While I realize the title to this post is beyond cliche, it is a good topic for reflection as the racing season has wound down for the year (with the exception of you crazy cross riders and fatties!). So often today, many of our generation take for granted the unplugged family dinners we had as kids, and the age old question our parents would always ask, 'what did you learn in school today?' And while the term 'family' is evolving within our society, the notion of spending time together is more important than ever. Whether it be a husband-wife duo, siblings, best friends, or going out riding with the boyz or girlz, this is our cycling family and it is that sense of comradery that can get us through a tough day or other challenges life throws our way. So while a good hard ride is always awesome, be sure you take the time to appreciate the people around you that help make this enjoyment possible:)
Congratulations to our Pedal Power Racers that came out in support of the Lung Association for the first ever race around Fanshawe Lake! We are so proud of all our racers.
A huge congratulations to Abby Owsley finishing FIRST in the elite women category! She had tough competition from other strong local riders, Melanie and Nathalie rounding out the top 3. Well done to all the ladies.
As the race season winds down a great end to the season is the fabulous 6hr event hosted by the Woodstock Cycling Club at The Pines. Lots of riders came out to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, the awesome trails, and the amazing atmosphere. There were solo riders, tag team, and teams of 3/4 making their way around the trails. Pedal Power Racers were out in full force with Brian from Pedal Power Bikes and Boards out on the trails to cheer us on, and Westgate Honda and City Centre Storage generously donating prizes!
Results: Solo Men Tim Gale FIRST PLACE!!! Phil Kaikkonen Seventeenth Place Craig Vedova Ninth Place
Solo Women Kate Kaikkonen Third Place
Tag Team Dallas/Thomas Second Place
3/4 Person Relay Marcy, Andrea, Moe Fourth Place (racing against teams of all boys!)
Way to go Pedal Power Racers! Thanks to those that took the time to dedicate so many weekends to representing our team on the Ontario Cup Circuit. Good luck with your fall racing events.
Overall Ontario Cup Results 2013
Tim Gale 19th Elite Tony Owsley 5th Master Expert (40-44) Phil Kaikkonen 18th Master Expert (30-34) Thomas Clarke 29th Master Expert (30-39)
Well, it has been a long few months, but it would be an understatement to say that Pedal Power Racers have made their presence known on the Ontario Cup Circuit. The last race of the season was no exception. As a championship course Horseshoe did not disappoint. The climbs were epic for Ontario terrain and the technical descents made for little rest for the racers. It was a beautiful day to race!
Results 1:30pm Start Men Tony Owsley 8th Master Expert (40-44)
11:45am Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 2nd Senior Expert (19-29) Abigail Owsley 5th Master Expert (30-39) Moe O'Hare-Vedova 6th Master Expert (40+) Andrea Bacik 7th Master Expert (40+)
10:00am Start Men Sean Landsley 9th Master Sport (50-54)
It has been a few weeks since our last race, but Pedal Power Racers were out in full force for Ontario Cup #6 at Highlands Nordic in Duntroon. As a course that has hosted championships the past two years, it did not disappoint. An intense start down the side of the farmer's field into a sharp left hand turn and straight uphill quickly separated some riders as the climbers took full advantage and others fought to avoid getting caught up in the ensuing crashes! A mix of long double track climbs and rocky singletrack descents pushed the end of the season fitness and bike skills of all levels of racers.
Results 1:30pm Start Men Tim Gale 17th Elite Tony Owsley 6th Master Expert (40-44) Phil Kaikkonen 16th Master Expert (30-34)
11:45am Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 1st Senior Expert (19-29) Abigail Owsley 2nd Master Expert (30-39) Moe O'Hare-Vedova 6th Master Expert (40+) Andrea Bacik 8th Master Expert (40+)
10:00am Start Men Sean Landsley 14th Master Sport (50-54)
The Championship courses at Hardwood Hills challenged riders of all levels to push their fitness and technical skills. Pedal Power had a strong presence at the race and rode hard to overcome the technical obstacles, such as the Joy Ride 150 jump rock and the fitness required to power through the open double track. Well done riders!
Results: Saturday July 20th Tim Gale 31st Elite Men
Sunday July 21st 1:30pm Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 1st Senior Expert (19-29) Abigail Owsley 5th Master Expert (30-39) Andrea Bacik 8th Master Expert (40+)
1:30pm Start Men Phil Kaikkonen 17th Master Expert (30-39) Thomas Clark 20th Master Expert (30-39) Tony Owsley 20th Master Expert (40-44)
The talk of this weekend was not only the strong showing by Pedal Power Racers, but also the HEAT! It was tough racing conditions brought on not only by mother nature, but the challenge that is the Sudbury terrain. An amazing event put on Pulse Racing and the Walden Cycling Club.
RESULTS: 9:30am Start Men Phil Kaikkonen 1st Senior Sport!! Al Bennetto 6th Master Sport
11:30am Start Men Tim Gale 25th Elite!
1:30pm Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 3rd Senior Expert Moe O-Hare Vedova 4th Master Expert Andrea Bacik 5th Master Expert
It was perfect race weather today. Unfortunately it wasn't perfect trail conditions at Wildwood Conservation Area in St Mary's, Ontario. The course was fun for sure, but very muddy. At one point riders had to lift their bikes to cross a ditch, and Pedal Power Race, Marcy swears her bike had gained 8lbs!! It didn't matter much because shortly after this point riders had to ride through a flooded farmers field with water up to their knees on the up stroke. Overall it was a great time. RESULTS: Moe O'Hare Vedova First Marcy Dibbley Third
We helped to raise over $18,000 for the Lung Association.
What a tough race! The OCup organizers are really pushing riders' abilities this season by designing technical, challenging and overall amazing courses.
Pedal Power posted some of our best results of the season so far with 2 first place finishes by the Kaikkonen Duo and a Best finish of the season so far by Moe.
As always our racers would never be as smooth as they are without the crucial support of Kerry Gale. Thank you for the perfect feeds and dousings of cold water to get us through the huge climb to begin each lap.
Results: 11:45am Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 1st Senior Expert 19-29! Moe O'Hare Vedova 4th Master Expert 40+
11:45am Start Men Phil Kaikkonen 1st Master Sport 30-34!
Pedal Power racer, Abigail Owsley, represented us well in the Tailwind Race Series in Michigan. Bringing home a well earned 3rd place finish in the Elite Women's category. Congratulations Abby!
What an amazing day of racing! The Superfly organizers worked hard to develop a new course at a tried and true venue, and they succeeded. It was a tough and technical course testing rider's fitness and handling. Pedal Power Racers were there in full force riding and supporting again making their presence known in the Ontario Cup race series. Results: 1:00pm Start Tim Gale 6th Elite men Tony Owsley 8th Master Expert 40-44
11:45am Start Women Kate Kaikkonen 1st Senior Expert 19-29 Abigail Owsley 2nd Master Expert 30-39 Moe O'Hare-Vedova 6th Master Expert 40+ Andrea Bacik 10th Master Expert 40+
11:45am Start Men Dallas Moesker 10th Master Sport 30-34 Al Bennetto 14th Master Sport 35-39
Once again Pedal Power Racers demonstrate their strengths in the marathon disciplines. Congratulations to Maureen O'Hare Vedova on her FIRST place finish in the Women's Open Category, 32km distance.