Penticton – Its’ a Wrap! (and I want to go back, like right now)

It was a dark, dark, dark day today, as I went to work dragging my feet and feeling extremely depressed. Like 25 other Speed Theory cyclists, I just came back from spending upwards of a week or so “living the dream” biking on some of the best roads in Canada: ride, eat, sleep, hang out with a super group of people and then do it all over again the next day, and the next, and the next... Today’s cold and rainy weather after the long weekend couldn’t have been more appropriate. So now I reflect. I reflect on how awesome the Speed Theory Penticton camp turned out and how many more Speed Theory cyclists I met and got to know really well over the week.

There were 26 riders who joined the group throughout the week, with at least 15 riding each day. Highlights included not getting caught in the rain (within regulation time) during the rides, climbing to Chute Lake on 8km of gravel on grades upwards of 15 per cent, and hitting Anarchist-light, Richter’s and Apex all in one day. The US ride was awesome and the group nailed it from border to border. Thanks to Derek, Emily, Mike G. and Darcy for hosting the last night BBQ.

It was the most relaxed group since we started going out as a team three years ago, and I love it that way. There were many days when a couple of groups would head out to do completely different rides and in some cases, one group would split four different ways half way through a ride. Carolyn and Cheryl told me they are thinking of leading a “C Group” next year. I suspect the group would partake in lots of vacationing-type activities during the rides like beach stops, winery stops and a lunch boutique or two.

All categories and levels of cyclists were covered in the group so don’t ever think you can’t come out and have a blast with us next year. I already can’t wait. To that end, I’m up for feedback. The Speed Theory Penticton week has grown and improved over the past three years primarily from looking at what can be done better. I’d love to hear your comments. If you don’t want to post them, please send them to Trev and he can forward them to me. Until next year...