Altitude-sports.com in partnership with Icebreaker will be covering the event in Mont-Tremblant. One day before the race, you will be able to do an advanced pickup of the participant kit and bib at our store in Mont-Tremblant. We will also be there to greet you after your race and to take souvenir pictures with Ramator that will be posted for your viewing on our Facebook group. We will also have some Icebreaker pieces for sale and other fun activities organised, so make sure to pass by the Icebreaker tent!

The Ramator is portrayed as a mythological creature that is half man, half merino. The Ramator was created as a symbol of the connection Icebreaker has with nature.

XTERRA Quebec Edition will be held in beautiful Mont-Tremblant, a quaint outdoor loving town located a little more than 1 hour North of Montreal in the Laurentians. This event will offer a full and half triathlon (solo or as a team) as well as a full duathlon for solo racers. This race will serve as the XTERRA 2011 Canadian Eastern Championships.  Four spots for the XTERRA World Championship will be up for grabs in the Triathlon Full XTERRA category. Top female and male athletes (under 40 and 40+ in age) in Mont-Tremblant will be eligible to race in Maui, Hawaii on October 23, 2011.

Mont-Tremblant offers amazing mountain biking and trail running terrain and is covered with beautiful lakes to swim in and enjoy water sports.

The event promises to be a true test of your abilities and will be a chance for everyone to take part in a unique race.

Icebreaker garments are made from natural, renewable merino wool, and sustainable production methods are at the core of their business.

The setting

Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant

Race HQ will be located at Le Grand Lodge, an authentic log hotel with an unbelievable view on lake Ouimet. The hotel has all the latest perks and an award winning restaurant “Chez Borivage”. There is also the fabulous “Whisky Bar” where you can sit in front of the majestic fireplace listening to live entertainment while sipping on a martini or coffee. This will certainly make you feel right at home.

It was in 1936, that Joe Ryan, a young eccentric American millionaire came to Mont-Tremblant and was struck by the scenery at the summit of Mont Tremblant. He then decided to build "the biggest ski centre in the East." And this is how lake Ouimet and its exquisite Villa Bellevue, now Le Grand Lodge, became the choice destination for adventuresome skiers, for fishing expeditions, and a haven for relaxation and swimming. Nothing else needs to be said about the site, you are in for a treat surrounded by local legends.

The racing

Le Grand Lodge has a direct access to the best and most challenging mountain biking in Mont-Tremblant. No need to worry about any long stretches of roads, you will hit the technical stuff as soon as you jump onto the saddle.

Race director and course setter is local athlete Pat Lussier, an ex-Canadian alpine ski team member, with over 10 years experience in adventure racing. He’s been organizing corporate events for the past 12 years while racing in several off-road events. He promises to deliver an unforgettable and challenging experience to all racers.

The XTERRA winners

Approximate Race distances

Triathlon

Full XTERRA 1,5 km swim, 18 km bike, 8,5 km run

Sport XTERRA 750m swim, 11 km bike, 5 km run

Team XTERRA 1,5 km swim, 18 km bike, 8,5 km run

Duathlon

Full Duathlon 5 km run, 18 km bike, 3,5 km run

What to expect

Start – Finish – Transition area: Gravel or grass, sandy beach; bring a small rug to keep your feet clean. There will be a short run from the swim to the transition (100m), bike shoes will be near the water on a grass covered area by the beach

Swim: In Lake Ouimet. Start is on a sandy beach with 25 meter-long shallow-water run-in.

Swimming

Mountain Bike: Racers can expect to be challenged on some very difficult terrain. If everything goes according to plan, you will have a mandatory dismount about half way through the course for a river crossing. We promise to keep your bike as dry as we can.

Cycling

Trail run: You’ll see some moderate climbs, and some good downhills. No super technical stuff here, you’ll be able to open it up before crossing the finish line.

Running

Lodging

Call the Grand Lodge directly to book your stay : 1-800-567-6763.

Mention the XTERRA Triathlon upon reservation.

How to get there

From Montreal (1h15min): Take highway 15 North to Ste-Agathe. Continue on highway 117 North to Mont-Tremblant. Take Exit 119 (Montée Ryan). At the first roundabout, take your first right and you’re there.

From Ottawa (2h): Take highway 50 towards Montreal. Follow signs for Montreal (provincial road 148 East) until you hit Montebello. At the first traffic light in Montebello, turn left on 323 North. Keep going until you reach Mont-Tremblant. Take highway 117 N, for 2 km and turn off at exit 119 (Montée Ryan). At the first roundabout, take your first right and you’re there.

Registration

115 $ solo - 150 $ team. You must register through Active.com. Click here for the Mont-Tremblant event.

Important Note: For logistics reason, we will close registration at 200 racers for this first year edition of XTERRA Quebec. Be sure to register early.

Race course

This unique off-road race will cover some very technical terrain and is intended to be a challenge for expert riders. Since this race is a qualifier for the XTERRA World Championship, our goal is to qualify four top athletes on a course that will challenge any type of racer. If you are looking for a challenge, you found it!

Bike course (in blue on the map)

Run course (in red on the map)

That being said, I think biking to work is awesome and I’d like to see a hell of a lot more people doing it. It’s so green, causes less emissions, less use of oil, the environment, blah blah blah. You know what I’m tired of? This:

Not because I’m pro-air pollution but because I find there are better ways of selling something, in this case public transit. I used it as an example of something I often see: an advertisement selling something by highlighting the advantages to the collectivity. I think that’s the wrong approach, which is sad since most of those ads are for a good cause. If people were really swayed by “do the right thing” messages, the world would be a much different place. Rather, I think we are convinced by arguments that focus our own personal advantage. By all means bike to work because it reduces noise, air and countless other types of pollution. However also do it for reasons that concern you right now. With that in mind, here are some reasons why you should bike to work today.

1. It feels great.

Right there, that should be enough. But there’s more.

2. Exercise makes your body feel awesome. Get to work PUMPED!

3. Exercise makes your brain feel awesome. A bicycle is like prozac on two wheels. Get to work HAPPY!

4. Biking to work is a great way to check out chicks (or guys depending on your sexual proclivities).

5. Save time! Biking is more efficient time-wise than taking your car. Think about it. You can either drive to work then go to the gym or put in a stationary bike in your car. Or you can just bike to work. That half-hour of stationary biking at the gym? Already done.

Believe me, I could keep going on, but I want to keep it short. My point is that there are tons of good reasons to integrate biking in your lifestyle. A lot of them are guilt inducing and/or focus on benefits to a vague concept rather the person you are. I say focus on the ones that make you feel great, now. Speaking of which, what are your favourite reasons?

Now go on, put the fun between your legs.

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Other articles you might like:

Biking in Spain – Figueres to Cadaques

Mad Cycling in Burke, Vermont

Getting dressed for cycling – Altipedia Buyer’s Guide

The ride starts off pretty smoothly, as we bike through cute little towns and fields of green and vineyards. What we don't seem to notice is those protruding masses of rock in the background... Ignorance is bliss! But reality hits us pretty hard a couple of ks later, when the landscape starts to change and we start to sweat. It's on those days that I miss the Netherlands, or the land of the flat. TIP: When planning your itinerary, make sure to not only check the distance that you will be cycling, but also the inclination of the road which can put a whole new twist to your ride.

Slowly but surely, my dear cousin Myka and I start pedaling our butts off. We won't let the mountain beat us, although we sometimes feel like giving up (which involves throwing our bikes off the cliff). Cars whiz passed us and we get the occasional thumbs up from the window. At every turn, we wonder if the road will take us downhill, but we keep going up, up, up. André the machine even gives us a little help by pushing us in the back for a much needed little break. What makes things especially difficult from today as opposed to yesterday is the fact that we are constantly in the sun, with little shade for us to rest in. TIP: You can never be too safe; bringing two bottles on the trip is definitely a good idea, because you'll never know when the next stop will be! You can also add a squeeze of lemon for flavour.

Honestly, this has to be one of the most challenging things I've done in my life. But the reward is well worth with... a breath-taking view of El Port de la Selva, and the satisfaction of knowing that we pushed our limits (I say that now, but I was pretty much swearing all the way up!). We are on top of the world!

It took us hours to go up, and just a few minutes to get down. Myka finally got passed her fear of cycling downhill; maybe it's because we are too exhausted to press on the brakes... On the way towards the beach, we see some castles and gorgeous scenery. In the little port town, we put our feet in the sand and relax for a bit. But the ride isn't over... We still have an impressive hill to go up in order to reach Cadaques. Well, we've got to do what we've got to do, and continue biking...

Finally! We reach Cadaques. It's a very cute town surrounded by water and a cobblestone beach. But it's time for a break, and tomorrow we are off to Dali's house. We marvel at the view from our room, as we sit back and relax after the hardest day of our trip. After a little rest, our stomachs start growling with hunger. My sister recommended we go to Casa Anita, a seafood restaurant in the village renowned for its hospitality. Well, it was one of the best suppers of my trip! We ate all sorts of fish and had an awesome desert.

The next morning, we visit Dali's house... No words can explain how loco this man is, so here are a few pictures from his refuge.

After the tour, we are off again... This time, to Escalla!

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Tips for biking in Spain

Day 1 - Girona to Figueres

Day 2 - Figueres to Cadaques

Day 3 - Cadaques to Escala (with a stop in Roses)

Day 4 - Escala back to Girona

Velorution (my uncle's bike store in Sault-Ste-Marie)

André does Spain (my uncle's version of the trip)

Waterbreak!

To know where you can rent a bike in Montreal, check out the activated red stations on this map.

And for our Ontario friends, Capital BIXI, the bike share service in the core of Ottawa, will start in May of 2011. As for Toronto, the launch of BIXI will take place on May 3rd, with 1,000 bikes and 80 stations and 1500 docking points around Toronto’s downtown. Did you know that Minneapolis, Washington D.C., London and Melbourne also have adopted BIXI?

To get you ready for farmer-tan season, check out this video by Da Gryptions. It's called the Bixi Anthem and I am sure that you will thoroughly enjoy it:

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How to dress for spring cycling

The North Faced Apex Bionic Produt Review

Chuck’s Review – Osprey Hydraform Reservoir Water Pack

Winter's over friends! Time to get outside and breath some fresh air! While you're at it, you can also get in shape for the summer. Cycling's a great way to get fit: it's aerobic and it's lots of fun. It's also quite practical. Perfect for people with busy schedules, why not bike to work? Check out our video for suggestions!

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BIXI is in Town!

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Chuck’s Review – Osprey Hydraform Reservoir Water Pack

On my bike trip accross the country

I recently switched from a CamelBak to an Osprey water pack for my hydration system and I am very satisfied with the experience. As a cyclist who has done a cross-country tour and is also familiar with the day-to-day commute, I know a little about hyrdrating on the go. 

Osprey Hydraform Reservoir Water Pack

My brocycles

Celebrating down the hill

The two things important to me are performance and comfort, and the Osprey Hydraform Reservoir excels in both. The mouthpiece is rounded, easy to use and doesn’t drip. I’m especially pleased with the magnetic clip attached to the end (useful when you don’t want your mouthpiece dangling about or when you’re exploring territory you wouldn’t exactly prefer to eat off of). Finally, I’m most impressed with the convenience of the rigid handle, which makes filling up easy at any faucet or fountain. 

The Osprey pack is smaller than my last (2 liters instead of 3) so it’s less ideal for touring, but it fits comfortably and the conveniences certainly make up for the smaller capacity. 

The Crew

Overall the Osprey Hydraform Reservoir has been a pleasant change and I am extremely happy with the product. 

Chuck Cantone 

Fixing a flat tire

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On the road again. Or is it the track?

My story begins like any other Saturday with a bowl of Lucky Charms and a brisk walk to work (I will ignore the fact that most of you don’t have the priviledge of working weekends). Work, work, work and finally 5 pm creeps up behind me. Time to head straight to the first annual Mont-Tremblant 24hour cycling event, created to raise funds for cancer research.

Cheering certainly has its benefits, but on this crisp Saturday night I was on my way to the local race track to crush cancer with my freshly shaven legs. Proverbially speaking of course. I am kind enough to have many generous friends who helped me along financially to raise nearly $400 for cancer research. My cool retro cycling cap comes off to you, my friends. In all seriousness every penny donated meant the world to me. Every time my legs wanted to give out going up the offensive hill I swallowed my vomit and pedalled harder because of everyone supporting me. But we will get to the aches and pains a little later.

So back to my timeline. 5:30pm I get to the event and the atmosphere is electric. Cyclists, smiles and energy drinks as far as the eye can see. A DJ was ripping it up on the stage (by ‘ripping’ I mean standing behind a nice iMac and bobbing his head), and the spectators seemed to be appreciating it all. The event had started at noon that morning so as I pulled up to my team’s tent I could see one thing: a lot of empty sports drink bottles and protein bar wrappers. But once I looked past those two piles I saw my teammates enthralled by the race. Ours was a bastard team, filled with friends from Sushi Taxi, Cycles et Sport Mont-Tremblant, Freiheit Legal (I don’t go anywhere without my lawyer), Panorama Signature and 1er Choix Lave Auto. Like a Long Island Iced Tea, we were the product of mixing several volatile ingredients, creating an unstoppable (and delicious) force. And don’t get me wrong- we were delicious.

Team Delicious : Altitude Sports, Sushi Taxi, Cycles et Sport Mont-Tremblant, Freiheit Legal, Panorama Signature and 1er Choix Lave Auto

Mine was the graveyard shift from 10pm to 5am so I had arrived early to cheer on my team mates. For the next 4 hours I watched as one would come off their bike and crumble to the ground, as another would rise from their saddle and crush their pedals into the oblivion. We would then be supporting (some might say too enthusiastically) our rider as they zipped by the pit lane. I had honestly never seen that wonderful facial expression consisting of a mixture of agony and elation; I watched it on the faces of my friends for 10 hours straight, and I will tell you it never ceased to put a smile on my face.

Smiles

From 10pm on I started doing 3 laps on and off with two other friends getting a miserable 20 minutes of rest between each brutal session. I learned to love that taste of bile stemming from continued muscle ache that night. I also had the pleasure of riding with many friendly cyclists from around Quebec who kept a swift pace and a courteous attitude as I tried to break away and make up time for our team- usually to no avail, but nonetheless in my head I looked like Lance Armstrong as I broke away (subsequently to be passed on the uphill). The wee hours of the night were tough for my 3 person crew, but we pushed each other hard and made sure to cover each other in fleece throughout the chilly shift.

Fourtunately for my body I was able to slide two hours of sleep in from 5 to 7am Sunday morning. However, it did not seem to satistfy my legs. They had revolted in the night and they were burning bridges inside of me. Regardless, I was asked to do some more loops on the track and I obliged. My legs were less enthusiastic, but I made them an offer they could not refuse. Halfway through my second lap they refused my offer. I spent the rest of the morning cheering and trying to keep my gelatinous legs under my control.

So by the time the awesome event was nearing a close we learned that our team had placed 3rd. Withstanding our tired eyes and aching legs, we were all thrilled that our hours of effort had paid off, and more importantly that our team was able to help raise over $3000 for this cause which hits close to home for almost everyone. I would suggest, without a question in my mind, that everyone should have a go at this event next year, or any similar event for that matter, because it will change you. Whether you ride a tricycle at 3km/hr or a Cervelo at 40km/hr you will dig deep to carve every corner, push up every hill and cheer on fellow friends and participants. Plus you get to wear spandex in public, and deep down I know that everyone likes to do it. You know who you are.

Oh, then I drove to work.

My name is Rémi. I'm a French student that will soon be graduating from the École Polytechnique de Montréal. You're reading the first article in a long series...that will tell the story of my cycling adventure through North America. Yup, once I get that diploma, my career (anti-crisis) plan is to go ride a bike!

"What an absurd idea" you might be left thinking...well please note that I've been surrounded by bikes since my entire life : I wasn't a year old when I started playing with my parents' tire levers when we'd go on bike tours in Averyon. Today, I've grown a little and I have a deep thirst to see me some countryside. North America in particular! The North America where it rains, the North America where you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere...and not the North America of airports, nor the souvenir shops of Old Montreal...

The trip isn't well planned yet: my departure is dependent on my graduation, not to mention administrative formalities... speaking of bothersome things, I've already got a setback: my tourist visa request to the United States was rejected! Apparently, I haven't shown enough strong bonds with a country other than the US. I'm not giving up though and I'll be presenting a new request as soon as I have something to assuage US Immigration's fears that I might stay there (Although frankly, they don't know what they're missing!)

I haven't planned everything out yet, but luckily, I have a good idea about where I'll be heading and the places I'll see. The plan is to go down the East coast until Key West (at the end of Florida), then head West until California. Once there, go up to Vancouver, cut East through Alberta, then South to Yellowstone (we'll see what we can do about the Rockies!) Finally, I'll go check out Mount Rushmore and I'll come back along the Great Lakes. Basically, I'm just doing Montreal to Laval, but via Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Vancouver, Chicago and Gatineau. Just a slight detour. You have the right to think I'm crazy.

The coming months, you'll be able to follow my preparations, my departure and trials tribulations adventures that will ensue. Write you later!

Rémi

Montreal as seen from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge

1. Ride the entire circumference of the Island of Montreal. In one shot.  Distance: about 160km.

This must be kilometre 153-ish

2. Ride Montreal-Orford, in one shot. Distance: also about 160km.

Thank you to http://www.aldb.ca/ for the picture

3. Hike up Mont-Chauve (Mount Baldy) with my Dad. Altitude : Not much and it doesn't matter.

4. At least one canoe-camping weeeknd. Distance : Whatever I can do.

These three projects will be all the more satistying in that for various reasons, I wasn't able to complete them last year. But as you know, finishing a project gives you a rare sense of satisfaction. The more effort and the more time it takes, the bigger the reward, eh?

And you dear readers, what are you outdoor plans? I invite you to get lost in the mid term. The short term is always there and the long term is patient enough to wait for you!

Then it struck me. I sell warm clothes. Maybe if I combined my two passions: cycling and outdoor technology, I could get out my bike and start riding on those chilly days. Straight to my wardrobe I went. Icebreaker 150 merino wool base layer (I like the Atlas longsleeve), Arcteryx synthetic midlayer (definitely the Atom LT) and a North Face softshell (my favourite Nimble Jacket) combine to make one warm, highly breathable happy camper (that’s me). Throw in some merino socks and beanie and I’m roaring to go. Now I just need to find 2 other people stupid enough to enjoy riding at zero degrees and I will be out the door.

Fast forward a week until the illustrious Juan Altitude arrives up North with that big grin he owns. We are standing outside of Cycles et Sport on the main street waiting for something- courage maybe, but most probably it was Ol’ Johnny (recently crowned Hybrid King). Once out his door, we throw our bikes in the van and head off in the direction of Arundel. We must have been driving approximately 15 minutes before we realized one of us had forgotten to bring his cycling shoes. A brief 30 minutes of cursing and we were back on track.

It was cold. It was early. No turning back. We got out of the car and we all thanked our respective Gods for merino wool, and windbreakers. Although my cycling kit is much less warm because I like to sometimes choose fashion over function (see photo), I can say with assurance that I looked good in my retro kit. The cows all turned their heads when I rode by. Perhaps because they had never seen a blue person before.
I’m rambling so I will get on with it. The reason we had all decided to get up early, under the crisp spring air, was to ride a stunning back-country road in Arundel. Needless to say if Juan could have felt his face, he would have put his smile there. Chemin de la Rouge, geographically speaking, will take you in the direction of Harrington, but spiritually speaking, it will take you on a journey through space and time that will fondle your very soul.

That morning we cruised through farmers fields that looked like they had not been touched since the Great Depression. The mixture of dilapidated and working farmhouses added to the mystery and wonderment of this hidden valley adventure. Around another innocuous corner we found a massive Buddhist temple showered with ornate and gigantic statues. Talk about a mixture of cultures just a few minutes from my backyard. All this while being serenaded by our studded tires as they crunched under the frosty mud and our straining breath, glistening in the morning sun. It was a delight.

Rub my belly!

What really made that day was the ability to share these moments with friends. When Jon wasn’t tearing past us on the uphills and trying to slide his back tire out like a 6 year old, he was giggling about how cool the flowing fields were. Juan who had come up all the way from Montreal, was keeping pace easily and constantly correcting me on my silly aerobic and philosophical questions. He also showed us that although physics says a body sliding along gravel should slow down quickly, it is not always the case. Apparently physics never saw Juan lay down his foot, ankle, knee and mighty body to “ease” his frame around a corner when his poor tires slid out on a patch of ice. Forward momentum is a wonderful thing.

Go find your dirt road and jump right on in. You never know what you are going to find on the other end.

Lire la version de Juan Altitude de cette histoire

Thank you to Harold Guillemette for the video.

I was quite impressed by the cyclist giving us the play-by-play as he was ripping down tight concrete staircases. All in all, the video just reminded me of how badly I want to get a full-suspension mountain bike. And go to Brazil.

Enjoy the video and pictures. Perhaps it will help you push yourself to achieve some goals you've set yourself. I know one of my plans, other than finishing the AT with Mark Altitude, includes cycling from Montreal to Mexico. Not much compared to the entire world, but that certainly doesn't mean I won't be proud and happy with myself. Travel on!

So off we go to Burke, Vermont in the world’s sexiest traveling vessel, the Chevrolet Venture. Two guys, a dog, and a painting brought back from Vietnam. The aforementioned border guards apparently found my person suspicious and felt compelled to search our car. An empty ski box was violated, dog food was discarded like bio-waste and stern scowls were thrown around like Michael Jackson references a few weeks ago. It was like being in Super Troopers but without the hilarious laughter and mustaches.

So I zip back up my pants and in a few tender moments we arrive in East Burke, Vermont. Picture a mountain biking Mecca, wrapped in quaintness and baked goods, surrounded by lush New England mountains. Are you with me? Now add Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Yeah, pretty sweet, I know. Roll into the parking lot and brace yourself for copious amounts of spandex, COPIOUS amounts, with a symphony of shaved legs and squished up man-junk wherever you look. Sort of like walking in a rich neighbourhood, but without the Ugg boots, vintage sunglasses and attitude.

So we jump on our bikes and head up the hills. 100 miles of singletrack whisper sweet nothings into our spokes as we grind our way through the trails. Ever so often we are ejected from the dense forest into these enormous grassy plateaus above the town. From the beautiful vantage points you can count every yellow house for miles around. I would have done it too, but my riding partner wanted nothing to do with the idea. I counted three. We rode until our smiles hurt, until the sweat burned our faces, until the law of diminishing returns crept into my mind (and my lactic acid-filled muscles). There was the next day after all.

So two guys slept in the back of a small van on a mattress together- what? We may have accidentally spooned, but he started it. I regret nothing. In the morning you try to stretch out all the sore muscles and do it all over again. Like other pleasurable activities, the second time around you are tired, sore and frankly a little scratched and bruised, but man does it feel good to do it again. You can’t forget to use protection though; otherwise you can have an accident and damage your head, ahem. Back at the parking lot the ocean of lycra ebbs and flows, but we manage to make our way to the bakery where a chocolate mint brownie gives us the strength we need to drive back home in one piece.

I decided to head up North to ride along the banks of the Rivière-des-Prairies, which separates the Island of Montreal from the Island of Jesus, commonly known as Laval. I took the bike path that heads West and just pedaled. The more the ride progressed, the more I told myself I should head back. But louder still, I told myself: “Nah.” So further I went.

It was a perfect evening for a bike ride. Not too warm, not too cool, the only wind coming from my own movement. The sky was clear so rain was not an issue. Not only that, the midnight blue overhead reflected onto the river, with street lamps and house lights serving as the stars. It was a sleepy Sunday evening in the suburbs; I had the road to myself. From time to time, I worried that whatever distance I covered, I would have to repeat upon my return. But the sweet circular rhythm of my legs working in tandem with my fixed gear was a siren call for more. And further I went.

I had already been along this way, but never so far. The city had changed from urban to suburban to country. I could smell the country freshness! My perfect escape from the city was interrupted by a new development; the kind with lots of houses and few architects. That was my cue. I headed back to my place.

My return home was greeted by the pleasurable dull pain of exhaustion. I had ridden 72km on a whim, not bad. After a well deserved shower, I sank into my bed with a smile.

Juan Altitude

Alongside his wheeled, aluminum steed stands a man (trying desperately to remain a boy- that’s me), helmet in hand, modest calves coyly poking out from his cycling shoes.  A nervous smile escapes his lips.  Next to said man/boy is the owner of a great local bike store (Tremblant’s Cycles et Sports), and all-round pleasant fellow who had graciously accepted to take me for a “relaxed” ride around the nearby trails.  A beautiful sheep dog, barely bigger than her owner’s cast iron legs, waits for the proverbial bell to signal the start of what I believe to be an epic ride with a fierce, but relaxed, pace.  What have I gotten myself into?

Mark should have neither watched nor listened to this video before leaving

You know those moments in life when you firmly believe that bodily harm, and the possibility of extreme agony, will most probably be a less painful option than continuing the already undertaken task (in this case mountain biking up very steep, very wet and rocky trails)?  Needless to say, I wanted to twist an ankle or fracture a finger. But, at the moment I thought I had let slip my bowels out of my nether regions, I think I would have accepted a composite leg fracture.  Why had I called up this guy to partake in such torture?

Recipe for fun

Because I love the outdoors, that’s why.  Doing what you love under a baby blue sky could trump almost anything in my opinion.  When I wasn’t trying to keep down my lunch of chocolate-covered raisins and tofu spread, I was grinning from mud-covered ear to mud-covered ear.  I guess my point is that sometimes you should just buy that bag of chips and watch the complete season 1 of Lost.  No wait.  I mean, sometimes enjoying the outdoors means accepting, and even taking pleasure from the ache in your lungs, the sweat in your eyes, and the cuts on your shins.  Not only will it give you something to tell your friends about when you get home, but it will hopefully leave you happier than the person who woke up that morning without those sore muscles and cuts and bruises.

A good place to find fresh air

I do apologize for leaving you hanging like that in my previous article, but my unquenchable desire to use question marks got the best of me.  Here I am once again. So fret not my darlings, that fresh air did not choke my city lungs, nor did the sun burn my pasty skin.  Quite the contrary in fact: I am told I wheeze much less when watching my soaps, and that raw chicken skin look I was going for seems to have been remedied (my Udon noodle shade of white is much more becoming).

Oh, did I mention that Veronique and I are now waiting for your patronage at our new Mont-Tremblant Altitude Sports?  Well we are.  Seriously.  Come buy stuff.  I’m nicer than I look, I swear.  Ok, maybe not Monday mornings, so swing by Wednesday-ish.  I’ll make you a coffee.  Latte, not filter.  Just off the 117 after the grocery stores.

Max is going to be mad if I don’t incorporate some outdoor epiphany I have recently had, so I will get to the point: I love water.  Not playing with it, sillybilly, but drinking it!  I’m not joking; the city stole from me this love.  We have fallen once again, me and this sultry mistress, in love.  Although some afternoons, under the sun’s tenacious rays, I would justifiably term it lust.  Power drinks with non existent fruit names like Electric Apple left me powerless in the big city, with large corporation marketing schemes overpowering my puny taste buds.  I mean come on, have you ever picked electric apples?  Are there electric apple orchards?  No.  But there are streams and rivers up North, and if you are stupid enough you can drink from them.  Momentary bliss followed by several weeks of diarrhea.  Some would say it was worth it…

The original thirst quencher!

My point is that I am officially going back to the basics, and am exultant about this fact.  I am back on the water bandwagon.  The town of St-Jovite is surrounded by impressive singletracks for mountain biking, rock walls for climbing, small, picturesque roads for cycling, (golf courses if you are into that sort of thing) etc.  All of these activities can be enjoyed alongside a tall glass of water.  I recommend it, you won’t be disappointed.