Devon Dust up

For the most part I feel that I have improved in my photography ability since last year. I am quite happy with my results today. Yesterday, I had done some humanitarian photography, and in doing this it helped me to get different viewing angles. I wanted to be different than everybody else, and I feel I did accomplish this. What is the next step? Well I don't know, but I hope it is good, and brings me lots of $. Just kidding, but it would be nice.

As for the race, it had a great turn out, and the weather couldn't have been any better. The organizers (Hardcore Mountain bike store) put on an excellent event. The climbs were not long, but semi short, and steep (power climbs). You had to pace yourself on the first couple of laps, or you would be walking the climbs in the laps later on. There was not much forgiveness on this course.

A job well done, and congrats to the organizers. I will be sure to mark it on my calendar for next year.

The photo above is Shantell Koenig, and Matt Krahn. I am biased on the RedBike jerseys because they "ColorPop" so well, and I am on Team Redbike, but on the injured roster.

This is another image of Shantelle.

This is Judy Harlton tearing up one of the many climbs on this course.

Interviews

Soon to come will be interviews with Jean Ann McKirdy (Team Local Ride), and Danelle Kabush (Team Luna).

Canada Day Crit.

This was my first crit to see in person, and the riders were fast. Not sure I would be comfortable going that speed in a tight pack, but I am sure I would get used to it. I only stayed for the first two heats, and not for the third and final one. I opted instead to go outside on our beautiful Canada Day and ride my mounain bike. The third heat had categories 1 & 2 in it. This pic is of the first group that raced. It is the straight away before the finish line, and this isn't the final lap.

Colorpops.

Having started "colorpops" just over a 13 months ago I am starting to feel like I am getting the hang of it. This photo is of Danelle Kabush of team "Luna Chix".


This year's Canada Cup race was different from last year as they took out the "oven" which is about a 10 to 15 min climb depending on how fast your are. The last few days before the race I had planned on going to the 2/3 mark of the oven and was going to take photos there. But with the oven being taken out I had to come up with a different plan for good photos. About 20 min before the race started I began to walk up to the "Georgetown" climb. It is probably the worst 3 min of the course, steep and rocky, and the rocks aren't tiny. This picture is just near the top of the climb and you can see by her body position that it isn't an easy climb.

Not sure exactly why, but I find it very rewarding to take bicycle racing pictures. The people are so nice, and it is very satisfying to take their photos.

The Canmore Canada Cup.

I did what it took to get to this race. It was a tough go, but I somehow managed. It was one of the most important races for me to attend so far this year. I had to get some pictures of the racers at the Canmore Canada Cup.

Struggling with having no money, no time, and being constantly sick this year, my race season was not happening. I figured maybe it was a sign to focus on something else (photography). I have been to MFC fights, TFC fights and KO boxing promotions paying my dues with taking photos. When doing these types of events the photos go unappreciated. They don't give a rat's ass about the photos. They only want their blood, blood money, and to keep the fans thirsty.

But when it comes to mountain bike, or two wheeled racing of any sort, it is a different story; the photos go greatly appreciated. It also puts a smile on the photographer's face. The photo right below is of Bianca Adolphe, and she races for the "Local Ride" race team along with Jean Ann McKirdy, who did not race do to an injury from last weekend's race in Edmonton. Team Local Ride, and Team Luna are all female teams, and these two teams kick some ass. Very strong riders on each team. Luna has been around for many years, and this is Team Local Ride's first season.

The photo below shows Geoff Kabush in the lead and I am sorry, but the other two rider's names I don't know. Geoff ended up winning this event and this was his first Canada Cup this year. The turnout was excellent and the weather was awesome as well. They say the Canmore course is one of the toughest in the Canada Cup series. I am thinking they are right.

Beginnings

This is the first post for this blog, and the beginning of many things to come. The photo is of my friend, Ann Mclean, and that is her dog named Emma. The photo is a B/W conversion with motion blur to hide the horrible background. It didn't turn out too bad, and you can do lots with photoshop nowadays.