Adventura - Spring 2011

PAIN IS ‘IN’

• My Mud Run Challenge • Doc, am I crazy?

BIKES: THE 2011 CROP

Beyond weekend warrior: Mountaineering 101

[DESTINATIONS]

ASHLEIGH McIVOR: It’s Not All Downhill

Unforgettable Hikes In New England

Five Great Family Adventures

Adventura _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 1 Spring 2011 _ Vol. 3, No. 1 _ www.adventuramag.ca

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11-03-11 15:13

Contents // Spring 2011 // Vol. 3 :: No. 1

12

14

16

18

22

26

[04] EDITOR’S NOTE [06] FIELD REPORT Five Great Family Adventures • Ashleigh McIvor: It’s Not All Downhill for Her • Unforgettable hikes in New England: One region, three ways • Helmet Cams: Technology Meets the Outdoors • Two outdoorsy books to enjoy • Agenda: Outdoor activities in Ontario and Quebec for this spring season

[10] DAYTRIPPER Trail running… to the market • Take a ride on the rapids • Adventure hunting in Renfrew

[12] WEEKEND GETAWAY How a father-daughter hike into Point Pelee National Park became unforgettable.

[14] LIVING LARGE Norfolk County • Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier • Chutes Coulonge Park

[16] Hurts So Good (Pain is ‘in’) My Mud Run Challenge • Doc, Am I Crazy? • You vs. the Wild

[18] GLOBETROTTER Beyond Weekend Warrior: Mountaineering 101

[22] GEAR 22 // Bikes: The 2011 crop 26 // Tents: Raise the Roof

[28] MIND & BODY Massage: Muscle Must-Have

[29] NUTRITION Summer Recipes [30] LAST CALL Saharan Confession

Adventura _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

Jennifer Heil

Two-time Olympic medallist Single and Dual World Champion / Freestyle skiing – moguls

Bring It! I still remember the first time I went indoor rock climbing. Oh, man, it hurt so much: How could I forget? Actually, what I remember most is the next day: that dreadful day where turning a doorknob felt too strenuous for my sore, throbbing forearms. I also remember the car ride home from my first day of outdoor rock climbing: I was half-asleep in the back seat, while my friends seemed to have energy to spare.

My first long hike was also a test of mental and physical endurance.

With my overstuffed backpack, heavy water bottles and limited gear, I definitely didn’t have much fun out there. The further we went, the

SOON, EighT-kilOmETrE TrEkS bEcOmE “ShOrT hikES.” YOu’rE lOggiNg 15 Or 20 kilOmETrES iN a daY. more I wondered why I had said yes to this adventure. And that’s what one’s first venture into the great outdoors is like: arduous. There will always be a moment when you ask yourself why you’ve subjected yourself to such punishment when a picnic by the water or a friendly game of beach volleyball – anything except this particular form of torture, for that matter! – would be perfectly lovely.

peak, every gruelling moment of the ascent is forgotten, replaced by the elation of having reached the top. After a few days, the taxing parts aren’t even noteworthy: All you can think of is that thrilling rush at the summit. Just like that, you’re hooked.

Soon, eight-kilometre treks become “short hikes.” You’re logging 15 or 20 kilometres in a day. Some start running marathons, then triathlons, then the Ironman. Then the double Ironman! One can go to a lot of trouble just to seek out suffering: See our “Pain Is ‘In’” story on page 16. It’s no coincidence that endurance adventures are so popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Why inflict such abuse on oneself? Probably to prove – to yourself and others – that you can reach the goal you’ve set.

Little by little, personal boundaries are pushed... and stopping would sound crazy! So you push a little bit more...

Thankfully, agony isn’t a mandatory part of having fun. A trek with friends can be the perfect occasion to test your limits without going too far. You’ll be stronger – and a little bit more motivated – every time.

After rock-climbing adventures or long hikes, I’m now the one behind the wheel for the drive home. I check the rear-view mirror and see the newbies recovering from the day’s effort. Then, I get the urge for a long bike ride the next day. Any takers?

Christian Lévesque, Editor

Then all of sudden, as a turn in the trail reveals a sublime view or a section of downhill terrain brings a much-needed break to the leg muscles, the pain fades away. Mind and body reconcile, and going further doesn’t seem so terrible after all. Once you’ve reached the

Follow me on Twitter: @chrislevesque

Spring 2011 :: Vol. 3 :: No. 1

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

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, Catherine Cardinal, Bryen Dunn, Ashley Joseph, Mario Demers, Ilona Kauremszky, Mélanie Mantha, Vanessa Muri, Travis Persaud, Todd Plummer, Stephania Varalli, Kathleen Wilker.

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,

Sun protection SPF 30 Prevents from dry and chapped lips Deeply moisturizes

Cover Photo: A triathlete biker rides near corn fields on the last leg of a bike race in

Join Jenn in sharing her passion for outdoor sports: facebook.com/climatik twitter.com/outdoorwithjenn

advertising: Marie-Annick Lambert, Sales Consultant

Boulder, Colorado. (© Sergio Ballivian / Aurora Photos)

design: Sève Création, seve.ca Website: www.adventuramag.ca editorial dePartment: 514-277-3477 / info@adventuramag.ca ma.lambert@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 28 Jean-François Vadeboncoeur, Sales Consultant jf.vadeboncoeur@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 27

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.

MAR

Jennifer Heil

Two-time Olympic medallist Single and Dual World Champion / Freestyle skiing – moguls Discover Jennifer Heil’s blog on marcelle.com

MAR climatik ADVENTURA_4.indd 1

11-03-16 14:32

It’s Not All Downhill for Her Q&A with Ashleigh Mcivor

By Stephania Varalli

As a Whistler native, it’s no surprise that Ashleigh McIvor has been skiing since the age of two. Twenty-five years later and she’s mastered the sport of ski cross. After it became her passion in 2003, Ashleigh quickly saw success, with a series of podium finishes in her first few years of competition. In 2009 she won the World Championships, and when ski cross made its debut as a medal event at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, she earned the gold medal. Training for the X Games in January, Ashleigh tore her ACL – ending her season and keeping her off skis for six months. We talked to Ashleigh about what she does when she isn’t doing ski cross, and how it helps her with her sport.

What do you do in the off-season to keep fit?

II ride my bikes! I love riding cross-country and downhill, as well as dirt biking. I took a few seasons off of downhill because I was concerned about getting hurt, and so I spent a lot more time in the gym – at least five days a week – and then I’d go do something active all weekend. My coaches were always trying to get me to rest up. It’s the recovery between workouts that I have a tough time with!

Do you find the sport of downhill mountain biking good preparation for ski cross?

I think downhill is the ultimate cross-training for ski cross – mainly mentally, but physically too. It’s all about looking ahead, picking good lines instinctively, working the terrain and generating speed from every little bump or divot. Riding chainless is particularly beneficial, as it forces you to carry your speed through the corners and stay off your brakes. Downhill also trains my ability to overcome that initial hesitation we all feel when we’re about to hit a jump or a drop that scares us. It helps me going into the ski cross season by allowing me to look at a course and visualize a smooth run down it, as opposed to thinking: “Oh no, what if I come up short and land on that uphill tabletop?”

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Are you loyal to any brands for mountain biking?

I grew up with Norcos all the way, but last summer I ended up on a Rocky Mountain Flatline and I was blown away. I remember ripping through a techy, rooty section on a trail in Pemberton called Overnight Sensation. I can’t believe how sweet the suspension was at those speeds. It felt like I was floating over all of this insanely gnarly terrain as if it were paved. That is one of the best feelings in the world. And my friend at SRAM hooked me up with killer Rock Shox suspension for my rig.

Are you very disciplined with your diet and training schedule?

I feel like there is a point in my preparation where it is more valuable to cross-train than it is to hit the gym. I need to be strong enough and fit enough to avoid injury and to last a full season, but beyond that, my time is better spent shredding.

I guess I’m lucky in that my most crucial training is covered by doing what I love, every day. As far as diet, I grew up in a household where nutrition was a top priority. My mom is in public health, so she always made sure that we ate from all four food groups at every meal. When I’m training hard I eat a lot of protein, and I always try to stick to organic, local food whenever possible. Race season puts us in Europe almost all winter, and it’s really tough to find anything other than meat and cheese. I just work with it.

What remaining goals do you have as an athlete?

I would love to win the X Games, and the World Cup overall title (the Crystal Globe). Another Olympic medal would be

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pretty rad, but I’m not getting my hopes up. I do much better when I don’t really care. I’ve always been really bad at goal setting, because I don’t like to be disappointed when I don’t live up to my own expectations. I’ve kind of shot myself in the foot on that one now that I’ve earned those two titles.

Nothing really feels that sweet unless I’m winning now. I’d rather be riding my bikes than coming sixth in World Cup ski cross races! So my number-one goal: to have fun.

By ashley Joseph

May May 1

// OntariO Cup | Mansfield, Ontario This spring mountain bike race has something for everyone. With men’s and women’s beginner races, the Try-an-Ocup and sport level races for the experienced biker and an elite level for the consummate cyclist, anyone can join in on the fun. chicoracing.com

May 14

// 18tH annual ride Of tHe rOuge Toronto, Ontario

Benefit the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre in a scenic city cycle through downtown Toronto. Three cycling options, 25-km, 50-km or 75-km, plus a 4.5-km hike, ensure that just about anyone can take part. rvcc.ca

May 29

// spartan raCe | Mont-Tremblant, Quebec

May 1 preview the trips and courses

© Courtesy of John Evely/Canada Ski Cross

FR

Field Report

// Walk fOr kids Help pHOne | Barrie, Ontario In support of Kids Help Phone, this 5-km walk along Barrie’s scenic waterfront is a great opportunity to stretch your legs for a good cause. walkforkidshelpphone.ca

Let your inner warrior run wild in this day of down-and-dirty racing. The muddy threemile and eight-mile are a challenge, but if you came to take the title of True Spartan, spring for the Spartan Death Race. This is Sparta, after all. spartanrace.com

May 29 TO Jun. 5

// MOntreal Bike fest | Montreal, Quebec

May 1

// spOrting life 10k | Toronto, Ontario Runners rule the city for a day in the Toronto 10K race down Yonge Street, with about 15,000 participants. This event is a must for runners of all calibres. toronto10k.com

May 7

This week-long festival is a cycling enthusiast’s dream, with a myriad of cycling activities to choose from. Highlights include the Tour de l’Île, the Métropolitain challenge and Un Tour la Nuit, an opportunity to enjoy a night ride through the streets of Montreal. veloquebec.info

June

// rOgaine laurentides | Mont-Bleu, Quebec

Jun. 5

Test your orienteering skills in this group adventure challenge set up by ROGAINE. Participants join in teams of two to four to reach as many locations as possible and make it back to the finish line in the allotted time, without the help of vehicular transport, of course. www3.sympatico.ca/montbleu

Who ever said fun had to be good or clean? This off-road 5/10K run stretches across hills, rivers, climbing walls, through tunnels, over hay bales and more. It’s the most – and muddiest – fun you’ll have all year! mudrun.ca

6 _ AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _

www.adventuramag.ca

// adventure raCing Canada | Toronto, Ontario

Unforgettable hikes

1 region 3 hiking trips

new england in three ways © Mountain Hardwear

What does the urban dweller find when he swaps concrete and pavement for bark and white sands? Other urban dwellers looking for exactly the same thing! But in New England or New York State, it is still possible to find unspoiled spots that are just as pristine as they are quiet and secluded.

By Mario Demers

DiffiCultY: A quick but difficult 6 km.

Access: Route 87 exit 34, then left onto route 9N until Ausable Forks. Right on Main St. (at the Stewarts service station), left on Silver Lake Rd. About 12 minutes later, turn left on Nelson Rd. before taking Forestdale Rd. on the left. The parking lot is 7.8 km from the intersection, on the north side, and is marked by red paint on the trees. inforMation: Purchase High Peaks Region, by the Adirondack Mountain Club, 13th edition – it is strongly recommended . lesiteayvon.com/catamountmountain.html

3 days Gulf HaGas reserve (Me) If Mount Katahdin is Maine’s main attraction and Baxter Park is the best supporting actor, Gulf Hagas Reserve is the up-and-coming star. It is not only a park but a deep canyon carved out by Pleasant River, located in the heart of the 100-Mile Wilderness, a region of untamed forest in Maine. Accessible via a forest road, the park offers several campsites with amenities, most located on the shores of the Pleasant. While the entrance and camping fees are steep, the feeling of seclusion and beauty of the canyon make it well worth it.

As a bonus, a concert of frogs livens up an evening around the campfire like nothing else can.

For quick access to the canyon, start on a portion of the Appalachian Trail that crosses Pleasant River. The water easily reaches thigh level, so be sure to bring sandals and avoid rainy periods.

The real fun starts a little bit farther, on the Rim Trail. For about four kilometres, you’re overlooking the river that is now running – quite tumultuously! – between two high rock walls. Several secondary trails lead to areas with spectacular views, sometimes exposed to cacophonic cascades and definitely not swim-friendly currents, making the river’s moniker seem less than apropos.

DiffiCultY: If the water level is low, the 12-kilometre trek from and back to the road is quite difficult. It is possible to avoid crossing Pleasant River via a longer route, which is detailed in the Maine Mountain Guide. aCCess: From the border crossing located at 73 South (passing through Saint-Georges en Beauce), follow route 201, then route 15, continue on route 6 and finally on 11 North until 7.8 km past Brownville JCT, where you take a gravel road on the left (indicated as Katahdin Iron Works Road). The gate is 11 km further on this path (for a total of 200 km past the border). Directions in the park are complicated: Be sure to ask for information at the site office.

Cost anD loDGinG: $10 per person, per day. The same fee applies for camping, so US$80 for two nights, two people. There are a few motels in Dover-Foxcroft. inforMation: Buying the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer from DeLorme is strongly recommended. Another worthwhile purchase: Maine Mountain Guide, by the AMC (the ninth edition includes a trail map). northmainewoods.org/gulfhagas.html

One week DrY river anD WilD river WilDerness (nH) Even during the high season, you can camp in and explore the ever-popular White Mountains. Why not combine two expeditions in the same park?

DaYs 1 to 3: the Dry River Wilderness The Dry River, the forceful waterway with the antithetical name, runs through the Cirque Glacier on the south side of Mount Washington, then thrashes through a narrow valley between two chains of mountains to finally flow into the Saco River. The trail that bears its name allows hikers to access one of the most secluded, wild parts of the White Mountains. By setting up a base camp, you can travel in a leisurely manner to the splendid crest that crowns it. A few

camping sites, marked by a discreet brown panel (look for it!), are spread along the trail.

The most strategically positioned spot is the one right after the crossing of the Dry River, on the Mt. Eisenhower trail (8.4 km from the parking lot).

On the second day, a short detour in a loop leads you to the aptly named Mount Isolation: a small rock island perfectly placed over a vast expanse of greenery. A little bit further, near the shoulder of Mount Washington, one of the most beautiful mountain hikes of the Northeast commences.

Take the Davis, Camel, Crawford and Mt. Eisenhower trails for an arc-shaped route that overlooks the Dry River Wilderness and allows for a hike through a rocky mountain field strewn with wildflowers.

The panorama stretches to infinity and makes you forget about any other hikers that could be around. Then, say sayonara to the hordes to return to the fragrant, enveloping silence of the Dry River Wilderness.

DaYs 4 to 6: the Wild River Wilderness Swap “Dry” for “Wild” and the exploring continues, this time in the second-largest road-free area in New England. The sleeping arrangement options are numerous: Set up camp near the car (at the Wild River Camp-

www.wildtrips.ca

1 day Mount CataMount (nY) Home to one of the most exciting trails in the Adirondacks, Mount Catamount’s famous natural chimney appears when you least expect it. Don’t leave your camera at home: You’ll definitely want to snap some shots before you start scaling the mountain.

Almost as beautiful is the hour you’ll spend trekking on a wide-open, almost untouched and quite demanding trail. Be ready to use your hands to hoist yourself up, your soles for maximum traction and your sense of direction and observation to guide yourself.

The further you go, the more you’ll see the horizon extend before you. When you reach the summit, find a spot to marvel at the impressive Mount Whiteface, the neighbouring fields, and Lake Union Falls. It’s an ideal hike for a quick dose of adrenalin.

ground, a pretty, private site near the beginning of the loop) or shorten the trek by making one of the several spots – marked or not – scattered along the Wild or Moriah rivers your own. On the second day, a difficult but gratifying route allows you access to the Carter Range crest, which offers several impressive views on the Black Angel trail, the scenic Carter-Moriah and the rigorous Moriah Brook. In other words, a course worthy of an episode of Survivor.

DiffiCultY: Dry River: A total of 34 km (41 km if you include Mount Isolation and Eisenhower). Difficult. Departure on route 302, 4 km south of Willey House.

Wild River: Total of at least 32 km, depending on the spot chosen to set up base camp. Very difficult. aCCess: Depart from the Wild River Campground (8 km from route 113, 5 km south of Gilead, ME) (campsnh.com/wildriver.htm). loDGinG: If all the designated campgrounds are taken, you can set up camp anywhere (except in alpine zones), as long as you’re 200 feet (60 m) from the trail. inforMation: Suggested buys: AMC’s Best Backpacking in New England and White Mountain Guide (28th edition), by the Appalachian Mountain Club (wilderness.net).

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AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 7

Five Great Family Adventures

By Kathleen Wilker

© Morgan Lane Studios

Ontario is full of exciting family-friendly adventures. Natural waterslides, pirates and petroglyphs await.

1 Canoe the Barren Canyon from Algonquin Park’s East Entrance

them. The steep two-kilometre Cliff Top Trail offers a challenging hike, but even the littlest legs can handle it. Stairs, rocks and roots lead to lookouts with views of the lake. Great camping is available in the park. One park beach allows dogs, so the whole family can come: ontarioparks.com/english/bone.html.

Families flock to this spectacular three-day backcountry canoe trip through lakes, rivers and a canyon with 100-metre cliffs. The trip highlight is playing in a natural waterslide, where kids can join their parents when the water level is low enough. Book early, as backcountry sites fill up fast: algonquinpark.on.ca

3 Bike the Great Waterfront Trail 680 kilometres of recreational bike paths, bike lanes and signed street bike routes make up this accessible route from Niagara to Cornwall. Bike along the waterfront in Toronto or choose a quiet route through the Thousand Islands. For maps and fun side trips to attractions such as bird sanctuaries, water parks and museums, visit: waterfronttrail.org.

4 Climb the Eardley Escarpment in Gatineau Park

© Kathleen Wilker

A south-facing rock wall makes this escarpment a rich and unique ecosystem, so climb with care. Open climbs include beginner routes where climbers of all abilities can learn to scramble. Come with an experienced friend so adults can take turns belaying each other, too. For routes and access, visit the Alpine Club of Canada: www.alpineclubottawa.ca.

2 Hike Over Petroglyphs in Bon Echo Provincial Park Kids love a ferry ride across Mazinaw Lake to hear stories of ancient petroglyphs and then hike above

8 _ AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _

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5 Camp at Presqu’ile Provincial Park Just beyond Brighton is a beautiful and little-known park.

Long sandy beaches on the ocean-like shores of Lake Ontario make this campground a real vacation. Pack your bikes, learn about pirates at the lighthouse, spot migratory birds and butterflies while hiking the marsh boardwalk and attend evening nature talks to maximize your visit: ontarioparks.com/english/pres.html.

DVD & books

Technology MeeTs The ouTdoors

Be the hero

of the day

The NaTural NavigaTor (The Experiment)

by Tristan Gooley | $17

tachyon XC hd

Who could imagine going on a backpacking trip these days without a GPS, or even a compass? Tristan Gooley, fellow at the Royal Academy of Navigation, of course!

His new book preaches a return to reading nature the way we used to. Put down the tech gadgets, even put down the map, he says, and look around. Gooley’s impressive technical knowledge goes far beyond the standard “moss on north side of the tree.” Whether you’re walking to work or going on a crosscountry hike, this book will come in handy for learning how to observe the all-too-often subtle signs of nature around us. – Todd Plummer

This robust camera is solid enough to follow you pretty much anywhere. While it is by no means revolutionary in the category, it shoots in a very respectable 720p, has a 120-degree wide angle with zero distortion and allows for underwater shooting (up to 34 metres) without an external waterproof case. Plus, a solid, shock-resistant design means you never have to worry about losing your footage, even after sustaining impact. You can record for eight consecutive hours on a 32-gig SDHC card.

TACHYON, Tachyon XC HD | $179 | tachyoninc.com

The WildesT dream: CoNquesT of everesT (National Geographic Entertainment) | $20

ContourGPS

In 1924, George Mallory set out to be the first man to climb Mount Everest. He never returned. His disappearance remained a mystery for 75 years until his frozen corpse was discovered by climber Conrad Acker only 800 feet from the summit. Mallory froze with all of his possessions, except for a photograph of his wife – which was missing – that he had promised to leave at the top. In this stunningly shot documentary, Acker tries to reconstruct what happened on the fateful climb. Arresting footage of Everest and powerful narration

by Liam Neeson make this film a must-see.

– Todd Plummer

GoPro hd

If you’re worried about keeping your secret spot, well, secret, this may not be the best gadget for you. If you are in a sharing mood, however, you’ll flip for this nifty helmetmounted camera. It shoots in HD 1080p on 135 degrees and is equipped with GPS technology. Translation? It comes with software that allows you to look over – and share!

– your trek: Think Google Maps with data about altitude and speed. Plus, it is ultra-easy to operate, with one big button (even heavy mittens in the winter won’t get in your way), and there are several mounting options, including on a surfboard or your car. Coming soon: smartphone compatibility, which will allow you to connect via Bluetooth and see what the camera sees.

CONTOUR, ContourGPS | $350 | contour.com

Step outside and chances are good that you’ll spot a few of these little cameras, which have become increasingly popular among hobbyists and professionals alike – they have even been adopted by several adventurefilm production houses! Of course, the HD model means high-quality footage (1080p, 960p and 720p), and a 32-gig SD card – the maximum accepted by the camera – captures up to nine hours of video. Not only is it super-easy to use, but its waterproof case, photo mode (5 MP) and wide-angle lens (up to 170 degrees in 720p) make it the perfect companion to shoot anything and everything you do… like a pro!

GOPRO, GoPro HD | $299 | gopro.com

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DAYTRIPPER TORONTO

Tubing

With the weight of winter finally melting away, it’s time to breathe in the full effect of spring.

Here are four activities you can start when the sun rises and finish before it sets.

tAke A ride on the rApids By Bryen Dunn

Outdoor adventure can mean many things to different people. Just an hour northwest of Toronto is a remarkable piece of landscape known as the Elora Gorge area. The Grand River Valley region is known for an abundance of forests, wildlife and fast-running waters.

weekend, regardless of river flows, because cool spring water temperatures are considered unsafe. During the rest of the season we only operate tubing when water conditions are suitable. When flows are too high (above eight cubic metres per second) we will shut down our tubing operation.”

For years, a few in-the-know enthusiasts have been enjoying the rapids of the Grand River by rafting downstream for approximately two hours on inflated inner tubes, floating between stunning cliffs rising over 20 metres above on either side.

“Tubers” can either rent equipment on site or bring their own gear. There are no entry/exit locations midway along the tubing course due to the deep gorge and rock conditions. Once you begin at the launch point, you are committed to finishing the entire length of the course (approximately two kilometres).

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) officially took over management of this activity in 1997, and is now solely responsible for the overall operations. According to Dave Schultz, Manager of Communications with the GRCA, “Tubing is not available prior to the Victoria Day long

Level: Easy to moderate, depending on water levels and time of year. No experience required, although children must be accompanied by an adult. Must sign a release waiver and have the ability to swim.

Participants under 18 must have a legal guardian sign their waiver.

Access: One hour northwest of Toronto, near the town of Elora.

Other activities: Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, mountain biking, camping, geocaching, fishing Season: Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend. The registration and rental shop is open weekends only during May, June and September and daily from the last week of June through to Labour Day.

Remember, this activity takes place in a natural river setting and is therefore maintained by Mother Nature.

There are inherent risks, so being alert and cautious is strongly advised.

Cost: • Complete rental package: $24.25, deposit $75

• Registration fee: $2.75, applicable to all participants • Complimentary return shuttle to the starting point is available on weekends only Gear: Helmets and lifejackets are mandatory and must be worn at all times.

Secure footwear is strongly recommended.

Getting there: From Highway 401: • Take Highway 6 North.

• Follow Highway 6 North to City of Guelph.

Continue through Guelph on Highway 6.

• Exit onto Wellington County Road 7 (not Kings Highway 7) approximately 3 km north of Guelph.

• Follow Wellington County Road 7 into Elora.

• Turn left onto Wellington County Road 21 at first set of traffic lights in Elora.

• The Conservation Area is on your right, 1 km from traffic lights.

• Park entrance is located at 7400 Wellington County Road 21.

For more: grandriver.ca • 519-846-9742 • 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

188 other models in store

TORONTO

Trail running

In a brickyard transformed into an environmentally based community space, the Evergreen Brickworks hosts a variety of eco-programs and fun events, including a weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays. What better way to celebrate the green spirit than by arriving on foot?

Located on Bayview Avenue just half a kilometre south of Pottery Road, trails lead to the site from multiple directions. Depending on where you choose to start, you can cover a variety of distances. Catch the Beltline trail

MAke A quick run to the MArket By Stephania Varalli near Yonge and St. Clair, enter the Moore Park Ravine from Mount Pleasant Cemetery, or start downtown and follow the east shore of the Don River, entering at Riverdale Park.

On many of the routes you’ll find a number of side trails ready to lead you off track, so be sure to stick to the well-maintained main paths. Trails can get muddy, so don’t break in your new white shoes.

When you arrive at the market, reward yourself with a local treat, like a filling burrito from Tim Clement or a gourmet

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breakfast made by Chezvous Dining. For a post-run perk, try organic, fair-trade coffee from Merchants of Green. And don’t forget your reusable bags. While at the Brickworks, you can check everything from produce to poultry off your weekly shopping list. Don’t feel like hoofing it home with your groceries? The Brickworks offers a free shuttle bus to the Broadview subway.

Level: Beginner to challenging (depending on distance covered) Season: Spring/summer, market open 8 AM to 1 PM

Getting there: There are entry points near subway stops on both the YongeUniversity line and the Bloor line.

Cost: Free Gear: Trail-running shoes Other activities: Biking, hiking For more: • Evergreen Brickworks: ebw.evergreen.ca • City of Toronto trail maps: toronto.ca/parks/trails/index.ht

OTTAWA

geocaching

Adventure hunting in renfrew By Ilona KauremszKy

When the spring runoff melts off the country trails and backwoods of Renfrew County, geocachers can be seen rummaging for clues across this popular geocaching destination with its over 300 cache sites scattered throughout the area.

Big on wilderness, this Indiana Jones-style adventure is a huge draw among geocachers, who flock here to uncover some of the mysteries hiding beneath the knotty cedar roots and Canadian Shield. Blessed with crown land (50 percent of Renfrew County land is owned by the federal government), these GPS detectives come equipped with their digital codes and a ton of curiosity.

There are several ways to crack Renfrew’s secrets. By the county’s outskirts, try Brent Road leading into Algonquin Park, where there’s a massive 396-million-year-old crater, the ideal spot for geocachers to study one of the world’s most famous fossil meteorite craters. Check for the

Tupperware-filled treasure chest for trinkets and notes on the local history and geology.

By Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, clues unravel deep inside these batinfested limestone caves.

Cyclists off-road onto the paved County Road 512 leading to Foymount Mountain. Geocachers get great delight discovering little-known facts once they complete the steep-inclined Foymount climb. Not only is Foymount filled with prehistoric fossils which you can inspect by the nearby quarry for a small charge, but Ontario’s highest populated peak (Foymount is 500 metres above sea level), lays claim to a ghost town. The town’s heydays in the ’60s saw radar installations and strange slabs of apartments, now abandoned, which make for an awesome backdrop to modern-day CSI sleuths.

Another scenic spot ideal for geocache exploration is along the Ottawa River in Greater Madawaska. Cycle Grand Settlement Road hugging the riverfront. Whitewater kayakers Wilderness Tours puts a clue near one big set of rapids.

Level: Basic Season: Spring Getting there: 40 minutes from Ottawa. Take the 417 Trans-Canada West to Renfrew.

Cost: Free; entry fee for some venues.

Gear: GPS Other activities: Cycling and kayaking along the Ottawa River corridor For more: Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, 613-732-4364 • 1-800-757-6580 • ottawavalley.org

BELOEIL - BROSSARD - LAVAL - OTTAWA - QUEBEC

MONTREAL

Surfing

BoArding it in LAchine By Ilona KauremszKy

Hawaii Five-O lovers, listen up. With a Canadiana backdrop of granite, conifers and a chunk of flowing St. Lawrence River known as the Lachine Rapids, Level 1 surfers are arriving in spring when the water levels are higher to strut their stuff by the rapids’ quieter sections near the Kayak Without Borders (KSF) office in LaSalle.

The site, well under an hour from Montreal, was once braved by the heaving-strong coureurs des bois, but these legendary waters now welcome wet-suited novice day surfers ready to learn the craft, and splash and

shoot the waves from their candy-coloured surfboards.

Surfers dig this hole for its rugged beauty. Thankfully, calmer waters by the shoreline are the preferred spot for Level 1 types to mingle with the waves, which can be a frigid 6o to 12o Celsius in spring.

to the funky ’60s-inspired architecture while riding the waves, and then taking a “Taxi” (a nickname for this coastal wave pattern) out to the shores. Challenging manoeuvring of waves makes this spot a favourite.

Once the comfort level’s been met amid the snarky seagulls and herons hovering by the Lachine Rapids, the ragtag surf team heads for Habitat 67’s coastline in downtown Montreal, ready to battle bigger waves on the St. Lawrence River. The highlight is surfing adjacent AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 11

Level: Beginner Season: Spring Other activities: Advanced kayaking around the most famous waves of the Lachine Rapids in LaSalle, and a relatively new Quebec paddling sport, involving a boat-surf combo known as the “Stand-Up Paddle Board” (SUP).

Gear: BYO or equipment rentals available (wetsuit, surfboard, flotation device, boots) For more: 514-595-7873 • ksf.ca

LIVE

How a fatHer-daugHter Hike into Point Pelee national ational Park became unforgettable.

on a mid-spring afternoon in point pelee national park, you’d think the spectacle was blubbery seals at first glance. not so. try a bunch of wetsuited body surfers taking to the waves as they pummelled the park’s northwest Beach’s sandy shores. Me? i was there with dad, ready for that long-overdue hike we promised ourselves years ago.

By Ilona Kauremszky Spring in point pelee national park iS another world. The moderate temperatures from Lake Erie mean this 15-square-kilometre swath of marshy peninsula never gets too wickedly cold. On the same parallel (the 49th) as California and Rome, the season here is remarkably warm. Yet the water off Canada’s most southerly tip, often with its tempest-like swells, remains unpredictable and is best to avoid for a dip even on the sunniest days. Cyclists, hikers, canoeists and birders arrive en masse to this gnarly tip of God’s country for their own selfish reasons.

We ventured here because I recently discovered that Dad held a deep desire, a secret dream, to take in Point Pelee National Park’s celebratory spring bird migration of songbirds ever since he arrived in Canada in 1957.

So the plan for a hike there was a no-brainer.

We packed our overnight bags, made the trek east from Niagara Falls, and arrived at the park one late afternoon last May. When we got to Canada’s Deep South, we left behind the boisterous Northwest beachfront of giggling surfers who were a few kilometres north of the visitor centre, and laced up our hiking shoes for what we thought would be another worldly experience of birds, birds and birds.

But the Point Pelee we saw was a stark contrast to the fun beachcombers. We did an easy 10-minute walk to the famous point, then watched harsh waves splash high. The wind was churning sand into ditch-like bowls and there was Dad holding onto his cap.

Reminiscent of that action-adventure flick The Perfect Storm, starring George Clooney, the sky blackened and rain hit hard. On the dirt path a few metres away from our feet lay the

shattered remains of old shipwrecks submerged in this cold lake.

“Maybe we should come back tomorrow,” I sheepishly murmured, eying the historic Pelee Passage, known as the most treacherous in the Great Lakes due to its shallow waters and many shoals. Since the mid-1800s over 275 ships have been lost between the point and Pelee Island. We got out of the rain and tucked into the visitor centre to learn about a guided naturalist hike the next morning. “There’s a hike tomorrow leaving at 8:30 bright and early,” chirped the store clerk.

That night, we checked into a cozy B&B in Leamington, Canada’s tomato capital; we flipped through the Peterson and Sibley bird guides and I also surveyed the hiking trails.

“How many do you think we can conquer in two days?” I asked, reading aloud the descriptions of the eight trails spanning over 12 kilometres across this UNESCO-designated wetland of international significance.

Picture the 2.75-kilometre Woodlands Trail, which is an interpretive looped hike through the oldest forest habitat of red cedar savannah in the park. The four-kilometre winding multiuse Centennial Trail, meanwhile, is linear, popular among cyclists and leads through a hackberry dry forest and continues along the isolated West Beach. Many prefer the Marsh Boardwalk, a one-kilometre loop trail on a floating boardwalk laden in cattails. The trail is equipped with an observation tower and telescopes, and red-winged blackbirds are abundant there. “Maybe the redheaded woodpecker will show up,” I said, teasing my father about one of his favourites.

In the morning we munched on fresh Belgian waffles, then it was off to Point Pelee for the hike of our lives. Carl Konze, the naturalist, met us at the Birder’s Roost by the visitor centre for the Tip 12 _ AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _

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Trail hike. He spoke in hushed tones, then got all fidgety when a delicate chestnut-sided warbler flitted between the red mulberry branches above our heads. It was a sight to behold.

Located two kilometres past the visitor centre, the one-kilometre Tip Trail is a loop and good for novices. There’s nothing to negotiate, with the exception of the sandy tip itself, which is optional and not part of the regular route. It’s off the beaten path.

So feeling a bit like Indiana Jones, we left the group and together ascended some precarious beach boulders, then stepped over the seaweedcovered rocks until finally touching down onto the spit itself. I don’t know, but standing on the most southerly mainland tip of Canada gave a weird euphoric feeling, something like a conquest.

“We made it,” I yelled.

We hugged, watched the water rise with its unpredictably high waves hitting the pencilthin spit, then decided it was time to bask in this achievement back at the wider triangular portion.

To Know: when to go: Festival of Birds, April 20–May 23, 2011 what to bring: binoculars, long lens, Sibley and Peterson bird guides what to do: Guided bird hikes available by registration online or by calling 1-888-707-3533 or 519-326-6173.

Hike registration begins on March 1, 2011. Canoe and bike rentals are available from Friends of Point Pelee at the Marsh Boardwalk.

For more info: Friends of Point Pelee, friendsofpointpelee.com, 519-326-6173 / 888-707-3533

Off we trekked through this Carolinian forest rife with Black Walnut and Red Cedar. The buds hadn’t started to peak yet, so the sightings of other warblers and orioles were rampant.

Hikers hunched behind shrubs and flung out their long lenses.

In a dizzy haze Dad announced, “I can breathe again!”

No doubt the fresh spring air gave him a boost of energy and me a run for my life as we motored back from the seemingly disappearing spit. He seemed to have gotten his second wind.

“Okay, let’s make our way to the Tilden Woods Trail. It’s a one-kilometre loop,” he said.

By the visitor centre, a wooden boardwalk leads through more Carolinian scrub. The humidity is dank. The scene looks truly like a slice of the Deep South, vines dripping off the trees and pools of brown murky swamp reflecting the tall trees. The day after a storm (that explained the swells from the previous day, I learned), the skies open, giving hikers one of the best times for bird sightings. It’s true: The further in we hiked, the more we saw.

Point Pelee National Park (pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/pelee – 519-322-2365) Lunch: Roost where to sleep: Marlborough House (866-530-4389 / 519-322-3953, marlboroughhouse.ca, rooms $114$128) is a quaint Victorian-styled, threebedroom property. Proprietors Amy and Troy Gee are keen on the local birding scene and whip up a hungry-man breakfast ideal for long hikes and early birdwatching. what to eat: Birder lunch. During the spring bird festival, Friends of Point Pelee offer morning snacks and a BBQ lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers.

© Sebastian Santa

WEEKEND GETAWAY

TRIM

* Š 2011, Trademark of Kashi Company used under licence.

IM

IVE

© Daniel Laflor

© Christian Wheatley

Spring brings fresh air and fresh ideas. After a cold (albeit active!) winter, set aside some time to reconnect with Mother Nature as she blossoms into summer – and choose to spend some quality time on your own or with a special someone.

Here are three quick and easy destinations complete with custom game plans to restore your peace of mind and recharge your batteries. By Ilona Kauremszky

TORONTO Norfolk County

Slow Food movement. Start off with a roasted potato salad with goat cheese and sugared walnuts drizzled in a maple-infused vinaigrette. The main could be slow-roasted game hen, or even jambalaya served with spicy Hungarian sausage, a nod to the large Hungarian immigrant community there. Cooking classes also offered ($40 to $195).

Moderate temperatures, a glass-calm beachfront and a honking big Carolinian forest have played into Norfolk County’s friendly moniker, “Ontario’s Best-Kept Secret,” for good reason. It’s an eco-adventure on Toronto’s doorsteps. A short 1.5-hour drive west from the Big Smoke, the former tobacco region has sprouted a new zip-line experience in the undiscovered hamlet of St. Williams. Buckle up and don the leather gloves for a thrilling ride past high treetops overlooking one of Canada’s bio reserves. In spring, the migrating birds make you feel like one of them as you soar high over the hemlocks.

Play

Eat The Normandale Century Inn’s dining room (mains from $13) is informal but radiates a friendly atmosphere with its sunny French yellow hues. In spring, the 100-mile diet is embraced as local strawberries and gardenfresh asparagus are used in soups, garnishes and desserts. Family recipes help create that down-to-earth mood. Try the restaurant’s specialty: the slow roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding and homemade relishes.

For true gourmets, The Belworth House (mains from $26 • 519-443-4711 • 1-888-530-9941 • belworthhouse.com) in nearby Waterford (about a 30-minute drive from LPEA) is where chef Tracy Winkworth finesses the

KayaKINg/CaNoeINg: LPEA has rentals (from $25) and guided tours (from $55) available. Try their Big Creek Tour, lauded as a Canadian Amazon adventure for its jungle-like setting. Over in Paris, Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters (grand-experiences.com • 519-442-3654 • 888-258-0441) offer various packages and rentals (from $25). Paddlers soak in two Canadian gems by paddling the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, and Lake Erie’s Long Point Bay, a World Biosphere.

MONTREAL Jacques-Cartier © Courtesy of LPEA

R&R Normandale Century Inn (rooms from $85 • bbcanada.com/11304.html • 519-426-8345) is recently renovated but is a throwback to early Canadiana with its 1870 construction. This charming four-bedroom accommodation includes continental breakfast and is near Long Point Eco-Adventures (LPEA). Opened in 2008, innkeepers Brenda and Hans Diehl have put homey touches throughout from antique dressers to comfy throw blankets. .

Stargazers rave about the super-strong 40-centimetre Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, which is identical to those at the largest mountaintop research observatories in North America. ($30)

ZIp-lININg: The eight-zip-line course at Long Point Eco-Adventures (877-743- 8687 • 519-586-9300 • lpfun.ca) is an adrenaline-inducing 2.5 hours of fun that totally catches you by surprise. Located off a nondescript country road on 37 acres near Turkey Point Provincial Park, zip-liners zoom over ancient Carolinian forests, swagger on two sky bridges connecting to zips, then for the pièce de la résistance, rappel about 12 metres down through the hemlocks into the Long Point World Biosphere, where spring critters await. The longest zip is about 240 metres long.

STargaZINg: By night the LPEA morphs into an out-of-the-world experience with Canada’s newest public astronomical observatory housed there.

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About a 3.5-hour drive east of Montreal, the spring thaw makes the Jacques-Cartier River the ideal place for serious rafters to battle cold fresh mountain waters. Billed as Quebec’s only river to be part of the Canadian Heritage River System, the 177-kilometre-long river begins in the lofty Laurentians and winds through a patch of history and geography that would make any modern-day voyageur smile. Adventurers pursue the waves by raft, canoe or kayak along a 26-kilometre stretch of navigable routes at the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. In particular, whitewater rafters challenge a nine-kilometre section from Tewkesbury to Valcartier, encountering rocky outcroppings and conifers studding the riverbanks.

R&R Nordique Spa et Détente (cottage from $450 per night • lenordique.com • 418-848-SPAS) is ideal for rafters who wish to splurge and feel like they’ve entered another world. Nestled in Quebec’s Green Belt JacquesCartier river valley, you literally see the rafters pass by your window from

EAT Le Nordique’s healthy bistro has a spacious eatery catered by local haute cuisine purveyor Traiteur PortoBello (three-course menu from $20) stocked with snacks and lunches. Once the rafting is over, head to the local township of Stoneham and Tewkesbury for quaint shops, or indulge at the Saint-Peter Restaurant (mains from $10 • 418-848-2001 • st-peter.ca), known for their fabulous three-course fixed-price dinner. The coq au canard and the Atlantic salmon in a berry jus are sublime.

PLAY WHiTeWaTeR RafTiNG: Rafters love the spring’s fast-rushing JacquesCartier River by the Hôtel Le Saint-Gabriel (about 15 km from Le Nordique), where local outfitters Village Vacances Valcartier offer rafting and river boarding. Rent long wetsuits, jackets and boots ($16) on site. Depending on the water levels, rafters begin the adrenaline-jolt trip by Tewkesbury’s stair-shaped river rapids and end the 2.5-hour romp in Valcartier.

Considered the steepest rafting in North America due to the 100-plusmetre drop undertaken in the short nine-kilometre stretch, advanced rafters will thoroughly enjoy conquering nine major rapids there.

KayaKiNG/caNoeiNG: During spring, Jacques-cartier National Park (1-800-665-6527 • sepaq.com) devotes a three-kilometre section to paddlers wishing to enjoy calmer waters (hourly rates from $13 including wetsuit • day rentals from $46). The park makes it easy by offering a variety of routes for varying skill levels.

OTTAWA Chutes Coulonge Park About 90 minutes east of Ottawa, the mostly undeveloped western Outaouais region awakens from winter’s deep freeze for some spectacular spring scenery. Think fuzzy black bears foraging for berries and fawns playfully jostling in the white-pine forests. By the prehistoric Chutes Coulonge waterfalls, the once-mighty logging river is now a wilderness stomping ground attracting zip-liners and rafters who challenge the brisk seasonal torrents, not to mention the budding tree canopies.

© Outaouais Tourism Assocation

this perch. The newly opened chalet has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and spacious living space with a kitchen and a living room. The chalet can comfortably accommodate up to 12 people. For each night’s booking, enjoy a complimentary spa visit. Le Nordique Spa (from $39 on weekends) irons out the kinks with a four-treatment method usually lasting about two to four hours. For frills-free, no-nonsense lodging, the Hôtel Le Saint-Gabriel (rooms from $82 • 418-844-9740 • hotel-le-st-gabriel.com) in quaint St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier Village has 18 rooms as well as two condominiums for up to six people equipped with a self-contained kitchen, living room and whirlpool tubs.

R&R The Viceroy auberge and Spa (rooms from $85 • 1-888-882-6666 • 819-428-2827 • aubergeviceroy.com), a remodelled 1940s farmhouse, faces the 3.5-kilometre-long Viceroy Lake tucked in the lower Laurentians.

The country lodge has a Nordic bath ($35) perfect for l’après-zip-lining.

The mountain-view or the luxe upscale lakeview rooms are popular. The spa has a sauna and seven treatment rooms. The à la carte treatments include a 1.5-hour mud and clay wrap ($85). In Fort Coulonge, the historic Spruceholme inn (rooms from $105 • carriage house $175 for two to four persons • 1-888-263-1675 • 819-683-5635 • spruceholmeinn.com) is a quaint five-room bed and breakfast with a carriage house minutes from the park and rafting excursions. This living museum, known for its fabulous collection of antiques culled by the previous owners, harkens to the lumber baron days and makes a fitting stopover in this part of the Outaouais. Proprietors Glenn and Marlene Scullion have lovingly styled the rooms, furnished in original pieces.

EAT Big on country casual, Viceroy auberge and Spa (mains from $25) serves breakfast and dinner (by reservation only) in their sprawling eatery styled in light woods. Try the five-course fixed-price dinner ($26), a sampling of locally farmed meats and fresh seasonal produce. By the Ottawa River minutes from the Spruceholme Inn, adventurers kick back at The Pointe, located at Esprit Rafting, for a fixed three-course BBQ (about $25) with

draft on tap. There are fabulous spring sunsets and no bugs due to the breezy peninsula setting.

PLAY ZiP-LiNiNG: Pack the courage as you dangle on a high wire near the Chutes Coulonge at this fast-paced aerial park located in chutes coulonge Park (fees from $20 to $72 • 819-683-2770 • 888-683-2770 • chutescoulonge.qc.ca).

Highlights are the new 250-metre Giant Canyon zip line, the park’s longest zip, which zooms down the canyon for an awesome view of the falls. In total, zip-liners enjoy eight zips covering 280 metres.

WHiTeWaTeR RafTiNG: The Ottawa River picks up speed and rising spring water levels, ideal for esprit Rafting (from $100 • 800-596-7238 • 819-683-3241 • whitewater.ca). Rated second-best outfitter on earth

by National Geographic Adventure magazine, you can pack into a sevenperson boat for a full day of play in this two-channel odyssey. Morning departures usually start at the Calumet Channel for rapids named Garvins Shoot, arguably the river’s biggest rapid. Stop for a healthy lunch of wraps, fruit and home-baked cookies. In the afternoon, rafters tackle the river’s main channel, home to some of the biggest commercially rafted rapids, like the Bus Eater, Lorne and Normans.

Parcs Québec

Opt for Parc National d’Oka

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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Pain iS in

Doc, Am I Crazy?

By Stephania Varalli

Think a person would have to be nuts to sign up for a muddy obstacle run? We considered that possibility, too. So we spoke to Dr. Kate Hays, a Toronto-based psychologist specializing in performance and sport psychology. Working with athletes at her practice, The Performing Edge, she has gained valuable insight into the world of voluntary pain and suffering.

In an obstacle mud run, participants know they are signing up to suffer.

Is this pain the attraction?

One of the questions participants will ask of themselves is “How am I going to deal with this pain?” but I don’t believe that’s the motivation for getting involved with the sport. These kinds of sports, people don’t do them primarily because of the pain. Pain goes with the territory. It’s difficult, it’s challenging, and they need to push themselves as hard as they can. That’s really what the motivation is.

© Tough Bloke Challenge

Do participants still consider the pain they will endure?

Anybody who is preparing well for something this challenging will be preparing for quite a while. In that sense, they will go through incremental pain and suffering. Part of what they need to develop to succeed will be a way with dealing with the fact that it’s not comfortable. So the pain is something they have to face, but not necessarily the reason they are undertaking the challenge.

“We’ve got one coming through that appears to be bleeding from the head.”

By Stephania Varalli

I was standing at the park entrance, having just asked for directions to the Tough Bloke registration desk, when a voice came over the walkie-talkie. A few moments later a runner emerged from the brush, multiple lines of red streaking down from his forehead, over a face that was fully covered in mud.

“You all right there?” the officiant called out.

“Yup,” replied the runner, showing no signs of slowing down.

I must have looked shocked, because the officiant felt it necessary to offer an explanation: “At this point in the race, participants have just come through the barbed-wirecovered mud pit, and if you aren’t willing to get right in there, and just swim through that mud, you can get yourself cut. And registration, by the way, is just down this road.”

I smiled, trying to hide tingles of trepidation. I had signed up for the Tough Bloke challenge a few weeks prior. It’s officially called an off-road running event, although the addition of about 20 obstacles puts it into the category most often referred to as a mud run, or an obstacle run. I have an affinity for sports that require an Emergency Contact, so as soon as I discovered that mud runs existed, I began looking for my first opportunity to test one out. Even with my lengthy resumé of extreme-curricular activities, I had never tried anything like this.

There are no set rules for the race, just a guarantee that you’ll be trail-running, you’ll get muddy, and there will be a series of challenges along the way to slow you down. Many of these take their inspiration from traditional military-style obstacles. The barbed-wire-covered mud pit seems to be a favourite among organizers, and there is almost always a tunnel to crawl through and a wall to climb over. Or three.

One of the earliest obstacle course races to make it off the military base was, not surprisingly, launched by a former officer in the British Army. Using the deceptively docile pseudonym of Mr. Mouse, Billy Wilson has been hosting the annual Tough Guy competition since 1986. About a third of the competitors, whose numbers can swell to 6,000 in any given year, have no hope of finishing.

One has died in the event’s history. Survivors can count themselves successful only after a brutal 10-kilometre trail run and an obstacle-packed pass through a section called The Killing Fields. If hanging electrified cables, Viet Cong tunnels and a Death Plunge don’t stop you, hypothermia might – the race runs in early January in chilly Staffordshire, England.

Newer mud run series have taken a more accessible approach to racing, and have focused on a rapid expansion of the sport. The popular Spartan Race only started in 2005, and the Warrior Dash in 2009, and both are already close to offering 30 races in a season, across North America and abroad. Tough Mudder

didn’t hold its first event until May 2010 – a sellout with 4,500 competitors.

They held two more events that year, expanding to 16 in 2011, and are planning on adding races in Canada, Japan, Australia and the UK in 2012. While each of these series offers a physical and mental challenge, there’s less likelihood of injury, and a broader range of competitors will find they are fit enough to finish.

And finishing is all that matters. Mud runs, no matter the degree of difficulty, share one common mantra: It’s not about winning, it’s not about time, it’s about pushing yourself to your limits, with the aim of reaching the end. Racers are encouraged to help their fellow competitors achieve this goal. Some obstacles, like the ubiquitous wall climb, can’t be conquered alone. This breeds a feeling of camaraderie, one that I picked up on from the moment I stood in the registration line of the Melbourne Tough Bloke.

What is it that has made events like this so popular?

People are often looking for what’s the latest fad, and this kind of competition is current. Reality shows, like Survivor, have done a lot to make suffering popular.

The first group of people who do this kind of competition are probably really well trained for it, and as it becomes more well-known, the next wave of people think they can just try it without really being prepared for it.

Why do people seem to be attracted to pushing themselves in this way?

There are physiological responses to danger. Adrenalin is released, and as people call it, this provides an “adrenalin rush.” Pushing oneself to the limit can give a great amount of that physiological energy, which for some people gets translated to “This is exciting!” rather than “Oh my God, what am I doing?”

So is this adrenalin-seeking behaviour innate?

There is something innate in feeling a connection with nature. There is something innate in knowing how to cope with danger. Specifically seeking out the most absurd and scary pastime, that’s not innate. There has been a lot of research over the years on Type T personality: a certain kind of person that is drawn to high-risk situations. In them the desire might be described as more innate, but it’s also shaped by how we grow up and the community around us. There’s little in us that’s purely innate. It’s a balance of nurture and nature.

I confessed to a fit-looking three-time racer that I was banking more on muscle memory than training to get me through. “Don’t worry,” he assured me, “just do your best till you get to the end. The time doesn’t matter.”

Are there common factors that motivate these participants?

There are a wide variety of motivating factors. People have their own reasons – it’s the most challenging thing they can imagine, it’s how they can express putting their mind and body together, or they think it’s really going to show “X” person that they are tougher than he or she thinks they are. There can be an external competitiveness, or an internal challenge to oneself. Also, many of the participants do enough training that the feeling of being uncomfortable doesn’t come as a great surprise. There are a variety of techniques people can use to disconnect themselves from the suffering, or to allow it to be present but not focus on it, not label it. Different people have their own ways of rationalizing what they’re doing.

Wheezing as I ran up my first of many seemingly endless hills, I kept his words in mind. Without the pressure of a podium, I found that swimming through muck under a roof of barbed wire is actually fun. I was able to laugh at my own ineptitude with a rope swing, which landed me in the mud puddle I was supposed to fly over. And I even stopped to marvel with a few other competitors over how much easier monkey bars seemed to be when we were kids.

Is there any common draw to these painful events?

The sense of accomplishment of overcoming a huge challenge offers a mental sense of mastery. Having physically pushed oneself to the extreme, there’s also a tremendous amount of free-floating emotion at the end of a race. That’s part of the reason why people either feel quite ecstatic or quite awful. It’s pure emotion.

How each person interprets it depends on how they choose to label it.

Nearly 20 challenges down, and then there it was: Hell’s Gate. The final obstacle of the mud run, it is located directly across from the start line, giving all racers plenty of time to contemplate the 10-metre ropes connecting one platform to the other. And the muddy, exhausted competitors dangling in between. I’d seen a few people shimmy along the top, but I chose the upside-down, hand-over-hand, foot-over-foot technique. Less than a metre from the end, my legs rope-burned and my hands cramping, I couldn’t keep my grip. I crashed to the mat, shook off the disappointment, and ran through the finish line to my long-awaited, welldeserved free beer.

Is there something that makes this kind of competition unique?

In some sports, people often end up focusing on time or being able to qualify. That puts tremendous additional pressure that sometimes can decrease the sense of accomplishment. In these mud-run obstacle races, people are more focused on getting through the thing in one piece. That speaks in a way to a fancy term in psychology called intrinsic motivation, which can be very positively powerful. The underlying values of camaraderie, of finishing rather than winning, can be present in other sports, but they are more likely to get overshadowed by competition and podium pressure. In this sport, it’s about people just getting together and doing absurd things, and conquering the challenge set before them.

It’s part of an Australian series that has been running since 2008, and I was one of 1,069 competitors signed up to test themselves on the roughly six-kilometre course. Participants ranged from teenagers to fifty-plus, and the name did nothing to scare off women: about 40 percent of the field were competing in the “Tough Chick” category. While I waited for my wave to be sent through the starting chute, I chatted with fellow runners. Anyone done this before? Any tips for survival? Heard anything about the course?

Did that final flop ruin my race? Not at all. I just have something to work on for next time.

16 _ Adventura _ Spring 2011 _

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To learn more about Dr. Kate Hays and her services, visit theperformingedge.com.

Adventura2-3pg_1pgMarcheRando 3/28/11 11:21 AM Page 1

PLAN AHEAD GettinG there The races are designed for muddy trails, not downtown streets, so expect to drive a bit outside of the city to get to an event.

If you are up for about a five-hour road trip from Toronto or Montreal, there are additional races in Michigan and New York State that you can add to your roster.

Pristine nature

in Québec's national parks

Cost Entry fee for a single competitor ranges from $40 to $60, depending on the race and how early you register. Many races also offer team entry fees, and some offer small savings for each member.

LeveL Shorter races, around five kilometres with 10 obstacles, are designed for racers with moderate fitness and a good stash of mental toughness. If you think you are ready for a bigger challenge, such as a 10-kilometre run littered with difficult obstacles, consider travelling to a race in the United States put on by Tough Mudder (toughmudder.com), or wait until they announce their 2012 dates in Ontario and Quebec.

Only physically fit, mildly masochistic athletes need apply to the UK’s Tough Guy (toughguy.co.uk), or Vermont’s 24-hour Death Race (youmaydie.com).

Gear For the race, you’ll need running shoes or trail shoes. Don’t bother with cleats, as they can injure other participants.

Consider the climate when you pick your apparel, leaning toward lightweight items that allow for a full range of movement and won’t get caught on barbed wire (a belly crawl is featured in some events). You are guaranteed to finish the race covered in mud, so be prepared to sacrifice your selected outfit to the dirty-beyond-belief pile, and pack a change of clothes for after the race. Alternatively, stash a towel or trash bag in your car to protect your seat on the ride home.

More info Spartan Race – About five kilometres with 10 obstacles. spartanrace.com Montreal, May 29 Toronto, June 19 Ottawa, July 3

Photos: Dominic Boudreault, Steve Deschênes, Mathieu Dupuis

Warrior Dash – About five kilometres with 12 obstacles. warriordash.com Barrie, July 9 Mud Run – 10 kilometres or five kilometres with up to 10 obstacles. adventureracingcanada.com/mudrun Toronto, June 5 season Races in the Ontario and Quebec region take place during the summer months, but if you are willing to travel longer distances, there are races throughout the year in the United States, as well as overseas.

After having walked in the heart of exceptional settings such as the majestic Saguenay fjord, the fault lakes of Aiguebelle or the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, which includes, among other things, Parc national des Grands-Jardins, you deserve the privilege of spending the night there!

And to complement your stay, why not trade in your hiking boots for a canoe or a bike, which can be rented in the majority of our national parks? This is a great way of exploring these protected territories from all their different angles!

You vs. Wild

By Stephania Varalli

On his hit show Man vs. Wild, Bear Grylls expertly extricates himself from remote locations, finding his way back to civilization while demonstrating worst-case-scenario survival techniques. If you plan on following in the adventurer’s footsteps, pack Bear’s Ultimate Knife (60$), co-designed with outdoor gear manufacturer Gerber as part of a Survival Series of tools.

Innovative features include a sheath-integrated sharpener, a fire-starter in the handle and an emergency whistle, plus a pocket guide that’s the next best thing to having Bear in the wild with you. “Hopefully you never need my Priorities of Survival,” Bear says of the guide, “but if you do, it will be there for you when you need it most.” (beargrylls.com)

Sunday, June 12, 2011 Québec National Parks Day Come celebrate our awesome natural heritage by participating in any one of the special activities proposed for the occasion!

• Free admission • Program available at www.parcsquebec.com

1 800 665-6527

•

w w w. p a rc s q u e b e c . c o m

Camping From

$

* 25 24. /night

Huttopia tent From

113

$

* /night

* Taxes and park entry fee not included

Globetrotter

Beyond Weekend Warrior: Mountaineering 101

By Brian Berusch

Š Aimin Tang

In the not-so-distant past, I relocated from upstate New York to the mountainous and forested climes of the Pacific Northwest. The city of Portland, Oregon, seemed to have everything I needed: a thriving metropolitan area (with plenty of culinary options, nightlife and work prospects) that also happened to be an outdoorsmen’s playground. It seemed upon my arrival that every person I met was rather passionate about at least one terrestrial activity. That is, ones that were only read about in travel magazines while riding a subway car from where I hailed.

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An avid mountain biker, beginner rock climber and fairly seasoned skier when I arrived in Portland (being a travel writer has its perks), I was forced to reconsider my “classification system” of said sports when moving into my first home. It just so happened that my two roommates were both volunteers with Mt. Hood Mountain Rescue – an organization that distributed satellite phones to a select group of backcountry enthusiasts who would stand on call, always, to rescue the less fortunates that found themselves stranded in the wilds of Portland’s nearest 12,000-foot mountain.

Quickly, I learned a lot about perspective.

Where my family and friends back east saw me as a “wild man” on the ski slopes, perhaps a shade or two beyond the “weekend warrior,” my new peers viewed me as an eager enthusiast with a lot to learn. Fortunately for me, they decided to take me under their wing.

Entry into the “club” of backcountry mountaineering is simple, at least in theory: Get thyself up a sizable mountain without the use of a mechanical lift. Meaning, my slightly out-of-shape caboose was going to hike/traverse/ski in reverse of the perceived idea of a “good time” – and get up to the crest of Mt. Hood.

Prior to departing on a perfectly (rare) sunny Portland day in April, where the snow-laden Hood was nothing but a postcard-perfect mirage that hovered on the horizon just above Interstate 5, I received my first lessons. Randonnée skis – unlike my ice-crunching downhill pair that I brought west with me – allow the user to free up the heel. This was very useful when climbing a mountain, the device acting much like typical crosscountry bindings. When it was time to descend, the novice mountaineer could lock in the heel and make turns much like anyone would on a pair of downhill skis.

This, I was told, was a precursor to using telemark ski gear – the true grit of the burly and much-admired backcountry man.

My skis were then outfitted with a pair of “skins” – a piece of technology that was simply a cloth strip fixed to the bottom of my skis which allowed for traction when climbing with little to no backwards slipping. These would prove inordinately helpful when slogging up 4,000 feet of untracked trail.

There is something about the ascent to the springtime snowline on Mt. Hood. The pace at which you drive to the 5,000-footabove-sea-level mark is dubiously subtle.

Perhaps it’s the “tunnel” of Douglas fir and spruce trees that line either side of Highway 26 shortly after you exit the Portland city limits. The commanding swath of greenery entwined with a perpetual mist hugs so close to the road that only a passing logger’s truck reminds me it isn’t a single, hulking organism.

Another irony strikes: Although I know the air is getting thinner, it actually feels thicker. The mist that envelops the trees is now all around our car, lying heavy

on the gear strapped to the roof, and layering a film of slush on the hood.

Of course, it’s merely adding to the excitement of the task at hand. My friends are downing serious amounts of water the entire ride up Hood. Hydration is the simplest and most effective way to prepare for a day of massive calorieburning at elevation. A loss of oxygen here would result in headaches and fatigue – a poor formula to good decisionmaking, which is crucial on a mountain that needs a small army of mountain rescuers (I found great solace in the fact that these were the same folks who would escort my first ascent).

The route we would climb is the east slope of the 11,239-foot goliath that graces every licence plate in this state.

A mere 80 kilometres east of Portland, it is, astonishingly, the second mostclimbed glaciated peak in the world.

I should note here some quick facts: Hood is recognized as a dormant volcano – it last erupted in 1907 – with active pockets (called live fumaroles) that the inexperienced climber (or poor map reader) could end up finding themselves in, and getting fatally burned. Mountain climbing, as one might expect, is not for the kind of weekend warrior who isn’t in top shape or has failed to do their homework.

After parking at Timberline Lodge (5,800 feet), we suit up, hydrate some more and check all gear and avalanche transceivers a cool five kilometres below the summit. There, frozen in the distance she sits, a wisp of

vanishes at 8,500. In the near distance, Crater Rock becomes our next target.

As we drop down into the crater, I get my first taste of admiration for a wideopen snowfield, its untracked snow and pristine solace a reminder of what lures people to these environs. Keeping in mind snowblindness – the notion that when surrounded by sheer white one’s perception of distance is thrown off – this is our first turn off “Easy Street.”

Although bluebird skies reign above, the air is more crisp than any I’ve experienced and I can’t wipe the smile off my face (proven in a few candid snapshots I was shown later, back at home); this was serious business.

Passing Crater Rock to the right side we follow the ridgeline carefully. Called the Hogsback (now at 10,500 feet) for its sloping arch that ascends skyward, this line is not without peril. The final section of the Hogsback presents the most technical (and ominous) challenge to a climbing team – the Bergschrund. While this crevasse is avoidable by traversing to one side, there often may be a snow bridge passing directly over it. Even while roped to your partner, it’s a delicate moment. (On the return down we have to decide if the rising sun has burned off too much snow to leave the same route over Bergschrund unsafe.)

On the day we traversed this leg, our pace slowed to a near halt; this isn’t the place for error. Carabiners are checked to ensure they are in locked position; ropes double-threaded and ice axes

Where my family and friends back east saw me as a “wild man” on the ski slopes, perhaps a shade or two beyond the “weekend warrior,” my new peers viewed me as an eager enthusiast with a lot to learn.

white powder pluming off her peak, a lazy cloud crossing the dawn sky. A glance at the topographical map shows our route: The Hogsback – Old Crater by means of a steady climb alongside the Palmer ski lift (that transports those less adventurous than I, or people like me before I signed on for this day).

The slog past the lift is just the beginning, and the least fun part of the day. It begins, however, with idle conversation, and a chance to clear your head as well as adjust packs and gear that is affixed to my person. It’s here that I find my rhythm – something that the evening before one of my guides said would set the tone for the day.

As it gets steeper, crampons replace skis for the three-kilometre hike past the Palmer lift. We gauge our pace, get used to adjusting breathing and begin the inward turn to the portion of the day that calls heavily on mental focus.

At 7,000 feet I’m shown the passing Silcox hut, and the last Palmer lift pole Adventura _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 19

at the ready, in case of a slip. It’s not uncommon to begin sliding a few feet, which, if not halted, can have devastating consequences. A quick dig into the ice with the head of an axe and all is under control.

After the crossing, we’re rewarded with the final push to the summit, through the snow chutes I gawked at from the parking lot hours ago. Here, they seem like cathedrals of nature. As we watch the sun shift behind a spire and readjust gear, I have a “moment” before beginning the approach. All the photos and maps I looked at online the days leading up to the climb hardly exist as the scene before me. I’m literally floating on frozen molecules amid a structure that is truly alive – shifting at times – that could swallow me whole or allow me to navigate it. I am entranced by the silent, humbling rush.

Roped in, with someone at all times keeping an eye on the Pearly Gate rock towers (in case of falling boulders Continued on page 20

© David Birkbeck

Continued from page 19

or chunks of ice spurred by earlier climbers), the sense of camaraderie peaks at this moment. Together, as a team, we’re about to summit.

At the summit, we’re treated to the grand finale. Unmatchable views for hundreds of kilometres. On this clear day, we’re treated to vistas of additional mountains that dot the region: Adams, Bachelor, Jefferson, the triple-peaked Three Sisters and the pop-topped St. Helens.

No secret to experienced climbers and mountaineers is the knowledge that most climbing accidents occur on the descent (mostly due to physical and mental exhaustion, according to my friend and guide that day – now Black Diamond ski equipment developer – Brett Keyes). Slip-ups here can prove fatal.

After navigating down the summit line, we pack crampons and axes onto our packs, eager to meld with the lines of the mountain at a slightly faster pace than our uphill ascent allowed.

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It is hard to put into words the feeling of carving wide turns across a snowfield that hasn’t a mark on it, as the world – and that thicket of trees I drove past for an hour in the dark hours before sunrise – seems ages away. With the wind seemingly cushioning from all sides, and the snow pack anchoring me to terra firma, this is the part where words (and most often photos and video) diminish the sheer magnitude of a day spent melding with the earth’s most prolific mass.

As I carve my last big, graceful turn, it hits me that life is about juxtapositions.

Hours before, every step I took was

with caution – the scenery to either side of me crept by at a snail’s pace. Now, I’m careening down the slope of a giant land mass, one with her terrain. I can literally feel the spray of snow when I hit the far radius of my turns – and how its consistency is changing as I drop elevation, getting more fluffy as I reenter the cloud line and temps drop.

It’s nearly impossible to take a breath deep enough to gather it all in. But I try.

I’ve earned the right.

PLAN AHEAD SeaSon: During the “easier” season (May through June), a solid eight hours of travel time (both up and down the mountain) should be allotted for the excursion.

Hire: Timberline Mountain Guides (541-312-9242 • timberlinemtguides.com) offers guide services, mountaineering and rock/ice-climbing instruction. rent: Mountain Tracks Ski & Snowboard Shop (503-272-3380 • mtntracks.com) is one of a handful of seasonal rental shops on the mountain.

Get cross-country/downhill skis, snowshoes, snowboards and telemark gear here.

Stay: Opened in 1936 (but recently renovated), the Timberline Lodge (800-547-1406 • timberlinelodge.com) is a cozy, chic mountainside dwelling with no shortage of fireplaces, warm meals, cold Oregon beers and amazing vistas.

presents

Montreal May 13-15

Parc Jean-Drapeau More than 100 exhibitors Full of info on destinations, trends and equipment Workshops, Conferences, Master Class, Structures, Entertainment and more!

FrEE EntranCE |

Jean-Drapeau

www.festivalpleinair.ca

An event by

Partners

Bikes

While 2011 will not go down in cycling history as a year of meaningful change, it has been marked with the democratization of performance bikes and carbon frames. And even though manufacturers and stores aren’t presenting breakthrough revolutions in technology or jaw-dropping new frames, they are cranking out tweaked versions of the tried, tested and true which, let’s face it, is definitely not a bad thing.

The 2011 Crop

by Catherine Cardinal

The Giant TCR is an entry-level high performance bicycle with a great quality to price ratio, making it a good pick for anyone who is looking to up the stakes and get a little bit more serious about their cycling. Its aluminum frame boasts a carbon fork and seat post for a ride that is surprisingly comfortable and stiff, given the attainable price. Outfitted with Shimano 105 components, this bike is ideal for the rider who wants to pursue his passion but isn’t quite ready for a large investment.

Giant TCR 1 | $1,399 | giant-bicycles.com

After introducing a line of basic bicycles in 2010, it comes as no surprise that Mountain Equipment Co-op has turned their attention towards high-performance road bikes. Talk about a nice way to support a Canadian company, get a great deal and an awesome ride, too! The Attack is outfitted in Shimano 105, with and FSA compact crank and Mavic Aksium wheels. The same frame retails for $2,900 if you opt for Shimano Ultegra and Mavic Ksyrium Elite rims.

MEC Attack | $1,900 | mec.ca

The Radon is a half carbon, half aluminum model that Argon 18 has been producing for four years.

The 2011 model has only undergone cosmetics changes: Why change what isn’t broken? For those who want to support local production, Argon 18’s Radon is an excellent choice. Even better? Local production means that it is perfectly adapted to our road conditions.

Argon 18 Radon | $2,050 | argon18bike.com

Laissez-vous charmer par le prestige et l’expertise italienne.

Choisissez le Granturismo et optez pour beaucoup de confort sur un vélo dont la géométrie inspire la performance. Son cadre de carbone fait de fibres élastiques permet de marier intelligemment rigidité, aisance et puissance. Le résultat : une machine haut de gamme dont la relance est facile et rapide. S’adresse à une clientèle qui aime le vélo plus que la défonce.

Wilier Granturismo | 4 000 $ | wilier-usa.com

For those looking for a sure bet, Trek has definitely proved itself: After all, if it’s good enough for spokesperson Lance Armstrong, it’s good enough for us! The Trek 2.1 is the perfect compromise between performance and budget. It is outfitted with Shimano 105 components, with an aluminum frame and carbon fork and seat post, and Bontrager SSR wheels. In other words, it’s an entry-level, Tour-tested performance bike for the cyclist who is springing for performance… and willing to spend just a little bit more!

Trek 2.1 | $1,540 | trekbikes.com

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1-3Vert_Pub-GT-ANG_Layout 1 11-03-17 16:29 Page 1

As far as quality for the price, this model is hard to beat. The Trek 3.1 is an all-carbon, with Shimano 105 components and a SRAM Apex crank. This bike is a great buy for the rider who wants to make a lasting investment, and if the base model isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, it is possible to personalize it. There is also the female version of the Madone 3.1, called the WSD, whose geometry is designed to suit a woman’s morphology.

Trek Madone 3.1 or Madone 3.1 WSD | $2,149 | trekbikes.com

For the first time in Ontario.

Enjoy a unique cycling experience: Rideau Heritage Route and Thousand Islands region… in full vacation mode!

Photo: Didier Bertrand

The Izalco Team Replica definitely has European roots: It’s German engineering on two wheels. This model offers the perfect balance of stiffness and comfort. It is also aggressive in terms of price, because at $3,000, we’re talking pro-level.

In fact, the Replica style was chosen by Focus for the ProTour.

And obviously, the bike’s aesthetics are just as interesting as its technology: It is outfitted with a SRAM Force 10-speed group and DT Swiss R 1900 wheels. Focus’ reputation is strong internationally, while we’re just starting to adopt the brand here at home. Why not be the first to roll like a Euro pro?

Focus Izalco Team Replica | $3,000 | focus-bikes.com

For versatility: cyclocross This is definitely a high-performance cyclocross bike, not a do-it-all model. It is also a bike that has proven itself: It has been on the market for four years. It is not for those who are looking for a versatile style, but rather the clientele who knows and consumes pure cyclocross. The basic Canadian build has Shimano 105 components and FSA stem and handlebar and thanks to an all-carbon frame, it is lightweight and a comfortable ride.

Argon 18 Arsenic | $2,500 | argon18bike.com

From August 6 to 12

$770 $850

Register b y

June 18

until June 18

and save

after June 18

The “Under the Stars” package comprises 6 nights of camping, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners. Included in the price is the $3.50 contribution per $1,000 of services purchased to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents and taxes.

in partnership with

For 2011, Louis Garneau has delved into the realm of highend bikes and this cyclocross model is sure to please enthusiasts. Steeple X Élite’s geometry lowers the rider’s centre of gravity, making the bike more stable and easier to maneuver. It has mixed, cyclocross specific components, like a Shimano Ultegra duel tap shift lever and a Dura Ace rear derailleur.

Louis Garneau Steeple X Élite | $3,099 | louisgarneau.com

Discover our

70 destinations: visit our Web site or ask for our brochure.

www.explorebybike.com Here’s a versatile cyclocross model that has made compromises in all the right places. Its aluminum frame, carbon fork and seat post provide a good dose of stiffness without compromising comfort. It is built on Shimano 105 components and boasts an FSA Compact crank and Mavic Askium wheels. Overall, a great bike for anyone who wants to try cyclocross with a bike that is as cost-efficient as it is performance-driven.

Opus Spark | $1,560 | opusbike.com

514-521-8356 • 1-800-567-8356, ext. 506

Quebec Permit Holder

AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 23

Bikes

MOUNTAIN BIKES This year, DeVinci introduces a new range of dual-suspension mountain bikes. The design team worked with engineer Dave Weagle, creator of the split pivot, to develop ultra lightweight, durable and maneuverable bikes. The Dixon has been deemed the best all-terrain bike available from DeVinci and is a bike that offers a happy medium between adherence and pedaling efficiency.

DeVinci Dixon | $3,999 | devinci.com

The Bromont-based team that designs made in Quebec bikes offers the big-wheeled T29 – the name comes from the 29-inch diameter wheels – which is perfect for neophyte cyclists.

While it’s neither for extremers nor technical nuts, it is a great pick for someone who wants to have a good time and adopt the sport. It is built with X9 components and comes with Shimano XT wheels and tubeless tires.

Xprezo T29 | $3,300 | xprezo.ca In the high-performance category, Apex Pro makes a name for itself and stands out from the crowd.

With a monocoque carbon fibre frame and all-terrain geometry, it positions the rider aggressively and distributes weight perfectly, whether you live for the climb or love the thrill of descent. It is equipped with a Rock Shox suspension fork, which is soft, lightweight and adjustable. Decked out with Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes, a 10-speed Shimano Dynasys XTR transmission with XTR lever, it is the stuff of VTT dreams.

Louis Garneau Apex Pro | $4,999 | louisgarneau.com

KIdS

For little ones not quite ready to commit to racing but wanting something that’ll perform, MEC’s $290 Dash fits the bill. Thanks to its high-quality materials and construction, it will survive a few generations of young riders. With its aluminum frame, Suntour suspension and Shimano handlebars and derailleur, it definitely passes the oh-so-crucial cool test.

MEC Dash | $290 | mec.ca

24 _ AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _

At long last, a performance-driven bicycle designed and sized for kids. For a relatively affordable price tag, Fever is an aluminum-framed bike of competing caliber. It is lightweight, equipped with a SRAM X4/X5 transmission and Shimano BRM445 hydraulic disk brakes. If you know a 10 year old who wants to give racing a go, this is the perfect acquisition to get his feet wet.

Opus Fever | $680 | opusbike.com

www.adventuramag.ca

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Film a 360 view from your favorite place outside, whether it’s a mountaintop or your rooftop. Capture it at its best. Get creative. Then upload it to our endless video chain at jansport.com/whatsyouroutdoors and you could win $10,000.

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GEAR

RAiSE thE ROOf

The latest sleeping bag, backpack and hiking boots – while great to flaunt – won’t save your camping trip when rain or heavy winds blast through your site. Purchasing a solid tent is money well spent indeed. Adventura examines what’s new in 2011 for solo campers, couples and families.

By Travis Persaud

1

8

6 4

SOLO 1 Sierra Stash 1

3

There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect spot to set up camp, only to have to jump into a glorified plastic bag passed off as a tent. The Stash 1 solves that problem. The double-pole structure adds height and room, which is perfect for lying back and reading during those tranquil nights of solitude. Other great features: reflective door trim ensures you don’t knock your head on the way out, PVC-free seam tape and a superseal floor will keep you dry, and the vestibule is great for storing all your gear. $230 | sierradesigns.com

2

Mountain Hardwear Sprite 1 Lightweight Atlas poles give the Sprite 1 Hulk-like strength without adding girth. The floating connectors distribute stress across the poles, reducing the risk of failure that other pre-bent pole inserts may suffer.

Inside, the mesh door with dual zipper provides easy entry and exit, and the clear SVX window allows extra light to stream in and eliminate that “I’m stuck in a sardine can” feeling that many solo tents produce. $190 | mountainhardwear.com

tHe nortH Face asylum Bivy The Asylum Bivy is fearless in soggy weather and will strengthen your spirit in the face of pending cumulonimbus coverage. Its DryWall proprietary single skin, combined with a fully seam-taped canopy and floor, ensures your sacred sleeping space stays dry and doesn’t transform into a fishing pond overnight. $230 | thenorthface.com

COUPLES 4 eaSton Kilo

With a two-pound trail weight, the Kilo provides an ultralight option when you need room for yourself plus one. How does it stay so slim? Some have pointed to its carb-free diet. However, we think it’s the carbon-fibre pole system that uses AirLock connectors, dropping the heavy shock cords in the process. Because they’re so light, the Kilo is able to use a double-wall design that helps keep condensation out, without worrying about adding to its mass. $450 | eastonmountainproducts.com

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5

MSr Fast Stash This is a tent that takes its name seriously. For one of the fastest stashes, simply pull out the two poles to collapse during the day, and reinsert them when you return. Aside from that swift versatility, it’s ready for a variety of conditions: Pull out the side wings for increased air circulation, pull in for maximum protection, or pull back to expose side vents for flow-through ventilation. $300 | msrgear.com

6

eureKa Scenic Pass 2Xt Eureka knows Canadian camping and has tailored the Scenic Pass to withstand our environment while remaining light and easy to manage.

Full-coverage rain fly with high-peak ventilation means you stay dry without locking the fresh air out. And the two oversized D doors make entries and exits super easy. Although this two-pole tent sounds simple (and it is, in the best way possible), it provides everything you need when coupling up outdoors. $170 | eurekatentscanada.com

2 5

FAMILY 7 NEMO Pentalite

Five is better than four – or so says NEMO. For this teepee-style tent they concluded five sides work best, birthing the Pentalite. The traditional pyramid set-up allows up to four people to sleep comfortably, without feeling like they’re being shoehorned around a pole. The optional Wedge – a mesh wall that zips into the shell and floor that attaches to the other three sides – turns the shelter into a full tent, repelling bugs and inclement weather. $450 | nemoequipment.com

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MEC Wanderer 4 The first iteration of this tent became a paddler’s delight. This new generation keeps everything that made the original Frontenac tent a hit – ample head and floor room, great venting, watertight construction and option to rig a veranda roof – and adds even more goodies. The formerly optional second vestibule is now standard, and the pole system now feeds into a centre hub, spider-style, making set-up a breeze. And if you’re not already convinced, four adults can fit on the main floor with two children in the triangular nooks. Now that’s a family outing. $320 | mec.ca

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Big AgNEs Copper spur UL4 Big Agnes’ popular Copper Spur UL series continues to grow, adding this family-sized tent that will undoubtedly please any foursome. The nearvertical sidewalls add room to its interior, the mesh body sheds weight while increasing ventilation, and storing gear is a cinch with two large vestibules. So, essentially it’s a larger version of its award-winning little brothers – tough to argue with that. $600 | bigagnes.com

AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 27

Mind & BODY

© iStockphoto.com

Muscle Must-Have

By Vanessa Muri

Think that massage is just an extravagance?

Something you do when you’re feeling frazzled?

Think again. The healing benefits and injurypreventing capabilities make this seemingly spa-only service a virtual necessity.

The feeling of deep relaxation and loose (think Jell-O) muscles that we associate with a great massage is not easily forgotten. Received regularly, massage goes a long way toward restoring peace of mind and soothing frazzled nerves. But not everyone is aware that it can play an important role in the performance and maintenance of our muscles as well. The right type of massage can actually boost energy levels in the muscles instead of leaving them slack.

A common misconception is that massage is a luxury, an occasional treat to be enjoyed a few times a year (if we’re lucky). Or if our muscles feel sore, we may give our massage therapist a call to try to work out the kinks. But there’s no need to wait until muscle pain or an injury arises to lie down on the table. On the contrary, during the training season and right before a competition is the exact moment that a great sports massage comes into play. Increasing energy, lessening fatigue and injury prevention are just some of the many benefits.

To better understand the effects of massage on the body and its effects on training and competition, Adventura sat down with Isabelle Tremblay, a licensed masso-kinesitherapist and member of the Quebec Federation of Massage Therapists (FQM). Tremblay has specialized in sports massage and therapy since 2001 and also teaches courses on anatomy and musculoskeletal disease.

Can you explain the difference between a masseuse and massage therapist?

A regular masseuse has approximately 500 hours of training, whereas a massage therapist has over 1,000 hours of training and knows a variety of techniques that can relieve tension in the muscles and enhance your overall performance and the efficiency of your training sessions.

How would you describe the effects of a massage on the muscle?

It depends on the technique you are using. Specifically in sports massage, it’s used to boost the muscle, give energy to a muscle. So it provides muscle relief or muscle heightening. It also loosens the joints, because as you loosen the muscles you are automatically loosening the joints as well. A boosting massage, using pumping techniques and shaking the muscles, will increase the blood flow to the muscles. I can go faster or slower depending on the desired result.

Then physically shaking the muscles – that actually relieves a lot of tension. If I feel a particular tension, knot or tenderness in a muscle, I can go in deeper after it. Range of motion and flexibility are also increased after a massage. I can demonstrate this to the client right after the experience.

So how important is massage for the non-pro athlete?

If you get massages regularly, you will prevent the build-up of muscle tension and joint compression, which can lead to serious injuries.

Can you explain how this works?

With injury prevention, the key is getting rid of the tension in the muscle. Massage keeps the muscle smooth – the cells lie flat, which means it doesn’t pull on the joint as much. Most injuries are caused when we push our joints past their range. Even if you’re stretching a lot after a practice, which is so important, you can’t get deep inside the muscle, which is where a massotherapist can come in.

If you still feel pain or tightness after you stretch, then a session of massage can help. Massage also relieves fatigue, which is often the cause of injuries, especially when we’re too tired to pay attention to what we’re doing.

get injured, by not listening to what’s going on. And they usually start listening when they’ve been injured. They had to go for physiotherapy and osteopathy for a year, and they paid so much money, they don’t want to go through that process again. They know they have to be careful, they know when their muscle is talking to them.

Should athletes get a massage the day before a competition?

Only if it’s a muscle-boosting massage, designed to increase their muscle energy. A lot of athletes think that a relaxation massage before a race is a good idea, to calm their nerves. But the problem is that it leaves the muscles like jelly. They can’t run; they can’t ride. So make sure it’s a sports massage! The day after an event is always a perfect moment for a relaxing massage.

And athletes from any sport can benefit from massage?

It’s not the sport but rather the muscles that count. We just target different muscles depending on which ones you use the most. That’s the goal of sports massage: to help you train better. For swimmers I target the shoulders, for bikers it would be the legs. For athletes, nonpro athletes and active people, massage is an essential asset to your well-being before, during and after your workouts.

Benefits of Massage • Prevents muscle and joint imbalances • Reduces tension and muscle aches • Helps avoid fatigue and injury • Maintains and improves flexibility • Helps perform optimally during training and competition • Reduces the stress of training and competition

How often should a non-pro athlete get a massage?

It varies from person to person. Everyone’s needs are different. No one needs massage at the same time or even in the same place. How often to get one depends on how much they’re training.

Benefits Before a CoMpetition • Warms and relaxes the muscles that will be used the most • Reduces muscle cramps and the risk of injury • Improves physical and mental performance

So learning to listen to your own body is very important?

Yes, we don’t learn that as kids, we don’t learn that in school, but we should. We don’t often ask ourselves, “How do I feel?” That’s how people

post-raCe results • Accelerates the recovery process • Reduces stiffness

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© Joe Biafore

NutritioN

Summer recipe recipeS With summer finally here, it’s time to infuse a little variety into your on-trail menu. Aside from cans of tuna or sardines, oatmeal packets and dehydrated meals, here are some breakfast, lunch and snack recipes that are easy to make, a cinch to transport and ideal to fuel your body all day long.

By Mélanie Mantha DtP., nutritionist with atp nutrition

BREAKFAST Sweet and salty banana rolls Servings: 4 Prep. time: 5 minutes Not only is this treat quick and easy to make before heading out, it’s ideal to eat in the car or right before hitting the trail. It provides the perfect proportion of carbohydrates to protein to provide the body with enough energy to last through the morning. It may not be the most elaborate of recipes, but it’s balanced and tasty.

LUNCH Pumpernickel sandwich with bean spread Servings: 4 Prep. time: 15 minutes It’s important to eat snacks during the day to keep energy levels high. Try this spread, which can be in your backpack all day without refrigeration. Pumpernickel bread is an excellent accompaniment: It is dense, so it won’t squish or tear in you pack, and is a good source of carbohydrates. For extra protein, add canned tuna or cheese.

Ingredients 540 ml (1 can) black beans 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice

Ingredients 4 bananas ½ cup (125 ml) peanut butter 4 whole-wheat, 8-inch tortillas Method Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on each tortilla. Peel the banana and place in the middle of a tortilla. Roll the banana in the tortilla.

Per serving: calories 523, carbohydrates 70g, fibre 6g, protein 14g, fat 22g 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) hot pepper sauce 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cumin 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) pepper salt, to taste 8 slices pumpernickel bread 1 cup of baby spinach 1 red pepper, cut into strips Method Place beans, garlic, lime juice, oil, red pepper sauce, cumin and pepper in a food processor. Purée for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

For sandwiches, spread ½ cup on four slices of bread. Add spinach and pepper strips and enjoy.

Per serving: calories 304, carbohydrates 51g, fibre 10g, protein 12g, fat 6g

DINNER Sweet and salty banana rolls Servings: 4 Prep. time: 20 minutes A delicious dinner is the first step to recuperating from a long day’s hike. Take the time to listen to your hunger and eat a balanced meal. It should contain carbohydrates (to replenish glycogen reserves) and protein (to repair sore muscles). Quinoa is one of the rare grains to contain high-quality proteins (it has more amino acids than other grains). By adding lentils, you increase protein content to maximize recovery. For even more protein, add chicken.

(But be careful about salmonella: Avoid hiking too long with chicken in your backpack.)

Ingredients 1 cup (250 ml) quinoa 1 cup (250 ml) dried red lentils

1 litre (1000 ml) water 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ginger 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cumin 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) curry powder 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cinnamon 1/2 cup (125 ml) raisins 1/2 cup (125 ml) dried cranberries 1/2 cup (125 ml) walnuts Method Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat; mix in lentils, quinoa and spices. Cover.

Simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa puffs up and the lentils are tender. Add raisins, cranberries and walnuts before serving.

Per serving: calories 520, carbohydrates 101g, fibre 18g, protein 23g, fat 10g AdventurA _ Spring 2011 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 29

© Mathieu Lamarre

Last call

Saharan Confession Camels can be a real pain in the behind – literally and metaphorically speaking. Not everyone gets along with the nonchalant, hip-swaying rhythm of those desert vessels. Some find it hypnotizing, others nauseating. In the particular case of a field photographer, it is just too slow, considering his constant search for photo ideas and novel camera angles. So I ended up walking most of the way, while my hunchback companion ambled alongside with that disdainful look of his. At break time, one feels the need to rest a bit... but I’ll be honest: When it comes to photo ops, camels are a pure delight!

The tools: Nikon F90x, Nikkor 80–200mm f/2.8 lens, ISO 100, f/4, 1/1000th sec.

- Mathieu Lamarre, photojournalist

30 _ Adventura _ Spring 2011 _

www.adventuramag.ca

©Photos: M. Loiselle/Jardin des glaciers, C. Ramp/MICS, N. Boisvert, M.Loiselle/Tourisme Côte-Nord - Manicouagan, M. Loiselle, E. Marchand/L’île imagin’air

An Exhilarating Journey

on the Whale Route

Côte-Nord

Manicouagan-Duplessis

For more information, visit

www.quebecmaritime.ca/cotenord

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