Proulx and Trent As always, there are many variables that deterStellingwerff (lead physiologist at CSIP). mine the success of a training plan, but I am excited When it came down to what exercises they to see how an increased strength and conditioning thought were the most important for cyclists, they focus translates to results on the bike. 20 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
With a history of success in both Canada and the U.S., the 2017 Norco Factory Team will compete for the first time on the full Union Cycliste Internationale World Cup circuit, as well as select North American events. Anchoring the team is four-year Norco veteran Haley Smith, who ended the 2016 season with a No. 1 ranking for the XCO MTB Canada Cup series. Joining Smith is Peter Disera, entering his fourth season with Norco. Disera’s 2016 season highlights included winning the U23 Men’s XCO National title, as well as capturing the U23 Cyclocross Canadian Championship jersey. Making his debut with the squad is Quinton Disera, who is excited to compete head-to-head against his brother in the U23 category this season. “We believe that Haley, Peter and Quinton all have the talent to be successful on the world stage, and elevating the Norco Factory Team program to the World Cup level will provide them the opportunity to develop as we approach the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” says Kevin Haviland, team coordinator. Factory Team riders will once again be riding the SRAM-equipped Norco Revolver with Kenda tires.
NEW CANNONDALE-3 ROX RACING TEAM LAUNCHED Cannondale has signed on as the title sponsor of the revamped 3 Rox Racing team, heralding a new era for the squad that welcomes Canadian veteran Raphael Gagné and rising American star Keegan Swenson, who will join the familiar faces of Derek Zandstra and Erin Huck. Gagné is a 2016 Olympian and the 2015 Elite Men’s MTB XCO champion and Pan Am Games 2015 gold medalist, while the 22-year-old Swenson continues his rise through the mountain-biking ranks highlighted by last year’s second-place finish at the Elite Men’s U.S. MTB National Championships. “I am thrilled to be joining Cannondale-3 Rox Racing, a well-established Professional Canada-based MTB team with international ambitions,” said Gagné. Zandstra enters his 17th season with the program, and 2016 saw the Ontario rider have his most successful season to date, winning the Elite Men’s MTB XCO National title, while earning Canada’s best-male finish at a European World Cup, placing 16th in Albstadt, Germany. Huck’s return to the team is also marked with success, as she will don the Continued on page 22 www.pedalmag.com
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ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 21
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Veal Report
Continued from page 20
Listen Up Organizers – We Have Work to Do! BY ED VEAL
GIUSEPPE MARINONI TO ATTEMPT 80-YEAR-OLD BEST HOUR RECORD
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PETER KRAIKER
e need to make some changes if we People want to be stimulated, and why not are ever going to grow. I have had the enjoy these moments with their friends and family. pleasure of attending some great sportStimulation can be achieved in many different ing events over the past few years, and I feel like ways. When I watch the Tour de France snoozethe good parts need to be replicated. We can and fest, I enjoy the announcers’ stories and the need to do better if we want cycling to grow here play-by-play analysis. What draws me in are the in Canada. I can tell you that I have attended and stats, the graphs, the interviews and the product been a part of the good, the bad and the ugly when demonstrations. I like when they do their homework it comes to cycling events. I have attended big and recap the highlights and history of the race. U.S. road races, Criteriums and such large track I enjoy the personalities, the jokes and laughs events as the World Championships, Commonacross the panel. I like the show inside the show. wealth and Pan Am Games. I have also attended They realized that the first three hours of every small local events such as the stage had very little to offer. They Ontario Youth Cups and our had to fill in that dead airtime with very own early-season Classic a quality product. They cranked called the Hell of the North. it up and viewers tune in from all All of them have their flaws demographics, and they all keep and all of them have room coming back for more. to grow, but I think we can This is what I think of when I look to the large successful envision The Steve Bauer Classic events in other sports to see or events at the Milton Velodrome where some of us are getting one day. I picture what I enjoy it wrong. I really believe it at the Air Canada Centre or outstarts with the vision at the top. doors at Ralph Wilson stadium in Why is an organizer putting Buffalo, N.Y. These events need A safe, well-organized on the event in the first place? music, fan gear, the foam finger, event is a must, but What is the goal? What does a terrible towel, costumes, the race organizers need success look like? Do they wave, horns, signs, programs, additional entertainment, pure and simple. understand what they are 50/50 tickets, a halftime show, competing with? cheerleaders, the kiss cam, trivia There is no doubt that event organization it is a contests and a big fuzzy mascot joking, dancing, tough task. Every year, events fold and organizers playing, and you need it all on the visual aid of come and go. Running a cycling event takes a your phone, iPad or mobile device, plus have it all considerable investment in time and money, plus up on those two large screens hanging on either there is a ton of liability involved. Much of the work side of the velodrome. It needs to be captured and involves logistics and operations. Organizing volunlive-streamed. Get that kind of atmosphere roadteers, setting up online registration, picking quality side behind the barriers or inside the velodrome dates, having a safe route, planning road closures, with a cold craft beer and you just might be able obtaining insurance, adequate signage, barriers, to drag your wife out and maybe even entertain accurate results, plus much more are paramount to your kids. We aren’t making cycling into football running a successful event, but is it enough? or NASCAR, but we are in need of making it more A safe, well-organized event is a must, but to fun. It can be done and it needs to be done at compete, we need to add to the product. This goes every level. for the road organizer as well as the track organizWe got a taste of it during the Toronto 2015 er. There are many other sports models out there Pan Am Games on the road and on the track, and that have already found this out. They are continuit was wonderful. The question is what group of ing to add to their already-entertaining product people is going to step up and make it all happen year after year. The racing is great, but it isn’t quite again and then continue to happen for years to enough for the general public’s interest and encome? Understanding that these sports events tertainment dollar. If you attend any major-league are for our entertainment is a start. The opportugame, you will quickly see that more than just your nity is there. I would love to be involved and help sport of choice is offered. There’s lots more addithe cause in some capacity. The sport in Canada tional entertainment, pure and simple. could use all of our help. 22 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
U.S. National champion uniform to start the season after a career-best year as well. The new chapter season for Cannondale-3 Rox Racing kicks off in Canada at Bear Mountain in Victoria, B.C. for the first Canada Cup of the year.
All eyes will be on Montreal’s renowned frame-builder Giuseppe Marinoni this August as he goes for his second Best Hour Record triumph on Saturday, Aug. 19 at Mattamy National Cycling Centre’s velodrome in Milton, Ont. Fans can enjoy the amazing story of his life in the film Marinoni: The Fire in the Frame by Tony Girardin the evening before, to set the stage for his Best Hour Record attempt. In October 2012, Marinoni, founder of Cycles Marinoni, set the 75-79 age group Best Hour Record at the Montichiari Velodrome in Montichiari, Italy. Marinoni, who was 75 years old at the time of his record attempt, was born outside of Milan, Italy in 1937. During his record attempt in 2012, Marinoni rode 35.728 kilometres, breaking the previous record of 33 kilometres. Marinoni is preparing for his next Hour challenge, which places him in the 80-84 UCI Masters Hour Record age group. The current 80-84 UCI Masters Best Hour Record was set in 2015 by then-81-year-old British rider Walter Fowler at the Newport Velodrome. That record currently stands at 35.772 kilometres. Under Marinoni will be the same bike used in his last record ride: Jocelyn Lovell’s 1978 machine. Lovell, who passed away in June 2016, was a legendary Canadian rider who dominated on the track and road in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Marinoni will undertake this latest record attempt “In Loving Memory of Jocelyn Lovell.” The bike will be outfitted with an aero bar set-up and disc wheel, which were not used during Marinoni’s 75-79 age group record ride. Entry into the velodrome for the record attempt is free for spectators, with the possibility of reserving seating in advance.
ERIN WAUGH NAMED CYCLING BC’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In February, Cycling BC’s board of directors announced Erin Waugh as executive director following the resignation of Jim Richards in December 2016 after one year in the position. Waugh joined the association in April 2016 as finance and administration manager and became the interim executive director when Richards departed. Waugh’s background includes comContinued on page 24 www.pedalmag.com
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Niagara Cycling Clubs Alliance
New Group Focuses on Safety and Communication BY RON JOHNSON
24 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
friendly and accessible mandate; and Forza Niagara Cycling Club, which concentrates on structured rides with an eye to skills development; if it’s mountain biking and off-road racing, it’s all about Energy Cycling Club; Bikefit Sunflowers Cycling Club is also a mountain-biking club, but one that is exclusively for women; the Short Hills Cycling Club is a pioneer mountain-biking club that is also active in the trail-building scene, so bring a rake or shovel; and the oldest club in Niagara, the St. Catharines Cycling Club, specializes in racing. “Ultimately, we want to make the public aware that there are seven clubs offering all different kinds of rides to the general public,” Tykoliz says. The most important service the group may provide is to direct the many would-be local cyclists to a club that is right for their needs and abilities. The NCCA is also organizing its first joint venture: Canada’s 150 Birthday Ride. Scheduled for July 2, the ride is open to all levels, with a scenic and winding road route through the vineyards and orchards around the town of Pelham. In addition, a new mountain-bike route has also been added. And, of course, a BBQ and huge birthday cake will follow. There will be a nominal fee when registration opens on the Canada’s 150 Birthday Ride website, to be announced soon. “The group overwhelmingly supported the idea,” Tykoliz says. “This is the most fun, energetic group of volunteers I’ve ever been associated with.” Although NCCA already has a full agenda in its first year of operation, other initiatives on the horizon include organizing a volunteer brigade for the 2021 Canada Games if St. Catharines wins the bid, as well as focusing on youth development and implementing a passport system that would allow members from one club to sample rides from other clubs. For information on each club, visit its respective web site; for NCAA, please contact Wally Tykoliz at 905-933-8077; wallytykoliz@cogeco.ca. NCCA
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eople like cycling in Niagara. There are folksy fruit stands and idyllic vineyards, farm-to-table restaurants, coffee shops and enough pathways and country roads to satisfy even the most ambitious riders. Yet in recent years, many of the two-wheeled set in Niagara Region were feeling uneasy about bicycle safety in the area. Wally Tykoliz, president of the venerable St. Catharines Cycling Club and co-founder of the newly minted Niagara Cycling Club Alliance (NCCA), knew there was strength in numbers. But when he tried to track down the other clubs in the area to deal with the issue, he realized there was something missing. Soon thereafter, the grand poobahs of seven Niagara cycling clubs sat down at the White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in what was The new Alliance the first step that already boasts more would result in the than 1,000 cyclists. formation of the NCCA. “It was the first time ever that all the cycling clubs have ever met together to discuss anything,” Tykoliz says. “And it quickly became apparent that this was the greatest tool. The initial purpose was that we have to educate. First and foremost, it is about safety. In 2015 and 2016, there was a rash of cyclists killed [in] many accidents.” Just how this public outreach will happen has yet to be finalized, but the group foresees the potential of developing a relationship with local bike shops. And if that first point of contact means more members for the clubs, then all the better. Together, the Alliance already boasts more than 1,000 athletes, and has effectively established itself as an authority on cycling in the Niagara region. The NCCA includes the Amici per la Vita Niagara Cycling Club, which specializes in destination trips for its members; Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Club, with its open,
Continued from page 22 munications and executive coaching and years of working with an elected board of directors. The association feels her passion for the sport and her experience in organizational development and human resources will help spur the growth of Cycling BC. Cycling BC also announced that Richard Wooles will continue his contributions, but will shift his focus from operations to athlete and coach development. As the head coach for road and track, he will continue to lead Cycling BC’s coach development programs, along with his work on the overall development and strategy of the iRide program.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S ROAD COACH DENISE KELLY RESIGNS After six years at the helm of the National women’s road program, Denise Kelly is leaving her position at Cycling Canada. During her tenure as National women’s road coach, Kelly has managed the country’s top Elite women at numerous World Championships and two Olympic Games, as well as working to prepare junior riders for future international success. “It has been an incredible ride coaching all levels of Canadian road riders,” said Kelly. “Helping riders develop from their early international experience to stepping onto the podium of some of the most prestigious races throughout the world has been very satisfying. “I love coaching and cycling; both will always be in my blood. However, the timing of Cycling Canada’s change in focus is good for me, as it will allow me to pursue other opportunities.” As the number of athletes representing Canada at the Road World Championships and other events on the international stage has grown, the demand on resources has led Cycling Canada to review its high-performance road strategy. The new objective is to build a sustainable road program with support for up-and-coming athletes and that also aims for international success at the junior and Elite levels. Kelly has spent more than 30 years in cycling, and is a former Pro who earned Provincial Championships and National podium finishes during her career. Following her retirement from racing, she began coaching athletes and became involved with Team Ontario in 2001. She became Provincial coaching director there in 2007, and two years later, took on the role as Cycling Canada’s National women’s road coach. “We want to thank Denise for her contribution to our road programs and we wish her all the best as she engages in new projects,” said Jacques Landry, Cycling Canada’s high-performance director and head coach. www.pedalmag.com
INTERVIEW WITH
KEVIN WALLACE Founder of Gears Bike Shop BY TIM LEFEBVRE
Gears Bike Shop in Port Credit, Ont.
From “the Shack” to four prominent Greater Toronto Area, Ont. stores, what has changed and what has remained the same between 1988 to 2017 for Gears? Kevin Wallace: I opened Gears with my mother Betty’s support in 1988. The original shack had dirt floors beneath the bike storage, little to no heat in the winter, no plumbing and totalled 800 square feet. It was just big enough for myself and one or two employees to service bikes. My business partner, Ira Kargel, joined me two years after opening. My mother’s cancer took over in 1993, when she passed, but by that time, Ira had taken on the responsibility of the bookkeeping, while also spending time with me on the retail floor. Those years were the foundation of what Gears is today. Twenty-eight years later, the combined space of our stores is 50,000 square feet, with our Oakville, Ont. store being the largest at 23,000 square feet. We employ 30 year-round employees, which grows to 60 when the season is in full swing. We have certainly survived through a great deal of change over the past 30 years, but believe our values have remained the same. We opened Gears to create a happy, respectful, fun family environment and are surrounded by an abundance of amazing product associated with an incredible group of talented professional staff. It’s all about people, and we know that if our staff is happy, this translates into strong customer relationships Tell us a little of your enduring partnership with Ira and how it has evolved within the operation of Gears? KW: Ira and I are two entirely different people with the same values and a great deal of respect for each other. Maybe that’s why our unique partnership has lasted for 26 years. Ira manages most of the daily operations, which allows me to consider next steps and future opportunities for Gears. We are both very grateful that a very unique and intelligent management team surrounds us. We are also very fortunate to have established strong marriages in our personal lives and were lucky enough to meet our spouses Kate and Mitch through the shop You have seen the bicycle world change over these past three decades. Does the innovation continue to surprise you? KW: Gears has been around long enough to witness two large transformations in the bike industry. The first was mountain bikes in the early 1980’s to late 26 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
1990’s. In 1996, the mountain-bike scene began to wane and we began to introduce road and triathlon bikes while continuing to service the regular recreational family needs of the community. The boom of road bikes began, fuelled by Trek’s alignment with Lance Armstrong. Gears was primarily a Specialized dealer, and it wasn’t long before all the other brands caught up. Now we’re seeing e-bikes on the verge of a third transformation. RAAM 2006 in 10 days – there has to be one special memory from that special feat. KW: As I reflect on that race, it was certainly a special 10 days. It was anything but a solo ride, going non-stop, 5,000 kilometres in 10 days, three hours, 57 minutes (an average of 500 kilometres a day with 10 hours of sleep for the entire ride). I could not have achieved that without an amazing 12-person support team and the community back home. I am most proud of the $250,000 we raised for the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre. I drew great strength from people sharing their personal stories with us during the ride. RAAM was as humbling as much of life can be, and the secret is to just keep pedaling or, as in life, to simply keep moving forward. With four kids, has it been tough to balance your work and home life? KW: Haha. Yes, four kids and a beautiful positive wife, wanting everyone to be happy and balancing it with bicycle retail. Great question. My survival strategy is to try to keep my schedule clear to be available for staff and my family and to take it ONE day at a time! I have to trust that there is a greater plan for us and “To let go of the life that I planned, to live the life that was meant for us.” – a Joseph Campbell quote that has help me navigate through many of life’s challenges. There have been hundreds of riders who have donned a Gears jersey in both road and MTB. How satisfying is it to have helped so many young racers over the years? KW: We have been blessed to support bike racing at a very high level for many years. At one time, Gears-sponsored riders made up 60% of the National mountain-bike team. Many of the racers who compete today on the different Pro circuits have all been directly associated or supported by Gears racing program in one way or another. None of it would have happened though without generous www.pedalmag.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEARS BIKE SHOP
Kevin Wallace was a mere 18 years of age when he jumped into the bicycle retail world. From a small shack of a store in 1988 to four present-day locations, Gears Bike Shops have become a trusted household name in the GTA. Pedal Magazine’s Tim Lefebvre caught up with Wallace to find out more about the man behind the Gears logo.
Gears founder Kevin Wallace: man on a mission at RAAM
The original Gears “shack” in 1988
Gears and Morning Glory Cycling Club bike giveaway.
people like Mark Bonham or Paul Devries. These guys each gave millions of dollars to our sport, and it was all because they had huge hearts and lots of passion. The charities and different causes that your stores have helped from your inception is truly an inspiration. How are you able to facilitate all of these requests? KW: We are very proud to have raised $5 million over the years which founded the Betty Wallace Women’s Health Centre at Trillium Hospital. We are always conscious of the need to give back, and we never stop donating to schools, sports associations, communities and mental-health programs. We partnered with Morning Glory Cycling Club five years ago to refurbish bikes and get them in the hands of less fortunate locals of various ages. This is a program that is very inspiring for us because it is directly related to our business. We feel it makes a difference. Spinning has always been a mainstay at Gears. Captive audience, mentoring, training, advice – why has this concept and studio done so well? KW: Three of our four stores have an indoor winter-training experience. The best part of our spinning program is that we get to stay connected with our core customer and keep the energy levels up during the slow winter months. Gears has continued to expand, innovate and excel in a difficult market. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? KW: Myself, I’ll likely be involved with bikes associated with some kind of technology, as mobility combined with technology is definitely the future. Europe has experienced year-over-year double-digit growth. It will not surprise us if electric becomes the largest growth segment of our industry. We recently launched our new online webstore www.gearsbikeshop.com in response to a growing availability of online bicycles, cycling-related products and services. In two years, we have seen that segment of our business grow very positively. We are also very inspired by investing in a better service experience and are currently creating a bicycle-service model that will provide service to everyone in the GTA. Our “vision statement” is to create a bike shop and community that makes cycling accessible to all Canadians. www.pedalmag.com
WALLACE ON TWO WHEELS Favourite place to ride? KW: Around Lake Rosseau in Ontario’s Muskoka region for road; Sedona, Ariz. for MTB; Culham Trail in Mississauga, Ont. with family on a hybrid bike. How many bikes does the Wallace family own? KW: One for each of my kids, two for Kate and two for me (more, if space permitted). Spinning or a 12-hour snowy mountain-bike ride? KW: I’m 90% indoors, but it feels good to get out for a ride in the winter, no matter the weather. Red or white? KW: Red bikes are strong and white bikes are fast. I’ll go white. Starbucks or Timmies [Tim Hortons] KW: Timmies gets the job done. Tour de France or Giro d’Italia? KW: All the hours invested watching the Tour over the years! It has to be the Tour. Favourite Pro cyclist? KW: Tomac! Now his son, Eli, is dominating motocross – equally fun to watch. RAAM again? KW: No – I’m cured! Pedal readers are pooling their funds to buy you a car – what will it be? KW: Definitely something electric from our friends at Humberview. I would also hold out for the driverless version.
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 27
Power to Shimano’s STEPS e-bike drivetrain solution
THE PEOPLE E-bike Revolution in Canada BY CHRIS KEAM
In countries where cycling is a transportation mainstay, electric-assist bicycles are gathering plenty of fans, boosting retailers’ bottom line and even finding support from government. While the Canadian market is slower to embrace the “pedelec,” as power-assisted bicycles are commonly called, e-bikes are gradually building market share here among commuters, recreational road riders and even mountain bikers. 28 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
www.pedalmag.com
www.pedalmag.com
PROCYCLE GROUP
BOSCH EBIKE SYSTEMS AMERICA
Bosch of automotive fame is now synonymous with e-bikes.
BIONX INTERNATIONAL
SHIMANO CANADA
I
n countries where cycling is a transportation mainstay, electric-assist bicycles are gathering plenty of fans, boosting retailers’ bottom line and even finding support from government. While the Canadian market is slower to embrace the “pedelec,” as power-assisted bicycles are commonly called, e-bikes are gradually building market share here among commuters, recreational road riders and even mountain bikers. It’s estimated that 35 million electric bicycles were sold around the world in 2016. But only 300,000 units are attributed to the North American market. Consider the population difference between the U.S. and Canada, and even without official statistics to reference, it’s clear that the e-bike remains a niche product in both countries from a global standpoint, but some feel that could change rapidly in the not-so-distant future. An astute observer will easily notice more e-bikes currently on the road. That’s good news for retailers and distributors, who welcome e-bikes in their product line-ups because they appeal to a new breed of cyclist. Offering timesaving benefits for daily cycle commuters, an easier ride for occasional users and an alternative to the minivan for parents loathe to give up their bike to get the kids to school, e-bikes expand the customer base for bike stores beyond the iron-thighed enthusiast. “We realized this is a whole new segment for us,” notes Kevin Senior, owner of Bow Cycles in Calgary, Alta. and president of the Canadian Independent Bicycle Retailers Association [CIBRA]. “Most of the people currently on e-bikes are 40+ [years]. Some who used to ride, but haven’t been on a bike for several years.” That demographic observation is supported by market research, according to Claudia Wasko, business unit leader of Bosch eBike Systems Americas. “We recently conducted a survey in North America with consumers, but also dealers and bike manufacturers. Currently, the strongest e-bike consumer group in the U.S. and Canada are the Baby Boomers, defining ‘better health’ and ‘fun’ as their main reasons to ride e-bikes. The majority uses them for recreation and exercise (34%) and ‘commuting’ (20%), whereas ‘trail/mountain biking’ was stated less (9%).” The advent of e-bikes is also bringing new players to the cycling world and fostering innovation among established brands such as cycling powerhouse Shimano, which offers the automatic-shifting STEPS e-bike drivetrain solution. “Shimano STEPS provides accessibility in a few different ways,” says David Blondel, Shimano Canada’s marketing manager – bicycle components and accessories division. “We see it in the rider who hasn’t been on a bike in years, maybe in part due to an injury or age, who can really benefit from the pedal-assist that Shimano STEPS offers. It continues with the rider who has a lengthy commute to work, who wants to ride, but doesn’t want to show up sweaty. Lastly, we have seen riders go farther, expend less energy and really experience different parts of their cities, parks or trail systems from atop a bicycle. It’s a wonderful thing.” Canadian e-bike supplier BionX was one of the first companies to offer a quality level of power-assist products far superior to the low-cost (and low-quality) Chinese imports that marked the first wave of e-bikes. Its aftermarket kit quickly became a preferred upgrade for cyclists wishing to convert their regular bicycle into an e-bike. It also found favour with bike manufacturers seeking a plug-and-play OEM solution for adding pedelecs to their marque. Today, BionX continues to supply both markets, with more than 20 brands using the company as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier and countless bikes transformed from strictly human-powered to e-assist with one of its hub-drive systems. The company’s focus has been on-road cycling, but Paul Gingl, CEO for BionX International, is supportive of the growing interest in e-MTBs. “We see the commuting/casual to be the biggest sector for us. Hub-drives are great for “on-road” applications and highly efficient. We are glad to see off-road e-bikes now in the mix along with fatbikes. The application of e-bike technology is opening doors and offering access to old and new riders never seen before.” Bosch, in business since the late 1800’s, has long been known for its electronics, especially in the world of automobiles. Today, the brand has also become synonymous with e-bikes. The Bosch mid-drive system is standard equip-
Canada’s Procycle Group has re-launched their eVox brand.
Canadian-based BionX International was one of the first companies to offer quality e-bike products. ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 29
BOSCH EBIKE SYSTEMS AMERICA
Bosch’s centre-drive system is standard equipment on more than 70 e-bike brands.
BIONX INTERNATIONAL
BIONX INTERNATIONAL
Elby by BionX International
Countless bikes have been transformed to e-assist with BionX International’s hub-drive aftermarket kits.
ment on more than 70 e-bike brands, and is actively promoting electric-assist for off-road cycling applications. “We see a huge potential in off-road use, as the user group will get younger – a phenomenon which we have seen in Europe, where the fastest growing segment is e-MTB,” notes Wasko. “Creating a more favourable regulatory or policy environment for pedal-assist trail access is key for the proliferation of off-road use.” Key to the growth of e-MTBs has been the design of the mid-drive system, which incorporates the motor into the bottom bracket and crankset – thus positioning the added weight in the middle of the bike and closer to the ground. Both factors make off-road riding with power-assist a closer equivalent to traditional mountain biking, while situating the additional weight where suspension performance isn’t impacted, versus a hub motor either on a front fork or rear triangle. Coupled with battery placement on the downtube, the experience of riding a power-assisted mountain bike is described by most reviewers as a trade-off that delivers a different riding experience (improved climbing, less agility on descents). While the popularity of e-bikes is certainly growing in North America, what are some of the challenges facing the industry that could lead to an e-bike 30 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
revolution, whether it’s on the streets or in the woods? With traffic congestion growing and transit systems being typically underfinanced or nearly non-existent in many Canadian towns, plus a growing network of cycling infrastructure in major cities, it’s surprising that more people aren’t adopting e-bikes as a transportation alternative. The vast network of trails and wilderness-access roads also offer fertile ground for putting more people on pedelecs, yet e-bikes are rarely spotted. Industry representatives say rules and regulations are part of the blame. “The bylaws both on- and off-road are the biggest challenges,” says Gingl. “On-road and bike paths are easier to work with right now than off-road acceptance.” Senior notes that in his city of Calgary they recently had some recent success, with e-bikes now allowed on the city’s network of bike paths, but obstacles remain, such as the Alberta law mandating motorcycle-style helmets to operate a power-assisted bicycle on streets and highways. “Some of the laws are a hindrance,” addes Senior, “because they are outdated.” Wasko also sees outdated rules as a challenge, but notes there are other factors to consider: “One big barrier is definitively the regulatory situation . . . where outdated laws create uncertainty for both dealers and end consumers. www.pedalmag.com
The resistance of land management and the core MTB community towards e-MTB creates limited access for e-MTBs on public lands. Furthermore, we still observe a huge hesitation by many retailers who either have had bad experiences with low-quality products from China, [or] are pure-bike enthusiasts who don’t want to sell products they are not passionate about, or are just not willing to invest in this category [inventory, training, tools].” That perspective is echoed by Raymond Dutil, president and CEO of Groupe Procycle, the parent company of Rocky Mountain, Miele and eVox (their e-bike brand). He also thinks educating consumers about the benefits of e-bikes is a big part of the solution to stimulate growth. “The first problem in Canada is dealer-network acceptance. Some are worried about [selling] electronic devices [such as] e-bikes. Also, the consumer acceptance of commuting by bicycle is far from the level of the European market.” Dutil notes that its eVox line represents a second launch for Procycle’s e-bike ambitions. “We at Procycle introduced our first e-bike in the ’90s. It was too early and we only did it for two seasons. But five years ago, we restarted our e-bike project [eVox] with the development of our own electric motor. We strongly believe in the e-bike market in North America; it will be smaller than the European market and will take more time to get acceptance, but the consumers who try it love it.” “Education is key,” agrees Blondel. “We can talk about e-bikes, however, people need to experience a ride on an [e-bike]. I have yet to see anyone ride a STEPS bike without smiling. It’s a fun experience!” Another reason Canadian e-bike sales may be slow to grow – a lack of government incentives. Some European cities now offer subsidies of as much as 2,000 Euros to e-bike buyers (Munich) or $1,200 for an electric cargo-bike (Oslo), while in Canada about the best a prospective e-bike buyer can hope for is a few hundred dollars in rebates if they get rid of their car through programs such as British Columbia’s LiveSmart transportation incentive program. With quality e-bikes typically costing anywhere from $2,000 and up, cycling consumers might be excused for thinking that their adoption of greener transportation solutions goes largely unrecognized by government, especially when the purchase of an electric or hybrid automobile can trigger thousands of dollars in similar government incentives. There’s good reason to presume that improving incentive packages for prospective customers could help increase sales. Oslo’s electric-cargo-bike subsidy program mentioned earlier was launched due to the success of a previous initiative offering up to $600 for the purchase of a regular e-bike. Unsurprisingly, free money to make eco-friendly choices will attract customers. Despite outdated rules, minimal political support and education programs for consumers suppliers remain committed, and the advent of all e-bike retail stores is adding fuel to the “revolution.” Can the market sustain e-bike-specific shops amidst traditional cycling stores alike? “There definitely are e-bike-specific retail stores popping up,” notes Senior. “And there’s clearly an opportunity for more shops to sell e-bikes. [But] I think typical bike stores will remain the key outlet for cycling.” Shimano’s Blondel believes there’s room in the marketplace for both approaches: “Shimano has a long history of working alongside retailers, building up our Shimano Service Centre network and investing in technical education for all retailers. Of course, as the e-bike market continues to grow and more e-bike-specific retailers appear, Shimano will provide dealer support and education to that channel as well.” Bosch’s Wasko reiterates the observation that the e-bike consumer is also a new breed of rider, distinct from traditional cycling enthusiasts: “The fact of the matter is that e-bikes have made cycling accessible to all sorts of people – a lot of these people have a lack of cycling background in the recent past and need a different approach than the typical bike customer. “We see a bright future for bicycle retailers to be extremely successful in the e-bike business if they are willing to seriously commit to this category,” added Wasko. As cycling continues to evolve as a lifestyle product, the e-bike will continue to grow in popularity, and with more support from government and industry will undoubtedly experience its own power surge. www.pedalmag.com
Catch the Feeling...
Canada’s cycling hubs
www.fqsc.net
ontariocycling.org
cyclingbc.net
albertabicycle.ab
saskcycling.ca
velo.nb.ca
cycling.mb.ca
bicycle.ns.ca
Cycling Yukonnaise Association Association of Yukon Cycliste
sportyukon.com
www.bnl.nf.ca
www.cpei.ca
www.cyclingcanada.ca
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 31
TEST
GEAR
ELBY 9-SPEED BY LINDA SHIN
E
lby is an emerging e-bike company with a mission to offer “reliable, environmentally conscious mobility solutions” that promote healthy, active lifestyles for all abilities. The new Elby e-bike has already garnered a Design and Innovation Award in 2017 and an E-Bikes & Pedelecs Award last year at Eurobike. The Elby is the first e-bike that comes in one size to fit all, with six different colour options. The fit can be easily adjusted by changing up both saddle and stem height with Allen keys – the bike conveniently comes with its own set. You can wear just about any skirt, dress or slacks with the step-through frame design, hopping on and off the bike easily with style and grace. The nine-speed drivetrain has more than enough gears with BionX’s 500-watt rear-hub motor with its four pedal-assist levels. There is even a throttle button that I couldn’t help but take advantage of – cruising at top speed (32kph) without pedaling for almost five kilometres until I actually felt guilty when flying by other cyclists. Your speed, assist levels, battery and distance range, and time are displayed on a screen mounted on the stem. Elby even comes with a phone mount as well as an app that you can download onto your smartphone to monitor your ride. The bar-mount control ring is affixed to the handlebar beside the rear shifter, which makes the right side of the handlebar a bit busy and right-heavy for my taste. I would prefer to have the thumb control mounted on the left side to even out the cockpit. The lithium-ion battery sits low and central just above the crank, and when fully charged, can take you as far as 145
32 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
THE BIKE Price
$4,199 Weight:
57lbs. (54 cm) Components SRAM nine-speed, Tektro hydraulic brakes Frame 6061-T6 aluminum-alloy Motor 500w BionX Direct Drive Battery 52-cell 48V/11.6Ah (556Wh) Speed Electric-assist to 32kmh/20mph Lights High-powered Supernova LED lighting Sizes One size fits all
kilometres on the lowest pedal-assist level. You should always charge the battery before your next ride though, especially if you like to ride fast and easy on the top-assist level, or you will have a good workout without the advantage of the e-motor – as I learned when I drained the battery from throwing down the throttle on my commute home, and unfortunately left the charger at work. With 5% battery left for the morning ride in, I ran out of juice quickly. But a cool feature on the Elby, like all BionX-equipped bikes, is its four regenerative modes to recharge the battery when braking downhill. My commute is pretty flat, so I wasn’t able to recharge the battery, and hence I got a bit of a workout, as this bike weighs in at 55lbs. The Elby comes stocked with such commuter features as front and rear Super Nova lights that easily turned on/off with a flip of a bar switch, aluminum fenders, a built-in rearrack system, ergo grips, a sturdy kickstand and my favourite bonus features – a USB charging port and the previously mentioned phone mount. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes also add a touch of unique “stopping power”. On the downside, what seems to be missing is a bottle-cage mount, and I’d swap out the saddle, which is more of a personal choice. The Elby is a fun e-bike that felt a bit like a scooter with its turbo throttle and one-size-fits-all sturdy frame and wide tires. With the freedom to whiz past traffic and park anywhere, you quickly realize the advantages of this bike. As with any e-bike, there’s a trade-off on weight to consider, yet adapting to this newfound freedom versus sitting in traffic in your car seems worth it, given all of the smiles that are sure to follow. This is a great eco-option to get you around town. www.pedalmag.com
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE STAGE EVENT
7 STAGES ››› 7 DAYS ››› 7 EXCEPTIONAL DESTINATIONS ››› 1 BASE CAMP DOWNTOWN QUÉBEC CITY ››› DAY 8: ATTEND THE UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP
›››
JULY 30 TO 5 AUGUST 5, 2017 | quebecsingletrack.com www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 33
TEST
GEAR
FELT FR3 BY BEN ANDREW
THE BIKE Price
The FR series is an all-new breed of racing bikes from Felt, and Pedal Magazine had the chance to test out the mid-level FR3. When creating the FR series, Felt set out to create the lightest, stiffest racing bicycle it could – a goal that it states has been achieved. The FR3 shares the same frame and fork as the highest-level FR1, providing all the performance of the top-flight bike at a reduced price. THE RIDE Using Felt’s racing geometry, which has been refined in collaboration with the Holowesko Citadel Racing Team (whom Felt sponsors), the FR3 is a classic racing machine, focusing on rider position and stiffness-to-weight as opposed to aerodynamics. The FR series replaces the F series from Felt, which has had great success, including winning Grand Tour stages. Felt aimed to create a higher performing bicycle while also improving comfort with the FR. Lighter and stiffer are words often used within the bicycle industry, but in this case, it is certainly applicable. The claimed weight of the FR series frame is 765g in size 56cm. The FR FRD further reduces the frame weight to 685g for the same-sized frame. The FR frame features a carbon-fibre BB3386 bottom-bracket shell along with full-carbon dropouts, and is constructed out of TeXtreme carbon fibre. The frame uses external routing when built with mechanical drivetrains, while electronic cables can be routed internally. In using TeXtreme carbon fibre, Felt employs size-specific carbon lay-ups to maintain ride quality across frame sizes. Tube diameters vary between sizes as well, as does steertube taper. The FR’s fork uses full TeXtreme carbon-fibre monocoque construction and features an integrated carbon-fibre crown race and carbon dropouts. The FR3 tested was equipped with a full Shimano 11-speed mechanical Ultegra 6800 groupset. This included shifters, derailleurs, crankset, chain and cassette. The semi-compact 52/36T chainring combination is more than capable when riding flat out, while the 36T inner ring provides a slightly lighter gear when the road turns up. The FR3 is spec’d with a Token BB386 bottom 34 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
$3,899 Weight:
16.9lbs. (54 cm) Components Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed group with 3T cockpit Frame/Fork Felt Race Road UHC Advanced + TeXtreme® carbon-fibre frame/ Felt UHC Advanced + TeXtreme® carbon-fibre monocoque-construction fork Geometry Headtube 73°/ seat-tube 73.5° Sizes 43, 47, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm Comments Lightweight, stiff, comfortable, with the same frame performance as the highest-end FR model.
bracket. The Shimano RS21 wheelset was wrapped with Schwalbe Durano RaceGuard 25mm tires. Other components include a 3T Ergosum Pro bar, 3T ARX II Pro, Felt UHC Performance carbon seatpost and Prologo Nago Evo saddle. The combination of a top-level frame with Shimano’s second-tier Ultegra components results in a fantastic, lively high-performance package at a fraction of the price of the higher-level FR models. The FR3 feels light and nimble, and excels while climbing and sprinting. The ride on the FR3 is smooth and predictable, allowing you to focus on the road ahead. The low-profile frame design feels very sure in crosswinds and on fast descents, while Felt’s redesigned headtube, which is taller than the F series, provides added stiffness when railing corners. The rear brake is hidden under the bottom bracket, which is both very aesthetically pleasing and, due to the lack of a brake bridge, results in a more comfortable ride. www.pedalmag.com
The FR3 shares the same frame and fork as the highest- level FR1, providing all the performance of the top-flight bike at a reduced price.
The FR series features 10 models including disc-brake models. Builds range from SRAM eTap and Mavic Ksyrium Pro Carbon SL C wheels on the FR1 to the FR60 aluminum with Shimano Claris. The FR is available in six frame sizes, and comes in a flashy orange and matte carbon, exposing the large square TeXtreme carbon weave. The Felt logos on the downtube, fork and headbadge are done in a reflective silver, increasing visibility if your ride runs late. Felt guarantees its frame and forks to be free of manufacturer defects with its lifetime warranty for original owners, while components and finish are covered by a one-year warranty. If you’re looking for a top-level ride at a more modest price, check out Felt’s new FR series.
www.feltbicycles.com/Canada.aspx www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 35
TEST
GEAR
OPUS
VIVACE 2.0 BY GARY SMITH
THE BIKE
The 2017 Vivace line is a wild departure from everything Opus has done up until now. The company’s top-end models have paved the way for the development of its Road bikes, and this year heralds a new image for the line. The Vivace bikes look super-sharp because Opus has certainly spent some time on aesthetics. THE RIDE Pedal was super-excited to test the Vivace 2.0. With its clean, crisp lines and angular tubing, it is a clean departure from the round shapes of the past, creating a new innovative look and feel. Also aesthetically pleasing is the robotic-looking red-and-black colour scheme that is a stunning combination as the bike rolls down the road. The sharp lines on the frame accentuate the finely machined look of the TRP disc brakes, which together with the paint scheme create an extraordinary visual effect. Opus claims it has redesigned the Vivace series for cyclists seeking a purpose-built performance machine that can excel in all conditions. Weekend warriors and fondo riders looking for a flashy new rig are the target audience that Opus hopes to excite. The Vivace 2.0 rides with predictable precision, providing one with a feeling of reassurance and calm, as the initial tracking is solid and straight. The Shimano 105 11-speed gruppo is a reliable companion, and despite the feeling of steadiness, the bike reacts quite quickly on downhill switchbacks, which only increases one’s confidence. Opus touts the Vivace as a bike designed for pure speed and performance, one that will be up to the task of anything you have planned for it. Performance was tested in a series of sprinting exercises, with little to no lateral 36 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
Price
$3,499 Weight:
18.5lbs. Components Shimano 105 11-speed with TRP HY/RD flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes Frame/Fork Gamma 30 carbon/ Gamma 40 carbon tapered 1-1/2” to 1-1/18” Geometry Headtube 73°/ seat-tube 74° Sizes 50, 52, 54, 56 and 58 cm Comments A reliable, dependable bike that turns heads.
sensations and an even transfer of power straight ahead. This bike has the ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of riders, from novice to very experienced. There is no denying that disc-brake innovation and engineering are here to stay despite Union Cycliste Internationale’s inability to integrate its use into the Pro peloton in a smooth transition. The brakes’ obvious stopping power aside, they have the ability to transform a ride, as they change the entire build. The Vivace 2.0 comes dressed with an amazing pair of Mavic Ksyrium wheels, which have more than proven their ability to provide a strong, smooth ride under any bike. Although the Vivace 2.0 was designed with plenty of room to fit a nice, cushy pair of 28mm tires in the frame, I couldn’t help but wish www.pedalmag.com
The Vivace bikes look super-sharp because Opus has certainly spent some
there was more room. I’d love to take advantage of the disc brakes and thruaxle and have enough clearance for a big fat tire to shred some gravel on. The best thing to do with a bike such as this is enjoy the heck out of it with your buddies for weekend excursions and any fondo you fancy because the Vivace 2.0 handles incredibly well and rides smoother than suede. This bike offers great value with a stable, dependable feel and a look that will make your riding partners envious every time they lay their eyes on it.
time on aesthetics. www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 37
TEST
GEAR
RIDLEY
X-TRAIL CR50 BY BARRY LYSTER
THE BIKE Price
There is a growing demand for a bike that can cover a variety of riding situations without compromising performance and, most importantly, keep it fun! Such a bike must be able to compete at your local cyclocross race, be a street-savvy commuter and have the capability to venture into the backcountry where no drop-bar bike has gone before. THE RIDE The era of the “All Road” bike is here, and the Ridley X-Trail CR50 is one worth checking out. Since 1997, the Flanders-based Ridley Bikes company has etched its mark in the cycling world by producing high-quality rides in a country that is passionately obsessed with the sport of cycling. Using its expertise in cyclocross and testing the X-Trail in the tough weather and riding conditions of the Belgian countryside provided key ingredients in the designing of this bike. Rest assured, the Ridley X-Trail CR50 has great bones. The frame is laid-up with high-modulus, uni-directional carbon fibre, creating a light, firm platform able to perform well on the city streets or backcountry trails. The roomy main triangle allows ample space to shoulder the bike when needed, while providing mounts for two water-bottle cages to hold the largest of hydration containers. Both of these features served me well while out on a three-hour backcountry ride. The eye-catching, glossy two-tone blue with red-accent paint job adds a touch of class to the overall package. The oversized headtube provides the base for a stable, comfortable cockpit, where one can attempt high-speed cornering or mash down that rocky, technical descent with control and confidence. The specially designed tubes in the rear asymmetric-triangle stays provide a smooth, compliant ride while allowing solid rear-wheel traction when in loose rock or muddy conditions. The massive, oversized clearance of the Oryx Disc TA front fork and rear triangle allow ample room to fit up to 38c tires, making for safe passage of small woodland creatures to fit through as well. Industry-trending front and rear thru-axles add even more stability to this rock-solid machine. 38 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
$3,750 Weight
20.5lbs. (M) Components Shimano Ultegra 105 11-speed group with 4ZA cockpit Frame/Fork X-Trail C, HM/HR uni-directional carbon frame, 142x12 TA/Oryx Disc TA fork, carbon steerer, hidden fender mounts Geometry Headtube 71.5°/ seat-tube 73° (medium) Sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL Comments A lightweight performance carbon frame ready to tackle a variety of terrain.
The bike comes stock with a set of durable Alex DRAW 1.9s rims laced up on Formula hubs. The wheels are graced with a set of Clement X’Plor MSO 36c tires. These treads offer a good all-round set of rubber, although you might opt for a more aggressive tire if you are riding more mud or dirt, or a 33c tire if racing and you need to be Union-Cycliste-Internationale-legal. The Ridley that we tested was decked out with an 11-speed Shimano 105 group. This reliable, durable, performance-level drivetrain, including shifter, derailleurs, crankset and brakes, complement the entire X-Trail package. With so many choices for gearing, it was much appreciated that this bike came stock with a 50x34 compact crankset. After all, this bike is classified as “All Road,” and when combined with an 11-32 cassette, it provided that high gear for pavement cruising, while the super-low gearing aided me in climbing up more significant off-road hills. www.pedalmag.com
It was a real treat to ride this bike. The era of the “All Road” bike is here, and the Ridley X-Trail CR50 is one worth checking out.
The Shimano hydraulic brakes provide reliable stopping power, while the modulation aids in controlling speed through technical terrain. The Oryx Disc TA front fork nicely absorbed any potential front-brake chatter, making a smooth transition from “go to slow.” Sometimes the small things can make a big impact. Hidden fender mounts will be appreciated by those year-round riders needing some extra protection from the rain. The 4ZA bar, stem and seatpost come from the same Belgian pedigree as the frame, adding unique, quality components to the package. It was a real treat to ride the Ridley X-Trail CR50 on a variety of terrain and to try to maximize its performance potential. I can now truly say that the “All Road” evolution has arrived.
www.mec.ca www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 39
TEST
GEAR
CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO HI-MOD DISC BY BEN ANDREW
THE BIKE Price
$5,700 The SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc marks Cannondale’s first foray into producing a disc-equipped top-tier racing bike, and with this ride, it has delivered in spades. The company’s aluminum CAAD series has featured disc brakes for more than a year, and now Cannondale has targeted the high-end market, offering disc models on both the EVO Hi-MOD and EVO carbon frames. Pedal magazine tested out an Ultegra-6800- mechanical-equipped SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc, which is the same platform that the WorldTour team Cannondale-Drapac has been training on this season. THE RIDE Construction with high-modulus carbon fibre results in a very light, stiff frameset, and Cannondale suggests that the addition of flat-mount brakes adds less than 150g, providing enhanced braking at a minimal weight penalty. Unlike other major players, Cannondale does not produce specific aero and non-aero road lines. Instead, the SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc takes on the roll of an all-around road-racing bike. The addition of disc brakes further increases the new line’s versatility, allowing for better braking and larger tire clearance. Cannondale has optimized the SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc in the wind tunnel, using what it calls TAP (Truncated Aero Profile) tube shapes in the downtube, seat-tube, seatstays and fork to reduce drag, but without compromising weight, stiffness and compliance often associated with aero-profile tubes. The ride looks sleek, and rolls and accelerates quickly when you push on the pedals. The stock Mavic Aksium Disc wheelset would be my first upgrade as it will add some rolling weight to this otherwise very light bike. The wheels connect to the frame and fork using a 100x12mm thru-axle up front and a 135x9mm QR in the back. The added stiffness of the thru-axle in the front reduces rotor rub and brake pull when braking hard at speed. Our test bike was outfitted with Shimano 11-speed mechanical Ultegra 6800 derailleurs, chain and cassette, Shimano RS685 hydraulic shifters and Shimano BR806 hydraulic flat-mount brakes. The RS685 shifters seem a bit bulky, but 40 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
Components Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed group, Cannondale HollowGram Si crank, Shimano BR805 hydraulic brakes, with Cannondale C1 cockpit Frame/Fork SuperSix EVO Disc BallisTec Hi-MOD carbon BB30a, SuperSix EVO Disc SPEED SAVE BallisTec Hi-MOD full-carbon fork Geometry Headtube 72.9°/ Seat-tube 73.8° Sizes 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 63cm Comments This bike is lightweight, stiff and is ready to tackle a variety of terrain. the hydraulic braking provides great modulation and confidence. Cannondale has paired the Shimano drivetrain with its own HollowGram Si BB30a crankset, which uses a one-piece SpideRing. The 52/36T ring combo is machined out of a single piece of material, increasing stiffness. Shifting is incredibly smooth and precise between the big and little ring, even under power, and the integration between crankset and the SuperSix BB30a frame results in a ride that feels like it is surging forward with each pedal stroke. Other components on the bike include Cannondale’s C1 Ultralight Alloy handlebar and stem, the latter being compatible with the brand’s own integrated outfront Garmin mount, further demonstrating Cannondale’s commitment to creating an integrated platform. The 25.4mm Cannondale SAVE carbon seatpost keeps things light and provides some added comfort. The SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc Ultegra is a race bike through and through. www.pedalmag.com
Cannondale has targeted the high-end market, offering disc models on both the EVO Hi-MOD and EVO carbon frames.
It is nimble and flies across the tarmac with ease. The aero profiling of the tubing makes for a fast ride, but the bike still handles great in crosswinds, and the ride quality inspires confidence when diving into bends. The use of disc brakes aids in this, and while it is questionable as to whether top-flight bicycles really need them, in this case, they complement an already high-performance machine. While the bike is certainly designed for road riding, the disc brakes and ample tire clearance mean that the SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD Disc can keep up when the road turns to gravel. While the handling is a little sharp for extensive gravel grinding, the main takeaway from this bike is its race-savvy pedigree and fantastic versatility on a wide array of terrain.
www.cannondale.com www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 41
SEPTEMBER 8 SEPTEMBER 10
Big Shoes to Fill! 8TH EDITION 2017
DISCOVER OUR LEADERS CLUB VIP PACKAGES. UP-CLOSE ACCESS TO THE WORLD’S ÉLITE CYCLISTS! Info
mchamel@gpcqm.ca
450-671-9090 #255
GPCQM.CA
DEPARTMENT OF CANADIAN HERITAGE
Great Canadian Rides
I
n honour of Canada 150, marking the sesquicentennial anniversary of the country and Canadian Confederation in 2017, Pedal connected with local cycling legends such as Louis Garneau, Alex Stieda, Gord Singleton and others for their favourite rides on home turf. We are proud to present some of the most iconic road routes in every province, including the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Look for the best MTB routes across Canada in Part Two of this story in our next issue. Congratulations Canada.
www.pedalmag.com
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 43
NEWFOUNDLAND
GLASGOW HILL BY CORY JAY
Steeped in rich coast history and its share of pristine riding, Newfoundland is a wonder to behold for cyclists. The most majestic of these routes is, arguably, the Bonne Bay Loop, located in and around Gros Morne National Park on the island’s West Coast. Within 75 kilometres, there are challenging vertical climbs interspersed with rolling hills, relaxing flats and breathtaking descents through some of the most gorgeous natural beauty on earth. One can park a vehicle on the Norris Point end, then take the BonTours boat across Bonne Bay. One will land in Woody Point, a small fishing village that has fast become an integral artistic hub of the province. Leaving Woody Point, one rolls up, down and around bay-side highways, turning inland where it is not uncommon to see moose, foxes or any other native wildlife. After a simple series of left turns, one will be right back in Norris Point again. At the end of the loop, one can also add another 15 kilometres and swing by the picturesque Lobster Cove Head lighthouse overlooking the community of Rocky Harbour. Once that adventure has ended, one can kick back at The Cat Stop pub to enjoy local brews and traditional music. If one is feeling particularly patriotic this year, heading in either direction and then turning around to ride back from where one came from dials in at a perfect 150 kilometres! The riding season in Gros Morne starts with ideal conditions in May, and then continues through until the snow falls (depending on one’s threshold for cold). The official 75-kilometre Bonne Bay Loop run takes place every May 24 long weekend, coinciding perfectly with the revelries at the annual Trails, Tales, Tunes music festival. Gros Morne is a tiny microcosm of Newfoundland culture, with a wide variety of authentic experiences packed into just a few tiny adjacent communities. For a well-rounded cycling adventure, the Bonne Bay Loop is one to throw onto the bucket list.
Without a doubt, one ride that displays all that our Island has to offer in one scenery-soaked 151 kilometres is the route showcased during the annual PEI Gran Fondo. On one day each year in late August, this route is ridden by hundreds of cyclists from all across Canada and the U.S. Departing from the heart of Charlottetown, the route winds its way along the city’s downtown waterfront before turning onto Victoria Park Boulevard, a scenic section along the Park’s beautiful waterfront. Exiting the Park, the route departs Charlottetown through the old neighbourhoods resplendent with the historic homes that Charlottetown is known for. Once outside of the city limits, the route starts to roll up and down the red-soiled hills dotting the countryside at an increasing rate. Before you know it, you are 30 kilometres in and about to turn onto the toughest climb on the route – Glasgow Hill! Once over the top of the 8-10% Glasgow Hill, there is little respite for the next 10 kilometres as the course continues toward the beaches, rolling up and down until it arrives at the coast! By this time, you are 50 kilometres into the route and certainly all done thinking that Prince Edward Island is flat, as you have 800 metres of climbing already in the legs. For the next 60 kilometres, you ride on eastward and typically have a strong tailwind blowing you along the coast as you effortlessly ride across the freshly paved National Parkway, gazing over cliffs that look down on beautiful sandy beaches. After a delicious lunch-stop at 100 kilometres, you continue eastward for 15 kilometres until turning southwest back toward Charlottetown. The final challenges await, as several hills appear out of nowhere letting you know you’re not home-free yet. The route winds its way along the Hillsborough River before crossing the bridge back into Charlottetown, where it finishes on the waterfront at the host hotel!
The Bonne Bay Loop is a majestic scenic route in Gros Morne National Park on Newfoundland’s West Coast. 44 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
DAWN LEJA
BONNE BAY LOOP BY RYAN D. BUTT
The 151km Glasgow Hill route features all that the legendary island is famous for.
GLEN STRICKEY
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
www.pedalmag.com
NOVA SCOTIA
NEW BRUNSWICK
ANNAPOLIS VALLEY BY GARY CONROD
MACTAQUAC LOOP BY PETER WEDGE
Here is a spectacular bike ride where you will experience two big climbs, two fast descents, orchards, wineries, family farms, a cheese maker, fresh lobster and the world’s highest tides. Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley is a dense network of rural roads – getting lost is part of the fun here. You can’t go wrong as long as you stay off of Highways 1 and 101. My favourite 68-kilometre ride in this complicated network has a full set of 30 turns; just work your way between the villages mentioned here and you will have a great ride. Start at the tiny village of Port Williams. There’s a great gastropub here when you arrive back at the end of your ride. You are already out into the countryside. Work your way around Starr’s Point past homesteads, some from the early 1800’s, and then to the village of Canning. Go up the north ridge of the valley on Route 358. It will be, at one point, a 9% grade. On top, go east as far as the small aptly named village of Look-Off. From here, your view takes in the entire eastern end of the Annapolis Valley. Return a bit and stay up on the ridge. Soon you have a fast descent into the isolated fishing port of Hall’s Harbour. Here you get to visit the famed Bay of Fundy, with the highest tides in the world. This isolated port can have a moody climate; the hot and humid valley air can change within minutes to bracing ocean breezes and dense sea fog once you reach the bay. The high tide leaves the village’s fishing fleet high and dry twice a day. It is an active lobster port and you can dine on the beach rocks overlooking the bay. A climb returns back up the ridge on the west side of the village and back down again into the Annapolis Valley. Rockwell Road has a straight, fast downhill run. Work your way back using NS-221, Middle Dyke Road and Belcher Street. The gastropub awaits you, your reward for exploring this great little corner of Canada.
My first “big adventure” ride remains my favourite. From the time I was 13, when I thought this was an epic ride, I have always ranked this local ride No. 1. Whether I was zipping out between classes or returning from six months in Europe or the U.S. and needed to hit the reset button, the Mactaquac Loop is a simple short loop with great views along the St. John River, a jewel that cuts through Fredericton, N.B. From the south side of town (downtown), head west up river along Woodstock Road to Route 102 (known locally as the old Trans-Canada Highway). Route 102 has a wide shoulder, and traffic volumes are low and decrease as you get out of town (no trucks). The rolling hills increase, as do the views of the river, to the Mactaquac Dam. Once across the Dam, you can see how you feel. You can head directly back to town on the north side of the St. John River on Route 105 (more views), crossing the Bill Thorpe Trail Bridge back to downtown and call it a 50-kilometre day. I have done this ride hundreds of times! If you are feeling chipper, from the Dam you can head up Rocky Road to Keswick Ridge (Route 616) and Burtts Corner via the Tripp Settlement Road, then back to Route 105 to add approximately 20 kilometres and some significant elevation to this ride. Still feeling chipper? From Burtts Corner, head up Route 617 instead of back to town, and hit the Kingsley Road for more hills and 10 more kilometres to the loop. A right turn on Kingsley Road will take you to Estey’s Bridge through forest and farmland. Head up McLeod Hill Road for one last burn before returning to the Bill Thorpe Trail Bridge and downtown. If you are looking for more punishment, head left on Kingsley Road instead of right and ride to the village of Stanley on Route 620 through more forest and farmland (and hills). Once in Stanley, follow the Nashwaak River (yes, more views) along Route 107, crossing at Nashwaak Village and Route 148 home to Fredericton for a total of approximately 120 kilometres. Time to treat yourself to a pint at one of the many microbreweries in town! (My personal favourite is the Grimross Maritime Pale Ale, but that means one more climb up Smythe Street!)
www.pedalmag.com
CITY OF FREDERICTON
The Annapolis Valley offers spectacular bike rides, the highest tides in the world, wineries and lobster for the taking.
ATLANTIC CANADA CYCLING
Build an appetite on the Mactaquac Loop with great views of the St. John River from the Bill Thorpe Trail Bridge.
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 45
QUEBEC CHEMIN DU ROY BY LOUIS GARNEAU
NIAGARA ESCARPMENT BY GORD SINGLETON
For many reasons, my favourite ride is the Chemin du Roy, a historic road that runs through many old towns between Montreal and Quebec City. This was the first road built in New France in 1660, long before it became the province of Quebec. For 100 years, it has been the longest road in North America. Today, the Chemin du Roy has become a touristic road along the St. Lawrence River. It is part of the Route Verte, a wonderful bike path network that allows you to discover all the regions of Quebec on your bike. I live on the Chemin du Roy near Quebec City, and it’s my No. 1 choice for a quick ride after a day at the office. The pavement is great, there is almost no traffic and the scenery is marvelous – rolling hills in the middle of large fields, and all of this is mixed with big trees around ancient houses with a splendid view of the river. I love to cycle back and forth to Neuville. It’s a nice little ride, and I feel privileged to have this right at my doorstep. Since the founding of the Montreal-Quebec Cycling Classic in 1931, the Chemin du Roy has been important to Canada’s cycling history. For decades, this epic one-day race was one of the top-ranked cycling events in the country. I brought it back to life from 2002 to 2011, and in the meantime, I started a gran fondo on the same roads in 2009, this time beginning in Trois-Rivières and heading to Quebec City. The Granfondo Garneau-Québecor is now one of Canada’s biggest rides, and we’ve been able to help the Lonely Elderly at the Little Brothers Foundation with approximately $500,000 in donations to date.
I may be partial to the Niagara region with its vineyards and the Niagara Escarpment, where you actually get to climb in this province. One great little ride begins in the quaint town of Niagara on the Lake, which sits at the opening of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Grab a coffee at the local java stop, Balzacs, and head south along the Niagara Parkway toward Queenston Heights. What makes this road special is the lack of stop signs and intersections, as well as a bike-path option if you choose. Climbing up from Queenston Heights is a 700-metre effort at 7-8%, a nice test for your legs one half-hour in. Heading east, the route takes you along the north neighbourhoods of Niagara Falls and across the Queen Elizabeth Way and toward St. Catharines. Crossing the Welland Canal, a second bikepath winds up toward Thorold, where you can spy the Great Lakes ships making their way through the locks of the Canal. Continue east for a great ride out toward the wine country of Pelham. Dropping into the St. Johns Hollow, the roads become narrow and tree-lined and make for some memorable riding, once again through farmland and fruitland. Make your way toward the feared 13% Effingham Climb that has frightened Ontario Cycling Association racers for years – the road tops out at the highest point in the region with great views of Toronto. Descending down Tice Road and heading toward the wonderful village of Jordan, you will again be treated to quiet farm roads with great pavement. Here you can choose to stop for lunch and enjoy the surroundings or to continue north toward the frontage road of the highway, making your way into yet another great spot, Port Dalhousie. The last segment of the ride brings you through the north neighbourhoods of St. Catharines, back over the Welland Canal and along Lakeshore Road toward Niagara on the Lake. Once past the Canal, the farms reappear and vineyards abound, letting you know you’re almost done. The Niagara region is a very special place to ride your bicycle. Great roads, views, places to stop and see, and the lack of traffic all combine to make it my favourite.
LOUIS GARNEAU SPORTS
The historic 280km Chemin du Roy offers fabulous riding between Montreal and Quebec City and is part of Quebec’s Route Verte.
46 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
The Niagara region features great roads, spectacular views, vineyards and a lack of traffic that make for memorable riding.
PETER KRAIKER
ONTARIO
www.pedalmag.com
MANITOBA
SASKATCHEWAN
FAST OLD GUYS LOOP BY LEAH KIRCHMANN
REGINA-TO-LUMSDEN
My favourite training ride when visiting my home in Winnipeg, Ont. is the FOG (Fast Old Guys) ride loop, which offers the best variety of roads for cycling just outside of the city. It’s possible to park and begin the loop at Eastview Community Church (3500 De Vries Avenue), but, in reality, you can start from anywhere in the city. Head north on Hwy. 9 before turning right onto River Road. From here, you’ll enjoy great views of the Red River all the way to the town of Lockport. In Lockport, turn right onto Main Street, where you will pass by Lower Fort Gary, designated a National Historic Site, before turning right to get back onto River Road. The route follows the river north through the city of Selkirk. When you see a big bridge in the distance over the Red River, this marks the point to take the next exit, as you have arrived at the Bridge to Nowhere. Most people are not sure why this bridge exists, hence the name. However, it does help to create a lovely cycling loop and can serve as a good place for “hill” repeats as well. From here, the route winds through rural roads until you reach Birds Hill Provincial Park. There is a nice 11-kilometre loop around the park with a dedicated bike lane, an excellent place to do a few laps and extend the total length of your ride if you wish. The lake in the center of the park is a popular destination during the summer months and is a nice place to take a break. From Birds Hill Provincial Park, the ride heads back on Hwy. 59 toward your starting point in Winnipeg.
The Regina-to-Lumsden and return route is an iconic ride in the history of Saskatchewan cycling, and a favourite of local cyclists for more than 40 years. Outsiders think of Regina and the Prairies as being nothing but flat with wheat fields as far as the eye can see. While that’s largely true, the province has some scenic river valleys that interrupt the horizon, carved out of the ground when the glaciers melted. The Qu’Appelle River Valley is approximately 35 kilometres from Regina via a four-lane highway named #11. This highway crosses the Valley with slopes of 5-7% grade that rise 250 feet. The Regina-to-Lumsden ride includes a figure-eight loop with two climbs. This route includes its most famous hill – “old Lumsden Hill,” or just “the Old Hill.” This hill is aptly named because it’s a section of the old #11 Highway, now closed to automotive traffic. An adjacent excavation firm keeps the top of the road closed by dumping a load of sand across the road every few years. However, we just bunny-hop the dirt pile to keep this loop in use on Tuesday night races. In its heyday, the Old Hill was often incorporated into Tuesday-night club races, as well as for many road races and provincial Championships. The Old Hill even received a makeover when used for the 2005 Canada Summer Games. The Games helped pave the way for improvements that will extend the life of this deserted road for many years. Recently, the popularity of my favourite route has waned, as the shoulders deteriorate due to congestion from construction activity on the new Regina Bypass. But once that work is complete and with some new shoulders added, I’m hoping for a return to this route’s glory days!
www.pedalmag.com
The iconic Regina-to-Lumsden and return route is a local favourite and an iconic ride in the history of Saskatchewan cycling.
BILL KINASH
GREGORY C. MCNEILL
The FOG (Fast Old Guys) loop offers the best variety of roads for cycling just outside of Winnipeg.
BY BILL KINASH
ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 47
ALBERTA
BRITISH COLUMBIA
JASPER NATIONAL PARK BY ALEX STEIDA
PAVILION LAKE RIDE BY SARA BERGEN
I’ve lived in Alberta for more than 20 years and discovered some pretty cool rides, yet being in the mountains and cycling in the Rockies around Jasper never gets old. Approximately a three-hour drive from my home in Edmonton, this journey always imparts a sense of anticipation as the peaks come into view when driving over Obed Summit through Hinton and into Jasper National Park. Jasper itself is perfectly situated at the confluence of six paved roads with many options, including Banff to the south, Miette Hot Springs to the east or Pyramid Lake to the north. Depending on how you feel and the conditions, the various routes can be combined to make an interesting mix of terrain and challenges. I like to climb difficult mountain roads, but not because I love climbing, as I’m a lousy climber and uphills have never treated me well. I simply love descending fast, and Mount Edith Cavell, southwest of Jasper, features a fabulous twisty route that requires technical descending skills – so I’m all in. I start with a meeting point at Café Mondo in Jasper for an espresso shot and the usual pre-ride chicanery. Then it’s a short 13-kilometre ride south on Hwy. 93, turning onto Hwy. 93A. Go past the turn for Marmot Basin and reach the base of the Edith Cavell turnoff. The Marmot climb is also a good one, and the descent is a challenge to complete without touching your brakes. The 15-kilometre Edith Cavell Road is narrow and as such does not have a painted center line, hence you won’t see full-sized tour buses or motorhomes because both are not allowed. Take care, as tourists in rentals may use more road than needed. A couple of years ago, Parks Canada re-paved the entire road, making a playground for go-fast descenders such as myself. The first few kilometres are switchbacks in heavily treed woods, carved into the mountain. The silence can feel eerie, as I can only hear my laboured breathing while I keep an eye out for signs of bear. It’s a good idea to carry a can of bear spray, especially if you’re riding on your own. After approximately five kilometres, the road turns to false flat and the trees start to thin out as mountain peaks begin to appear. I truly feel one with the land, sensing the road roll under my tires, breathing air scented by pines. A couple more switchbacks, some more false flat and I arrive at the trailhead parking lot. A glacier is perched right above me as I pause to pull on my wind vest, gloves and take a well-deserved drink before the descent brings an even bigger smile to my face. I’m back in Jasper after 60 kilometres, and head straight to the Jasper Brewing Company for a refreshing “Jasper the Bear Ale.”
The Pavilion Lake ride is one of my all-time favourite rides in B.C. and a huge highlight of my pre-season training. This ride delivers ruggedly beautiful vistas that are unique to the Fraser Canyon in British Columbia. The Pavilion Lake ride starts in the town of Lillooet (two hours north of Whistler along the BC-99N). Lillooet embraces its frontier-town routes and goes by the unforgettable slogan of “Guaranteed Rugged.” Due to the harsh nature of the ride, be sure to bring a warm outer layer for the fast but cold descent. Run a heavy-tread training tire, as there is a rough gravel section around Kilometre 20. Also, bring several spare tubes because . . . gravel, and don’t forget the all-important snacks, many of them because of the remote nature of the ride. From the start of the route, you are greeted by vistas of vast mountain ranges to the east and west. From the main street in Lillooet, ride south and take a left on Seton Lake Road and another left on the Duffey Lake Road to cross the Fraser River. One more left on Hwy. 99 and that’s it. The ride is a simple out and back. Once on Hwy. 99, you climb gradually for the first 15 kilometres. After that, a quick downhill and you are onto the rough gravel section that lasts approximately 800 metres. From there, you climb gradually into a beautiful open valley before the road sweeps right to the start of the climb. The climb is approximately eight kilometres long with an approximate 8% grade. After the climb, you find yourself in another picturesque valley. From there, the road rolls for another 10 kilometres before reaching Pavilion Lake. At the lake, flip it and enjoy the fast descent back into town, but make sure to be careful of fallen rocks and other road debris.
Pavilion Lake Ride delivers ruggedly beautiful vistas that are unique to the Fraser Canyon in British Columbia.
ALEX STEIDA
NICHOLAS KUPIAK
Cycling in the Rockies around Jasper never gets old.
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HAINES JUNCTION TO HAINES BY ZACH BELL
I first learned to ride a bike on the roads of Yellowknife. While I honed my racing skills on other terrain, the riding back home is an awesome reminder of the superb routes in your own backyard. With a busy race schedule, I never seem to be able to make it back home in the summer as much as I’d like, but if you have the chance to get out for a road ride in the Northwest Territories, I would recommend heading out along the Ingraham Trail for an out-and-back ride. Starting from downtown Yellowknife (not too far from Frame Lake), take 48th Street NW out of town. Shortly, you’ll come to Yellowknife Hwy./Hwy. 3, where you hang a left. In just a little more than a kilometre, you’ll turn right onto Ingraham Trail itself. It weaves its way through the numerous beautiful lakes spotting the iconic Canadian Shield landscape. If you are feeling ambitious, you can ride all the way to Tibbett Lake (72 kilometres from Yellowknife), where the road ends. If you’re heading that far, be prepared for gravel (but that’s in these days, right?). If you want to stick to pavement, but are up for a little off-the-bike adventure, make your turn-around point Cameron Falls, 46 kilometres from Yellowknife. There is a 1.6-kilometre path was built to the waterfalls viewpoint. Then trace your route back to Yellowknife. If you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Bullocks’ for its infamous fish and chips. When you come back into town on 48th, turn left on Franklin Avenue and stay straight out towards Old Town onto McDonald Avenue and continue onto Wiley Road. You’ve earned your Arctic char fish and chips!
Taking place on the smoothest pavement in the Yukon, riding from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska covers 240 kilometres of some of the most scenic and breathtaking roads in North America. The route climbs out of the town of Haines Junction (609 metres) and takes you along the edge of the Kluane National Park, home to Canada’s highest peak (Mount Logan at 5,959 metres) and largest icefields. It winds its way up into the alpine vistas of Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park in British Columbia, then descends from the summit of Haines Pass (1,067 metres) along the Chilkat River, home to the highest density of bald eagles in the world and into the picturesque village of Haines, Alaska at the ocean. The area is regularly frequented by wildlife, and when the sun is out and the roads are quiet, it’s like riding through your own personal national park. The route treats riders to some of the most spectacular and expansive views of mountains, alpine glaciers, lakes and rivers and takes you from northern boreal forests to arctic alpine, down into coastal rainforests. The annual Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay (KCIBR), celebrating its 25th year in 2017, uses this route to stage one of the most unique bike events in the world. If you do this ride during the KCIBR, you can enjoy the route as part of a relay team with more than 1,200 cyclists of differing expertise levels. The event allows you to ride as part of a two-, four- or eight-person team or cycle the entire thing solo. It is a traveling festival through one of the most breathtaking and remote roads in the world, with a flare of Yukon intrigue.
The Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife is your ticket to awesome landscape and infamous fish and chips on your return.
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INGRAHAM TRAIL BY DENISE RAMSDEN
The Haines Junction to Haines 240km route features some of the most scenic and breathtaking roads in North America. Annual 2017 PEDAL 49
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Quebec’s Three Proposals for Covered Velodromes Is an Indoor Oval Coming to La Belle Province Soon? BY JOHN SYMON
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ALPHONSE DESJARDINS SPORTING COMPLEX
servatively estimated at 10,000 the annual number of velodrome users in Bromont.” In 2015, his group submitted a $4.8-million proposal to a provincial funding agency, but Legault says that the numbers could be altered now. In a “bestcase scenario,” the Bromont indoor velodrome could be operational by 2018. The Trois-Rivières project is being led by Michel Jean, who estimates the cost could be kept to less than $12 million for a 250-metre oval. This location is midway between Quebec’s two largest cities, Montreal and Quebec City. The Trois-Rivières proposal also has the support of businessman and 1984 Olympian Louis Garneau, as well as 2016 Olympian Hugo Houle (AG2R La Mondiale). The existing Alphonse Desjardins Sporting Complex (CSAD) is the chosen location for the Trois-Rivières velodrome proposal. Because there is already a sporting complex here, this would save on the need for a separate administrative building. The middle of the oval would presumably be used for deck hockey, which is very popular in the surrounding Mauricie region and allows costs to be shared between the two sports. Jean emphasizes the importance of the CSAD’s association, with a nearby school offering a sport étude (sport studies) program with a focus on cycling. “I am the father of Emile Jean [Silber Pro]. In the last few years, I have met many Pro riders who ended their studies to concentrate on cycling. I always found [it] sad to see young riders without a Plan B [for their careers], so here we are trying to do more than create a velodrome. We are also trying to create an educational framework,” Jean explained. Toward this goal, Jean is working with physical-education researchers at the local university, Université du QuéMontreal’s 1976 bec à Trois-Rivières. Olympic velodrome Pedal also contacted Fernand Roseboom, one of the proponents of the Montreal proposal and also owner of Cycles Patrick. He argues for proximity. “I think the best place is closer to Montreal, like Laval or Longueuil, if it is not on the Island of Montreal, because most cyclists in Quebec are around Montreal.” The Montreal proposal is currently less advanced than the Bromont one, and still lacks a specific site location as well as local political support. A world-class velodrome was built in Montreal for the 1976 Summer Olympics, hosting both track cycling and judo. But sadly, the facility was closed to sporting activities in 1989, reopening as a zoo (the Biodome) in 1992. Critics suggest that if track cycling was not viable in the 1980’s, it will not be viable today either. But in the 1930’s, track racing was much more popular in North America than in Europe, according to Erik Van den Eynde, longtime cycling coach. He points to the 1940’s, when there were three velodromes in Montreal alone. “Track racing was once as popular [as a spectator sport] as hockey,” said Van den Eynde in a previous interview. Pedal will continue to monitor and report on this evolving story. FERNAND ROSEBOOM
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rack cycling advocates in Quebec are advancing three different proposals to create an indoor velodrome in the province. The three possible locations are in Bromont, Montreal and Trois-Rivières. Quebec’s only existing (outdoor) velodrome is in Bromont, but a roof is lacking there; the other two projects would need to be built from Alphonse Desjardins scratch and presumably would be more modest than Sporting Complex the $56-million velodrome in Milton, Ont. that opened in early 2015. Meanwhile, Edmonton, Alta. plans the launch its new velodrome as part of the Coronation Community Recreation Centre Development in 2020. “There are indeed three different ongoing projects at this time: Bromont, Trois-Rivières and Montreal,” commented Louis Barbeau, director of Fédération québécoise des sports cyclists, who showed equal respect for all proposals. “It is imperative for Quebec to have an indoor velodrome. Having a velodrome in Milton is great, but we can’t expect athletes from Quebec to go there Action on the every weekend. We have very talented athletes, and Bromont track we need to ensure they are able to pursue their career while still attending school in Quebec. (Milton is approximately seven hours west of Montreal.) “We are confident that the Quebec government will support one of these projects. We don’t know yet what that level of support would be and which criteria will prevail in their evaluation. But prior to that, it is crucial to obtain the support (financial, land, taxfree . . . ) of the municipality,” continued Barbeau. “There are advantages and unique characteristics for each project. Montreal is obviously the one with the largest population, Trois-Rivières is linked with a university, and Bromont is attached to a national training centre and already has the support of the municipality. “Our goal at this time is to assist each project, to help them reach a point where it will become almost a reality. There have been several projects in the past, some very serious, but none of them reached that step. Therefore, we are not in a position at this time where we can pick one project over the other. “At the end of the day, we need an indoor velodrome, and we will be very happy once one of these projects comes to fruition,” Barbeau explained. Pedal spoke to Nicolas Legault, director of the Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont, home of the Bromont velodrome, about how plans are progressing. The 250-metre oval there previously served for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta before being moved to Bromont in 2000. Legault does not yet have architectural diagrams, but does have an advanced concept plan. He points out that this project – at approximately 75,000 square feet – is more modest than the 154,000-square-foot Milton, Ont. velodrome. “We are looking at making a regional training centre that could also host national events,” he commented. “We have a board of 12 people overseeing the project and will soon hire a project manager. An independent study con-
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COMPETITION OVER $6,000 Colnago C60 Italia Frameset Colnago’s C60 frame is a perfect example of the company’s legendary attention to detail. Its unique star-shaped tubes and lugs are readily identifiable, and as a rider, you’ll know the level of performance to expect from this frame. Colnago has continued to refine the design with dropout refinements and other subtle improvements. The frames are hand-built in Italy from a wide range of standard-sized tube configurations, in addition to a custom sizing. The SRP is $6,999.
Garneau Gennix A1 Elite Course eTap The Garneau Gennix A1 Elite Course eTap aims to cheat drag through its computer-optimized frame design. Garneau says that the A1 tests 4% faster than its Gennix R1 conventional road platform. This is coupled with an aggressive racing geometry and good lateral stiffness. An 11-speed SRAM eTap adds to the slick design, thanks to its wireless shifting, while Easton EC80 Aero wheels and an Easton EC90 bar and stem combo keep things lightweight and rolling quickly. The SRP for the Gennix R1 Elite Course eTap is $9,999.
Cervélo S5 Dura-Ace Di2 9070 A Toronto,-Ont.-based brand, the new S5 is Cervélo’s most aero road bike. The latest iteration boasts increased stiffness, finer-tuned race geometry and improved ride quality. Cervélo complements its frame with its own Aero SP17 seatpost and Aero AB04 handlebar. The build is completed with an 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and HED Jet 6 Plus wheels. The SRP on the S5 Dura-Ace Di2 9070 is $8,500.
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BU YERS GU I D E 2 0 1 7
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Felt FR1 The FR1 is the flagship model of Felt’s new FR line. The bike features UHC Advanced + TeXtreme® carbon construction, coupled with a carbon-fibre BB386 shell, carbon dropouts and wireless-specific cable routing. This makes the FR1 is one of the lightest production bikes out there. Felt specs the FR1 with an 11-speed SRAM eTap, a 3T cockpit and seatpost and Mavic Kysrium Pro Carbon SL C wheels. The SRP is 10,999.
Pinarello Dogma F10 The Pinarello F10 is the latest iteration of the Dogma, which was first released in 2015. The Dogma F10 keeps its Italian flair with lines that are easy on the eyes, while also inheriting design elements from the Bolide TT bike, including its aero downtube. The F10 is stiffer than the F8, and the frame is constructed with Torayca® T1100 1K DreamCarbon, while the Onda F10 fork incorporates Pinarello’s ForkFlap design to decrease drag. The SRP of the Dogma F10 frameset is $7,500.
Specialized S-Works Tarmac eTap The Tarmac is one of Specialized’s most recognizable bikes, and the latest edition continues to put the Tarmac at the front of the pack. Constructed using S-Works FACT 11r carbon fibre, Specialized uses its Rider-First Engineering™ to ensure that every frame size maintains the responsiveness and ride feel expected from a Tarmac. The bike is equipped with an 11-speed SRAM eTap groupset and features Roval CLX 40 carbon wheels. Its SRP is $11,069.
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Banana Mountain Temple complex near Ye in southern Myanmar
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FAR EAST
Touring STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDRÉ-JEAN MAHEU
I’m not sure where the impression came from. It may have been the wall of sandbags laid out to protect the border guards against bullets, the razor wire, the machine guns or the Burmese military uniforms rendered so sinister by decades of ruthless dictatorship. I slowly came to a stop, planted my feet in the scorched red dust on either side of my bike and reached for my passport. Feeling the intense sun on the back of my neck, I tried to get a feel for the mood of the guard in front of me and thought: “This is no Disney cruise no more.” www.pedalmag.com
Friendly nu ns southern M in yanmar
Thaweech i El Camp in Th ephant ailand.
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Riding here was not nearly as bad as I had feared. Drivers do commit the most outrageous infractions, but everyone seems to understand that we all need to bend a rule here or there every once in a while if we want to get anywhere, and no one breaks out in a screaming fit or threatens to run you over because of it. I’ll take this brand of respectful chaos over road rage any day.
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order crossings always make me uneasy. In Local children at a small fishing village near Maungmagan in this case, we are ensouthern Myanmar tering Myanmar from Thailand via the seldom-used outpost of Htee Khee, and I have more on my mind than just getting across the border. The four kilometres of pleasant if eerily quiet cycling through the “no man’s land” between the two countries provide plenty of time to ponder what is coming. Hundreds of kil ometres of punishingly steep dirt road through tropical rainforest separate us from the town of Dawei. Since it is still illegal for foreigners to camp in Myanmar and there are no services along this remote stretch of road, we’ll need to find transportation to take us across the mountains, and we are already well into the afternoon. But we’ll worry about that in due time. Right now, we have a border guard to charm. Fortunately we have a secret weapon, two really. And their effectiveness is a force to be reckoned with. “SABADEEEEEEE!” calls out Alex, our four-year-old, from the seat of his little bike securely attached to the back of mine. He is clearly unfazed by the efforts made by the Burmese government to project the image that its regime means business. I turn around to explain that greetings in Burmese are not the same as in Thai, but the guard beats me to it, visibly amused by the bubbly little boy in front of him. At almost eight years old, his brother, Nicolas, close behind on his own bike, keeps a bit more to himself initially, but as the shower of candies and various other treats comes down on them, he warms up rapidly. Completing our caravan is my wife, Robyn, adding some much-needed beauty, feminine grace and sense of responsibility to our grubby band of boys. Before we know it, we are eating sweet bean-paste sandwiches with sticky-rice treats and drinking ice-cold water. Various military personnel line up to get their picture taken with our boys right next to the sign that specifically forbids taking any photographs. The atmosphere feels more like a country fair than a border crossing. Welcome to Myanmar. The boys have worked their magic once again. Our trip began in Bangkok two weeks before. The first time Robyn and I were in the Thai capital was 10 years ago after spending a few months in India. Back then, the bustling metropolis felt like an oasis of tranquillity in comparison with turbulent Mumbai. This time around, however, coming in fresh from Vancouver with bicycles and two young boys in tow, the transition is
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a bit rougher. The idea of guiding the kids on bikes through Bangkok traffic is especially daunting. At the beginning of each new adventure, it always takes me a few pedal strokes before the wobble of a loaded bike becomes familiar again, let alone with a kid attached to it. Add to this riding on the left side of the road in a city where traffic rules are always taken with a grain of salt or, in this case, a dash of fish sauce, and we were in for some serious white-knuckled family fun. As we pushed off, I tried hard to look cool and project the image of the experienced traveller who has ridden in way worse conditions. Alex, who clearly picked up on a hint of tension in my voice, took it upon himself to fully convey the dramatic intensity of the moment by singing the “Imperial March” from Star Wars at the top of his lungs. It was the morning of Chinese New Year, so traffic was relatively light. We were guided by two cyclists, friends of our Warmshowers host, who helped us get to the railway station, where we hopped on a train out of the sprawling metropolis to the more manageable city of Ayutthaya to the north. I was beaming with fatherly pride watching Nicolas expertly manoeuvring through the chaos of cars, trucks, tuk-tuks, mopeds and occasional chickens in perfectly executed sequences of hand signals, shoulder checks, bursts of acceleration and taps on the brakes. Alex, trailing behind me, just kept singing various Star Wars themes and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the ride. What Bangkok traffic lacks in organization, it makes up for with civility and respect. Thai drivers lack the sense of entitlement that plagues us at home. Riding here was not nearly as bad as I had feared. Drivers do commit the most outrageous infractions, but everyone seems to understand that we all need to bend a rule here or there every once in a while if we want to get anywhere, and no one breaks out in a screaming fit or threatens to run you over because of it. I’ll take this brand of respectful chaos over road rage any day. The ride felt quite safe, especially since we didn’t have to find our way, thanks to our guides. Before we knew it, we were sitting on a train with our bikes by our side heading to the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Ayutthaya proved to be a great place to get used to cycling under the intense heat. The roads are quiet and flat, making the bicycle the ideal way to visit the many fascinating ruins. The road out of Ayutthaya, however, was nothing www.pedalmag.com
Exploring the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya, Thailand
Fishing harbour in Cha-Am, Gulf of Thailand
like the brochure. It was a long stretch of dusty, busy, shadeless highway running through utterly charmless industrial rice farms, albeit with some cool new birds to look at. Much of it was under construction too. We made more than a few rookie mistakes during our first few days. A little concerned about finding food along a highway that seemed to have little to offer, we stocked up on overpriced junk food at a gas station, only to find out that there was a nice little restaurant immediately behind it. We soon realized that in Thailand, there is pretty much always somewhere to eat close by. It also took us some time to figure out our map. We discovered that the colour code and road numbers were not a completely reliable way to predict how big or busy a road was going to be. It was also oddly tricky to figure out where the towns actually were. At the end of our first real day on the road, when we realized that what we thought would be a town ended up being nothing more than an intersection with a freeway, we felt slightly deflated, which was incidentally where Robyn had her first flat tire. We spotted a small roadside restaurant and walked to it. This is where we met Jae-Pei and our day suddenly turned around. Moments later, we were sitting on her surprisingly (given the location) pleasant patio, cold beer in hand. The kids were having a blast chasing each other around with a handful of local children in a game that no one seemed to fully understand. They would sporadically interrupt their running to go play with sticks on a rickety bamboo footbridge over an alarmingly deep canal and resume running after they caught their breath. No one would guess that they had just spent the entire day www.pedalmag.com
Cycling the backroads near Ye, southern Myanmar
Demon Guards, Grand Palace, Bangkok
Ancient Buddha figure, Ayutthaya, Central Thailand
cycling under a merciless sun. Jae-Pei gave us permission to camp and fed us a feast. Just like that, the entire day was worth it. Even the flat tire, as we may not have stopped here had we not been forced to. Bicycle-touring involves a certain amount of vulnerability, but with that also comes endless opportunities to experience the kindness of strangers. No need to look up Jae-Pei’s restaurant in a guidebook. It isn’t there. A special place such as this, you have to stumble upon when you need it most, and the backroads of the world are full of them. It was an emotional morning when we had to say goodbye. The boys were especially saddened to leave their new Thai friends. As we biked farther away from Bangkok, the roads became quieter and prettier. Day after day, treats of all kinds were pushed on our kids. Unfortunately, my boys’ penchant for adventure doesn’t generally extend to mealtime. While it is true that there is always somewhere to eat in Thailand, it doesn’t mean that my kids will want what’s on offer. They quickly figured out that they could skip the spicy steaming bowl of mystery-meat soup at lunch, and count on more than enough tasty roadside treats thrown at them in the afternoon to cover their caloric needs. We can worry about a balanced diet once we get back home. For now, we’ll test how far kids can pedal on a belly full of ice cream, peanuts, pop and chips. We stopped counting the number of times people pulled us aside to have their picture taken with us. And always the warm and sincere smiles, the thumbs up, the words of encouragement and this eagerness to help. In Kanchanaburi, we packed ourselves into a minibus filled with other ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 95
Buddhist monastery in the jungle near Ye, southern Myanmar
Traffic stop amidst respectful chaos in Thailand
Exploring a roadside temple in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand.
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“farangs” and had a blast on the tourist circuit. We rode elephants, swam in idyllic waterfalls, hiked in the jungle and rode on the “Death Railway.” While we thoroughly enjoyed our time away from our bicycles, we couldn’t help but notice how different our interactions with Thai people were. In fact, there was little interaction that wasn’t a transaction. Without our bikes, we were just another family on vacation. It’s not that I think we deserve special treatment more than anyone else, but the world is a different place when you travel by bike. There were far fewer smiles, no thumbs up, no treats. So after a short rest, we were happy to get back on our steeds and make our way to the Burmese border. Once in Myanmar, we had little trouble securing a ride to Dawei for a reasonable price. But if the price was reasonable, the same could not be said for our driver, who never missed an opportunity to demonstrate his general disregard for the life of whomever happened to be on the road. After approximately five minutes of erratic driving, Alex vomited for the first time of many. We stopped several times to “improve” the tangled mess of ropes that was meant to hold the bikes to the roof rack. I pride myself in my knowledge of knots, but the driver obstinately refused my help, so I continued to cringe as the bikes rattled loudly while we bounced along the rough track. In the end, only the sidewall of my front tire was badly damaged in the ride, Alex was in rough shape, but we all made it safe and sound against all odds. Fortunately, we would discover in the next weeks that our driver’s recklessness was not representative of Burmese driving in general. We arrived in Dawei at sunset and immediately experienced one of the challenges for foreign travellers in Myanmar. Since there are few hotels licensed to host foreigners in the country, rooms are scarce and prices are high. It took us several attempts and some stressful riding on unlit streets before we finally found a dramatically overpriced room well after dark. In the morning, a helpful hotel-staff member helped me find a new tire and we made a beeline for the Andaman Sea. Riding in Myanmar is the closest I’ll ever get to what it must feel like to be in the leading peloton on the Tour de France. As I’m riding up the hill with my lungs and legs burning, motorbikes follow and spin laps around me with passengers snapping pictures. On the side of the road, people bounce up and down and shout with excitement as they see us approaching. Of course, being loaded like a mule under intense tropical heat and towing a child who seems to grow heavier every day, probably because of the endless supply of treats, all of this is happening at six km/h. This is where the Tour analogy somewhat falls apart. Looking around, I wonder how it is that people who have so little and live in a dirt-poor fishing village that is not even on my map in a country that has been under an oppressive military government for decades smile and laugh more while they are working than I do at home when I go for a ride just for fun www.pedalmag.com
on a bike that costs more than what an average Burmese earns in a year? I don’t know the answer, but if I could wish to learn one thing from my short time in Myanmar, it would be this ability to be happy with less and to keep joy so close to the surface. Southeast Myanmar was only recently opened to foreigners and so we were blessed with beautiful beaches where local fishermen still far outnumber sunbathers. We spent weeks playing in the warm waves, exploring sleepy fishing villages, drinking from coconuts and eating delicious food. Since our average daily distance as a family was modest and camping poses a problem, we opted to put the bikes on buses several times to skip hundreds of kilometres of rubber and palm plantations and focus on riding in more picturesque areas. We cycled to monasteries where nuns play with resident monkeys. We explored caves and stunning temples set in lush tropical rainforest. On a small island where footpaths meander through bamboo houses, we were invited to a little girl’s birthday party and were served bowl after bowl of ice cream as people stared at us, smiling. We roamed for hours in exotic markets, taking in and sometimes running away in a sensory overload from the sights, sounds and smells. We returned to Thailand toward the end of our trip reluctantly, using the much busier crossing of Mae Sot, where we were herded across the border much like cattle with masses of other people. We were reminded once again of the great freedom of cycling and its unlimited potential to easily get off the beaten track. On our return to Canada, a friend told me, “It’s too bad, your kids are so young. . . . They probably won’t remember much.” If unhelpful, I can understand where this common comment is coming from. Travelling as a family is extravagantly expensive and it is normal to want to hold on to some memories. But forgotten as it may become, it doesn’t mean that the trip was a waste. Most of us have forgotten much of our childhood. What is left is a couple handfuls of memories that are likely largely inaccurate. I tend to remember sensations much more vividly than the actual details of events. No matter how much we forgot, our childhood paved the path for who we are as adults. Each experience becomes a building block forming the foundation of how we see life and how we relate to others as grownups. After several thousands of kilometres biked on five continents, I forgot many of the places I have been to or people I have met along the way. What I remember from these experiences, however, is that the world is overwhelmingly filled with good people despite what the six o’clock news has to say. I remember how it feels to be helped by a stranger, and I want my kids to experience it for themselves too. If I am to raise children who will bring positive changes to the world, they first need to learn that our world is, indeed, astonishingly beautiful, filled with kindness and worth caring deeply about. And I know of no better place for anyone to discover this than on the seat of a bicycle. www.pedalmag.com
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he introduction of ANT+ and Bluetooth LE open-source communication platforms has opened the door for the next step in the evolution of electronic-cycling technology. Allowing wireless sensors and monitors to talk to
each other, ANT+ and Bluetooth LE technology has pushed the envelope in the quest for speed and efficiency while optimizing ride experience, data capture and interface capacities. Today, various cycling tech “talk” to each other, which has created a unique electronic ecosystem that includes smart trainers, head units, power meters and online training platforms. Here’s a look at some of the hottest electronic gear in the marketplace today.
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Smart Trainers
The definition of a “smart” trainer varies, but in general terms, a smart trainer is an indoor trainer that provides two-way communications via ANT+, Bluetooth or both, with built-in electronics to control resistance while measuring power output and speed. These realistic resistance units are also capable of erg mode, which allows training applications to control the load on the trainer at a target power, regardless of the rider’s cadence.
CycleOps Hammer The Hammer by CycleOps was designed to create the ultimate riding experience. This direct-drive-style bike trainer eliminates the tire-to-roller contact, and is capable of replicating any outdoor ride, from conversational group rides to rolling hills to face-pain-inducing 20% grades. All of this is done with a smooth, road-like feel, thanks to a massive 20lb. precision-balanced flywheel that replicates real-world inertia, which is claimed to the best in the marketplace. Paired with the rapid-response electromagnetic-resistance system, this trainer can cover large resistance changes in a blink of an eye at a whisper-quiet 64 decibels, and is tuned using PowerTap technology for accurate power readings. The Hammer seamlessly connects to CycleOps VirtualTraining or other third-party training platforms with dual ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
Elite Drivo This direct-drive trainer is quiet, accurate and able to handle 2,000 watts. The Elite Drivo is Bluetooth- ANT+- compatible, allowing you to automatically sync up with third parties. The integrated power meter is accurate to within 1% to measure every pedal stroke and relay speed, cadence and power data to your bike computer or phone. The 6kg flywheel results in a very smooth outdoor-like pedaling feel, and the direct-drive set-up is whisper-quiet. It is compatible with 130mm QR, 135mm QR and 142x12mm axle standards, and the wide, stable base can be folded for easy transport and storage. It uses a 120-240-volt power outlet for optimal compatibility when travelling. Adjustable feet offer three heights to match your bike’s wheel size. It is compatible with SRAM and Shimano cassettes, with a Campagnolo freehub adapter sold separately.
Kinetic Road Machine Smart Accurate, affordable and easy to use, the Road Machine Smart combines intuitive app-based power training with Kinetic’s benchmark fluid trainer frame. The pre-installed inRide sensor technology allows riders to connect with a world of training possibilities with third-party apps on any Bluetooth-connected smartphones, tablets and laptops. Real-road feel is delivered by its precision-calibrated fluid-resistance unit, with access to online training tools, content and power data all at your fingertips. Every smart trainer purchase includes a free one-month subscription for the Kinetic Fit power-training app.
Tacx NEO Smart The NEO Smart from Tacx is one of the most powerful and silent indoor trainers to date. It is a direct-drive trainer and does not contain any type of physical transmission such as a roller or belt to optimize power efficiency from pedal to motor. The NEO Smart can simulate different types of road surfaces – you can experience the feeling of riding on cobblestones, gravel and off-road, all while you are indoors. You feel the vibrations of the road surface in your legs, exactly the way it would feel outdoors. This entirely new feature is unique to the NEO Smart and can be used with some Tacx Films, virtual worlds and Zwift. The NEO Smart boasts a 2,200-watt maximum, accurate to within 1%.
Wahoo KICKR The Wahoo KICKR indoor-trainer’s large flywheel uses new algorithms to improve responsiveness and better replicate the sensation of riding on the road. So whether free-riding or using online platforms such as Zwift and TrainerRoad, you will have the same experience you feel on your favourite outdoor rides. The redesigned gearing and belt system decreases noise caused by friction and vibration, and it purrs along at just 61 decibels. Robust steel construction ensures both that the trainer stays in place while you crank out the watts and that it can withstand years of abuse. With more than 2,000 watts of resistance and impressive durability, the KICKR aims to help you get the most out of your indoor training.
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Head Units
Like the dashboard of your automobile, the head unit of your cycling electronics is the command control centre for your biometric and physical measurements. GPS, ANT+- and/or Bluetooth-LE-enabled, the head unit displays your information in real time and relays your results to various platforms, both during and after activity.
Garmin Edge 820 The Edge 820, Garmin’s compact touchscreen GPS cycling computer, offers advanced performance monitoring, bike-specific turn-by-turn navigation, LiveTrack and the new GroupTrack feature. Lightweight and compact, it has a 2.3” high-resolution capacitive touch display that works with gloves and when wet, as well as advanced performance monitoring that includes VO2 max, recovery advisor, Strava Live Segments, FTP, performance condition and advanced cycling dynamics. Custom data fields and apps are available for download via Garmin’s Connect IQ™ store, and you can stay connected to the rest of the world with smart notifications, live tracking, social-media sharing and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, Garmin’s free online fitness community.
Lezyne Super GPS At its core, Lezyne’s Super GPS offers ultra-reliable ride tracking by combining three forms of measurements: GPS/Glonass, which tracks the rider; a barometer, which measures atmospheric pressure and balances out elevation; and an accelerometer (detects movement), which cancels out GPS “drift” and saves battery life. Advanced data and training information can be collected when paired to a power meter, heart-rate monitor or a speed/cadence sensor through the device’s ANT+™ and/ or Bluetooth smart connections. When paired to a smartphone, the Super GPS can display incoming text messages, emails and phone calls, as well as turn-by-turn navigation and Strava Live Segments when paired with the free Lezyne Ally app. The display can be personalized with up to five customizable pages, and the battery has a whopping run-time of 22 hours.
Polar M460 Polar’s new M460 is easier to use due to the improved button design, and the GPS/barometer-based inclinometer eliminates the need for a speed sensor to read percent grade. With extended connectivity, you will always be in touch with smart notifications, plus the M460 is fully compatible with all of the new power meters available on the market. The Strava Live Segment feature makes the ride more fun and social, and the Advanced Cycling Power Metrics make training more efficient with its popular cycling-power concept, as your training load and recovery time are available on the Polar Flow web service. The M460 is available with or without the H10 HR sensor. $249.99/$299.99 (with HR).
Wahoo ELEMNT A 100% wireless GPS bike computer, the ELEMNT takes the complexity out of using and operating a bike computer while providing all the functionality you need out of any comparable GPS head unit. The free ELEMNT companion app uses the intuitive interface of your smartphone to customize your settings, configure workout pages and link ELEMNT to your favourite cycling apps and wireless sensors. With just a glance and its programmable QuickLook LED indicators, the ELEMNT provides a new way to monitor performance and stay connected. With the ability to locate friends out riding in real time and receive emails, texts and phone alerts, ELEMNT makes it easy to stay in touch when you’re out of reach. Get turn-by-turn prompts with the Wahoo “Take Me Anywhere” feature on the Wahoo Companion app, as routes automatically download to the ELEMNT with just a click, and full integration with Strava Live Segments give you accurate progress status on KOMs. 100 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
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Power Meters
Power meters have been available to the cycling masses for many years, and never before has there been as many options for the consumer as there are today. Whether power is measured at the hub, the cranks or the pedals, output measured in watts is key to this new cycling electronic ecosystem.
4iiii Precision Pro The Precision Pro dual-side power meters deliver all the benefits of 4iiii’s left-side model, including accuracy, lightweight design, ANT+ and Bluetooth compatibility, 3D power-meter technology plus a specific breakdown of left and right wattage. The “Ride Ready” version comes pre-installed on a new Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000 series crankset or you can send in your own cranks to have the 4iiii Precision Pro factory-installed.
Pioneer SGY-PM91 Series Pioneer’s latest SGY-PM91 Series dual-leg crankarm power meter mounted to Shimano road cranksets provides 12-point analysis using dual strain gauges (one on each left/right crankarm). Pioneer differentiates from other power-meter manufacturers by measuring independent power data from both legs, and transmits this information 12 times within each pedal rotation. In addition to measuring visible raw power at 12 points in each stroke, other new insightful parameters include where power is being applied in each pedal rotation, the torque location and force angles of each pedal stroke, as well as the location and level-of-power deficiency within the pedal stroke. With this data, analyze the unique characteristics of your pedaling and quantify your performance as a “Pedaling Efficiency” value.
Quarq DZero The Quarq DZero combines 10 years of technology advances with such new features as dual Bluetooth low energy and ANT+ wireless data transfer, the new Qalvin BLE app and compatibility with BB386EVO bottom brackets. Exogram carbon-fibre crankarms are stiff and lightweight, and the AxCad feature means no cadence magnet is required. The battery is a replaceable CR2032 that provides 200-hour battery life and can be changed without tools.
Shimano Dura-Ace The new Shimano FC-R9100-P Dura-Ace power meter guarantees reliability as it boasts a completely sealed, crank-integrated design that is waterproof in all conditions, with the built-in battery recharged by a small magnetic adapter, so there’s no cover to open. The direct instant-response system ensures accurate data collection for stable power measurement at various stepping positions. It also features a simple reset via a switch on the transmitter. Compatible with third-party displays via Bluetooth and ANT+ technology, the FC-R9100-P is made with Hollowtech II construction, works with the Hollowglide chain and is 11-speed compatible.
Stages Power The only carbon-based, direct-force measurement power solution on the market today, the Stages Power carbon meter does not compromise the functionality or the simplicity of the Stages Power meter. Measuring torque, controlling for temperature variables and considering compatibility across bottom-bracket options are just a few of the challenges faced when designing for carbon, and the Stages solution is a meter engineered to work with a wide range of cranksets, across multiple bikes and cycling disciplines. This new generation of Stages’ housing design gives the meter a 28% lower profile, with a 17% reduction in frontal area, while increasing the strength of the battery-door interface by 200%. It is compatible with SRAM GXP and BB30, FSA 386EVO and RaceFace Next SL.
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Training Platforms
Improving and monitoring fitness over time has always been at the core of many competitive and recreational cyclists, and now, more than ever,
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Strava is the social network for athletes made up of a global community of millions of runners, cyclists and triathletes united by the camaraderie of sport. The website and mobile apps bring athletes together from all walks of life. Strava turns every iPhone and Android into a sophisticated running and cycling computer and works with GPS watches and head units. Start Strava before an activity and you can track your favourite performance stats and, afterwards, dive deep into your data. Activities are recorded and populated into your Strava feed, where your friends and followers can share their own races and workouts, give kudos to great performances and leave comments on each other’s activities. The Beacon feature shares your location in real time with your friends, partner, parent or coach – anyone who would have your back in an emergency. Segments are created by the millions of Strava athletes, marking popular stretches of road or trail and producing a leaderboard of times set by every Strava athlete who has been there before. Compete against your friends, your weight class or all Strava users.
Zwift
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Built on a long-standing passion for the sport of cycling, Zwift’s software and videogame engineers used their passion and understanding for cycling to create the first multiplayer gaming technology to bring the outdoor-cycling experience indoors. Athletes from around the globe can ride with each other in rich 3D-generated worlds simply by connecting their existing devices (e.g. trainers, power meters and heart-rate monitors) wirelessly via open industry-standard ANT+ or BLE. From structured workouts and training plans to friendly competition and casual group rides, Zwift is building a community of like-minded athletes united in the pursuit of a better indoor-cycling experience.
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there are multiple technological ways to do so. Whether it is through an online social interaction or as a way to overcome the mind-numbing boredom of indoor training, there are many training platforms from which to choose. Here are some top picks.
TrainerRoad TrainerRoad’s cross-platform online application provides guided interval training that helps all riders become faster cyclists. The structured interval workouts are guided with instructional and motivational text delivered via onscreen coaching instruction. Watch your performance live, with power, cadence and heart-rate data displayed as you do your workout. TrainerRoad is a platform for all users, with three power-based training options: Speed Sensor + Trainer, Power Meter + Trainer, and Smart Trainer. The personalized workouts help you prepare for your next event regardless of your cycling discipline, with more than 1,000 workouts automatically scaled to your personal-fitness level once you complete a Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test. The Workout Creator allows users to create a personal workout from scratch or to customize an existing TrainerRoad workout. Bring your own entertainment or train on cycling’s most popular video workouts using Windows or Mac software.
The Sufferfest.com The Sufferfest app provides the software and the “enterPAINment” to keep you focused, working hard and seeing gains indoors. Featuring more than 35 videos, smart-trainer control, virtual power, a workout archive, sharing to Strava and TrainingPeaks, it’s an app with structured high-intensity interval workouts with a specific purpose. Whether you want to improve climbing, sprinting, speed or power in your sport, there is a session suitable for every athletic level. Officially licensed footage of the Tour de France, Giro, World Championships and more put you right in the heart of the world’s greatest races. Whether climbing the mountains of the Tour de France, racing across the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix or sprinting for victory in the Road World Championships, the Sufferfest app makes you feel like you’re part of the action.
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PREVIEW
MTB
Season Preview
Canadian 2017 Scene Rocks
C
anada’s mountain-bike competition calendar is packed with some awesome events this year, some new and others tried and true. From short and intense to multi-day epics, the country continues to live up to its reputation as a mountain-biking destination for all ages and skill levels. The pillar of the Canadian racing scene that has aided in the development of Olympic medalists, World Cup winners and World Championship medalists such as Marie-Hélène Prémont, Catharine Pendrel, Geoff Kabush, Emily Batty, Lauren Rosser, Finn Iles, the late Steve Smith and many more is the Canada Cup Series. For the second straight year, the Canada Cup launches with the Bear Mountain XCO at Bear Mountain Resort near Victoria, B.C. on March 4. The resort’s owner, ECOASIS, is a major sponsor of the Canadian MTB squad, and will be hosting the team during its official two-week training camp leading up to the event. The national DH series starts with a bang at Mont-Tremblant, Que., along with XCO #2, May 20-22. Then it’s off to Baie-St-Paul, Que. for XCO #3, while the gravity athletes descend the slopes of Blue Mountain, Ont., May 27 for DH #2. Ontario hosts #4 and #5 of the XCO Cup on June 11 and 18 at Horseshoe Valley and neighbouring Hardwood Ski and Bike, respectively. Both series wrap up in Whistler, B.C., but
In 2016, Bear Mountain Resort near Victoria, B.C. hosted the Canada MTB Cup season-opener for the second straight year.
JON WATKIN
BY SANDRA WALTER
the XCO event on June 24 is no longer part of the massive Crankworx festival. The Downhill Canada Cup finale, slated for Aug. 19, remains a staple on the Crankworx schedule, however. Racers will vie for the coveted Maple Leaf jersey at three different events in July. July 15 holds both the Canadian XC Marathon Championships in East Hereford, Que. and the Canadian Downhill Championships at Panorama Resort, B.C. The Canadian XCO Championships finally return to the West on July 22 in Canmore, Alta. It’s Canada Summer Games time again! The national Games happen every four years, and 2017 will see Canada’s top young athletes congregate in Winnipeg, Man., including mountain-bike teams from every province and territory who will contest XCO, XC Relay and XC Eliminator events. The Games run July 28-Aug. 13.
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Aug. 4-6 will see the Vélirium mountain-bike festival back at MontSte-Anne, Que. Crankworx Whistler is again anticipated to be the hottest 10 days of mountain biking in Canada, Aug. 11-20. Aug. 13’s Enduro World Series (EWS) stop in Whistler, B.C. is a testament to the strong Enduro scene in Canada. The Canadian National Enduro Series is comprised of six stops in four provinces, culminating at Sun Peaks Resort, B.C., Sept. 16-17. Three of the events boast qualifier status for the EWS. Speaking of “endure,” there’s a stage race happening in B.C.’s Kootenay region, July 10-15. The first edition of the Trans BC Enduro was held last year with 126 racers, and returns in 2017. Proceeds from the event go directly into the trails and communities that participants will be riding during the event. July 5-13 sees BC Bike Race (BCBR) take riders from North Vancouver to Whistler for its 11th edition. BCBR is sold out, but Singletrack 6 still has spots available for riders aiming to crush a mountain-bike stage race this year. The event offers three-day and six-day options and will treat its racers to the sweet trails of B.C.’s West Kootenays, July 29-Aug. 3. For riders who don’t have an entire week free to ride bikes in B.C., there are many one-day events to choose from across the country, starting on Feb. 18 with Manitoba’s 130km Actif Epica – not for the faint of heart. April 30, the famous Paris-to-Ancaster unofficially opens the Ontario season with 70km, 40km and 20km options. The Nimby Fifty in Pemberton, B.C. offers racers 37 kilometres of challenging B.C. riding with its famed 100+ switchback climb – and that’s just the beginning – on May 20. Ontario has a Spring Singletrack Classic of its own at Hardwood Ski and Bike on May 27 with 44km or 22km distances. And rising from the ashes of the legendary Squamish Test of Metal, which held its last chapter in 2016 after 21 years, comes the Spakwus 50 on June 17. Relays are still popular across the country, the biggest being May 13’s Opus Spring Epic 8 Hour in Mansfield, Ont., May 14’s Salty Dog
6 Hour in Salmon Arm, B.C., July 15’s Summer Epic 8 Hour Relay at Hardwood Ski and Bike, Ont., and Sept. 23’s Fall Epic 8 Hour Relay, also at Hardwood. The Golden Two-Four is back, June 17-18. This 24-hour race in only its second year is held in the relatively undiscovered mountain-biking mecca of Golden, B.C. and also offers eight-hour options. Participants of Whitehorse’s 24 Hours of Light, June 24-25, have the luxury of riding without bike lights, even in the middle of the night – after all, it is the Land of the Midnight Sun. The same weekend hosts a longstanding favourite on the 24-hour circuit – 24 Hours of Summer Solstice at Albion Hills, Ont. Then it’s time to celebrate on July 15-16 as Canmore’s 24 Hours of Adrenalin celebrates 20 years.
2017 Canadian MTB Schedule Canada Cup March 4 – Canada Cup XCO #1 - Victoria, B.C. May 20-22 – Canada Cup XCO #2/DH #1 - Mont-Tremblant, Que. May 27 – Canada Cup XCO #3 - Baie-St-Paul, Que. May 27 – Canada Cup DH #2 - Blue Mountains, Ont. June 11 – Canada Cup XCO #4 - Horseshoe Valley, Ont. June 18 – Canada Cup XCO #5 - Hardwood Ski and Bike, Ont. June 24 – Canada Cup XCO #6 - Whistler, B.C. Aug. 19 – Canada Cup DH #3 - Whistler, B.C. Canadian Championships July 15 – Canadian XCM Championships - East Hereford, Que. July 15 – Canadian DH Championships - Panorama Resort, B.C. July 22 – Canadian XCO Championships - Canmore, Alta. Festivals Aug. 4-6 – Velirium - Mont-Ste-Anne, Que. Aug. 11-20 – Crankworx - Whistler, B.C.
The GREAT Albion Enduro returns September 16 Fun for the whole family, with a 25 km FUN ride, 40km Enduro, and 80km Super-Enduro Afterparty with live entertainment, and beer from our friends at The Second Wedge in Uxbridge Enjoy Albion like never before! With many trails in reverse, use of the rail trail and other local trails Join the fun! For more information log onto: www.superflyracing.com
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Elite women’s XC overall 2016 podium (l-r): Jenny Rissveds, Annika Langvad, Catharine Pendrel, Emily Batty and Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjaa.
PREVIEW
MTB
UCI World Cup Season Preview BY SANDRA WALTER
MICHAL CERVENY
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MICHAL CERVENY
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ith Canadians speeding to two overall UCI World Cup series wins last year, along with a third place, expectations are high for 2017 in both the XCO and DH disciplines. The first World Cup of the year is a DH stop in Lourdes, France. Finn Iles (BC, Specialized) has one more season as a junior, during which he’ll take a shot at defending his series title and Rainbow jersey. He won Round One in Lourdes last year, so he’ll be aiming for a repeat performance. Hopes are high for Canadian champion Miranda Miller (BC, Specialized) in the Elite women’s ranks, after she flew to a career-best third place at the Leogang World Cup in 2016. The top of the podium will be tough to reach, as it would require dethroning reigning Queen of Downhill Rachel Atherton (GBR, Trek Factory Racing), who was unbeatable last year. This past season also saw an exciting shift in the Elite men’s ranks, as 2011 world champion Danny Hart (GBR, MS Mondraker Team) regained his winning ways, consecutively scoring top spot in the final three World Cups, plus the World Championships, but just missed out on the series overall to Aaron Gwin (USA, The YT Mob). The late Steve Smith (BC, Devinci Global Racing) continues to be sorely missed, as fellow countrymen strive to live up to his legacy. The talented Mark Wallace (BC, Devinci Global Racing) took over as the top-ranked Canadian on the circuit. He will be joined in the Elite class this year by 2016 Junior Léandre Bouchard World Championship silver has new team and medalist Magnus Manson hopes to raise the (BC, Devinci Global Racing). bar in 2017. Catharine Pendrel (BC, Clif Pro Team) and Emily Batty (ON, Trek Factory Racing) will once again lead the Canadian Elite women’s XCO contingent after a very successful 2016 in which Pendrel scored bronze at the Olympic Games, followed closely by Batty in fourth. Batty also earned her first World Championship medal – a bronze in Nove Mesto Na Morave, Czech Republic – and a third overall in the World Cup series, which was won by Pendrel. The field is exceptionally deep, as Olympic champion Jenny Rissveds (SWE, Scott-Odlo) graduates to the Elite category, World champion Annika Langvad (DEN, Specialized) prepares to defend her Rainbow stripes, and the legendary Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja (NOR, Team Merida Gunn-Rita) seems unflagging – not to mention the talent-filled Jolanda Neff (SUI, Kross Racing Team) and Rio silver medalist Maja Wloszczowska (POL, Kross Racing Team). In the Elite men’s category, the duel for supremacy is expected to continue between Olympic and world champion Nino Schurter (SUI, Scott-Odlo) and World Cup winner Julien Absalon (FRA, BMC), as the two have consistently remained in a league of their own. Fans are hoping up-and-comers stage a coup and create some more excitement this year. Olympians Raphael Gagné (QC, Cannondale-3 Rox Racing) and Léandre Bouchard (QC, BH-SR-Suntour-KMC), along with Canadian champion Derek Zandstra (Cannondale-3 Rox) will make up the Canadian frontline.
Switzerland has two powerhouses in the U23 women’s category – Alessandra Keller (SUI, Radon XC Factory Team) and Sina Frei (SUI, jb BRUNEX Felt Team). Canadian champion Catherine Fleury (QC, Cyclone d’Alma) advances to the Elite ranks after finishing a career-best second at the World Cup in Cairns, Australia last year. She, along with fellow Canuck Frederique Trudel (QC, Pivot-OTE), leaves a void to be filled by young guns such as Soren Meeuwisse (ON, Trek Canada) and Anne- Julie Tremblay (QC, Cyclone d’Alma). The U23 men’s field also gets a shake-up, as several of the big guns progress to Elite, leaving world champion Sam Gaze (NZL, Specialized) to defend his jersey in his final espoir year. He will likely receive a major challenge from huge talent Simon Andreassen (DEN, Specialized). Canadian champion Peter Disera (ON, Norco Factory Team) will head the Canadian contingent. The first XCO World Cup of the season is hosted at last year’s UCI World Championship venue Nove Mesto Na Morave, May 20-21. The forested course is notoriously rooty with true mountain-biking features, and always attracts hordes of incredibly boisterous fans. On the following weekend, XCO Round Two will visit the newly announced 2020 World Championship site of Albstadt, Germany. Albstadt is known for its crazy- steep climbs and trail surface that turns slick at the slightest hint of moisture. The XCO circus breaks in June as the downhillers take on renowned favourites Fort William, Scotland, June 3-4 and Leogang, Austria, June 10-11 for the second and third DH stops. Canadian MTB racers will be celebrating Canada Day in Vallnord, Andorra this year for Round Three of the XCO series and Round Four of the DH series. Vallnord has thin air, steep terrain and breathtaking Pyrenean mountain views that will be tough to see by the hypoxic, cross-eyed racers.
2017 UCI MTB World Cup Calendar April 29-30 – UCI MTB World Cup DH #1 – Lourdes, France May 20-21 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #1 – Nove Mesto, CZE May 27-28 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #2 – Albstadt, Germany June 3-4 – UCI MTB World Cup DH #2 – Fort William, Scotland June 10-11 – UCI MTB World Cup DH #3 – Leogang, Austria June 24-25 – UCI MTB XC Marathon Worlds, Singen, Germany July 1-2 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #3/DH #4 – Vallnord, Andorra July 8-9 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #4/DH #5 – Lenzerheide, SUI Aug. 5-6 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #5/DH #6 – Mont-Ste-Anne, CAN Aug. 24-25 – UCI MTB 4X World Championships – Val di Sole, Italy Aug. 26-27 – UCI MTB World Cup XCO #6/DH #7 – Val di Sole, Italy Sept. 5-10 – UCI MTB XCO/DH/XCR Worlds – Cairns, Australia www.pedalmag.com
Finnley Iles (c) on the historic 2016 Junior Worlds DH podium with Magnus Manson (l) will defend his Rainbow jersey and series title in 2017.
The World Cup series would not be complete without a stop in MontSte-Anne, Que. for both DH and XCO – the only North American date in 2017. Mont-Ste-Anne announced last fall that it won its bid to host the 2019 UCI World Championships. The World Cup wraps up for both disciplines in Val di Sole, Italy, Aug. 26-27, and then racers head Down Under to Cairns, Australia for the 2017 UCI World MTB Championships, Sept. 5-10, as the crowns in the XCO, DH and Team Relay disciplines are up for grabs. The 4X World title will be awarded in Val di Sole on Aug. 25, while the XC Marathon Championship race takes place in Singen, Germany, June 24-25.
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ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 107
Stefan Ritter, only 18, from Edmonton is the epitome of professionalism.
PREVIEW
TRACK
Track Potential GUY SWARBRICK
Across All Disciplines BY JAMIE GILGEN
MUNDO CICLISTICO
108 PEDAL ANNUAL 2017
partner for the crew, always leading by example, and works hard to help mould a world-class DTE [daily training environment] in Milton.” If you want to see rainbows in the world of sprinting, you don’t have to look any further than the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, where you’ll find sprinter Stephan Ritter from Albera training. Ritter is the epitome of professionalism, and he’s only 18 years old. “Ritter comes to the senior Elite program straight from juniors following his world title last year in the 1000m time trial and his two junior world records in the 1000m and 200m time trials,” said Hartwell. “This young guy has been an absolute boon for the program. Stefan is one of the most talented athletes I’ve ever met and has transitioned overnight to an Elite from the junior ranks.” In spite of the post-Olympic blues that athletes often experience, Kate O’Brien and Hugo Barrette have swung their legs back over their top-tubes and are hard at work training and mentoring new riders such as Amelia Walsh. Walsh, Amelia Walsh is also new and an accomplished BMX racer from Ontarbrings her strong io, will join O’Brien in the team sprint BMX pedigree which will keep the program firing to the track. through 2017. Before Walsh joined the track program, Hartwell would frequently see “Walshy” at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in the weight room or receiving physical therapy. A standing offer existed for Walsh to give the track a go. She eventually did and she has since transitioned her world-class BMX abilities to the track. Walsh has a strong enough start that O’Brien is able to be moved to second position, which allows Hartwell to leverage her world-class strength in a new role. The season in Canada gets underway with the Eastern Track Challenge on Feb. 11-12 in Milton, Ont., and then heads west to Burnaby, B.C., for the Western Track Challenge. The first major championships take place March 31-Apr. 2 as the Junior/U17/Para Track Nationals will see Maple Leaf jerseys awarded at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton. Next stop is Hong Kong for the UCI Track World Championships with the Elite/Master Track Nationals in late September. The momentum that Canada’s track program has gained heading into this new quadrennial is exciting with plenty of talent across the country to fuel the potential across all disciplines. MUNDO CICLISTICO
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ith Rio 2016 in the rear view mirror, we roll forward into the next Olympic quadrennial. New beginnings are a time to regroup, reflect and determine what worked and what didn’t over the past four years. In preparation and to create a sustainable athlete development framework, Cycling Canada created the NextGen program which has the goal of casting a wide net early and providing a breadth of athlete development. Athletes that are accepted into the NextGen program may eventually begin their integration into the Elite program with representation at international events. The coach of the women’s NextGen Track endurance program, Cameron Jennings, will no doubt be cheering for his athletes Kinley Gibson and Ariane Bonhomme as they begin their leap Talented Patrice Pivin is new to into the Elite program under coach the national Craig Griffin. Both are great examples program. of NextGen fulfilling its goal as Gibson and Bonhomme will join veterans Steph Roorda and Laura Brown at UCI World Cup #3 in Cali, Colombia. UCI World Cup #4 in Los Angeles will be represented by Brown, Roorda, Jasmin Duehring, Kirsti Lay and Annie Foreman-Mackey. The riders sent to the 2017 Track World Championships in mid-April will be determined by performances in the upcoming two World Cups and the pre-Worlds camp. The men’s endurance program represented by Aidan Caves, Adam Jamieson, Jay Lamoureux, Bayley Simpson and Ed Veal, coached by Ian Melvin, made history last year at World Cup #2 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, when they brought home Canada’s first-ever World Cup gold medal. And for the first time in Canadian history, they broke the four-minute barrier in the team pursuit at the Pan Am Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The men have strong momentum towards their goal of representing Canada at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. This would be the first time since 1928 that Canada has been represented in the men’s team pursuit at the Games. The men attended the first two World Cups but will miss the final two to have more focused preparation for the Track Worlds. “Our goal for the 2017 World Championships is to break into the top eight,” said Melvin. “That would be a significant accomplishment for us and one that we’re all very focused on achieving.” In addition to forming the NextGen program, Cycling Canada hired full time coach Erin Hartwell for the sprint program in the summer of 2014. Since then, the sprint program has been steadily maturing. One strategy that Hartwell employs to discover athletes is to hold talent identification camps where hopefuls are tested. One such talent identification camp discovered Patrice Pivin who, in the words of Hartwell, “is the strongest athlete I’ve ever seen in sprint cycling. The guy just owns the gym! Triple body-weight back squats, 300+kg box squats, 140kg cleans – the guy’s a monster with the iron!” There is some healthy internal competition for the team sprint starting position between Pivin and teammate Joel Archambault. “The ride-off between Joel and Pat on Feb. 7 for the Cali starter’s job came down to 0.027 seconds with Pivin just edging Archambault for the role,” said Hartwell. “Archambault is an amazing training
2017 Major Track Events Feb. 11-12 - Eastern Track Challenge - Milton, Ont. Feb. 17-19 - UCI Track World Cup #3 - Cali, Columbia Feb. 24-25 - Western Track Challenge - Burnaby, B.C. Feb. 25-26 - UCI Track World Cup #4 - Los Angeles, Calif. Mar. 31-Apr. 2 - Junior/U17/Para Track Nationals - Milton, Ont. Apr. 12-16 - UCI Track World Championships - Hong Kong Sept. 27-30 - Elite/Master Track Nationals - Milton, Ont. www.pedalmag.com
Ben Perry and Matteo Dal-Cin in the break that saw Perry claim the KOM at GPC Montreal in 2016.
PREVIEW
ROAD
PASQUALE STALTERI
Road Scene 2017 Season Preview BY GAELEN MERRITT
IVAN RUPES
www.pedalmag.com
nior Canadian riders and features promising talent from around the world. Big name athletes such as Tyler Farrar (Dimension Data) and Lachlan Morton (Jelly Belly) have claimed the overall title at Abitibi in years past. Brandon McNulty (USA) won last year’s event, while Nickolas Zukowsky, now riding for Silber, was top Canuck in fourth overall. On July 28-29, the Kitchener Twilight Criterium and the Fieldstone Criterium of Cambridge are being held to form “Speed Weekend” within the Region of Waterloo, Ont. With a large cash purse (equal men’s-women’s) being featured for both events, the attendance of both Canadian and American men’s and women’s crit-squads is expected, likely headlined by local heroes Roth (a previous winner) and Ryan Aitcheson who made history in 2016 as the first Canadian to win the USA Crits Series title. The Canadian National Road Race and Time Trial Championships for Paracyclists, will be held Aug. 16-17 in Bromont, Que. at the Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont. The fifth annual Tour of Alberta from Aug. 30-Sept. 5 will continue to pit top Canadian domestic talent against WorldTour squads. Alex Cataford, now with Pro Continental squad United HealthAlex Cataford won the red care, took home the red jersey as the top Cajersey as best Canuck at the Tour of Alberta in 2016. nuck finishing fifth overall. The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal races, Sept. 8 and 10, are now well established North American WorldTour events. The long and hilly circuits make them both ideal preparation events for the Road World Championships that follows. These races also provide a chance for riders and sponsors to garner more coverage in the North American market. Although we have yet to see a Canadian win either of these top-level Pro races, several Canucks have made their mark including recently retired Ryder Hesjedal, who’s been on the podium at both races, and Ben Perry, now with the Israel Cycling Academy, who won the King of the Mountain in 2016 with his former team, Silber. CHRIS REDDEN
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anada’s 2017 season kicks off with UCI 1.1 Women’s racing in Quebec, with the Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau being held May 19-22. Canada’s female UCI-level racers will be showcased in a time trial (won last year by Amber Neben of BEPINK, with top Canadian Tara Whitten of Cyclery-Opus in second) and a road race, which was won last year by Kimberly Wells of Colavita-Bianchi, with top Canadian Joelle Numainville of Equipe Quebec in second place. The event is held on the beautiful roads of Gatineau Park and following the top-level events, a gran fondo and youth series featuring a criterium, sprint challenge and circuit race are planned. From June 8-11, veteran Ryan Roth and the rest of the Silber Pro Cycling squad will defend their yellow jersey at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay. The event will provide domestic Elite men with some excellent National Racing Calendar (NRC) race days in a stage-race format. June 8-11 also sees the Canadian National Road Race and Time Trial Championships for Masters, taking place in Vancouver, and hosted by NTSQ Sports Group along with Cycling BC. Then from June 14-18, the legendary Tour de Beauce stage race celebrates its 32nd year in and around Can Bruno Langlois defend the town of Georgesville, Que. the coveted Elite Men’s Beauce is widely regarded as one of road race jersey? Canada’s premier and most difficult stage races, and as such serves as a proving ground for up-and-coming Canadian and international talent. The event began in 1986 as a one-day race and expanded into a stage race in 1990. Svein Tuft (Orica-Scott) was the last Canuck to win the overall back in 2008, although Hugo Houle was only 22 seconds short of restoring Canada to the top step of the podium last year when American Gregory Daniel of Axeon Hagens Berman triumphed in the overall General Classification. Top amateur racing hits Ontario from June 15-17, with the third annual Grey County Time Trial and Road Race, part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. A challenging but balanced parcours awaits Canada’s best amateur racers, many of whom are aiming to use this event to qualify for the Gran Fondo World Amateur Championships in Albi, France this year on Aug. 24. Grey County organizer Bruce Bird promises this year’s event will be bigger and even more spectacular than in 2016. Next up is the Canadian National Road Race and Time Trial Championships, for Elite and Junior riders which are returning to the Ottawa/Gatineau area June 24-28. Bruno Langlois (Garneau-Quebecor) and Annie Foreman-Mackey (Cyclery-Opus) will look to defend their respective road race titles, while Ryan Roth and Tara Whitten hope to defend their TT crowns. BC Superweek comes next, running July 9-16, featuring nine pro races over the course of seven days with a total prize purse of more than $120,000. Joining the series in 2017 is the City of New Westminster with the New West Grand Prix while the UCI 1.2 White Spot Delta Road Race on July 9 and Gastown Grand Prix Criterium on July 12 continue as featured races within the six-venue series. The Tour of Abitibi running July 17-23 continues to test and develop ju-
2017 Major Road Events May 19-22 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Gatineau June 8-11 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Saguenay June 14-18 - Tour de Beauce June 15-17 - Grey County UWCT June 8-11 - Masters Canadian Road Championship June 24-28 - Elite/U23/Junior Canadian Road Championships July 9-17 - BC Superweek July 17-23 - Tour de l’Abitibi July 28-29 - Kitchener Twilight GP / Fieldstone Criterium of Cambridge Aug. 16-17 - Para Canadian Road Championships Aug. 30- Sept. 5 - Tour of Alberta Sept. 8 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec Sept. 10 - Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 109
Backpedaling
Londonderry - A Trade Show Superstar!
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pring is the season for bicycle trade shows, but today’s annual affairs must compete with those for boats, cars and even airplanes. Fortunately it’s one the “wheel” can manage these days, having reclaimed its place in the mobility wars from its once lowly status of a half-century ago. It had fewer late-19th-century competitors, and they were more likely to be found at agricultural fairs in the horse stables. Few trade shows were bigger than the Salon du Cycle, held in the Parisian winter months and where rival producers challenged each other with their new innovations. On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the decade was a constant series of one-upmanship models and add-ons comparable to today’s digital mania. In late 1894, the Salon could advertise a true sensation, the appearance of Mademoiselle Annie Londonderry, described as the “daring young globe girdler” and the prime attraction at one of the booths from England. The Salon boasted of her prowess, of her souvenirs for sale, of her incredible willingness to test roads and countries to which few men would dare venture and particularly not on a bicycle.
MARKETPLACE Business Display Ads $100 for the first column-inch and $50 for each additional column-inch (column = 2-1/4” wide). Copy must be submitted by the first week of each month for the next month’s issue. Ad assembly at competitive rates. Business Classified Ads are $50 for the first 25 words and $0.50 for each additional word. Personal Classified Ads are $25 for the first 25 words and $0.50 for each additional word. All Marketplace business ads must be prepaid.
Precision Suspension and Brake Servicing
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Yet for all her appearances, there was even more to Londonderry’s story than met the French promoter’s eyes. For one thing, his countrymen had been particularly rude in greeting her at dockside in Le Havre, where her boat had recently anchored. They took her bike, mocked her appearance and generally put roadblocks in her way that few would have cared to surmount. Londonderry, however, was no shrinking violet. Her life story up to then was extraordinary. Born Annie Cohen in 1870, she was a child immigrant – her parents from Latvia. She grew up in Boston, and eventually married Max Kopchovsky, a peddler and a devout Jew. Three children followed, but Annie was not curtailed from pursuing opportunity, and when a bet was wagered that no woman could cycle around the world within a designated time and with a prize of $10,000 if one did, the plucky Annie took the bait. She took the name Londonderry from a local springwater company, perhaps conscious of the anti-Semitic overtones of her day. She adopted the latest in women’s bicycle clothing, and was not adverse to freely offered support, such as a bicycle 20 pounds lighter than her initial ride. She made the best of her stay in Paris in the winter of 1894 and early 1895 before making her way east by bicycle and often by boat and even train, since the wager of which she was the pursuer was rather vague as to the manner in which one travelled. Some critics even claimed her world tour was more like that of a woman accompanied by a bicycle rather than one on which she rode for significant distances. For her part, she described riding to Marseille in early 1895, where she boarded a boat for Alexandria and Port Said in Egypt, de-boarding so she could ride about and see the sights. Jerusalem followed with its echoes for her own religious beliefs, followed by Aden in Yemen, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea and possibly even Russia before touring Japan and visiting Nagasaki and Yokohama. She then sailed for home, and, on arrival, cycled across the United States and, occasionally (some said more often than she claimed), hitched a ride with her bike on a cross-country train.
FREEWHEELING
BY WILLIAM HUMBER
Annie “Londonderry” Cohen advanced women’s cycling and was a true worldsportswoman pioneer. Nevertheless, she arrived before the deadline and collected her prize. When word reached Paris at the time of the next Salon du Cycle, a few glasses of champagne were raised in honour of her sheer audacity. While Annie may have died in relative obscurity in 1947, she had done something few could even imagine attempting, much less a young woman in the 19th century, when obstructionist social and political mores, restrictive clothing and the uncertain local conditions of most places made such adventurism impractical and even dangerous. After all, American cycling world-traveller Frank Lenz had been murdered on a similar trek just a year before. It didn’t stop Annie, and anyone at that Paris trade show would have met a true pioneering world sportswoman. www.pedalmag.com
Gritifice Riders Wanted True Grit vs Pure Sacrifice BY ALEX STEIDA
www.pedalmag.com
JOHN PIERCE / PHOTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL
At the age of 25, I’d been bike-racing full time for 10 years. I’d already learned many lessons on how to maximize my potential as a cyclist. Efficiency, strategy, grit, perseverance, sacrifice . . . and I was drawing on ALL of them to stay strong all the way to the line. Looking back, I often wonder where these skills came from. I certainly acquired aspects of these attributes as I raced as a junior and with the 7-Eleven and National teams, however, were these learned skills or inherent in my psyche? This is something that I’ve always wondered about. Over the years, I’ve raced with and against many talented riders who were often stronger than me on any given day. I noticed that if I played it smart and used my energy wisely, I could often find a way to beat them. Even then, there were times in the race when it came down to “mano-a-mano,” where we each simply had to grind it out to see who could suffer the most and mentally “crack” the other guy. On the topic of grit, I recently read an article written by Jared Smith, owner of Incite Marketing and an adventure-seeker who loves to ride and who recently trained with Navy SEALs in a five-day “sufferfest.” As part of Smith’s preparation, he interviewed Dean Golich with Carmichael Training Systems, who has years of research on the topic of “grit” under his belt. Here’s an excerpt from Smith’s article: Golich, citing Angela Duckworth (whose studies have concluded that “single-mindedness” or “lifelong deliberate effort” results in “true grit,” which results in higher and greater achievement in any field), has concluded that personality traits can be a predictor of one’s ability to break through mental ceilings in performance. Using profiling tools, Duckworth has extrapolated the willingness of different athletes to push past their max efforts. According to Duckworth, most athletes generally fall into one of two personality types: those with mental toughness, and those without. Those with it are able to doggedly and persistently pursue a course of action over and over and over again towards an end goal. Duckworth calls this personality’s tendency towards persistent practice and action “true grit – the role of deliberate practice in acquisition of expert performance.” People with true grit tend to be entrepreneurial, attracted to routine, high-achievers, so-called AAA’s who will continue down a path despite fear of and experience with multiple failures. You can point them out in a room because they tend to lack empathy, they’re not warmhearted and they thrive on receiving (and giving) negative feedback. She puts them into a category of “fast learners.” Thick-skinned people who enjoy self-critique and who willingly accept negative feedback learn significantly faster than those who require a more diplomatic approach to learning (i.e. the “empathetic types”). According to Golich, empathetic types, i.e. people who are good-natured, thrive on positive reinforcement, are willing to listen, are typically patient, and seek to learn multiple and diverse points of view, tend to perform worse on tests of mental toughness. However, they do play a major leadership role in high-performing teams (all
Alex Stieda at the Tour of Texas in 1988
(l-r) Kory Sinclair, Brian Green, Alex Stieda and Neil Davies at a 1979 race in Seattle
STIEDA COLLECTION
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y legs are screaming, my lungs are on fire and my mind is racing . . . can I beat the peloton to the line and win the time bonus away from Eric Vanderaerden? It’s one kilometre to go on the first road stage of the 1986 Tour de France and I’m hanging on for dear life in the breakaway, pulling on the bars with everything I have left.
high-performing teams require people who are intuitive to the emotional requirements of the group and who will often sacrifice themselves accordingly). The so-called “fast learners” tend to ignore their teammates’ signals of emotional overwhelm – often to the detriment of the team. This is the dichotomy of bike racing . . . you need to be selfish in addition to being mentally and physically tough – “true grit.” Nothing can get in your way as you pursue your short- and long-term goals. At the same time, bike racing is a true team sport. Everything that a rider does is a calculated effort designed to benefit the team as a whole – “pure sacrifice.” I believe that there are specific personality traits that are inherent in successful cyclists, some of which can be enhanced with repetitive training and some that are simply part of who we are. Think about where you fit into the Grit and Sacrifice spectrum and try to blend the two to be the best “Gritifice” team player you can be. ANNUAL 2017 PEDAL 111
Last Word
Hey Alex Harvey, Let Me Know When You Get Tired of Wearing Spandex in the Winter BY CURT HARNETT
I
CANADIAN PRESS
was talking to someone the other day about talent identification in the high-performance sport across the board has become more sophistisport world and was a asked how I got into cycling. I apologize to cated, but I do believe in the need to unearth prospective talent in the those reading this who have heard this story before. most creative of ways. Quite simply, I was introduced to the concept of competitive cyI have never sat down with Harry to discover whether his intention cling through Harry Curtis (a familiar name to many who were on the for me to get involved in cycling was for me to one day show up on Canadian cycling scene in the 1980’s and 1990’s), who just happened an Olympic podium – although he was in the infield of the 7-Eleven to be my high school football coach and Grade Nine drafting teacher. Olympic Velodrome in 1984 when I won my first Olympic medal. I Harry, or “Mr. Curtis” at that time, recognized that my sport passion feel pretty certain that it wasn’t; his desire was to share a sport that in life then was hockey. I played rep he loved very much (along with hockey in Thunder Bay, Ont., and if football and wrestling) with someone there was a football game and hockin whom he saw potential. He also ey practice going on at the same recognized the selling feature of his time, I was at the hockey practice. sport and the benefit of that feature Harry pulled me aside one day to his target consumer (me). and said, “Curt, I see that you have I did use cycling to stay in shape big plans with your hockey, and for my hockey. I would show up at my I have the prefect way for you to end of summer pre-season hockey stay in shape for hockey during the camps skating circles around my summer months. How about you teammates – funny tan lines and all. come and try out for the high school In the 1982 Ontario Hockey League cycling team?” Draft, I was picked 144th overall by You see, as a member (I think the London Knights. In some sort he was president at that time) of of twisted irony, I tried out for the the Thunder Bay Cycling Club, Knights at the same arena that now Harry wanted to build a competitive houses the Forest City Velodrome. It intercollegiate cycling program in was at that training camp that I decidThunder Bay. ed to quit hockey to focus full-time His timing was perfect. The sumon my cycling, and it was a little less mer of 1979, just before I entered than two years later that I was standhigh school, I raced motocross, but I ing on the Olympic podium accepting Curt Harnett at the 7-Eleven Olympic really wasn’t very good. Having sold a silver medal that I had earned that Velodrome in 1984 where he won silver in the Kilo, his first Olympic medal. my motocross bike at the end of that day in the Kilometre Time Trial. summer, I was looking for another We have a long list of athletes summer hobby – perhaps one that who have found cycling after varying was a little safer and cheaper than levels of success in their “original” motorcycles. I thought (obviously insport and have gone on to great correctly) that bicycle racing would success. The fact of the matter is be perfect. that that list may be too long to print So I showed up to Hammarskjold here. The great thing about cycling High School’s first cycling-team is that from a technical standpoint, it training day in a pair of gym shorts, is not very complicated to pick up on some cut off motocross gloves, a and the various capacities an athlete re-purposed hockey helmet and a develops can be easily adapted to borrowed (from my future brother-incycling. law) CCM Targa that was two sizes Cycling in Canada needs to take too big for me. That year, I won the a page from the Bobsleigh CanCity Championship. And the rest, as ada playbook and actively allow they say, is history. high-performance athletes from My desire to retell this story is to other sports know that we are open emphasize the point that cycling is for business. Then we will just need the perfect home for second-sport to find a way to fund it all. That’s athletes. There is no doubt that another conversation.
I decided to quit hockey to focus
full-time on my cycling, and it was a little less than two years later
that I was standing on the Olympic podium accepting a silver medal that I had earned that day in the Kilometre Time Trial.
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2017 Intense Cycles Legendary since the beginning, Intense Cycles have built aggressive, game-changing and flat-out rad mountain bikes since 1993. When you buy an Intense bike from MEC, you get two years of free bike maintenance from a dedicated mechanic, plus front-of-line bike service to get you on the trails again – fast. mec.ca/intensecycles
PEDAL WITH MORE POSITIVE ENERGY. MEET SHIMANO STEPS. THE INTELLIGENT, SILENT AND EASY TO USE E-BIKE SYSTEM Shimano STEPS has the power to take you places. But rather than pedaling for you, the STEPS system responds with power when you need it most, delivering more energy to every pedal stroke. With a range of up to 80 kms on a single charge, you'll have more energy to explore, commute and arrive feeling refreshed.
TEST RIDE A STEPS BIKE TODAY. FIND YOUR DEALER: SHIMANO-STEPS.COM