Sunday, December 6, 2009

Now...Start Training...The Hill Climb date is set!!

With only 277 days to go, it's time to reactivate this blog. Stay tuned for more miscellaneous (and undoubtedly nonsensical) info, details and, of course, trivia about the Norquay Hill Climb and other hill climbs from around the world.

To get things rolling, here's a unique view of the 2009 Records...

If you need a nudge to get your training going...or even to amp it up a notch or two, check out the sites on the right, under Need a Training Nudge.

Welcome back!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Keep checking back...

we'll be starting the clock in anticipation of next year's race!!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

All over...but the celebrating!! Records fall at Mt. Norquay

Race report from Andy Holmwood, with photos courtesy of Mark Kay

A combination of pristine new asphalt and warm, calm weather led to fast times up the Mt. Norquay Road on Sunday (September 13th). Records, kept since 1991, were broken in four categories on the 5.4 kilometre course: Samuel Beaudoin of Edmonton’s Juventus club broke the record for Under-15 Men for the second consecutive year, setting a new mark of 15 minutes, 28 seconds, over one minute faster than his 2008 ride. Other records fell in the Masters’ categories where three Calgary riders set new best times. Sonia Utting put up a new best time in the Master Women 30 – 39 category, Mitch Klassen did likewise in the Master Men 40 – 49 category, and Pat Dodge (The Bike Shop) improved on the record in the Master Men 50 – 59 group.

Brian Martin, Gold medalist in paralympic, having way, way too much fun! Most inspiring!!





Team H&R Block-Kona's Chris McNeil racing hard and steady to the top, ultimately earning a Bronze medal in Open Men.

Men and Women in the elite categories riders were able to crack the top-ten fastest times list; however records, held by Matt Anand and Danelle Kabush respectively, were not to be challenged. Edmonton’s Cody Canning (ERTC/Revolution Cycle) almost broke the 13-minute barrier – a feat not done since 1998 – with a winning time of 13:04, while Calgary’s Nik Vogler won the women’s competition with a time of 16:18, good for 10th place on the all-time list.

ERTC/Redbike's Cody Canning, who went on to win the gold medal for Open Men, and secure a position in the Top Ten Men results with his finishing time of just over 13 minutes. Congratulations, Cody!Gideon Krishtalka, from Team H&R Block-Kona, cruising up the slope and ultimately finishing with both a Silver Medal in Open Men and a place in the Top Ten Men results. Great job, Gideon.

Nik Vogler navigating the curves, and setting pace to win a Gold medal in Open Women.

Heather Kay, from ERTC/Redbike, enroute to the top, and a Silver Medal in Open Women. Heather has had a strong, solid road season, capping it off with this noteworthy accomplishment. Awesome job, Heather!!

Local Rundle Mountain Cycling Club members were well represented on the podium. Junior riders Andrew Spahr and Sean Qi finished first and second, respectively, while Darren Anderson continued his fine season, placing third in Category 3. The event was hosted by the Rundle Mountain Cycling Club. Full results can be found here.





















Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Hill Climb Registration is now open!!

Finally, the "reality" of the Mt. Norquay Provincial Championship Hill Climb is but a few sleeps away! The technical guide is here, and registration is here.

See you on Sunday, between 9 and 10:15 at Banff High School...and after that, again at the start line...and at the Medal presentations, back at the school.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Mt. Norquay Sticky Note Wall

Another "feature" added to the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb blog: the STICKY NOTE WALL!

Leave us a sticky note to let us know you "arrived" at our site. You can leave your note on the wall to the right....or you can go "big screen," here

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #1

To make this year's event even more appealing, you can look forward to:
New pavement…


spectacularly scenic views (for pre- and post - race notice)…

a new welcome sign to greet you once you’re done…
and the opportunity to win medals. Lots of medals...as the following categories are up to be contested:
Paralympic
U15 Female/Male
U17 Female/Male
Jr. Female/Male
Master Women A, B, C, D
Women B
Open Women/Women A
Master Men A, B, C, D, E, F
Cat 5
Cat 4
Cat 3
Open Men/Cat 1/2
More details will be available in the "soon to be released" tech guide....check back often, please.
In case you haven't scoped out the current record standings, they can be found here
Hope you're convinced:
Mt. Norquay Alberta Provincial Hill Climb Championship
Sunday, September 13, 2009
IT ALL STARTS AT 11:01 AM.....

Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #2

At Mt. Norquay, you'll have opportunity to test your mettle, as you'll be challenged by plenty of top-notch competitors, like him...

(Trev Williams, photo from Speed Theory site, taken by the talented photographer, Bill Quinney)

and him...

(Andy - photo courtesy of Mark Kay/kayphoto.ca)

and her.... (Heather Kay - photo courtesy of Mark Kay/kayphoto.ca)

(but not him....apparently Contador has prior commitments on our race weekend)

and many others, with skill and talents too diverse to mention here (total field limit of 100, by the way, so do register early!!). Message: great competition + great people = yet another great reason to race Mt. Norquay.


















































…and him…and her

Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #3

On the way up Mt. Norquay, you’re not likely to be accosted by “wild life,”
like this….


or this








or this...(terribly frightening!)
You will, however, likely see this....

and a pretty strong chance, also this....

Bottom line: Mt. Norquay wildlife is relatively tame, all things considered. No danger whatsoever with our critters....

Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #4

You definitely won’t melt in the sweltering heat that envelopes this race….the Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb. Try Mt. Norquay…where elevation
and weather are much, much more sane…er, stable…

Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #5

See the profile (second page, red arrow) – and the distance – of the Mt. Evan’s Hill Climb? Just wee bit daunting? If so…race Mt. Norquay!



Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reasons #6 and #7

Compared to this race, and this race…Mt. Norquay can be considered a mere “bump in the road.” Let’s put it this way: our tech guide will not contain anything even vaguely resembling this description, from the 37th Annual Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb ~

“The course - The Mt. Washington Auto Road rises at an average grade of 12 percent, with a 22-percent grade in the final yards before the 6288-foot summit. The challenge is increased by Mt. Washington's famous high winds and frequently bad weather. In some years the winds have blown riders off their bikes on the upper slopes above the tree line; in others, rain, fog and general chill have made the experience all the more unforgettable.”

Having a vehicle/driver to transport you down the mountain – should you attain your finishing goal – is not an option (and I’m sure few would argue the sanity of that particular requirement). Sketchy – BIG time. Mt. Norquay – much friendlier on all accounts (plus, good training, should you be considering tackling Mt. Washington at some point...).



Top 8 Reasons to Race the Mt. Norquay Hill Climb ~ Reason #8

Mt. Norquay = Everest? Nope, not even a little bit!! See…that should boost your confidence already. Having been to Everest Base Camp....






Andy and I guarantee – Norquay will be much, much easier (and you won’t suffer from altitude-ailments, either).

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sunday, March 22, 2009

2008 - The "Wrap Up"

Positive attitudes and steely determination were in abundant supply on September 14th at the Provincial Championship Hill Climb (Mt. Norquay, Banff), hosted by CMC/Bow Cycle. The 29th running of this popular event brings closure to a most challenging Road racing season.

Highlights of the 4.8 km lung-bursting race, alongside the well-deserving medal recipients, include:

Samuel Beaudoin (Juventus, U15 Men), who trounced his previous U15 Men’s record (2006) of 18m32.25s, with this year’s impressive accomplishment, and new record of 16m37.55s.

Danelle Kabush (Luna, Women A) who, with a 15m02.91s time, has set a new Mt. Norquay Hill Climb record, surpassing her previous record (2006) of 15m32.4s.

Gideon Krishtalka (Team H&R Block; Cat 1/2) with a top time of 13m20.47s; and John Bereczki (bicisport) who marked the season finale by sporting a stylish pink kit under his bicisport jersey! Nice touch, John!!

Congratulations to all who competed and especially, to those who received medal-standings in recognition of their accomplishments.

Last year's results can be found here.