Chilcotins Birthday Weekend

Unable to make it over to race the MOMAR Cumberland as I always do on my Birthday, Norm and I headed to the Chilcotins (north of Pemberton, up and over the Hurley) for some riding and new terrain exploration. We go 2 sweet days in - lots of climbing and fun descents. Awesome way to spend the weekend.

I finally got the chance to try out my new Squirt Lube on my bike. Brandyn (my Intermontane partner) had introduced me to the best chain lube out there and I instantly fell in love with it. The lube acts as a wax coating and keeps the chain clean - something I need for both here riding wet muddy west coast conditions and when in dusty, dry terrain like the Chilcotins. To top it off, this stuff is eco-friendly and you don't have to degrease! I've got it on my road bike too and it's been working great. Order it off the website if you are here in Canada. Happy Riding.

Adventure Onwards.....

Pictures from Great Bear Rainforest

Enjoy some pics of where I just spent the last. I was up at King Pacific Lodge (Princess Royal Island) and it was a week of guiding, learning and being in awe at our stunning coastline and the wildlife that get to call it home. Humpback whales in the bay all day, every day. 3 Spirit Bears and 3 black bears, a mommy wolf and her 3 pups and vibrant and alive Pink Salmon streams spawning. I caught my first halibut and learned so much about the Great Bear Rainforest from the best teacher out there!

The Perfect Combo

Success!!! For those of you who have followed me over the years and listened and questioned me on my epic "feet stories" and "no toe-nail, blistered feet" issues, I am sorry to disappoint!!!! As I have now wrapped up the Vancouver Island Quest, I thought a FOOT update was in order.

Proudly, I completed the 750km non-stop 4 day journey BLISTER FREE. Using the XT Wings (my most favorite Salomon trail runners) paired with SOLE's custom footbeds, I kept my feet 100% happy. Crazy eh! I think that this expedition goes down in history for me because I took the time to really make sure that my feet would get me through this thing. My other concern was that only 2 days after the VI Quest, I was heading onwards to Baffin Island for the trek across the Akshayuk Pass for another i2P expedition and I needed to be able to get my feet into my hikers for that as well. There really was no room for error.

Check out SOLE's product line up at www.yoursole.com because they really make something to fit everyone's need. Each footbed is heat moldable so you get the perfect fit for you (no need for orthodics.) I have been using the slim fit ones in my bike shoes for many years now and have had great success in making sure that my knees were tracking properly. And as I try to overcome this achilles issue, I am taking all precautions to treat my feet (and hence the whole body) as best as I can.

Here are my Happy Feet tips for racing/expeditioning/playing:

1) remove all calluses (via scrubbing) and be sure to cut your toe nails

2) drink lots of water - I firmly believe that de-hydration leads to blisters

3) use a SOLE footbed for custom support, cushioning & alignment and pair with shoe of your choice (that is suitable for the terrain that you will be on)

4) socks are everything too - my whole crew used SOLE's Air Flow Cooling Sock (this is also what I wore during the Badwater 135 miler last year) on the VI Quest

Hope that helps as YOU Adventure Onwards.....

Canada's Arctic & 5 Amazing Youth

(i2P youth ambassadors standing at the Arctic Circle)

We have returned safely to Ottawa after 10 incredible days crossing the Akshayuk Pass in Baffin Island. Five youth from across North America were selected to join the i2P adventure and connect with school groups from around Canada and the USA as we went. All in all, our group was 14 people total and we had the experience of a lifetime in the remote tundra up north. You can read all the blogs that the youth ambassadors posted, view our tracking system and see all the pictures that were taken on the www.impossible2possible.com website. Be sure to check it out!

It's a great feeling to be done and I am incredibly proud of the group. For me personally, I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit the communities of Nunavut and meet some great people along the way. The Akshayuk Pass was stunning - I was in awe everyday. Views like no other as I opened the tent door each morning and drank a morning cup of java.

Flying home tomorrow, a few days earlier than expected and looking forward to catching up on life. Thank you again for all the great emails that continue to roll in from the Vancouver Island Quest as well!

Adventure Onwards.....