We apologize for the recent gaps in our West Coast Spin coverage, caused by unexpected timing and technical issues. As the season is winding down here is the final West Coast Spin for 2002. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage this season. Please look for a 'revamped' Spin column in 2003.

PacificSport National Cycling Centre Awards Gala
(Victoria, BC) – November 25, 2002 – In a year when Canada's cyclists were heralded as the champions of the road, velodrome and mountain bike tracks, winning 15 medals at World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Pan American Championships, nine of those amazing performances were from PacificSport National Cycling Centre athletes, many of whom were honoured at the 2002 PacificSport National Cycling Centre Awards Gala Saturday, November 23rd, in Victoria, B.C.

Local hero Roland Green won the Overall Elite Male award after a season where he defended his World MTB Championship title and helped put Canada's Relay Team on the gold medal podium at the World Mountain Bike Championships, a team that also featured PacificSport teammates Ryder Hesjedal (Victoria), Alison Sydor (Victoria) and Max Plaxton (Tofino, BC) Hesjedal was also a repeat winner, taking the Overall U23 Award for his bronze medal at the World Championships in Espoir, his first World Cup win and Overall World Cup Espoir title. The Overall Elite women's award went to Alison Sydor who continues to perform in the World's top five internationally and proved her mettle on the gold-medal Relay Team.

Other award winners were:
Overall Junior – Ryan McNamara (Victoria)
Most Promising Male – Ian Condron (Victoria)
Most Promising Female – Kiara Bisaro (Courtenay, BC)
Fair Play Male – Tony Zarsadias (Victoria)
Fair Play Female – Trish Sinclair (Victoria)
Ambassador to PacificSport – Erin Carter (Victoria)
Corporate Awards – Saunders Subaru, CFAX/B107.3

Some thoughts about Rainy Days, Socials and Canadian-Made Cycling Videos

Yes. The rumors you've heard are true. After a six-month 'drought' it's finally started to rain in Vancouver a few weeks or ago and it hasn't stopped since.

BC rain is a lot different than anything I've ever seen. To give you a clearer picture, let me tell you a short story!

Six years ago, after racing in Ontario for eight years, I moved to Victoria to go to school and train in the warm, year-round weather conditions.

I found out about the local weekend rides and prepared to join a new cycling group. I woke up that first Saturday morning and pushed the drapes aside. Looking out my window I saw rain, rain and more rain! I phoned my riding partner at the time and confirmed that the ride was a no-go.

“Aren't you out the door yet?” She asked.

“What are you talking about? It's pouring out there. I can't even see four feet from my window,”I exclaimed.

” Dude, get out there. I'll meet you in fifteen.”
Click.

Okay, I pushed my sorry butt out the door and straddled my bike. By the time I rolled down the hill I was soaked. You see, at this point, I didn't have any fenders or capable rain gear.

When we arrived at the group ride meeting spot I was definitely the odd woman out. You see, EVERYBODY had fenders on – except for me. What did I know? When it rains this hard in Ontario, you just don't ride!

The group forced me to the back of the pack for this ride and I was not, repeat, not, allowed to move to the front of the pack. You see, without the fenders, anyone riding behind me would get sprayed twice as much than if I was with fenders. Of course, being at the back wasn't the cleanest, driest or the best of all places – but, being there, I learned my lesson very quickly.

Of course, the following week, I had my fenders attached and I was actually able to take my turn at the front of the pack. The remainder of the winter was pretty mild – hovering around five or ten degrees all season, but wet. I think there was one crazy snowstorm that winter – it lasted three days and shut the whole city down.

Ahhh – winter. I heard it snowed in Southern Ontario recently – something like twenty inches of snow! I guess it's time for some great cross-country skiing.

But then there are the parties, the year-end galas, dinners, and awards ceremonies – isn't it crazy how this is the only time we actually see each other wearing something other than spandex? Yikes.

This is also the time of the year for watching movies! Cycling videos are my favourite – I'm actually having a hard time finding cycling video rentals in Vancouver. Please contact us with any suggestions, especially regarding Canadian-made cycling videos.

Well, cozy up to a nice hot bowl of popcorn and enjoy your winter season. Hats off to a great season for cycling this year! Enjoy your winter training and happy holidays!