At the end of March, training shifted into a different gear. This past winter I spent a lot of time spinning, 4x racing indoors, BMX racing, snowshoeing, hitting the gym, and riding downhill.

All through November to the beginning of January I raced 4x and BMX once a week. I trained at least 3 times a week at a BMX indoor track in Abbotsford, close to my home in Vancouver. Honing my jumping skills, and getting some great interval training, I was feeling strong. I raced two BMX Provincial races where I placed first and second, respectively.
I also raced a Western National BMX race and placed second in that as well. At the beginning of each month, the Provincial BMX team would have training camps; testing us on our sprints, vertical jump, time trials, manual and jumps, gates, and other skills. This was a great indicator to whether or not my training was paying off.

Mid-February I left for two weeks to go ride and race in Chile. The course was bigger and better than ever this year. I travelled down with Fraser Britton, who always helps me out with travel plans. When we got there we met up with my fellow Commencal rider and entertainer Cedric Gracia, as well as "the boys" including Steve Smith, Eric Porter, Pablo Tafoya, Mikey Haderer, Heikki Hall, Dave Trumpore, and Trevor Martin.

One of the favourite features on course was the first big step down; riders had to take it with barely any speed otherwise they would hit the sandy landing, bottom out, and get catapulted. Although there were some fair-sized drops, jumps, transfers, and step downs on the course, I was really confident, and took to the track with a positive attitude. I liked the fact that you either went big, or went home; there were no easy lines. I raced a good race, and finished up in first place for pro women. Cedric took the win for the men; Commencal cleaned up! The fans are crazy down in Chile; it's definitely the most high energy race I've ever competed in.

 

Autographs (There is a paper
shortage in Chili)

After I got back, I had 2 weeks to catch up with all my missed schoolwork (I'm at school full time for Graphic Design and Illustration) until I left again for a week of racing.
I also sent in my resume to become a spin instructor at our local Community Centre. I got the job, and will start my training in a few weeks. I enjoy teaching, and have also re-applied this year to coach mountain bike camps and programs with Endless Biking; a local company helping people of all ages get onto bikes, and improve their skills.

warm in Chile.

School is winding down now; only three weeks left until I finish second year. My first major race of the season will be DH World Cup #2 in La Bresse, France. I'll be travelling the World Cup Circuit with teammate Alex Pro, and our mechanic, Mike Rothdram.

 

I'm excited for the season and my bikes are awesome! Thanks to all my wonderful supporters.