Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan 2013 - Cycle

I had a great ride. I felt strong for the whole ride and realize now I should have ridden the whole Granfondo 160km route.

I just kept riding hard and playing leap frog with quite a few other riders. About half way through the ride I connected with a young lady riding a very similar pace and we rode down Main St. in Penticton together.
Later we lost each other for awhile but as I was climbing the last major hill out of Okanagan Falls we hooked up again and we played leap frog all the way down the Kaleden hill heading back to Penticton.
The ride down the hill was fast but into a strong headwind so we couldn't ride as fast as we wanted. It was still an exhilarating ride and view.
As I returned to Penticton and rode around to Main St heading north to the finish line I was riding as fast as I could and having a great time passing lots of people but getting passed a bit as well.
As I headed north the finish line came into view and I pedaled faster then I was at the finish line and at the dismount line I was able to comfortably get off the bike without any trepidation.
My cycling lady finished with me and we high-fived each other plus a few other people we had played leap frog with then I took my bike over to the bike lot so I could partake in the post race activities.


Ride faster and ride more hills.

I went to the beer tent and got my free beer. Nice and cold. Then I got my chicken burger and after I got some chips, cookies and watermelon. I really would have loved an ice cold chocolate milk.

I wandered around and chatted with a few friends and finally found my wife working as a volunteer. Shamefully, no one had seen to their getting some kind of food for lunch so I went and got a few items from the athletes food tent to take over to a few of the volunteers.


My own physical limitations. I just need to work on becoming a stronger rider and getting my cadence up.


I loved this race. I only rode the Mediofondo distance but the Granfondo distance would be a great ride as well.
I highly recommend the race and Penticton as a destination - although I do live here so I may be a bit prejudiced.