Paul Stevens goes 5000 Down

After finishing the Red Bull Exodus last year, I was convinced that I had braved the worst race conditions I would ever experience. I was wetter than an otters pocket, and my hands were numb for the entirety of the race. This year 5000 down, however, proved that mother nature had bigger sleeves than I could have imagined, with a lot more snow up them than I could ever have expected in mid September!

  Carnage at the start on Whistler peak

Qualifying went well. It was standard September conditions on Saturday, greasy, cold at the top, but with great traction on the lower mountain. The track was predictable and pretty fast for the most part. I posted a solid time which was a great confidence boost, as practice left me feeling unsatisfied and not too comfortable with doing long runs on the big bike again. I have proved myself to be strong in previous Garbanzo races, and it felt really good to be back on form and on the front row with the big guns for Sunday’s race. 6th in Qualifying amongst some big names.
Heavy rain on Saturday night and Sunday morning had racers checking live temperatures and web cams on the peak in anticipation. A white blanket capped Whistler mountain, from the peak down to the round house. Conditions were going to be challenging at best. My friends and I pulled on several layers, including ski gear for the ride up the chair lift and the wait at the top. We weren’t taking any chances after last year’s experience! Summiting Whistler on the peak chair, we were greeted by a stark contrast of the ever warm, friendly and hilarious Brett Tippie, and the biting cold, hostile breath of mother nature, who had laid down 6 inches of snow for us! We were soon lined up 18 rows strong for the mass start.

   I should have brought the skis for the start, or at least mud spikes!

I started strong from the front row, when suddenly I began to get worked over by the snow. Fishtailing my way down the steep part of the fire road, I lost control and was high sided off my bike. The next few minutes were an agonizing mix of running alongside my bike, tires twice as big, clogged with the snow, and trying to jump back on the pedals into a river of riders who were making me feel like I was standing still. Exiting the snow, I was exhausted. I felt how I was planning to feel at the bottom of the hill, and I still had 15 minutes to go! If there was ever an example of someone floundering down the hill. It was me there and then.

   Not how I had planned to cross the finish line, but I made it! Amy Mcdermid photo

I passed a few riders once I was off the snow, but I had lost out too much at the top to get back to where I wanted to be. I got in the groove and rode as best I could, getting faster and faster as I neared the finish. 

  A crazy race that took its toll on both body and bike. Reflection time at the finish. Alisha Palin photo

I guess when you have been racing down hill for over 20 minutes you become pretty delirious. I hit the final jump with significantly more speed than clarity of vision, and watched the landing sail beneath me. Already nosed in with the back end out, I braced for landing, but my exhausted body couldn’t take the impact, and I exploded across the finish line, much to the delight of the crowd at the bottom, who judging by the cheers and applause, had braved the rain especially in the hope of seeing someone bin it into the finish arena.

I finished 14th. Not where I had hoped, but once again, an awesome event with a great atmosphere. Better start sharpening the snow tires for next year! 

Paul is proving to be a great catch – for his riding skills, his blogging mastery and his well-timed crashes.  Check the 5000 Down thread here…