9 SRCC Members Damn the Torpedoes in 7th Annual Steaming Nostril Bicycle Race

From Environment Canada’s Special Weather Statement for Waterloo Wellington: “Freezing rain warning in effect… significant rainfall likely… precipitation may start as snow, ice pellets or freezing rain… winds gusting to 70 km …ground is still partially frozen…with a high of plus 1.” That was the weather for Cycle Waterloo’s Steaming Nostril multi surface bicycle race held today in Waterloo region. And what a great day for a bike race it was not! Speed River Cycling Club was well represented in, ahem, less than ideal conditions. El Presidente, James Fedosov, was our highest finisher in 9th position suffering the loss of feeling in both feet and brain for most of the race. Mike Framst took the next best position for the club at 42nd overall. And third best went to long time club member Ron Ferwerda at 67th all while on a single speed bike, impressive Ron! Speaking of impressive efforts and results, brand new club member Chancie Knights was fifth place Female overall, also on a single speed in a field of entirely multi speed bikes! Well done Chancie! Frozen digits were complimentary for all participants and thawed with bowls of chili afterwards. Hats off to Gord Drewitt, Marco Niro la Toretta, Kelly Legge, David Harvey and Andrew Krucker who gave it their best in what can only be described as some of the worst cycling conditions imaginable. Organizers promised that next year’s weather will be better. I am not a fan of finisher’s pins, but survivor medals may have been in order. When next you see these fine fellow club members be sure to congratulate them on their performances, or chide them for their maniacal sense of adventure, I trust they will accept both. And hopefully by then, they will have stopped shivering.