Hey everyone, sorry for the delay, meant to get this out earlier in the week, but have been busier than usual!

But here we are, the Season 5 Final Report is live on the site, there's some neat statistics, a few thoughts, and of course our final podiums, go check it out!

Season 5 was a hoot, thanks once more to everyone who took part - I think Rider's Choice was a hit!!

Let's carry on with some of our regular sections:

FINAL PRIZES!

There's a ton of prizes for the finale, and some AMAZING items to choose from, including the bike fits from Evan at Dockside Physio, the VO2 test by Nick at TriNerds, tons of Gift Cards, and even some Goodr sunglasses (thanks again, Jen!) Here's that full list one final time:

https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge-season-5-prize-list/

As always, each rider in the final week gets a draw entry, PLUS since it's the finale, everyone who finished on the final podium (1st - 3rd) gets a second draw 'ticket'. (But each person can only win 1 prize.)

There's 21 prizes, and I've pulled three batches of names, and the first batch gets first dibs, then second, etc..

The lucky first batch is:

Jamie Caskenette
Renata Troc
Zach Mallett
The Squaremeat
Travis Field
Jane Logan
Josh Durgin

As usual, I'll email you all privately tomorrow!

Once I've heard back from all, here's the second batch:

Kristin Rooker 🇨🇦🍁🇺🇲
Brennen Smith
Dan Blackwell
Louis FL
Todd Rooker
Joel Crocker
Tyler Galts

And the third batch:

Evan Thomas
Mark Devitt
Greg Goforth
Rose Aarrestad
Emma Skaug
Sofia Donnecke
Ethan Swain

If any wish to abstain, I've got more names to pull from, so keep an eye on your inbox this week even if you weren't listed!

Thanks again to all our prize contributors! And if possible, please let them know that you appreciate them being a part of the series and kicking in some goodies.

Racing News

The Tour de France Femme wrapped up today, and it was a nail biter right to the end!! I won't spoil it, but dang....quite the race up Alpe d'Huez today! Three of six Canadians finished, the highlight was Maggie Coles-Lyster finishing 8th on a stage.

The Vuelta started on Saturday with an ITT, and sprint stage today, there's only one Canadian, Michael Woods, racing, but hopefully he gets to do something exciting!

SEASON 6 - GRAVEL EDITION!

We're back on the trails for the fall season of the Segment Challenge, and the sign-up is now live on the site!

Head over to the site to sign up:

https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge/

(Reminder: you need to sign up for each season, thanks!!)

Cyclocross Stuff

Once again, a heads up that my annual Cyclocross Skills School begins this next Sunday, and continues for three weeks - join in any! More details and sign-up here:

https://abouttheride.ca/cyclocross-skills-school/

Hopefully I'll see a bunch of you at Cross on the Rock which begins Sept 15th, and the rumour is that it'll be a return to Topaz Park! (Yay! Proper cyclocross!!!)

PRO TIP: If you're planning to ride a gravel bike at COTR, I strongly suggest using cyclocross tires - most gravel tires do not corner well in grass and are really bad in mud! I've been working on a Victoria Cyclocross Bike & Tire Guide here, so you can find just what you're looking for, and the shops who are most keen on cyclocross:

https://abouttheride.ca/cyclocross-skills-school/#bikeguide

(The exception to this might be the Jordie Lunn park, you'll probably want to stick with gravel tires for that course, which is the second Victoria venue!)

If you're wondering what's coming up for cyclocross, I've put together a resource page with just about everything you need to know about CX in Victoria:

https://abouttheride.ca/cyclocross/

Next on my plate: review the gravel segments from last season, and plot out the upcoming season! Keep an eye on the site for the first Season 6 segment hints!

That's It!

Thanks as always for tuning in, I hope everyone is looking forward to the changes in riding for the fall, and the next season of the Segment Challenge.

And as always, safe and speedy riding all! 🚲

- Dave

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