North Vancouver's cross-country isn't very road-bike friendly.
The Lezyne Marathon XC course is "only" 27km long, but it winds its way through the Mount Seymour area through pretty challenging terrain. Technical rails like Severed Dick, Applicator, Bottletop and Sticks & Stones combined with fast sections of rail-grade with passing sections (Fishermans and Hyannnis add variety and challenge. This is the kind of course that would make many shaved-legged quasi-roadies wail in frustration and toss their semi-slick tires into the woods in petulant fury.
More inside,Now that I've got that dig out of the way (please feel free to flame away for that comment), read more about the event
at the festival websiteVIDEOIf you were in the race and you think you might be in the video look at the video description which contains the racer's plate number and a time and location index. There's a good chance you're in the video or in the pictures as over 120 racers (out of 198 registered) are featured either in video or photos.
PHOTOSAn unedited/unprocessed gallery of the race
is here. Some shots which are more selective are
here. Finally, below are some representative shots of the race.
This race draws people from all over the province - feed zone for Whistler and Duncan riders
Squamish keeps turning out strong fast riders; Fisherman's Trail
Even the "flat" sections will keep you on your toes
Making mistakes on Severed Dick might save you an elective medical procedure
The steep section on Severed
Some make it look easier than others
All this rain has made the forest so lush and green; Applicator
More Applicator
You don't necessarily need a super-duper light XC rig to race XC; Bottletop
You just need a smile that'll brighten the day; Bottletop
... and a good dose of sharp technical skills; Jake on Bottletop
More from the North Shore Bikefest to come!
799 Carter Hovey
941 Neal Kindree
820 Dwayne kress
877 Read Sullivan
897 Mike Robinson
918 Matt Bodkin
852
903 Jason Shorter
832 Drew Mackenzie
3:03
3:33
3:57
5:51
Gotta love those hardtails.
The Few... The Proud... The Hardtails