It's been awhile since I have sent out a newsletter... trust me, it's not that there is nothing to say, it's just I haven't had the time to say it! This will just be a quick newsletter without all the glitz and fun of a regular one, only because I don't want you to think I've given up on the newsletter.
This has been a great summer for me so far. I've passed 2500km now on my commuter riding back and forth to work each day. It really has made a huge difference in my biking and my health! I have now dropped 28lbs since the winter and am feeling great... if you can, I suggest you start biking to work... there is no better feeling!
Before we move on, don't forget to check out those who have been helping us this year!
http://www.mtbkanata.com/mtbk_sponsors.php
LOST IN THE ROCKS AND TREES
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What was I thinking? Do a 100km enduro race through washed out ATV tracks and sand... yup, well, I did. 8 hours and 12 minutes of what had to be the hardest race I've ever done! Usually mountain bike races are done on a mountain bike trail... not this one. Think sand... then double it, and add horse flys and intense sun... uphill. Now you're getting the picture! Was it fun... well, not at the time, but looking back I am very glad I did it. You really learn what you're made of in a slog like that. Would I do it again? Probably not... but you never know!
I wasn't the only Ottawa rider out there in Mattawa at the race, we were everywhere! Emad, a local from Ottawa even took the overall first place!
For more information on the event, and to plan next year... heheh, check out the website:
http://northbaycycling.ca/index.php?option...d=53&Itemid=154
mtbhost.com Webhosting Update
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The server that mtbkanata.com is sitting on was upgraded to a new more powerful box! If you need webhosting, or know someone else who does (And you want to make a little money), click on this link to see how: http://www.mtbkanata.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=25845
J&J Kingston 8 hour race (September 3, 2005)
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Keeping with the enduro theme, I thought I woud remind everyone of the J&J Cycles 8 hour Enduro coming up in September. This race will be held in Kingston on some private land that the owner has 'lent' to mountain biking for the race. From what I hear, there are no hills too! I know I'll be racing, and with a slim $35 entry fee, it's almost a waste not to go! For more information, check out this thread in the mtbkanata.com forums: http://www.mtbkanata.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=25397
OMBA - Ottawa Mountain Bike Association
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I have to admit, this year I have spend more time riding than helping out the scene, but the beauty of a large community like we have, is that I don't have to do everything! There is a group here in Ottawa which has been busy out in the trails fixing bridges, taking new riders out and doing good for mountain biking in our city. For more information on how you can join OMBA, or for more info on what OMBA is and what they are all about, check out their website: http://www.ottawamba.org
Don't forget! Four-cross race #1 Wednesday July 27th.
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Make sure you click here for more info on this event.. it's a weekly one, so if you miss out this time, keep checking the site, there will be more info: http://www.ottawabmx.com
Commuting... for Saving money and getting healthy!
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I'm not sure which I enjoy more... dropping weight and gaining speed and endurance on the trails, or not spending a single penny to get all these benefits! This year I've ridden over 2500km already, as I mentioned, and really, it has not been all that much work. I mean I have to go to work anyway... and since I don't have a car to drive, my options are bus (were everyone smells like salami), or bike. The bus is $80/month, bike is $0... so that makes that choice really easy!
If you want to ride, are riding, or just want to track your progress... make sure you check out the online commuter log that I have set up on mtbkanata. You can record your ride stats and keep a little history of what you have done... and see how you're improving. You can access the ride log here: http://www.mtbkanata.com/commute_log/
Rodethreads.com - Cycle with Attitude
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Well now... because this is my newsletter... I can do a little advertising! Yay! Seriously now, I had this idea while riding home one day because drivers in Ottawa seem to treat bikes one of three ways. Either we are a target for them to hit... or we are an annoyance they want to hit... or they just don't see us and we get hit. To sort of give the drivers a little jab back, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be cool if I had something on the back of my shirt to tell the drivers exactly what I am thinking?' Well.. now I do... Rodethreads.com has all the classics. Great Quickdry (Coolmax-style) cycling shirts (Not tight jerseys) with slogans on the back like:
RIDE EXPLODES ON IMPACT -and-
HOW ARE GAS PRICES -and the classic-
HONK FOR FINGER
There are many more, you just need to logon and check it out. As an added bonus, everything is on sale... you'll see shirts are $5 off, and shorts are $10... just for the release of this newsletter, then they go back to the regular price.
Link to website: http://www.rodethreads.com
Kanata Lakes Trail Map!
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You asked for it, so I delivered... This was created with a combination of my GPS and others who have donated their GPS info... it makes the whole area a little less confusing when you can see it all at once on a map. To download the map, click here: http://www.mtbkanata.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=24291
The End...
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You know, there is a lot more I could type about, but just log on the forums and read what's going on for yourself.. that way you don't miss out, and you don't have to wait for my newsletters... (They are getting fewer and farther between!) And if you have something you want in the newsletter, by all means, send it my way! I will publish almost anything!!!!
Quick Links:
mtbkanata - http://www.mtbkanata.com/
mtbkanata forums - http://www.mtbkanata.net/forums/index.php
mtbkanata photos and videos: http://www.mtbkanata.ca/pp/index.php
The sponsors who make it all happen: http://www.mtbkanata.com/mtbk_sponsors.php