Mike Bobick in Ultraman Canada 2005
Jul 31 - Aug 2
Mike's happy to get a healthy breakfast.
1
Drew never turns down a free meal. Yum!
2
James carbs up for tomorrow's arduous drive.
3
Vultures circle ominously overhead (no need to sweep the course ... they'll take care of it).
4
"I don't care as long as they don't eat my quiche!"
5
Ultraman entrants assemble for a "before" photo.
6
Race morning! Mike organizes his gear while Karen puts on sunscreen. James is "visualizing" for the arduous drive ahead.
7
Karen preps her toes for the hot Okanagan sun.
8
Calm waters bode well for the 10km swim.
9
Mike sprays himself with Pam (what does Pam spray herself with?).
10
James helps Mike lube up.
11
Karen readies the kayak and prepares for 3+ hours on the water.
12
Mike and his support crew: Drew, Karen & James. Only Drew has reported for duty in uniform.
13
Time to get ready!
14
Mike warms up.
15
Smiley Ultraman competitors assembled for introductions and a pre-race pic.
16
Everyone forms a prayer circle; the pastor asks for fair weather and a safe race for all.
17
Stand by to launch ...
18
Karen paddles offshore a few hundred metres to wait for Mike to start.
19
They're off! Kayakers manouevre toward their swimmers and begin shadowing them for the 10 km swim.
20
Karen approaches the finish line ... but where's Mike?? Ahoy Mike! The finish is over here!
21
Mike wades ashore ... photographs become blurry as the 'fog of triathlon' sets in.
22
After an exceptional transition, Mike settles into the 145 km bike leg on familiar terrain. Here he is powering up to Richter Pass.
23
Close to the summit and time for a quick cool-down. It's hot! James looks like Joe Cool with his shades and stylin' orange vest.
24
Mike approaches the summit as the support van passes. In the mirror you can see the photographer is also wearning a cool orange vest.
25
Mike's a happy cyclist knowing his red jersey matches his tire.
26
Mike tackles the Rollers amid a landscape of sagebrush.
27
Perfect handoff! Mike grabs his banana and heads toward Keremeos.
28
Most of the Ultraman Day-1 bike course coincides the Ironman course. Here Mike makes a U-turn at the Barcelo Rd. out & back.
29
Mike grabs a (matching red) water bottle at the final summit. It's all downhill from here!
30
Mike tops a successful Day 1 by appearing in the newspaper.
31
Day 2: Cyclists have a pre-race chat before starting the 245 km bike course.
32
Mike's impeccable colour coordination contrasts starkly with Gerard's blue/day-glo orange combo.
33
Smiley cyclists.
34
Cyclists take their marks. Support vans wait in the parking lot until after the competitors have left.
35
Go! The 245 km cycle begins!
36
Mike aggresively tackles 'The Wall' south of OK Falls.
37
A hairpin curve and a sharp grade, but Mike powers through it! (Click image to start animation).
38
The Wall is behind him and Mike shows no sign of slowing down.
39
It's turning out to be a sizzling hot day.
40
Mike's fluids are colour coded: green for endurance, brown for quick energy, red for colour coordination.
41
Mike heads toward White Lake.
42
Day 3: The bike is relegated to the van's roof as everyone prepares for the 84 km run.
43
Everyone is relieved that cloud cover will make for a cooler day than yesterday.
44
Race Director Steve Brown calls runners to the mark.
45
And they're off! These runners have already run about 8.4 metres. Now all they have to do is repeat that 10,000 times. ;)
46
Michele runs with Mike as they catch up to the second place runnner and his pacer.
47
James joins in the fun and the colourful quintet continue along the Summerland-Princeton Highway.
48
Mike is in fine form as he prepares to move into second place.
49
Now Karen runs with Mike who pays scant attention to the sign.
50
Huff puff ... Mike and Karen keep a steady pace amid pastoral scenery.
51
Michele takes over pace-runner duties and encourages Mike up a significant climb.
52
Holy Cow!! James runs ahead to shoo a bovine obstacle.
53
Bossy mooooves of the road.
54
At long last there is a downgrade. Mike catches up to first-place Gerard and they strike up a conversation.
55
Two chatterboxes continue yakking, flanked by their pace-runners.
56
Finish!! Gerard and Mike finish the run course at the same time!
57
Mike appears in the newspaper for a second time!
58
The time on the clock as Mike crosses the line.
59
At the awards banquet. Competitors proudly show their Ultraman mementoes.
60
Time to relax, swap race stories and exchange Hawaiian fashion tips.
61
The sun has set, the evening winds down, and thoughts turn to next year's race.
62
Well done Gerard (1st), Mike (3rd) and Nick (2nd)! Hope to see you next summer!
63
  


Generated with Arles Image Web Page Creator