Produced almost every Thursday by Velo Cape Breton. E-mailed without cost or obligation to more than 1000 bicycle advocates around the world.

 In this Edition

• AHC '10 from Shelley's Bike Seat   
• 52-WBC
• This Weekend
• Morris

BEYOND BORDERS

St. Peter's, Saturday morning 09:30, all 75 riders of the Across the Highlands Mountain Bike Challenge started with a bit of apprehension about the "surprises" that were lying ahead.  They have studied the maps, they have checked their bicycles, they have received tips of advice, they have talked to each other but most of all they have mentally prepared for AHC '10 which was going to be a rather difficult journey. 

After the 2-km easy ride through St. Peter's led by 7-yr old Rory, they hit the trail.  Fast forward...  Yes,  they biked hard, they bobbed up and down the bumpy roads, they navigated through the bogs, fought desperately the zillion horse flies, waded the 41 deep puddles of Pringle Mountain, zoomed down the mountain on the West Bay side of the Bras D'Or Lakes, attacked Cameron Mountain steep climb with confidence and determination, conquered the mental challenge of the flat plateau in no time to reach the boggy, dirty Hills Lake falls trail and fly over the rocky descent to Seaview; they finally dashed the six kilometres of Old Post Road leading to the freshly manicured rail-to-trail along the water to gloriously end their epic ride with pride and a huge smile.  

It will take a few days for them to realize they have accomplished something special, something that had pushed their own borders beyond unimaginable limits.

What a fantastic crowd they were, 23 women, 52 men, coming from as far away as Toronto, including 55% off-Islanders, only had good words to tell about the grueling ride and what they have discovered.   "Really forgot how beautiful it is around there" said Bruce Kennedy an ex-pat now living in Upper Tantallon on the mainland.

This is AHC'10 in a nutshell.  A heap of Thank Yous to all the volunteers who helped make this event such a resounding success.

ps.  several pictures on FB 

AHC '10 FROM SHELLEY'S BIKE SEAT

What an event!   As I was carefully cruising a line along the middle of a trail, a foot of water on either side of my wheels, I thought to myself "Jacques is right: this is not just a physical challenge, it is a challenge for your mind as well, and even your spirit!". 

I heard from a couple of riders that the course was so challenging at some points they considered turning back.  But the difficult parts were only "parts" - there were fun parts, and easy parts, and scenic parts too and all well worth the effort. 

This is the 5th year I've done the AHC, and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I highly recommend it, but also recommend you prepare by getting a good level of cycling fitness and also some mountain biking experience in. 

52WBC

by: Shelley Porter, coordinator 52WBC,

Hello, B52s. It's SUMMER, it's hot, out on a bike ride you can smell the flowers blooming and the grass growing (or mowed off!). I just got back from a quick spin around Point Edward, lovely weather for a ride. 

On Saturday I participated in the Velo Cape Breton Across the Highlands Challenge mountain bike ride. What an event! 

So, any cycling adventures to tell about?? Let me know, I'll be out hilling my pototoes for a while but will read your responses when I come back in. 

I think the next big Velo Cape Breton event is the Century Ride(s). Are you ready?? (I'm not!).

ed:  Century Rides are in five weeks Shelley, August 28th.  I'm not worried a second, you will be ready!  BTW, there's a 50km and a 100km ride if you don't want to do the 100 miler (168 km)...

THIS WEEKEND

Summer Ride & Social

When: Saturday, July 24th.  1:00 pm

Where:  10 Alderwood Drive,  Coxheath.   This is located a short distance past the walking track in Coxheath. It's about 4.5 km  along the Coxheath Road from the County Arena. 

Rides.

There is meant to be a very relaxed day with no set agenda. If you feel like biking, great. If you don't want to bike and just want to show up that 's OK as well. For those who are interested there is one ride planned to leave the house at 1 pm. We'll go through Westmount, Point Edward, Balls Creek and return via Mountain Road. This ride is about 35 km . If you don't feel like taking part in that ride that's OK,  as you may decide to go for either a longer or shorter ride and leave and get back when ever you want.

As mentioned, if you don't want to go for a ride that's ok too, just show up and enjoy the day.

Social / Swim / bbq

The day is really meant for people to get out and meet and greet each other. We hope to get the pool party going around 3 pm or so and will continue until either the police arrive to shut the party down or the neighbours show up to complain about not being invited.   So if you can't get there till later that's fine. It's summer so just relax .

Oh yes, bathing suits are mandatory until 9 pm !!!! 

Bring along whatever you'd like to bbq and drink.

Morinfo:  Guy LaFosse at 578-2280   glafosse(at)lafossemacleod.ca

MORRIS

Morris returns from the doctor and tells his wife that the doctor has told him that he has only 24 hours to live.  Given the prognosis, Morris asks his wife for sex.

Naturally, she agrees, so they make love.

About 6 hours later, the husband goes to his wife and says,

'Honey, you know I now have only 18 hours to live.  Could we please do it one more time?'  Of course, the wife agrees, and they do it again.

Later, as the man gets into bed, he looks at his watchand realizes that he now has only 8 hours left.  He touches his wife's shoulder and asks,   'Honey, please.... just one more time before I die.'

She says, 'Of course, Dear,' and they make love for the third time.  After this session, the wife rolls over and falls to sleep.

Morris, however, worried about his impending death,tosses and turns, until he's down to 4 more hours.  He taps his wife, who rouses. 'Honey, I have only 4 more hours.  Do you think we could...'  

At this point the wife sits up and says, 'Listen Morris, enough is enough.  I have to get up in the morning... you don't.' 

_____________

Jacques Cote

Editor, Velo Cape Breton eNewsletter