Adventura - Fall 2010

FALL FASHION

THIS SEASON’S STYLISH TOP PERFORMERS

RAILAY RISING THAILAND’S ROCK CLIMBING MECCA

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS A CYCLING TOUR OF NIAGARA’S WINE REGION

FOOD MYTHS DEBUNKED OUR EXPERT SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

[FIELD REPORT] • Places to go before they’re gone for good • How to read clouds • Bob Miller reveals all

[GEAR] • Sleep Tight: Sleeping bags for all your camping needs • Happy Trails: The newest selections in trail running shoes

FALL 2010 _ VOL. 2, NO. 3 _ www.adventuramag.ca

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CONTENTS // FALL 2010 // VOL. 2 :: NO. 3

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[04] EDITOR’S NOTE [06] FIELD REPORT Eco-fashions • Road cycling safety tips • How to read clouds • New books • A MEC store in Ontario • Three questions for racer Bob Miller • Agenda: outdoor activities in Ontario and Quebec to keep your blood pumping this fall 07 // Places to go before they’re gone for good

[10] DAYTRIPPER Trail cycling through Îles-de-Boucherville •

Cross-country and mountain biking at Blue Mountain • Road biking and in-line skating in Ottawa

[12] WEEKEND GETAWAY Grape Expectations: A cycling tour of Niagara’s wine region

[14] LIVING LARGE Outaouais • Port Severn • Port Stanley

[16] GLOBETROTTER Railay Rising: Rock climbing in Thailand

[20] GEAR 20 // Fall Fashion: This season’s stylish top performers 24 // Sleep Tight: Sleeping bags for all your camping needs 26 // Happy Trails: The newest selections in trail running shoes

[28] MIND & BODY Food Myths Debunked: A nutritionist sets the record straight

[30] LAST CALL Iceland

ADVENTURA _ FALL 2010 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

Out of Reach What do you do when you have no cell phone coverage? a) You panic. b) You throw your phone at the bear chasing you. c) You don’t care.

But what if this device was the only thing able to get you back to civilization?

If you are new to outdoor adventuring, you probably don’t know Aron Ralston’s story. You’ll soon know him when his epic and tragic adventure hits the screens in a Danny Boyle movie called 127 hours. In 2003, this American nature lover cut his own arm off to free himself from the boulder that kept him captive on a Utah canyon for six days. He didn’t have a satellite device to ask for help; today he is a major promoter of such technology – and also telling someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

The younger generation is heading less into the wilderness, so fewer kids know how to use a compass. But this situation can be worse for adults who rely on technology and don’t adequately prepare for outdoor adventure. South of the border, national parks officials have started getting a lot more distress signals from SADLY, MOST PEOPLE people venturing into the wild. Armed with their cell phones, they call rangers to ask EXPERIENCE THE WILD directions and request refreshments or a ONLY ON TV WITH SHOWS guide to bring them home. Last fall, a group LIKE MAN VS. WILD. MANY pressed the emergency button three times on PEOPLE TRY THE CRAZY their satellite location device. They refused THINGS HOST BEAR to be picked up the first two times: They only GRYLLS DOES. BUT WITHneeded water. The third time, the rangers had OUT PROPER KNOWLEDGE, had enough and forced them to come back.

Sadly, most people experience the wild only on TV with shows like Man vs. Wild. Many people try the crazy things host Bear Grylls does. But without proper knowledge, danger is often just a step ahead. For sure, we all love to venture into the wild to get away from frenetic city life. But for our own security and for those coming with us, we need to know what to do if something happens. Taking a class on compass orienting, first-aid treatDANGER IS OFTEN JUST A ments or survival skills will help you a lot Great tech devices are handy for any adven- STEP AHEAD. more than just buying a SPOT system. It is turer, but they can also give a false notion of just way too easy to rent a kayak and set security. Most satellite devices are one-way communicators; when you forth on a dangerous river when you don’t even know how to read a venture off the trail, you are on your own. Their panic button should only map. tVery few of us have insurance for our nature trips, and have no be used when lives are in danger. When you touch that button, it’s like idea how much it will cost when we need a rescue. calling 911: Rangers or coast guards respond as if it’s an emergency.

At $3,000 an hour for a rescue helicopter, you cannot play with this as It is also easy to brag about our knowledge. But as Aron Ralston’s a Game Boy. And without any outdoor survival skills, you shouldn’t even story reminds us, an accident in the outdoors can leave more than just a scar. buy one of these gadgets.

Christian Lévesque, Editor-in-Chief Follow me on Twitter: @chrislevesque

Fall 2010 :: Vol. 2 :: No. 3

Publisher:

Stéphane Corbeil (stephane.corbeil@adventuramag.ca)

editor:

Christian Lévesque (christian.levesque@adventuramag.ca)

senior editor:

Patricia Gajo (patricia.gajo@adventuramag.ca)

Contributors: Brian Berusch, Bryen Dunn, Alexander Joo, Ashley Joseph, Maureen Littlejohn, Vanessa Muri, Catherine Naulleau, Julia Pyper, Chris Mason Stearns and Stephania Varalli

distribution: Elyzabeth Bouchard, Production Coordinator elyzabeth.bouchard@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 30

mailing address: Groupe Espaces Inc 911 Jean Talon St. E., Suite 205 Montreal (Quebec) H2R 1V5

CirCulation: 60,000 copies distributed to outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

Proofreader: Christopher Korchin

ADVENTURA is published four times a year by Groupe Espaces Inc.

translator: Christine Laroche

artiCle submissions: ADVENTURA welcomes editorial and photo submissions, which must be sent by e-mail only. Contact the Editor to discuss. ADVENTURA is not responsible for articles, photographs or any other material sent to its attention. If you do not keep a copy of ADVENTURA magazine for your personal archives, please give it to a friend or recycle it.The opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared

by Groupe Espaces Inc. Some of the activities reported on in ADVENTURA could entail injury risks for anyone engaging in them. ADVENTURA and its reporters, contributors, photographers and other staff members do not recommend the practice of these activities by anyone who does not have the required skills and technique. ADVENTURA is not responsible for the information contained in advertisements. Any reproduction of material published in ADVENTURA is prohibited without the expressed consent of Groupe Espaces Inc.

Cover Photo: Two models from our ‘Fall Fashion’ photo shoot. See more on page 20. © Christian Levesque Medias (christianlevesque.com) design: Sève Création, seve.ca Website: www.adventuramag.ca editorial dePartment: 514-277-3477 / info@adventuramag.ca advertising: Marie-Christine Hallé, Sales Consultant mc.halle@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 27

FR

W ILD CHILD

3 Questions for Adventure Racer Bob Miller

By Stephania Varalli

In the multisport family, adventure racing is the triathlon’s wild cousin. Competitors mountain-bike, paddle and run – or bushwhack – between checkpoints, navigating with a map and compass. It has been 11 years since Bob Miller left his job as a trading analyst to focus on the sport, first as a racer, then as a coach and course designer. At 35, he is still one of the world’s top competitors as well as a full-time event director, organizing adventure races in both Quebec and Ontario from his home base in Craigleith, Ontario. We talked to Miller to find out what pulled him into this crazy sport, and what could be the hook that gets you addicted, too.

© Courtesy Bob Miller

What was it like competing at the Vancouver 2010 Games?

What attracted you to the sport of adventure racing?

I’d always competed in various sports growing up, but it wasn’t until after university when a friend and I decided to run a marathon that I started training for endurance sports. I ran my first marathon in 1997, and began cycling, swimming and paddling shortly thereafter. I completed a few triathlons but switched to adventure racing in 1998. AR caught my attention because it combined the elements of the outdoors with competition. I enjoy the team aspect, the variety of the disciplines practised, the navigation and the unpredictability of the courses. There isn’t really anything I dislike about the sport, as even the experiences that seem extremely difficult at the time end up being the most memorable and rewarding when they’re overcome.

© Courtesy Bob Miller

What’s the biggest misconception about adventure racing?

That it’s too difficult. The media tends to focus on the perceived extreme aspects of the sport, such as sleep deprivation, the long distances covered or the technical disciplines practised, but in reality the sport is achievable by any reasonably fit person looking to spend time outside with good friends in a competitive environment. Plus, there are now countless events to choose from, ranging from three hours up to six days, catering to every level of outdoor enthusiast.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start racing?

Grab some friends, look for a shorter local event and jump right in.

There are also numerous introductory clinics hosted throughout

the country, but honestly, you’ll never learn more quickly than by simply experiencing the sport. Be forewarned: An adventure race can be highly addictive. You will love it. You will hate it. You will feel powerful. You will want it to end. Then, when it’s all over and you’re back to your regular day-to-day life the following week, you will crave to do it again.

FOR MORE ON BOB MILLER’S ADVENTURE RACING EVENTS, CHECK OUT: • wildernesstraverse.com • logsrocksandsteel.com • xcseriesatblue.com

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NO WAY DOWN: LIFE AND DEATH ON K2 Harper | By Graham Bowley | $26 August 2, 2008, was the deadliest day ever on the world’s second-highest mountain. Eleven people died on K2 that day amid contradictory tales and heroic feats. We expected countless books about the tragedy. But this first one seems to sum it all up. Journalist Graham Bowley recreates the events so vividly that his account is sometimes harrowing. He based his book on in-depth interviews with surviving climbers and many Sherpas, porters and families of the deceased. No details are overlooked, and when there are contradictions, Bowley points them out. Reading this book, we get an insider feeling of what it was like to be on that mountain on that tragic day. It reads like a novel, but the action and drama are more than what you asked for.

– Christian Lévesque

A YEAR OF ADVENTURES: A GUIDE TO WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN TO DO IT Lonely Planet | $20 When you score a Toronto-to-Kuala Lumpur round-trip flight for $900, the excitement ends when you arrive in mid-July amid a torrential downpour, flooded streets and an hour of sunshine per day. Lonely Planet, which knows all about such travel surprises, delivers a year of trips so you can avoid extremely uncomfortable temperatures, dodge crowds and typhoons, catch cherry trees in full blossom, escape mosquitoes and watch wildebeests migrate across the Grumeti River. With a list of over 100 activities in 130 countries ranging from the challenging to the leisurely, you won’t have to rely on last-minute Travelocity specials to dictate your vacations. – Alexander Joo

6 _ ADVENTURA _ FALL 2010 _

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OPENING SOON

MEC will make the 90-km trek up the 400 and arrive in Barrie. Styled after the MEC store in Longueuil, Quebec, the building will feature geothermal heating and cooling, solar heating and a rainwater collection system. Locals in that area will no longer have to leave town to pick up a piece of hiking equipment or cycling gear for their weekend getaways or cottage-country jaunts. Likewise, city folk in that neck of the woods will have one more reason to stick around. – Vanessa Muri

Mountain Equipment Co-op, a leading retailer of outdoor clothing and gear, is preparing to add a third location to Ontario’s lineup – and doing it with eco savvy. With two outlets currently found in the 905/416 area, nature enthusiasts living north of Toronto will soon have reason to celebrate. This November,

1-888-847-0770 • mec.ca © Mec.ca

BOOKS

DISAPPEARING ACTS

Lake Baikal, Siberia

Melting ice caps. Erosion. Deforestation. Drought. The planet is currently going through dramatic changes, giving some of the world’s most beautiful places an early expiration date. Here is a small overview of destinations that are facing extinction, many within our lifetime. Now you see it... try not to miss it.

It’s the oldest (25 million years) and deepest lake in the world – and is entirely frozen over two months out of the year, much to the happiness of ice fishers! But as its temperature increases (1.1°C since 1946), scientists predict by the end of the century, its surface will only be solid for two weeks per year, and that it will slowly begin to disappear due to evaporation. Upsetting news for the environment, as well as Siberia’s burgeoning tourism industry.

© Anton Kochergin

Estimated date of extinction: 2100

By Julia Pyper and Frédérique Sauvée

Dead Sea, Middle East

Estimated date of extinction: 2050

© iStockphoto

© Sutton

The lush green Amazon forest could soon become a cemetery of stumps and dried-out trees. Two culprits: massive deforestation, which destroys between 20,000 and 25,000 km2 of forest annually, and repeated droughts, which feed and result from global warming. Weakened and perturbed by extreme temperatures, the Amazon forest will soon be unable to perform its role as lungs of the planet.

Between 60,000 and 100,000 tourists visit Rocher Percé in the Gaspé each summer, and soon enough it could look entirely different than it does today. Weighing approximately five million tons, the rock formation loses about 300 tons to erosion annually. The natural phenomenon is accelerated on all the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River due to rising water levels and global warming. The iconic arch could disappear in about 400 years.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Estimated date of extinction: 2030

Kilimanjaro is immensely affected by global warming and the influx of climbers (about 20,000 hikers climb it every year), and the glaciers on its summits are melting at a rapid rate. In Tanzania, the glaciers of the highest mountain in Africa (5,895 metres) lost a quarter of their surface area between 2000 and 2007 and approximately 50 centimetres of depth per year. If current climatic conditions persist, Kilimanjaro’s ice caps will have completely disappeared sometime between 2020 and 2030.

Carolinian Zone, Ontario

Estimated date of extinction: 2100 The Carolinian zone of Southern Ontario is home to 25% of Canada’s population but occupies only 1% of its landmass.

Due to fast-paced urban and agricultural expansion in the region, more than 125 plants and animals are considered vulnerable, and over 400 are considered rare. The Carolinian zone is also the most diverse ecosystem in Canada, with over 70 species of trees alone. Since European settlement, however, the forest cover has decreased from 80% to 11%, and in some places it is less than 3%. In 1984, Carolinian Canada identified 38 areas as “natural heritage sites.” You can still visit the disappearing species on any of the over 40 hikes for at least a little while longer.

Eastern Townships, Quebec

Torrance Barrens, Ontario

If global warming isn’t halted, our local mountains could also be the ones to suffer. According to Environment Canada, snowfall was at its maximum during the 1970s.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, it has declined every year, with dire consequences for the ski season.

According to a study conducted in 2006, the Montreal and Eastern Townships regions will be the hardest hit. A resort like Sutton had a season of 99 to 107 ski days until 1990.

Between now and 2039, 67 to 90 days of powder will be the norm. And between 2040 and 2069, the season will be limited to only 36 to 68 days. Better get out there and enjoy the real snow while we still have it!

It’s true all over the world that as city lights get brighter, the stars get dimmer. Which is exactly why the Ontario government recognized Torrance Barrens as a Dark Sky Reserve in 1999. Next door to gorgeous Lake Muskoka, the 1,990 hectares are full of trails interwoven with sparse tree growth, which offers a rare 180˚ view of stars, planets and, on occasion, the aurora borealis.

But with light pollution advancing northward, this incredible night-sky sanctuary is at risk of disappearing right before our eyes.

Estimated date of extinction: unknown

© Steven Allan © nps-gov

Estimated date of extinction: 2050

Rocher Percé, Quebec

Estimated date of extinction: 2400

Everglades, Florida Estimated date of extinction: 2500

A grassy wetland spanning 60 km wide by 160 km long, the Everglades are the third-largest American national park.

Sadly, the balance of its water and ecosystem is threatened.

To the north, Florida’s urban development is eating away at the land while to the south, the sea level has risen 20 cm due to global warming. This is disastrous for certain land mammal species that will soon be expelled from their natural habitat because of the influx of salt water coming from the Gulf of Mexico.

Estimated date of extinction: unknown

Adventura _ Fall 2010 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 7

© Ontario Tourism

Amazon Forest, South America

© Ontario Tourism

© Ricardo Azoury

© Michel Julien, ATRG

© Duncan Walker

The Dead Sea, a tourist destination par excellence, could soon be a mere pond, victim of human activity and a regional conflict that hinders preservation efforts. Located 422 metres below sea level, this saltwater sea’s level drops over a metre per year. The drought is such that a wide band of cracked earth now separates it into two distinct basins. Over the last 50 years, the Dead Sea lost a third of its surface and could completely disappear within 40 years.

GREEN GARB-LOADING

By Vanessa Muri

Environmentally conscious fashion may be trending on some of the major catwalks around the world, but it’s already been folded into backpacks and hiked up mountains for years. The high-tech materials used today are as diverse as the collections themselves – sophisticated and of high quality. With so many stylish and sustainable options available, the only question left is: “Does it come in my size?”

EYE CANDY REVO Cut Bank sunglasses | $179 | revo.com Revo Sunglasses have always been on the forefront of technology – they’ve been using polarization techniques that NASA developed back in 1985. So their Eco Collection comes as no surprise. Re-Use

frames are made from 100% recycled pre-consumer polymer resins, while the Eco-Use line is based on non-petroleum sources. The slightly jagged rim of the unisex Cut Bank lens is also sleek, edgy and made of serilium, which is strong yet lightweight.

KEEP IT TIGHT PATAGONIA Women’s Capilene EW | $140 | Capilene Midweight T-neck for men | $65 | patagonia.com Patagonia has been using organic cotton since 1996, long before it was cool to say so. The full-zip hoodie or the midweight T-neck make for a perfect base layer, yet their form-fitting designs also ensure that they look sexy worn solo. Made with 65% recycled polyester, they dry fast and provide top-notch insulation. Plus, both items are recyclable through the company’s common Threads Recycling Program, so when they finally wear out, you won’t have to throw them out.

SNOW BUNNY OAKLEY Kulture GB Eco jacket | $380 | oakley.ca Oakley teamed up with professional snowboarder and environmentalist Gretchen Bleiler to produce the eco-friendly Kulture GB Eco jacket. The smart-looking Signature Series uses 100% repurposed polyester and organic materials, including Eco Storm, a waterproof, breathable fabric that’s recyclable. Zip up and admire the fit. With sleek lines that avoid the marshmallow look, our favourite is this eye-catching shade of lavender that will help you stand out on the slopes.

FANCY FEET SIMPLE D-Kay BIO.D sneakers for women | $100 | D-Bunk Low for men | $130 | simpleshoes.com California-based Simple Shoes are anything but. Made with both mainstream textiles (organic cotton) and more original materials (recycled car tires), their collections combine style and sustainability. The Fall BIO.D line of sneakers and ankle boots features midsoles and outsoles manufactured with EcoPure, an organic compound that destroys the bonds that hold plastic and rubber together. What does this all mean for the eco-savvy consumer? A shoe that will biodegrade in 20 years, not 2,000.

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5 Dangerous Things Cyclists Should Stop Doing Now

By Ashley Joseph

In the world of biking, there are certain glaring DON’Ts of which we should all steer clear. These points might seem fairly obvious, but lawless, reckless cyclists continue to rule the roads while the cautious, helmet-wearing few are relegated to the category of the unhip. We chatted with George Smith, Manager of Traffic Safety and Training at the Canada Safety Council, to glean some DOs for riding on the side of caution and keeping well out of harm’s way.

1. DON’T ride without a helmet Your parents have been saying this since you were a kid, but we’re going to tell you one more time: Wear. Your. Helmet. The facts are clear that head injuries account for about two-thirds of cyclist fatalities (biac-aclc.ca) and wearing a helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by a whopping 85% (capitalhealth.ca).

Yet only about 36% of Canadian cyclists wear helmets (Stats Canada, 2009).

With the recent development of BIXI (the public bike system first established in Montreal and set for Toronto in spring 2011), this situation may worsen as more cyclists begin to hit the road. A helmet may not be the most glamorous look, but neither is being fed through a tube in the intensive care unit. Smith points out the importance of not only wearing an approved helmet, but of making sure it is adjusted to fit your head. “There are some helmets that do not meet the standards for motor vehicles, that are not built and designed to protect you.” Seek out an expert at your local sporting goods store to help you navigate the options and ensure the proper fit.

2. DON’T booze and bike While most people understand the consequences of drinking and driving, attitudes toward riding a bike while under the influence seem to differ greatly.

It certainly lacks the social stigma associated with drunk driving, with militant drive-safe campaigns like MADD blazing the path. Despite common perceptions, biking while intoxicated can be as dangerous as the four-wheel motorized version.

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In 2008, 26% of cyclists over 16 killed in bike accidents had a body alcohol content over 0.08% (Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute). Says Smith, “The bicycle falls under the same category as a car in the Highway Safety Code,” so depending on the mercy of the officer you encounter, “in some cases you can be charged with operating a bicycle under the influence.” Consider the risks next time you and your friends are about to mount your bikes after a night of drinking, and either lock them up or walk ’em home.

3. DON’T go against the flow of traffic Riding the wrong way gives you less time to react as you peddle toward cars speeding in your direction, and increases the potential force of impact, with your velocity added to that of the oncoming vehicle (cyclesafe.org). Studies show that cycling against the flow of traffic accounts for nearly one-third of car-bike collisions (bikeradar.com). Smith advises cyclists to “always go in the proper direction and stay three feet to one metre away from the travel portion of the roadway.” Bright-coloured clothing and reflectors will also help ensure you don’t go unnoticed by drivers.

4. DON’T plug into your iPod Tuning into headphones may make the ride more enjoyable, but seemingly insignificant ambient sounds could save your life. Smith’s sound advice: “Always be ready to react to sounds, such as a car backing out of a driveway or a dog barking.” You could also face an inattentive-driving violation for this faux pas, in addition to gambling on your safety. If you must listen to something, invest in an external speaker like the clever Tunebug Shake (tunebug.com), which straps onto your helmet and turns it into a makeshift speaker.

5. DON’T ignore road signs In Ontario and Quebec, cyclists are obliged by law to follow all road signs that apply to motor vehicles, including stop signs, traffic lights, one-ways and crosswalks.

Infractions can run you up a bill as high as $400. Most fatal bicycle crashes occur in urban settings (ETSC, 1999), and since sidewalk cycling is illegal – unless you’re on training wheels – cyclists and drivers have to share the road safely. “On major roadways, it’s better to get off the bike and cross as a pedestrian,” Smith says, “especially when making a left turn.”

Out Of The BLUe

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2. CUMULONIMBUS

5. ALTOCUMULUS

These powerful clouds develop vertically in a mushroom shape, with a bright white top and dark base because of the density of water droplets. They often signify menacing conditions, like strong rain, snow, wind, thunderstorms and, in extreme cases, tornadoes.

These occur in sheets or patches all over the sky. If they stick around for only a few hours, no meteorological change is to be expected. However, wide expanses of them can be a sign of disturbance.

The term “cirrus” means “curls” in Latin. These long white filaments (shaped like long stripes, commas or checkmarks) form very high up in the sky. They do not cause immediate precipitation, but announce the arrival of a warm front and are a sign that precipitation is to be expected in the days to come.

5

THE PRESSURE’S ON

Here’s the lowdown on what’s high and low.

The anticyclone (high pressure): This is a region where atmospheric pressure is higher than in surrounding areas. High-pressure zones (or anticyclones) are characterized by clear blue skies where a few rare cumuli are scattered and disperse quickly, and the quasi-absence of wind: in other words, typical summer weather. © Patrick Oberem

3. CIRRUS

© Tim Abbot

This expansive layer of dense grey clouds usually takes over the entire sky, making it appear gloomy. They are evidence of high humidity and often form when temperatures drop overnight, over large expanses of water (lake, sea or ocean) due to evaporation or after strong rains. When they are low to the ground, stratus clouds typically bring mist and fog.

© AVTG

4. STRATUS

Easily recognized by their puffy, cauliflower shape, these are dense clouds with well-delineated contours.

They typically form after a depression, when the air is cold and the sun comes to warm the ground, causing condensation. It is common for them to appear in the morning and disappear by sundown. If conditions are unstable, they can transform into cumulonimbus.

© Brigitte Smith

1. CUMULUS

© BanksPhotos

While there are several gadgets available to help predict the weather, nothing is more useful than learning how to read the skies with your naked eye. here are five clouds to get you started. By Frédérique Sauvée

The depression (low pressure): It develops when warm air from subtropical zones meets the cold air of arctic regions. Depressions usually have precise cold and hot fronts because the hot air is forced to travel over the cold. Usually, in a depression, the sky is cloudy, winds are violent and rain is abundant.

Photos : Cyclopes photo, Thierry Morion • Aiguebelle, lac Vose

Abitibi-témiscAmingue with open arms!

Parc national d’Aiguebelle "

Here, I have my lake, you have yours.

I have my cabin, you have yours.

And everyone enjoys a little peace and quiet."

parksquebec.com • abitibi-temiscamingue-tourism.org

AdventurA _ Fall 2010 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 9

DAYTRIPPER MONTREAL

Physical activity doesn’t require a lot of time. All three of these wheelie adventures will get you out and about – and back again – in one day!

CyCling through Îles-de-BouCherville

AcTIvITy: tRail biking

by Chris Mason stearns

Cyclists can explore the 20 km of easy trails, making for a leisurely half-day of riding. Pack a picnic lunch and a book, and then spend the rest of the day exploring some of the points of interest along the way. A quaint cable ferry crosses one of the larger channels, and the Boucher-de-Grosbois archaeological site hints at the Iroquois culture that inhabited the islands 2,000 years ago.

Your most strenuous exercise might be to climb the 15-metre-tall observation tower. But trust us, it’s worth it. Once you’ve made it up, look back toward the city – so close, but so far away.

Level: Beginner Season: The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sunset. The visitors’ centre is open in the fall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and closes earlier during the winter.

Getting there: Ride your bike along the Rue NotreDame bike path and hop the hourly water taxi from Montreal. The $7 ferry price includes admission to the park. Check navark.ca for schedules and details. If driving, head south on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to Longueuil, then drive to Boucherville and cross to the park on Pont Lafontaine.

© Sépaq - Jean-Sebastien Perron

_Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville is a hidden haven for Montreal cyclists, as well as a refuge of calm in the St. Lawrence River only minutes from downtown where the noise and traffic of the city disappear in the river wind. The low-slung islands, covered in freshwater wetlands, stretches of blond marsh and even a small stand of forest, are home to whitetail deer, muskrat, fox and a variety of birds.

Cost: Access to the park is $3.50/adult, $1.50/child and $7/family.

Gear: Bring your own bike or rent one at the park.

Rates are about $12/hr. or $32/day.

Tip: The water taxi from downtown Montreal breaks up the ride with a little aqua-scenery.

For more: sepaq.com/pq/bou/

TORONTO

Downhill thrills at Blue Mountain AcTIvITy: CRoss-CountRy and Mountain biking

© Ontario tourism

by bryen dunn

_Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario, offers the largest downhill mountain bike facility in the province, with approximately 10 km of crosscountry and 20 km of downhill riding, the latter of which is accessible by Ontario’s only open-air gondola, with each unit fitted with bike racks. Hardcore cyclists take note: More than 50 percent of the downhill trails are rated challenging.

OTTAWA

Wheeling it in the Capital City AcTIvITy: Road biking and in-line skating by bryen dunn

_Sunday Bikedays have been a staple tradition in Ottawa for several years, allowing cyclists and those using other non-motorized modes of transportation to enjoy over 60 km of vehicle-free roads throughout the city and beyond. Thousands of locals and tourists partake in this weekly event, taking in unique views of the waterways and the Capital skyline while riding by historical landmarks, panoramic lookout points and hidden picnic areas.

Getting around is rather easy as signs are posted at all major entrance points, and maps are available at many of the pathway intersections as well as hotels and tourist offices. Pathway patrollers also ride the routes to ensure safety, and can provide directions, information, first aid and basic equipment repairs.

There are four designated routes that close each Sunday from May to September. Besides that, Canada’s Capital Region is home to one of North America’s largest year-round networks of cycling pathways. It encompasses

more than 220 km of recreational pathways, making it a great way to get around the city by bike no matter what time of year you visit.

Shot Glass is the most challenging ride due to its steep pitch and elevated features, such as a 90-metre-long skinny, a couple of rollable drops and a wood berm. The Big Sleeze is a race-inspired run with steep off-camber corners, technical root and rocky sections, a creek crossing and a loose shale creek bed section. O-Chute has tight, steep, technical rock drops.

On the cross-country trails the popular Tuesday Night Series returns, featuring competitive bike racing and après-ride festivities. There’s also a new extended 1-km section newly built for the 2010 season that connects Route 66 with 7 km of existing terrain, which then allows access to an additional 3-km loop ride.

Level: Beginner to challenging, depending on trail

Level: Beginner to challenging depending on the route Season: May to late October Getting there: All routes begin downtown. Pick up a bike map along one of the routes or from a tourist information booth.

Cost: None, if you have your own bike or rollerblades Gear: Bring your own bike or rent locally For more: • Sunday Bikedays – canadascapital.gc.ca • Bike Rentals – rentabike.ca Hourly/daily rates, guided tours, multi-day tours, located along the canal • Ottawa Bicycle Club – ottawabicycleclub.ca • Ottawa In-line Skating Club – inlineottawa.com

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Season: May to late October Getting there: Take the 400 north to Barrie and exit to Highway 27, take the 26 east passed Collingwood about 11 km to Blue Mountain Road and the resort.

Cost: Passes from $6 for cross-country and $23 for downhill. Rentals from $12 cross-country and $54 downhill.

Gear: Bring your own bike or rent locally Other activities: Hiking, caving, zip-lining, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking For more: • bluemountain.ca/mtnbike.htm • xcseriesatblue.com • centurioncycling.com

agenda September Sept. 17 to 19

// Crank the Shield Haliburton, Ontario Take in the breathtaking vistas of Canadian Shield country over three days and three challenging phases in Ontario’s only bike stage race. Look out for Ontarioborn, two-time Olympian Seamus McGrath, who will be competing in the race this year – or, if you’ve got the goods, compete alongside him. cranktheshield.com

Sept. 18

// 10th Annual Cycle for Autism Oakville, Ontario A family-friendly event where cyclists can spin their wheels for a great cause and help fund local programs in the Halton region. autismhalton.ca

Sept. 19

// Sandbanks Fall Getaway Fun Run Picton, Ontario Hit the ground running in scenic Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario for a 5K run. More ambitious runners can spring for 10K. runningroom.com

Sept. 19

// Monarch Migration Festival Morpeth, Ontario Rondeau Park will be along the Monarchs’ route this year as these brilliant butterflies, known for their black

Try out these outdoor activities in Ontario and

By Ashley Joseph Quebec to keep your blood pumping this fall.

and orange hue, embark on their annual southward migration. Butterfly hikes, barbecues and plenty of kidfriendly activities make this a day not to be missed. parkreports.com

Sept. 25 to 26

// Défi Vélo Mag Shawinigan, Quebec Vélo Mag holds their third annual triathlon, duathlon and mountain bike challenge – the biggest cycling event in Canada. For the less athletically inclined, Mauricie National Park will have plenty of fun-filled nature activities on hand. cyclomauricie.com

October Oct. 1 to 3

// Sur Superior Confluence Wawa, Ontario The autumn gales will be blowing, and what better way to take advantage of them than with a weekend surf and kayak festival set along the fresh waters of Michipoten River. naturallysuperior.com

Oct. 2

// Pedal Your Arts Haliburton, Ontario Art meets cycling in this 65K bike tour of Harburn Road, where you’ll stop in at art studios along the way and get a taste of local culture. yoursoutdoors.ca

Oct. 2

// Hike Mont-Tremblant Mont-Tremblant, Quebec This trek up the Laurentians’ highest peak is a refreshing way to take in the hiking season while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. randonnee.ca

Oct. 9 to 11

// Algonquin Three-Day Canoe Trip Huntsville, Ontario Escape the trappings of city life with an all-inclusive wilderness romp in beautiful Algonquin Park, just a few hours from Toronto. wildernessadventures.ca

Oct. 14 to 17

// 3rd Annual Storm Gathering Parry Sound, Ontario If you’re looking for one last chance to take to the open water before the frost sets in, here’s your chance with three days and nights of paddling on Georgian Bay in this informal gathering for sea kayakers. whitesquall.com

Oct. 16

// Oasis Zoo Run Toronto, Ontario The Toronto Zoo is closing down its roads for runners to hit the paths in a 10K run in support of conservation efforts. Little ones can participate in a 500-metre Club Run past the kangaroos, butterflies and red pandas. canadarunningseries.com

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Oct. 30 to Nov. 1

// Wolves and Wildlife Haliburton, Ontario This weekend retreat in Haliburton Forest is sure to please all hardcore wolf enthusiasts out there, with wolf watching, hikes into wolf country and discussions on a wide range of topics. Taking a cue from Pocahontas, “hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon” in the evening wolf howl that caps off the weekend. haliburtonforest.com

November Nov. 6

// La Course au Parc National d’Oka Race Oka, Quebec The Running Room will be hosting 5K, 10K and 21K races in scenic Oka National Park, with all proceeds going to the West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped. runningroom.ca

Nov. 20

// 9th Annual Splash & Dash Montreal, Quebec Get together a team of three for this annual run-swimrun relay race in support of the Sarah Cook Fund and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. splashanddash.ca

© Ontario Tourism

© Ontario Tourism

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Grape expectations What happens when three city friends get together for a cycling tour of Niagara’s wine region? Two-thirds of the team pick pleasure over power-pedalling, forcing one aspiring athlete to slow down and smell the rosés.

By Stephania Varalli

I watched from the parking lot of the bike rental shop while my two friends rode off on a bike built for two, as shaky as toddlers with training wheels freshly removed. The owner looked at me with serious concern: – Are you sure about this?

– They’ll figure it out, I answered hopefully, clipping into my pedals.

Winery Websites: • cattailcreek.ca • frogpondfarm.ca • inniskillin.com • jacksontriggswinery.com • kacaba.com • laileyvineyard.com • malivoire.com • megalomaniacwine.com • peller.com • southbrook.com • stratuswines.com • tawsewinery.ca • vineland.com

+ + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

The hedonisT iTinerary: LeveL: Beginner to intermediate Distance: About 23 km the Loop: Starting in the historic centre of NOTL, follow Mississauga Street until it becomes Niagara Stone Road. Soon after, you’ll see Jackson-Triggs.

Right next door is Stratus, a must-do for both its wine and architecture. Continue on Niagara Stone Road, making a left turn on Concession 6 to get to Cattail Creek. Make a left on Line 5 (not far past the winery) and take it all the way to Concession 1. Go left again and you’ll soon see signs for Frogpond Farm, an organic winery located on Larkin Road.

Get back on Concession 1 and follow it to Line 3, making a right to get to the Niagara Parkway. Stop in at Lailey Vineyards before continuing on the

Niagara River Recreational Trail back to downtown NOTL. tip: Zoom Leisure (zoomleisure.com) offers fullday bike and helmet rentals for $30, and is located at Mary Street and Mississauga Street, just a few blocks from Jackson-Triggs.

The aThleTe’s iTinerary: LeveL: Advanced Distance: Two loops of about 30 km each, a total of 60 km the Loop: Start out the same way as the Hedonist loop, but after Cattail Creek return to Niagara Stone Road and continue until reaching Southbrook, Canada’s first biodynamic and organic winery.

Keep going until making a right on Queenston

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Street, which will take you across the canal to the Welland Canal Trail. Follow this until Lakeshore Road, go left to head back to NOTL. On the second loop, follow the route to Lailey and Frogpond, following the Niagara River Recreation Trail in one direction, and the scenic concession roads on the way back. Consider adding in Peller Estates and Inniskillin along the way. tip: If you are looking for more of a lung-busting ride, head to the Niagara Escarpment. You’ll find great wines, big climbs and beautiful views on a route that takes you past Kacaba Vineyards, Vineland Estates, Megalomaniac, Tawse Winery and Malivoire Wine Company.

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Being born and raised in Niagara, I had been elected to plan our tour of the local wine region. My city friends, Dimitri and Williamina, hadn’t realized that as an avid cyclist, I have a tendency – make that compulsion – to treat every ride as an opportunity to train.

Sure, we’d see some wineries, but we’d be earning every sip. I suggested establishing some rules: All of us would try one red and one white from each winery, with the goal of making it to four in total. This would leave enough time, I thought to myself, for a solid 30-kilometre sprint back to the start line along the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

Make our national parks

your fall destination!

I had arranged for the tandem bike with the expectation that their paired effort would be able to match my training pace, although I’d done a decent job of selling it as a fun surprise. By the end of the first kilometre they were travelling in a straight line, and I subtly tried to encourage some speed – we still had more than 12 kilometres to go before reaching our first winery.

I hadn’t mentioned that there was another bike outfitter in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), across the road from one of the stops on our itinerary. (This would be the second surprise of the day, one that would be a little more difficult to categorize as fun.)

The plan began to go awry at our first stop, Coyote’s Run. They were offering a flight of three generously poured samples for just a little more than one tasting. How could we argue with economics?

A couple more scenic kilometres brought us to Pillitteri, where our next four wineries seemed to be barely a few pedal pushes apart.

Jackson-Triggs, the last in the row, had two tasting bars offering flights (the rules had been amended by this point, making single tastes illegal). A dedication to hydration and a backpack full of leftover pizza kept us in the safety zone of sober, but well below peak performance.

It was on the way to our sixth winery that I came to the realization that the adventure I’d carefully planned would not qualify for my training log. My bike computer was showing a speed of 12 km/h, which is about as fast as I run. Then came my personal surprise of the day: I didn’t care at all. At our snail’s pace, I was actually appreciating the warmth of the afternoon sun and enjoying each picturesque row of vines that lined the country roads. I had enough breath to laugh with my two friends, who were being great sports on the impossible-to-ride tandem bike (I lasted five minutes before begging to get off), even after a slow-motion lean landed them flat in a grassy field. The fastest we’d travelled all day was in the sprint to make it to Marynissen before their final tasting time at 6 p.m., which we triumphantly did. It was our eighth and final winery.

Photos: Louis Laliberté, Steve Deschênes, Marie-France Boucher

Leaving the bike rental shop earlier that morning, I firmly believed that if I weren’t sweating, panting and praying for the end, I might as well pack it in. By the time we returned – a half hour past closing, after an apologetic phone call from the road – I was reminded of what it was like to ride without thinking about riding at all. Kind of like when I was a kid. Except without the wine, of course.

PLan aheaD When to go: Between May and October. Most wineries are open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

What to bring: Expect to pay about $2 for a tasting, and up to $10 for a flight of three.

Don’t forget a water bottle to keep hydrated.

What to eat: Jackson-Triggs (see all websites for wineries below) serves light fare, or head to The Epicurean (epicurean.ca) on Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake for delicious sandwiches and salads. You’ll also find plenty of ice cream options in NOTL. Or do like we did and pack a pizza.

For more: Go to Wines of Ontario (winesofontario.org), which offers a downloadable route map, visitor information for each winery and upcoming on-site events.

There are over 70 wineries in the region. The suggested itinerary stops are personal favourites.

Need some fresh air?

Why not set up your base camp in a national park for your next fall getaway?

Huttopia tent

These protected areas offer several accommodation formulas that ensure a

From

comfortable stay in nature, ranging from ready-to-camp accommodations in a Huttopia tent or a yurt to cabin stays. What better way to take full advantage of hundreds of kilometres of maintained trails in the heart of these

109

$

/night

Taxes and entry fee not included

exceptional natural settings where wildlife abounds!

1 800 665-6527 • www.parcsquebec.com

© Sepaq, Parc national Oka, Jean-Pierre Huard

© Lise Gagne

© iStockphoto.com

Living Large Fall is the time leaves turn glorious gold and red, the temperature cools slightly and kids go back to school. With smaller crowds and refreshing temperatures, it’s a wonderful time to head out for some R&R, either alone or with a cherished partner. The following three easy-to-get-to destinations will calm your mind, energize your body and let your spirit soar.

By Maureen Littlejohn

Capital Getaway Next door to the nation’s capital, a region rich with flora and fauna beckons to outdoor adventurers. The Outaouais, in southwestern Quebec, is veined with waterways and marshes to explore by kayak, canoe or paddleboat.

Hikers and cyclists are drawn to the area’s many trails, where deer and foxes are often spotted. A few highlights are Parc national de Plaisance on the Ottawa River (70 km east of Ottawa and 160 km northwest of Montreal), White Forest Ecological Reserve, in the town of Mayo, and the Outdoor Adventure Centre of the Black Mountains near the village of Ripon.

1-800-265-7822 • tourismeoutaouais.com

R&R In the village of Montebello, Victorian mansion-turned-school-turnedhotel Auberge Montebello (rooms from $99 • 877-423-0001 • aubergemontebello.com) stands proudly over the Ottawa River (a.k.a.

Rivière des Outaouais). The 44 guest rooms all have Internet access and there’s an outdoor heated pool, restaurant and spa. After a day with nature, kick back on the terrace and watch boats bob in the marina, or steam away the kinks in the rooftop sauna and hot tub. Knead out any remaining knots at the Auberge’s Spa Royal with a relaxing massage ($74/50 min.).

Eat Auberge Montebello’s Le Rouge 20 (mains from $15) offers a daily table d’hôte (fixed-price menu) for $40 that includes appetizer, entrée, dessert and tea or coffee. European-trained chef Louis LaForest uses as much local produce as possible, and his menu changes two or three times a week. He prides himself on starters such as cranberry Venetian terrine with strawberry coulis and “real deal” Caesar salad that doesn’t skimp on the

/ SWIMMING – A world of ducks, irises, turtles and dragonflies awaits paddlers at Parc national de Plaisance. Rent a canoe or kayak at the Discover and Service Centre ($11/hr. • $40/day • 819-427-5334 • parcsquebec.com) or book a group canoe tour ($7 for one hour). At Eco-Odyssey, paddleboats are available to explore 6 km of water paths that cut through 70 acres of marsh ($42/boat, 2 hours • 819-459-2551 • eco-odyssee.ca).

anchovies. Entrées include rack of lamb Provençal or succulent duck confit followed by sweets such as pain perdu (bread pudding) with hot maple syrup, or raspberry cheesecake. Next door in Papineauville, adventurous gourmet fare abounds at La Table de Pierre Delahaye (mains from $26 • 819-427-5027 • latabledepierredelahaye.ca). Diners in the heritage home feel like they’ve escaped to another era as they munch their escargot flamed with Calvados applesauce, roasted lobster tails, venison medallions and sweetbreads with Quebec cider sauce.

Auberge Montebello

Play / HIKING – Parc national de Plaisance’s 10 km of trails skirt marshes and bays teeming with lush vegetation and wildlife. Scout the 1 km Zizanie-des-Marais trail’s floating boardwalk and a lookout tower or head out on the Sarcelle trail to see ducks in the Rubaniers Marsh. A shuttle bus runs from one headland to the other and a pontoon boat, the Weskarini, provides shuttle service between the park's two sectors, Thurso and Presqu’île ($9/return • reserve a spot at least 1.5 hrs. in advance at the welcome centre • open until Thanksgiving • 819-427-5334 • 1-800-665-6527 • parcsquebec.com). At the Outdoor Adventure Centre of the Black Mountains, nine trails lace through blackberry country (don’t forget a container for picking!) and offer stunning views of the Petite-Nation River and “the surrounding mountains (free • 819-983-2000 • ville.ripon.qc.ca). White Forest Ecological Reserve has six trails with excellent spots to watch beaver and waterfowl in the reserve’s many lakes ($5/day • 819-281-6700 • lablanche.ca). / BIKING – Spy on birds of prey from the 9-km Grande-Presqu’île trail in Parc national de Plaisance or cycle the 20-km Outaouais loop into the less-travelled Thurso sector. Rent your steed from Auberge Montebello ($20/day) or at the park’s Discover and Service Centre ($11/hr. • $31/day • 819-427-5334 • parcsquebec.com). The Outdoor Adventure Centre of the Black Mountains also offers mountain biking. A trail map of the entire region is available on the Outaouais Tourism website.

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© Tobermory

OUTAOUAIS

Breakfast is complimentary and hot (think eggs and hefty portions). Start the day with a dip in the outdoor saltwater pool and then, after some rigorous paddling or cycling on the bay, finish the day at the on-site Radiant Reflections Spa with a knot-busting hot-stone massage ($100/50 min.).

Eat

Georgian Bay

PORT SEVERN Georgian Bay Playground Location, location, location. Originally called Coldwater, Port Severn’s proximity to major waters and plentiful forests made it a mecca for picturesque sawmills in the late 1800s. When the Trent-Severn Waterway was completed in 1915, the timber supply had been sapped and economic activity shifted to tourism. These days the little burg is a gateway to Georgian Bay Island National Park, a watery 13.5-sq-km preserve with 63 small islands. Not only is the area heaven for adept sea kayakers, but cyclists and hikers also enjoy Wye Marsh’s new trail system as well as the Tay Shore Trail that winds along the shoreline.

R&R Fashioned to look a bit like a lighthouse, three-yearold Rawley Resort & Marina (rooms from $190 • 705-538-2272, 1-800-263-7538 • rawleyresort.com) is a 17-suite (one or two bedrooms) boutique hotel overlooking the Trent-Severn River Waterway. Every suite is unique, some with oversized balconies or walkout terraces, water views and marble bathrooms.

network of trails attracts hikers. It’s also great for hawk spotting. Starting in September, thousands of raptors fly over Hawk Cliff (2 km east of town) on their yearly migration south. Monarch butterflies also gather there before heading to Mexico for the winter.

R&R

Dark hardwood floors, red wingback chairs, water views, high ceilings and a feeling of airiness make the resort’s dining room a pleasurable place to digest a good meal (mains from $22). The menu changes seasonally, but usually includes pasta, steak, fish and a hearty veal scaloppine or pecan-crusted pork tenderloin— wash it all down with a fat cab or mellow chardonnay. Another nearby option is the dining room at Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa (mains from $20 • 800-465-9966 • christiesmill.com).

Savour a beef carpaccio starter followed by Thai-glazed baby back ribs or a roasted chicken breast with almonds and grilled artichoke. Yum.

Keeping watch over the picturesque waterfront, Inn on the Harbour (rooms from $150 • 519-782-7623 • innontheharbour.ca) blends seamlessly with wharf buildings, evoking a maritime feeling reminiscent of days gone by. The inn’s 16 rooms and suites all have Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. Adjacent to the main building, the ‘Little’ Inn is two stories and has four guest rooms that work well for small groups. After a day of exploring, sip a cool beverage on the inn’s common deck overlooking the harbour or arrange with the front desk for a registered massage therapist to come in and relieve tired muscles ($70/60 min.).

Play

Eat

/ HIkIng – The Tay Shore Trail runs along the shoreline of Georgian Bay, winding through the historic towns of Waubaushene, Victoria Harbour and Port McNicoll past Martyr’s Shrine, Wye Marsh and ending at Saint Marie Among the Hurons. On Beausoleil Island, the centrepiece of Georgian Bay Islands National Park ($6/day • 705-526-8907 • pc.gc.ca), trails follow windswept shorelines, wander through wetlands, circle interior lakes and plunge through pine-scented forest.

The 8-km long island can be accessed by water taxi from Honey Harbour, or Parks Canada operates a daytripper shuttle boat that runs Saturdays only in the fall until Oct. 3 ($16 return • 705-526-8907 • pc.gc.ca). At Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre ($11/day • 705-526-7809 • wyemarsh.com), 10 km of hiking trails offer glimpses of Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns and Least Bitterns, beaver, porcupine, mink and river otter, not to mention turtles, frogs and snakes.

At M.E. & Suzie’s (mains from $18 • 519-782-3663 • meandsuzies.com), chef M. Earl Wilson showcases local and seasonal ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. A chalkboard menu lists his “Lake Erie North Shore Cuisine.”

Dishes such as blackened pickerel salad or Lake Erie yellow perch can be matched with cool Ontario craft brews or VQA Ontario vintages. Top your meal off with Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake made with Callebaut dark chocolate or velvety crème brûlée laced with local maple syrup. Relaxed elegance is the vibe at kettle Creek Inn’s dining room (mains from $20 • 519-782-3388, 1-866-414-0417 • kettlecreekinn.com) with a menu featuring locally caught fish, as well as fall-off-the-bone, beer-braised short ribs.

Saturday night is popular for the prime rib dinner with Yorkshire pudding and fresh vegetables infused with Iron Spike Ale demi-glaze.

Play / HIkIng – Springwater conservation area has 150 hectares (370 acres) of mature Carolinian forest and over 8 km of trails. Keep your eyes open for glimpses of hooded warblers, tufted titmouses and pileated woodpeckers. The park is run by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, which charges a small admission fee ($2/adult • 519-773-9037 • catfishcreek.ca). For a longer jaunt, the 41-km Elgin Hiking Trail goes through Carolinian forests, starting in Paynes Mills and ending in Port Stanley. Check the trail club’s website for a map (elginhikingtrail.org). A good 10-km route is from Mellor Road, north of Union down to the beach in Port Stanley. / BIkIng – Along highway 24 between Port Stanley and Port Bruce, 40 km of flat country road offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the opportunity to ogle picturesque lakefront towns. Another option is to pedal 34 km up Highway 4 to Saint Thomas through Union and Lyndale and past the Pinafore Park Bird Sanctuary.

At Turkey Point, Long Point Eco-Adventures offers mountain bike tours over more than 50 km of singletrack trails (from $60/2 hrs., including bike rental • 877-743-8687 • lpfun.ca). / PADDLIng – Otter creek, located just outside Port Burwell Provincial Park, provides 25 km of pleasant oar-dipping with headwaters north of Tillsonburg. The slow-moving stream is easily accessed along Highway 19. If you go into the park, there’s an admission fee ($10.75/vehicle, $2/ walk-in • 519-874-4691 • ontarioparks.com, search Park Locator). Book a canoe or kayak at Port Burwell’s Rent Toys ($12/hr. • $40/day • 519-688-8697 • renttoys.ca).

Parcs Québec

Opt for Parc National d’Oka

/ BIkIng – Wye Marsh has 25 km of new cycling trails. Pick up a trail map in the welcome centre and rent a bike with a helmet on site ($10/3 hrs.). Last entrance to bike trails is 3 p.m. On Beausoleil Island there are easy mountainbiking trails through the forest and along the shore. Bikes are allowed on the Huron Trail, a 6-km-long fire road, and the Christian Trail, a 1.5-km trail across the island. Tay Shore Trail also welcomes cyclists. / PADDLIng – Georgian Bay Island National Park, established in 1929, is a spectacular area for sea kayaking, with endless channels, bays and inlets to explore. Start from Honey Harbour and paddle from island to island or just kayak to Beausoleil and go exploring on foot. While on the water, watch out for boat traffic and storms that whip up quickly. The unsheltered back of the island can be tricky, so make sure your route doesn’t exceed your capabilities. The park’s welcome centre in Port Severn has maps, displays and helpful staff. Rent a variety of canoes and kayaks at Swift Canoe & Kayak in Waubaushene (from $20/day • 705-538-0881 • swiftcanoe.com). Wye Marsh offers guided tours in canoes and kayaks to areas of the cattail marsh beyond the limits of the trails until Thanksgiving ($60/3 hrs., with canoe).

PORT STANLEY Safe Harbour The historic town of Port Stanley, a two-and-a-halfhour drive east of Toronto on Lake Erie, is a tranquil haven for pedallers, paddlers and pedestrians. A large harbour hosts all manner of watercraft, while cyclists enjoy cruising the area’s quiet country roads and a

Four hiking trails L’Érablière and its spring flowers Grande Baie, headquarters for migrating birds • Calvaire d’Oka, unique Way of the Cross in America • La Sauvagine, four habitats worth exploring • •

Guided discovery hikes and rallies for one and all School groups and groups of all nature 1 800 665 6527 • parcsquebec.com

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Globetrotter

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Our writer – and passionate rock climber – travelled to Thailand with the hopes of discovering its tropical beauty, and a curiosity to test just how high he could go.

By Brian Berusch Continued on next page

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2

Continued from page 17

events you can't miss aud on Mount Rig

In the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, the main character stumbles upon

a South Pacific paradise deep in the Thai jungle where a band of young folk live a Peter Pan-like existence. The setting – which consisted of a crystal-blue cove, lush tropical forest and friendly wildlife – seemed all too good to be true.

ition 13th Ed

A few miles from where DiCaprio and crew filmed the movie is a real-life ShangriLa – and you don’t need a secret-treasure map to get there. (This story will serve your needs just fine.) And while Thailand’s Railay Beach is not the type of place that one stumbles across (there is some necessary know-how involved in finding it), the rewards are well worth the effort. Especially for those with a hankering for some of the most pristine rock climbing on the planet – the exact reason I made the jaunt from halfway around the world.

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My journey began at the end of a three-hour bus ride from Phuket that skirted the Andaman Sea before arriving in Krabi. The town itself feels precisely like what it’s been for centuries: a port town with a bustling harbour, cheeky souvenir shops and a bevy of rustic guesthouses. It’s not to say that Krabi doesn’t have charm; in fact, it serves well as a comparison to the paradise beyond.

Between the merchant ships, the cargo vessels and occasional yacht, a small fleet of wooden canoe-ish boats putter in the shallow surf. They are a photographer’s dream, scribbled with yellow Thai writing, their shapes emblematic of the roofs that line the Buddhist temples to the north. The drivers of these water taxis, which have single engines in the rear that resemble weed whackers, await those who did their homework. A few Baht (Thai dollars) are exchanged, and before you know it, the bustle of Krabi is behind you and towering spires of limestone outcroppings beckon you forth.

The water begins to turn from a murky brown to a deep, azure blue. Soon, you’re careening around the limestone cliffs, one after another, spotting underwater caves and the occasional jumping fish. The water has now turned turquoise.

© iStockphotos.com

Yet it isn’t. Take away the M16-toting ganja farmers and the shark attacks (yet leave the adorable spider monkeys), and I have been there.

The geography of Railay is simple: a crescent-shaped island where the locals call one side “Sunrise Beach” and the other “Sunset Beach,” for obvious reasons.

In between, a half-dozen footpaths or lanes contain guesthouses, outdoor restaurants and the occasional sarong shop. On the perimeter are the more lively bars and nightclubs – where the festivities begin as the sun sets – complete with fire-twirling, DJ music and imbibing until sun-up.

But my mission in Railay was not to dance the night away; I was here to better my rock-climbing skills. In fact, I had hoped to lead my first climb. I was here for an intensive six-day study and hoped to accomplish it before the week’s end.

I found a trustworthy guide, or rather, he found me. I was flipping through a book of photos that showed the rooms available at a guesthouse when a dreadlocked Thai, probably 25 years old, approached.

“Hey man. You don’t want to stay there. It’s right next to the backside of the fancy resort. Where they throw out all the food scraps. Which means lots of monkeys, making a lot of noise. Especially at night,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“Thanks,” I replied, followed by a hearty handshake.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more majestic, you round a bend between two massive cliff walls and a picture-perfect bay opens up at the bow of your tiny boat. Above you, three climbers are finishing the second of three pitches on their morning climb. They wave you in; the water is now crystalline and shimmering, the sand as soft as sugar.

The man introduced himself as “Ronnie” and asked if I would be doing any rock climbing while in Railay. After I told him my goal of leading a climb, he said he would be happy to take me on as his sole client for the six days I planned to climb while on the island. We shook again on the agreement; for the equivalent of $30 per day, I had my own personal climbing guide, usage of all his company’s ropes, harnesses and gear, as well as something money could never have bought: the “in” to a few lesser-known hangouts on the island, après climbing.

Directly off the tree line that surrounds the beach are a few stands constructed of sturdy bamboo; it’s here that you’ll pick your guesthouse for your stay. They range from elevated tree houses to toes-in-the-sand campgrounds or a four-star resort.

After a quiet night’s sleep in my simple guesthouse (a single-room, thatchedroof hut with air conditioning ran about $15 per night), I set out first thing in the morning to meet my guide and square away my gear for the week. I found Ronnie

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it was time to tackle the second pitch (a climb that began above the end of the first leg). Although he was above me and clinging to the rock (albeit with far more ease, having done these routes thousands of times), Ronnie was very adept at pointing out aspects of my climbing that could be improved, or a manner of approach to a hold that had me rethinking my tactics. On the third hour of my first day, I was already feeling improved.

After a sack lunch of tofu spring rolls that Ronnie made back at base camp, we rappelled down a nearby face to our starting point earlier in the morning. On belay, just before I was to hit ground, Ronnie yelled down, “Look up at me as you descend the final bit,” a request I initially found odd, but trusted.

As I locked eyes with him, the strangest sensation came over me: I had belayed into knee-deep water! I later learned that for Ronnie, the look on a student’s face when he hit “ground” – or where the ground had been earlier in the day before the tide shifted – was priceless. I released my gear, removed my belt and was immediately swimming in the azure waters following a day of clinging to rock.

What a dream!

© iStockphotos.com

After taking Ronnie to dinner following the success of our first day, he told me about a reggae bar hidden in a neighbouring cove that had great music and cocktails. He showed me the way and left me in the assured hands of a group of Australian climbers, who became my new on-island friends.

(I later learned that this was not his real name; entrepreneurial Thai folk who tend to have very long and difficult-for-Westerners-to-pronounce names often assume simpler identities) already packing up a sack with everything we would need, asking me if I was “ready to get moving.” Considering the generally laid-back nature of the Thai people I had encountered thus far, it was refreshing – especially in such a bohemian-type hideaway.

Off we set on a seven-minute hike to the first pitch we’d tackle. As we snaked past a dozen other climbers, many of whom were already well into their day’s first climb, it became apparent that this was a climbers’ destination. Thin, welltoned climber types scaled the limestone walls that faced each other in this section, with accents that ranged from Austrian to New Zealand and New England reverberating to and fro.

The following three days found Ronnie and me criss-crossing the tiny isle, climbing routes of varying difficulty, and occasionally teaming with partners of his from the climbing school and their budding students. It was a great way to meet new people, learn about Thai culture and improve my skills. On one occasion, I found myself hovering on a ledge, my feet dangling hundreds of feet above the bay where I initially arrived at Railay. I had come so far, indeed.

It was on the fifth day that Ronnie greeted me with the words, “Today you’re going to lead me in a climb.”

Off we went, to one of the routes that had given me some trouble on our second day, but I had navigated well, after some instruction.

“This wall challenged you, and you conquered it,” Ronnie started. “Now, it will become a part of you, if you can rise above it with nothing but your hands and feet in front of you.”

“You’ll see why in a few hours,” he smugly stated, unfolding a bamboo mat and organizing our ropes.

For the very first time, with no rope in front of me, only my own willpower, I managed to flow up the face of the first pitch, hooking into the bolts every 15 feet or so. In one crevice, I managed to place a complicated piece of gear, which would ensure the safety of Ronnie, who followed behind me. In silence (minus the gently lapping waves a hundred feet below me), I led a 6A-class (French scale) climb to the pinnacle of a limestone spire.

In order to gauge my skills, Ronnie wanted to begin by having me follow him up the same route three times, each with a different approach, one more technically challenging than the next. After proving that I could follow his lead with ease,

When Ronnie summited behind me, we sat in silence, looking at the dozen limestone towers that jutted similarly out of the sea. All of them were below us – a feeling that is irreplaceable, yet shared by climbers the world over.

“An early start around here,” I noted to Ronnie.

Explore on via ferrata CANYON STE-ANNE

It’s really an experience !

VIA FERRATA (hiking on rock) ZIP LINE (75m. high) Packages offer FAMILY / DELUX / EXTREM Open from May to October

From 36.00$/pers. + tx.

PLAN AHEAD GettinG there The Thai Tourism Board North America has outposts in New York and Vancouver. For more: • seeyouinthailand.com • thaicongenvancouver.org SLeeP • The Diamond Cave resort (diamondcave-railay.com) is comfortable, affordable and clean.

• The more luxurious railay Bay resort (railaybayresort.com) has all the amenities of a four-star resort, for a much lower price.

• The secluded homes at thailand Beach house (thailandbeachhouse.com) are a unique cluster of bungalows, for a true Thai experience. eAt • Sand Sea Restaurant (Sand Sea Resort, West Railay) This popular place has a big terrace similar to Railay Restaurant with dishes that won’t break the bank. Like the above, take your time soaking in the spectacular sunset and hit the beach nightlife later.

• Krua Ya Ya (Railay East) More organized than its slightly shambolic neighbours, this restaurant sits coolly under the shade of tamarind trees, enjoying the sea breezes. In the evenings the alfresco section is artfully lit, making it

a romantic spot, especially on full-moon nights. During high season expect live music. Well-rounded Thai and international food.

• Chock’s D Bar (Railay East) Rastafarian-run, Chock’s D Bar is a cocktail of bamboo seating, Jamaican flags, dreadlocks, soft lighting and Bob Marley’s image everywhere. Things are pretty ambient until a live band comes on at 9:30 p.m. Ice-cold beer, people-watching and chilling out – what a great combination.

• Last Bar (Railay East, at the end of beer bar strip) So named because this is indeed the last bar on this strip, the Last Bar actually sells breakfast, lunch and dinner and goes until late, featuring live music five nights a week during high season as well as Muay Thai. Here is the place to go for full-moon parties on Railay East, and to its credit the bar is kid-friendly. There’s even a wooden terrace over the sea where you can smoke a shisha pipe.

Perhaps the best thing about the Last Bar, besides its constant entertainment, is the price of its drinks – kept low to ensure a happy and busy house.

PLAY In April, a new tradition has taken hold in Railay, called the “Krabi Rock and Fire Climbing Competition,” which is now in its third year. Free climbers from around the world descend upon Railay’s famous beaches to cheer on the fastest technical climbers as they power through difficult routes.

Live the week end in the mountains PALISSADES DE CHARLEVOIX

One-of-a-kind natural jewel !

VIA FERRATA (hiking on rock) ROCK CLIMBING ZIP LINE RAPPEL ACCOMMODATION (camping / hostel / refuge) SPA / SAUNA / LAKE Packages offer TRIO / QUATRO DU FAUCON TRIO / QUATRO DU LYNX Open all year long

From 70.00$/pers. + tx.

418.647.4422

www.aventurex.net

2350, avenue du Colisée, Québec, (QC), G1L 5A1

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TecHstyle

Fashionable

Fall

Hot, cold and somewhere in between: This autumn gear can endure the wackiest of temperature changes, and it also happens to look super-stylish.

Photos by Christian LĂŠvesque (christianlevesque.com)

Heli Softshell Jacket ($650) and Heli Primaloft Jacket by Peak Performance ($300; peakperformance. com); Adidas Agilis glasses ($70; adidas.com).

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1. Heli Mid Long Sleeve Jacket in Glacier Lake by Peak Performance ($175; peakperformance.com); Gaisa Base T-Neck shirt and coordinating Gaisa pants

by Peak Performance (top: $90; bottom: $70); Titan lantern by Black Diamond ($79; blackdiamondequipment.com).

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2. Yorkville Flannel pink shirt by The North Face ($55; thenorthface.com) and Solstyce pants by The North Face ($60).

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3. Her: Chase Beanie toque by Icebreaker ($35; icebreaker.com); Rakish-V Striped Top in Beet by Horny Toad ($35; hornytoad.com); Journey Knickers pants in Atoll by Louis Garneau ($69; louisgarneau.com).

Espri 2 tent by Nemo ($369; nemoequipment.com); Flash plate-warmer

by JetBoil ($135; jetboil.com); Tumble Mountain sleeping bag by Big Agnes ($289; bigagnes.com); Alaska men’s boots by Keen ($179; keencanada.ca).

4. Trail Mid Zip Jacket in blue

by Peak Performance ($180; peakperformance.com); Alton pants in grey by Horny Toad ($74; hornytoad.com); Viper Low shoes in orange by Technica ($110; tecnicausa.com).

Him: Route Zip Jacket in green by Peak Performance ($180; peakperformance.com); Momentum pants by Naturmania ($119; naturmania.ca); FC ECO 2.0 GTX shoes by La Sportiva ($140; lasportiva.com); Luxury Map mattress by Therm-a-Rest (regular: $99; cascadedesigns.com).

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TECHSTYLE

1. Nirvana LST shirt by Guats ($49; guats.com); Move-on pants by Chlorophylle ($180; chlorophylle.net); Altai II GTX boots by ECCO ($310; ecco.com); Diez coat in black by The North Face ($229; thenorthface.com); Comet Series 24/Seven backpack

by Osprey ($89; ospreypacks.com); Radiant Hybrid jacket shirt in Berry by Outdoor Research ($95; outdoorresearch.com).

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2. Her: Alibi jacket in turquoise by Outdoor Research ($299; outdoorresearch.com); Tiempo pants by Nature Mania ($129; naturmania.ca). Him: Infinity softshell vest by Pearl Izumi ($150; pearlizumi.com); Hemp Stretch Fly Freestyle pants by Guats ($119; guats.com); Nathan thermos bottle ($30; nathansports.com).

3. Her: Radiant Hybrid Jacket by Outdoor Research ($95; outdoorresearch.com); Tiempo pants by Natur Mania ($129; naturmania.ca). Him: Double Bock Jacket by Horny Toad ($175; hornytoad.com); Carew shirt by Horny Toad ($60; hornytoad.com); Hemp Stretch Fly Freestyle pants by Guats ($119; guats.com).

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4. Her: Light LS by Louis Garneau ($45; louisgarneau.com). Him: Marfak shirt in Mousse by Chlorophylle ($80; chlorophylle.net); Universal Warrior T-shirt by Guats ($39; guats.com).

Camera: Stylus Tough-8010 by Olympus ($449; olympuscanada.com).

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1. Andes 800 sleeping bag by RAB ($629; us.rab.uk.com); Prose reversible toque by Horny Toad ($50; hornytoad.com).

2. Adidas Agilis glasses ($70; adidas.com); ELITE Barrier softshell jacket in blue by Pearl Izumi ($80; pearlizumi.com).

3. Transfer Zip Neck LS Baselayer in white by Pearl Izumi ($65; pearlizumi.com).

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GEAR

Sleep

Sleeping outdoors is a great way to be at one with nature. Waking up every minute from a sharp twig poking your thigh or a chilly wind breezing up your shirt? Not so much fun. These new sleeping bags feature the wonders of modern technology to keep you protected from the less picture-worthy instances of the great outdoors – frostbite, damp socks, giant spiders – so you can get a good night’s sleep and focus on tomorrow’s sunrise.

TIGHT

By Alexander Joo

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1 Best for staying dry An excellent synthetic choice for cold and damp environments, this bag’s dense insulation and welded seams will maintain its loft through thunderstorms, snowstorms and your washing machine. Dual-side zippers let you sit up and read or watch Dancing with the Stars on your portable television while roughing it. The performance mummy cut reduces bag weight and, along with the water-resistant Thermic Micro fill, increases thermal efficiency.

Temperature rating: -9oC | Total weight: 2lb 14oz Mountain Hardwear, Ultra Lamina 15 | $20 | mountainhardwear.com 2 Best for comfort More of an outdoor comforter than a sleeping bag, the Ventra is part of the Trek & Travel Sleep Systems offered by Therm-a-rest for trips where comfort is key. You get all the technical benefits of a sleeping bag but with the added benefits of space, ventilation and foot-loose freedom.

650-fill down eliminates cold spots, while the snaps allow for ventilation on warmer nights. Add a pillow and you’ll find something more elusive than Big Foot: a good night’s sleep.

Temperature rating: 4oC | Total weight: 2lb 5.8oz Therm-a-rest, Ventra Down Comforter | $230 | cascadedesigns.com

4 Best for portability This small, three-season package uses 850-fill goose down, an offset 25” jacket zipper and 14D nylon shell and lining to create the lightest-weight bag at its temperature rating. The ultralight jacket hood further reduces weight while adding warmth by efficiently killing any dead-air space. Once you’re finished staying toasty throughout the night, pack it down to the size of a loaf of bread, toss it into your backpack and then forget it’s there.

Temperature rating: -9oC | Total weight: 14oz Sierra Designs Vapor | $420 | sierradesigns.com 5 Best addition A great supplement to your backpack, this liner either cranks your existing sleeping bag’s temperature rating by 12oC for colder trips, or can be used on its own for warmer nights. Made of fleece lined with nylon, it’ll also make your bag more comfortable to hibernate in. Packed up, it’s about the size of a paper towel roll – perfect as a pillow when not in use.

Temperature rating: Adds 12oC | Total weight: 1lb 10oz The North Face Mercurial Liner | $109 | thenorthface.com

3 Best for cold weather If you’re planning on an expedition to the Himalayas or Arctic regions, this sleeping bag is your top choice. Rab decided to ditch 30 years of experience in making bags to completely redesign their line this season, working out the absolute optimum amount of down to use for the best balance between warmth and weight. Filled with 850+ European goose down and covered in Pertex Endurance fabric for protection from the elements.

Temperature rating: -40oC | Total weight: 4lb 6oz Rab Expedition 1200 | $750 | us.rab.uk.com

Ready for anything FARIA women (6 - 10.5)

ELMO men (7 - 12.5)

For more information and list of retailers: call Toll free 1 888 411-3310 or visit

www.allrounder.com

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GEAR

HAppy TRAils

When it comes to off-road running, the animal kingdom prevails – and they don’t need to slap down a VISA at Niketown to do it.

But we meagre humans are a clever bunch, and with our science, know-how and predilection for stealing ideas, we’ve pilfered Mother Nature’s designs to ensure we’re just as efficient. If you’re hitting the trails, be sure to slap on a pair of kicks from this list rather than your regular road shoes. Made specifically for trail running, these will control overpronation, give added support and comfort, and be thick enough so rocks and sticks don’t pierce your precious piggies.

By Alexander Joo

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1 SPLASHY SEALS The KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and un-funky while you conquer trails and streams in the middle of a monsoon.

The sport-utility vehicle of trail running shoes, these will let you blaze right through snowdrifts, black ice and slush. When the snowstorms hit later in the year, strap them into a pair of snowshoes to show winter who’s boss.

Keen Obsidian WP Trail Running Shoes | $180 | keencanada.ca 2 DOUBLE-TIME CHEETAHS With a slew of technical features, this handsome pair is still super-light, making you super-quick. Contragrip provides traction and stability, Ortholite footbeds provide step-in comfort and durability and a tripledensity midsole controls pronation. Even the Quicklace one-pull lacing system quickens your preparation time to hit the trails.

Salomon S-LAB 2 XT Wings | $149 | salomon.com

5 CLAMBERING GOATS For runners that prefer the vertical plane to the horizontal, the treads here offer a kung fu grip on surfaces. Stiffer than other trail shoes, they’re perfect for larger runners needing more stability to deter overpronation. A spacious toebox and improved heel cushioning mean more comfort when tearing down steep declines, and Geofit and Formation technology ensures you don’t snap an ankle on a messy step.

Adidas Supernova Riot 3 | $139 | adidas.com

7 LIGHT-FOOTED ROADRUNNERS These innovative shoes use a bevy of technologies to get back to basics, and make running feel as natural as when the cavemen were fleeing a packs of raptor. In fact, with BareFit technology, they were created to be worn sockless, while the Dri-Lex fabric with antimicrobial Smart Silver battles moisture and odours that that may cause. Tri-Dry limits water retention to keep your feet light.

ZOOT Advantage 2.0 | $140 | zootsports.com

6 DAINTY GAZELLES Waterproof and stable, these shoes are specifically created for women – a wider forefoot, narrower heel and less weight – as much as they were for running in muck and slush. Gore-Tex lining helps to keep things dry, and plenty of recycled and biodegradable materials help to keep the earth green.

Scarpa Moraine GTX | $129 | scarpa.com

3 SIDE-STEPPING CRABS If you’re all about lateral movements on your run – whether you’re zigzagging downhill or dodging bullets downtown – these shoes protect your ankle from breaking with a stiff ¾ cut. Created for runners who want to run in inclement weather conditions, these babies weigh in at 13 oz, while still featuring the company’s Respon-Tek impact deflection tech, ample cushioning and Vibram Trek Outsoles for traction.

Saucony ProGrid Razor | US$149 | saucony.com

The Great Outdoors Starts HERE

4 LUMBERING BULLS Sturdy enough to counteract your stomping, this updated shoe makes for an even smoother ride than its predecessor, with added foam in the forefoot and a redesigned crash pad. Made for punishment, these shoes offer exceptional mid-foot stability, a soft and pliable sock liner and a segmented crash pad for superior shock absorption, and they even utilize no-sew techniques to ensure that no stitching irritates your foot.

Nike Zoom Vomero+5 | $175 | nikerunning.com

Choose your footwear... begin your journey!

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Come and discover our new footwear collections

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COAST MOUNTAIN SPORTS IS NOW

Where to find us...

atmosphere.ca

AdventurA _ Fall 2010 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 27

Adventura - 6,25’’ X 8,8125’’

Mind & BODY

Food

© Suzanne Tucker

Myths Debunked 1

Our nutritionist sets the record straight on 10 of the most enduring food myths.

The truth of the matter is that energy reserves are lower in the morning, so engaging in physical effort will force your body to dip into fat reserves to drum up enough energy to sustain itself. However, if you consume as much as you burn, you will not lose weight. While fat will be burned during the effort, the equilibrium will be re-established throughout the day. Another caveat? Running on an empty stomach can create an energy deficit that your body will seek to recuperate later. In other words, you may have a 4 p.m. craving, or a late-night snacking urge, when the healthiest decisions aren’t always made.

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Grapefruit and other citruses have fat-melting properties The acidity in these fruits can lead one to believe that they can destroy fat cells, similar to a cleansing agent that breaks down grease. In reality, acidic food cannot be absorbed into the blood flow or our intestines would suffer from serious ulcers! The pancreas secretes bicarbonates that render food alkaline so that it can pass toward the intestines. The simple proof that it’s a myth: Squeeze a grapefruit over a pound of butter.

Anything happen? I think not.

By Catherine Naulleau, PDt., M.Sc., sports nutritionist

28 _ Adventura _ Fall 2010 _

You can lose weight by running on an empty stomach

Energy drinks cause cavities Cavities are caused by an increase in plaque. Bacteria lives in the plaque and feeds off the sugar we consume, and over time causes damage to the enamel. Eventually this creates ideal conditions for cavities to develop.

Energy drinks (like Gatorade, Cytomax, Guru and others) contain sugar, but so do fruit, vegetables, starches and more, and none of these cause cavities. It doesn’t take a dentist to know that brushing teeth eliminates plaque and prevents cavities.

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Dark chocolate contains fewer calories than milk chocolate Unfortunately, this is false. A 30g piece of 70% dark chocolate contains 165 calories and 12g of fat, and a 30g piece of milk chocolate contains 160 calories and 10g of fat. The calorie count is almost the same, but the properties of the ingredients are different. Dark chocolate is the healthier choice as it contains less sugar than milk chocolate. There it is: a licence to love chocolate!

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Carbohydrates will make you fat If you eat bread, pasta and potatoes and burn the calories, there is no reason why you should be gaining weight. However, if you are living a sedentary lifestyle and indulging in these foods, well, that’s a whole other story that could definitely lead to added pounds over months and years. Carbohydrates are a chief source of energy, so depriving yourself completely is never a good idea.

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Never eat pasta and meat at the same meal And why not? There is no reason why carbohydrates and proteins shouldn’t be consumed together, and no study has shown that combining these two food groups can cause an adverse reaction in the body or affect absorption. If you’re eating before or after a physically demanding activity, it is totally justified to add carbohydrates into the mix to give your body the nutrients it needs to perform and recuperate better.

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Never eat after 8 p.m.

Your body doesn’t automatically go into “reserve” mode because of the time of day: It’s quantity that you should pay attention to. If you have just trained or worked late and need the nutrition, satisfy your hunger without worry. What you should be worried about, however, is mindless late-night snacking.

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Red meat is too high in saturated fat Of course, it’s important to avoid consuming too many saturated fats (regardless of the source), but when it comes right down to it, variety and portion size matter most. Try to opt for lean meats and eliminate as much fat as possible before cooking. Why variety? Not all meats have the same nutritional value. Red meat, for example, is an excellent source of iron and zinc – especially important minerals for active people. Plus, red meat is not the sole culprit: Saturated fats are in just about everything, including cookies, cereal bars, crackers, chips and cakes. Keep on eye on balance and frequency, because red meat definitely has its place on your healthy plate.

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Don’t drink while eating The gastric pH level during a meal is about 2 or 3 (the lower the pH, the more acidic the environment). If liquids could dilute gastric juice, it would take hours and hours to digest a simple meal. Of course, drinking excessive amounts of liquids during a meal can dilate the stomach and cause discomfort and reflux, but not to the extent of hindering functionality.

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Eat fruit between meals Once again, a myth about the acidity of fruit! As previously mentioned, the stomach is a very acidic environment, especially when proteins have been consumed: This is where they are digested. Digestion of fruit begins as soon as they touch the saliva, so they are already digested by the time they make their way to the stomach. The stomach does not differentiate between fruit and proteins: Its role is to mix and reduce food to acidic liquid.

PIG OUT! Did you know?

Which meat contains the most vitamin B1?

B vitamins play an important role in metabolic rates, maintaining muscle tone and improving function of the immune and nervous systems. Plus, not consuming enough could lead to lack of energy – not ideal for maintaining an active lifestyle!

The answer: Pork. It is actually the number-one food source for vitamin B1. In fact, 100g of pork meets 65% of the daily requirement of this vitamin.

Adventura _ Fall 2010 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 29

LAST CALL

Iceland Trekking We were on the most famous hiking trail in Iceland, which stretches from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. After admiring moon-like landscapes and enjoying hot springs, we started walking the first few kilometres – the trail is 55 km long – and already the “smoke show” had begun. The sulphurous smell, the smoky ground, the boiling water emerging from the earth: We were irrefutably at the heart of this incredible country. At times, we felt like we were on another planet.

THE TOOLS: Canon EOS 7D, ISO 400, f/8 @ 32mm, 1/320 second.

– Luc Rousseau, photographer

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