Matty has checked in with his thoughts on the event after the fifth race…

Contributed by: Matty Blayney

Today we reached Elkford. Happy days. 1528m of altitude gain today and it was tough as expected.

It was a relaxed start for 15km then our 1st climb. It last 15km and almost at the bottom the heat hit after another cold morning. I had little in my head today other than getting to Elkford to make contact with the outside world. The river crossings woke me up though. The water is very cold and the current is surprisingly strong. I was sitting behind an Australian guy heading into one and he decided to ride it. He went off a sudden underwater drop and went straight over the bars into the water. Anyone who knows me knows I’m easily amused and couldn’t stop laughing at him. He didn’t see the funny side. The climb winded again and again but it meant some shade and other views.

The descent was great as usual. Some of them last longer than a lot of races I’ve done. Ur wrists get very painful and my left hand has gone numb a few times.

The next climb began at the bottom and what started out as a drag turned into a 30km climb. The last 10km was brutal but well worth it. We were told about the notorious Rock Garden many times and strongly advised not to ride it. It gained its notoriety by claiming many casualties last year. We started the descend very fast. It was steep, very rocky and winding. Also full of the terrified riders, it was unbelievable. Then it got very very rocky. These rocks were massive and very loose. We managed to ride it and not come off. I saw a good few guys fall just walking it. Like yesterday though, all the Irish and British boys rode it or attempted it. My wrists were in pieces. The rest of the descent was also quick and rough but eventually we were spat out onto a road.

The 5km in was nice. And the finish was even nicer. BBQ on the line and all the refreshments you could want. Heaven.

Matty

Category: Mountainbike » Canada, Matthew Blayney, Matty's Trans Rockies Diary, Trans Rockies |

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