I’m back!! …but feeling drained (I got in after 1 AM last night) and wondering how I will pull it together for the Vapor Trail tonight. The forecast says, “Rain likely,” and it’s supposed to be in the 30s. It’s raining in Boulder right now. I’m definitely going to start, try to keep my chin up and stay optimistic, and try to prove that recovery and rest are over-rated. (ha! riiight….) I don’t feel very prepared going into this – I did a 75 mile race just one week ago, flew to Canada and back, and stood on my feet for 2 days. I have no plan, just to pedal.
Anyway, I had a great time in Montreal. I have always wanted to go there and even though it was a whirlwind, I got to take in some of the culture. I like that they try to maintain their french culture. For example, it’s illegal to have signs in english only – most don’t even have an english translation. Also, people are required to answer the phone and communicate in french first, and then can switch to english. That said – I will be back for vacation at some point in time. What a cool city! I was there working Canada’s version of Interbike and Eurobike (just a much smaller scale event). Ergon is distributed by Norco in Canada, so I worked at the Ergon section of their booth, explaining the product line. I even got to use my french, and in a matter of 2 days, was able to see huge improvement.
(Sorry for the blurry photos)
Topeak’s area. They really have some awesome commuter stuff.
Here are pics from the show:
Topeak Ergon colors are so hot right now.
Even the kids are doing it!
So are sick dirt jumping bikes… I want one, but I don’t know how to dirt jump and am not sure I want to learn. You gotta fall down a lot to get good… I think?
TGIE (like TGIF, with espresso)
I got the pleasure of the DT Swiss booth being so close that we brushed shoulders, and Paul Guerra kept me entertained.
As did all the supa fly wheels.
Norco Epicenter.
The Griz
And now… some awesome Montreal city photos. The cool thing is that you have modern architecture, huge glass buildings, and then randomly 400 year old churches and old train stations.
Parliament
and I didnt get a good one of the huge hockey arena…
That’s all for now. Send good weather vibes and maybe some extra energy my way. What the heck am I getting myself into tonight???
Yes! come back to beautiful Quebec. On ira faire du vélo avec notre ami Dan Gerous. As-tu rencontrer Dan? Now you will also have to go outside of Montreal to go riding next time. Did you try out “la poutine” famous local fast food! Heureux de savoir que tu as apprécier le Quebec.
P.S. little correction… that is not “Le Parlement” in the second city picture it’s La basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal est l’un des bâtiments les plus précieux du patrimoine religieux québécois.