Normally traveling to the Canadian Cyclo-Cross Championships is not a vacation for me. But times have changed and I’m here without a bike and with the sole purpose of cheering on Marc and all of the other Ottawa racers. Definitely a different way to experience a big race like this.

I have to say that from what I’ve seen of the race course set up at The Forks and from talking with lots of different riders (of all abilities) – this is a fantastic race course. There is so much going on: off-cambers, two sand sections, a stair run-up, a steep woodsy run-up, a fun little descent, lots of power sections in the grass, some fast crushed stone sections and a bit of pavement.

I’ve heard a few people say that this is the best course we’ve had in a long time for cyclo-cross nationals. And from what I saw, I’d have to agree.

While I don’t have a bike here, I did bring my running shoes. So I’ve been able to get in a couple of great runs. Who knew that downtown Winnipeg has some excellent urban trail running options? I have been pleasantly surprised during both of my runs to discover fun winding trails, dirt paths along the river and a cool urban mountain bike area.

Well, that’s about it from Winnipeg. Tomorrow is race day so I’ll be out at the course pretty much all day – cheering on Marc and then staying to watch the elite races.

(Maybe next year, I’ll bring a bike, a helmet, shoes, and a skin suit…)

Best of luck to everyone racing in Almonte this weekend.