Stage 4 is day 5.
What they said about yesterday.
NOT SO MUCH.

Stage 3 (being day 4) had nothing on today.  Today being day 5 (Stage 4).

While shorter from a mileage standpoint and shallower from a climbing standpoint it was not the subtle hangover they had promised.

Stage 4 (being day 5), kicked me.
Hard.
Several times.

I will go on record and state that not once, but twice I quit this stupid thing.

Fortunately there was no one around to accept my resignation.

The “PARTICIPANT” belt buckle is practically mine.
“BAD ASS MOTHER FUCKER” is the actual inscription that is inscribed on the back.
A subtle and personal reminder of mine own awesomeness IN SPITE of the results.

Rumour has it that mine has been modified with something more appropriate. 
More Jacksonesque.
“WHO’S BAD?”

Peaks 8, 9 and 10 were on the menu.

Mmmm, mmmm, good.

Right from the gun go we headed up.  The neutral start was once again not so neutral and progressivley picked up speed until it exploded onto the resort and farted me (and a handful of other weary souls) out and off the back.

Today was a good day to document.

NOTE TO THE “but why are you taking so many photos and not racing?” SET.

Because.  (Preferred FOD response edited in favor of that).

After Peak 8 there was a small smattering of down.
Just enough to warm the rotors, inflame the wrists and regain your breath before heading up up and away for Peaks 9 and 10.

12,450′

While the riding was in actuality mostly walking, the views were anything but amazing.

Once the 9th and 10th were crushed by my Sidi’s, the downs began.
Off camber, off kilter and totally technical.

There were more than a few back wheel slides as I was bounced about by the loose and steep ‘trail’.
Memories of sherp’assing the pass, near forgotten.

This last drop (Colorado Trail) was some of the most technical and prolonged descending I have ever attempted, rigid or otherwise.

Brilliant.
Sadly, no one witness one iota of mine awesomeness.

The down ended with an Aid station and subsequent 7 miles of paved bike path…surprisingly fast as the grade was about -3%.
Tuck and Roll.
Path NOT closed…people, beasts, everywhere.

The final 9 miles were on single track that very closely resembled some of Southern Ontario’s most technical…rock gardens and roots.
Of course those don’t climb for 5 miles straight (remember the bike path?  SHIT).

On no less than three occasions I was near beheaded by overzealous cyclists enjoying the speed of the ‘preferred’ direction.
It’s all good, I’ll walk this one.

On two occasions I was assaulted by leashless slobbering beasties…where is a good dog eating bear when you need one?

Long story short and all suffering aside I toiled for over 6 hours today.
What doesn’t kill you makes for distorted memories.

2010?

The usual plugs:

56 images taken today on Stage 4 (previously known as day 5).  ON FLICKR.

Team Dicky recounts his efforts over at MOUNTAIN BIKE.

Resultsnshite.  OVER HERE.

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