Turns out all the families stayed closer to the lake and away from the trails. So I dropped some gears and put down the hammer. I managed to do 6 laps of last years Ontario Cup provincials course.. 4 of them at a brisk pace. I felt great on the main climb. There was still remnant snow across the ski hill which meant I had to climb the steep bank to the left, paperboy style.
Today I managed to get out to Twin Ponds, a trail system near Guelph. I went with a buddy from University who has a few years experience racing Elite. The pace was brisk and we spent two hours or so in the more technical side of the trail system. I felt great. I was clearing the tech sections with much more ease than ever before.
I would attest this to two main factors:
1- I am 10lbs lighter than last year.
2- I spent all winter doing core exercises.
In sections where historically I'd stall for a bit and lack the 'umph' to clear the rock or root, I was able to power through. While I still lack the sustained power for big hills, everything else seems to be falling into place.
Overall I'd say I feel that my fitness is at roughly my peak fitness last year. This is a great position to be in.
Tomorrow is a rest day since im coming off two hard days. On Wednesday I would like to make it out to Appleby Line and iron out 5 hill climbs. Thursday will be a pre-ride of the Tour de Bronte course with Jeff and Anton.
