July 3/03 8:43 am - Calgary Track League, Rossland Gravity Fest, Blizzard Bike Club Report

Posted by Editoress on 07/3/03
 

Track Results Calgary

June 26th Results for the Calgary Track League

Sorry these are late, they got buried under Road Nationals and Mont Ste Anne coverage.


2003 Rossland Gravity Fest
Mountain Bike Festival, July 4 to 6, 2003

ROSSLAND, BC - With well-known sponsors such as Sugoi, Cycling BC, PowerBar and SISU headlining the first annual Gravity Fest - this new summer event promises to successfully lift off July 4th, 5th and 6th. The Gravity Festival, while primarily a mountain bike event, has something to offer every member of the family. The vendor area offers local arts and crafts from all over the Kootenay area, sponsor tents, as well as the highly coveted "Wellness Tent". The Wellness Tent features Chinese medicine practitioners, massage therapists, reflexologists and others. These services will be provided for both racers and festival attendees alike.

The main event is the BC Cup Races taking place throughout the weekend. One of the most challenging downhill courses on the BC Cup circuit is at Red Mountain - providing thrills and spills for the brave racers and spectators alike. The most unique feature of this race is that the course is accessed by the historic Red Mountain chairlift. Watch the riders and their bikes load onto the old wooden chair and make the trek up to the top. The Biker Cross course has recently been constructed and accommodates four racers as they bump and fight for first position each race. The combination of the four riders negotiating the tight corners and big jumps guarantee "oohs" and "aaahs" from the crowd. Prepare to be dazzled by the talent and balance of the riders in this race! The final event is a challenging cross-country course that features long uphill climbs to test the medal of the fittest riders on the Circuit. With over $5000 in prize money for racers, there will be some strong competition for the top spots in each race. Entry forms can still be picked up at the Sacred Ride in Rossland or at Gerricks Sports in Trail - as well as online.

The weekend's events are designed to include all ages and skill levels. There will be many activities and fun races just for kids. A Kids' Bike Derby will take place Sunday at 10am in the Resort parking lot with lots of great prizes for entrants. Throughout the weekend, there will be clowns and entertainers on site to bring out the smiles of the youngest riders!

For those who want to take in some of Rossland's world-renowned mountain bike riding, there will be non-competitive, guided rides throughout the weekend offered by Rossland locals. Sign up for guided or group rides at the Sacred Ride bike shop in Rossland. A great way to be introduced to the vast trail network in and around the scenic community. Rides will be organized according to ability so everyone has the chance to enjoy the trails at their own pace.

You don't want to miss Rossland's first annual GRAVITY FEST! A weekend packed with activities, music, events and fun! Check the website for more information. www.gravityfest.com


Blizzard Bike Club Fort St. John, BC - June 30 & July 1/03
Courtesy Pat Ferris

Stephen Ferris and the Blizzard Bike Club won Challenge Cup #2 road race in Grande Prairie, Sunday. Stephen Ferris of the Blizzard Club edged out Steve Magusin of the host Grande Prairie Wheelers club, by a mere 43 seconds after 70 km's on Highway 40. Stephen's time was 2:04:20 hours. GP's Colin McArthur held off FSJ's Vaughn Hildebrand for third at 2:09:05 and Mike Hientzman 5th at 2:09:24.

The Blizzard Club won the total event with 59 points to Grande Prairie's 51. A close one!

Twenty-three riders started out under hot, dry conditions. The race was an odd one with many of the favourites getting flat tires or involved in numerous crashes.

Stephen and Steven broke away after a few kilometers, soon gaining a big lead. The pack was content to cruise along and bide its time until a rash of flats occurred, which seemed to throw the riders into some confusion. Dave Damery had a flat, after 10 km's or so, soon to be followed by Joe Radench and then Mark Kildaw.

A pack split took place as the group neared the turn. The two Steves' were enjoying a solid lead with the pack of Vaughn Hildebrand, Joseph Gladysz, Pat Ferris, Mike Hientzman, Colin McArthur, Duncan Banks and Scott Perry in pursuit.

Stephen Ferris disposed of Steve Magusin at the final hill to come in for the lone win. The pack split up with Colin McArthur holding off Vaughn for 4 Th. Mike Hientzman overcame a flat tire to get 5 the at 2:09:24, Joseph Gladysz 2:09:52, Scott Perry 2:10:25, Duncan Banks 2:15:36, Pat Ferris 2:20:18, Ken Perry 2:20:56, Mark Kildaw 2:22:37, Carla Kufelt 2:24:51 with a crash, Joe Radench with two flats and 2:25:00, Richard Wood 2:26:50, Francis Plum 2:27:00 and David Ferris 2:33:14.

Jamie Mangrove won the 34 km with 1:15:05 and Lisa Verbisky second at 1:18:02.

Ken Nix won the 54 km with 1:53:00. Ross Garbutt had a crash and 1:54:32, Greg Poirier 1:57:43 and Dean Lowry who also ate pavement and had a 2:00:42.

Stephen Ferris and Pat Ferris both rode the Canada Day Criterium in Edmonton, July 1st. Pat was 7th in the Masters A & B event. Stephen Ferris was 10th in the Category 4 event. Conditions were very hot and fast with a large crowd of cyclists and spectators in attendance.

The Blizzards have a group of adventure racers in Invermere, this coming weekend, July 4-6 for the Sea2Summit multi-day event. This will be Tammy and Richard Howes, Erik Snucins and Derek Waldron's second time in this grueling event. Participants run, paddle, climb and bike over 225 km's in the mountains.