After the Populaire
The Pacific Populaire took place in Vancouver last Sunday despite cold rain and high winds. We didn’t let the weather deter us and so Agnes, Amy, Simon and I joined 173 other cyclists to participate in the 100km randonné. This is my belated account of our ride.
First of all, I’d like to express my thanks and gratitude to the organizers and all the many volunteers who made this event a reality. I’ve been on that side before and I know how hard you work to keep things running smoothly. Your efforts were well worth it and very much appreciated!
Some highlights from our ride:
- Riding in the big pack at the start was pretty impressive. This was my first time riding in such a big group and it was thrilling, if a bit nerve-wracking wondering what the other cyclists around me were about to do next. We easily commandeered a lane most of the way to UBC, our pack finally dispersing near the hill up NW Marine.
- I had a great climb up that hill, with plenty of time at the top to refuel while waiting for our foursome to regroup. There’s no better way to warm up your extremities than a brisk climb!
- On the open section on SW Marine it dawned on us how underdressed we were for the weather. That stretch is always windy & cool, and by this time the water was finding its way in through our outer layers. I fervently wished that I had worn an extra layer. We nicknamed ourselves “Team Soggy Foot”.
- Cycling to the checkpoint at Woodward’s Landing was quite a trial. Our spirits flagged as the wind picked up in Richmond, driving icy rain into faces. This was some of the worst weather I have ever cycled in (well, over a long distance, that is). The scenery around Woodward’s Landing was beautiful, however, giving us plenty of motivation to carry on.
- Shortly after leaving the checkpoint, the rain eased up and a blue patch of sky appeared to the northwest. This is easily my happiest moment during the ride. Everything just seems so much easier - and fun - when the weather is nice.
- Getting lost on the way back to the Arthur Lang bridge was distressing, but easily resolved. Kudos to Simon who navigated this stretch, often cycling an entire block no-hands while studying the route sheet!
- The final 15km really tested the limits of our intrepid band. It was no fun being escorted by the two course sweepers - as nice as those guys were, it was disappointing to be so firmly in last place. This stretch featured the long climb up SW Marine back to UBC, plus a steep “little” hill up King Edward.
- I’m very proud of my three companions, who never had cycled 100km before but stoicly carried on to complete the course. I’m especially impressed with Agnes’ performance (who had only ridden her first 61km last week and her first 27km the week before) as she doggedly perservered until there was no more to give.
Our finish times won’t impress anyone nor win any awards, but everyone was happy to have participated and completed this event. We’re already planning on the Canada Day Populaire, and I’m thinking of trying the 200km brevet next week (depending on the status of my left knee). Here’s to hoping for better weather next time!
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