Age: 42 and feeling it.
Why are you taking the Test?
Tradition, keeps me fit, keeps me riding.
How many times have you taken the Test?
Every Test of Metal since 1994 so this will be the 12th time. I rode the Alice Lake course in 1994 and 1995 and this will be my 10th time on the big course.
What's your best personal time?
Fastest time 3 hours 27 minutes, slowest 3 hours 54 minutes.
What kind of frame do you use?
Rocky Mountain Instinct full suspension
How long have you been racing?
I started racing when we moved to Squamish in 1992 with my first race being the Cheakamus Challenge which I raced 5 times.
Do you have an inspiring racer?
My brother-in-law Bruce McClements who has raced every Test of Metal except one. Peter Lang who just retired from the Tour de France last year. And Richard Cudmore who keeps on hammering.
What's your training regime?
Training starts with a couple of roller rides and winter rides in January and February and then comes to screeching halt in March and April. The real training starts May 1. Lots of climbing and three pre-rides of the whole course.
Do you have an energy boost secret?
Lots of water, Cliff bars, power gels, hammering at the beginning of the race to get a good position going into Jack's Trail and the screaming crowds in Roller Coaster.
What do you expect your biggest challenge to be?
9 Mile, Crampit, not being beaten by my 15 year old niece Jaclyn!
Trail Maintenance = TEST ENTRY!
Anyone who missed out on getting into the Test of Metal this year need not despair. People can participate in trail maintenance and get free, guaranteed entry into the race. All you have to do is participate in four out of six official trail days. Each session lasts about three hours and involves moderate physical labour.
There are still four opportunities left: May 14 at 9:30 a.m., May 26 at 6:30 p.m., June 4 at 9:30 a.m. and June 11 at 9:30 a.m. To register, or get more information, contact Mike Truelove by e-mail at:
[email protected] or go to www.testofmetal.com and click on volunteers.
Tell us your Test story!
The Test is sold out - but The Chief has one entry waiting for one lucky rider. Tell us your best Test of Metal story in 750 words or less and email it [email protected]. The best story will win a free entry to the race. Deadline for entries is May 27, 2005.
