Racers' Corner - Christine Misseghers, Mountain Biker

This column began a few months ago in an effort to uncover individuals in Fernie that manage work, families, social lives, and a training regime. Not having kids of my own but trying to manage a business, friends, family and training… “just for fun” I was curious how these individuals squeezed it all in. If anything it’s been disconcerting – wake up earlier, go to bed later, break up training rides and runs, tag team parents, nutrition, hydration, cross training… so far from a simple formula that can be applied to anyone! Also, I realized that it was a lot easier to find men that fit into this category than women. And that was all it took, I became determined to feature women in the next two editions.

First up is Christine Misseghers, a name you’ve probably heard before. Christine and her husband Troy are avid mountain biking machines frequently seen on the trails (sometimes mistaken for a bolt of lightening) or in town frequenting the coffee shops or restaurants after a long ride. Christine’s love affair with mountain biking began when she was living in Fort McMurray, AB about ten years ago. Troy had been a competitive mountain bike racer, but hadn’t been on a bike for a few years. “I borrowed his sister’s bike, and it was love at first ride,” she says. Her falling for the sport reignited Troy’s passion and soon they decided to make the move to the Crowsnest Pass fulfilling their dream of living in the mountains. “That’s when we started riding in Fernie, and I can honestly say that out of anywhere I have ever rode my bike, Fernie is easily my favourite.”

The Misseghers are in Fernie at least once a week during the summer months but don’t consider themselves official “weekenders” as they typically head home after their day of riding Fernie’s “sweet singletrack”. “It’s never hard to convince either of us to make the drive to Fernie (it’s shorter than my commute to work), and that support and shared enthusiasm has made riding, training, and racing a natural fit in our lifestyle,” says Christine.

Christine is an employee of the Shell Waterton gas plant as an Instrument Technician, and rides the trails of the Crowsnest Pass in the evenings during the week. In the winter months she spends time in the backcountry snowboarding and “trying to ski”. She declares that she’s also happy just to hang out at home with Troy and their dogs watching a movie, drinking a glass of wine, reading a book or knitting a new hat… but I’m guessing while she enjoys her down time, she’s counting down to that next big ride or race.

Christine already has a few events under her belt this summer and will be front and centre this August 8-10 for the TR3. Good luck Christine!

What is it about competing that you love?
I really enjoy the mountain bike racing scene, it’s a really friendly sport and I have made many good friends over the years. I also love training towards a goal, gaining fitness, and getting to test myself against others. I get such a great feeling of accomplishment when I finish a race, but no matter how I do, I always want to do better, and that drives me to sign up for the next race.

Take us through a typical training day.
I’m not sure I have a typical training day. I often make a plan for the week, or the month, but usually end up adjusting to fit life. Between work, family, dogs, friends, and whatever limitations my body presents I just try to get out as much as I can. My favourite type of training day is a 3 or 4 hour ride on as many Fernie trails as my legs will allow, and then going out for sushi.

What events are you taking part in this summer?
I have already done a few Alberta Cup cross country mountain bike races, and the Fernie Lost Boys Lungbuster Hill Climb. I will be taking part in the TR3, and hopefully the Bow 80 and Alberta marathon provincials. Also I will be sure to hit some more of Fernie’s local races and events!

What are your main goals when competing?
My main goals when competing are to ride strong and ride smart. I want to feel good about my effort, and hopefully get a spot on the podium.

How do you think Fernie’s recreational side has changed since you started biking here?
Summer in Fernie is definitely busier than it used to be. I notice a lot more people on the trails and around town. I really like seeing so many people getting out and riding their bikes.

Racing Mantra: Ride smooth