CYPRESS YETI

Wow, snowshoe season is finally done, the suffering is finally over. It was another great weekend of snowshoeing for Team Helly Hansen Vancouver Island. Following another 5am start, Jay, Jeff and I boarded the BC Ferry where we were greeted by Carey and Chase at Horseshoe bay who had been spending the week at Whistler and skiing and snowshoeing in the Callahan Valley. KMag, had to stay home and continue her superhero duties, saving the animal kingdom one puppy at a time. Although a bit windy it was nice clear day, much better than the rain of previous Cypress Yeti versions. The 1okm race started fast with Shaun Stephens-Whale and Colin Dignam setting the pace. Jeff and I followed closely going into the 1st singletrack section. I was feeling amazing as Jeff had "Tim Taylored" my custom Atlas Dualtracks - with a new cleat. replacing the former titanium ones that had sheared off last season. I was blown away by actually having traction. Colin must have been having an off day, because after making a wrong turn, I was able to pass and gap him (Very Unusual). Coming around the lap point, I could see that Shaun was having another monster race, already minutes ahead. Fortunately I had built the same gap on Colin and the rest of the boys. Meanwhile, Sather who had actually decided to start the race on time and at the front of the start shute, was also ripping it up. Duking it out with Dave Norona's sister. Holding our positions on the 2nd lap both Carey and I finished with our best results of the series winning our respective categories. Jeff had another strong race finishing in the top 10 and Jay, Trevor and Norm all finished well. Jay had his best race of the series and the team did well enough to take 1st overall in the team category for the 4th consecutive time, claiming a sweep of the series. Huge thanks to the Yeti Team, Marc, Howells, Norona and Lisa and all the fantastic volunteers for another amazing season.

Written by Justin Mark, Team Helly Hansen Vancouver Island