Tour de France? Let’s start with an Island

J: How’s your ass Gen?
G: Ouch! And you?
J: Well, the pain in my knee is overshadowing the pain I feel in my ass, so it’s ok.


One pulled ligament later, I find myself pedalling home with my left leg. Just… my left leg. No prob! It’s only..oh, 14 kms. Aw, damn!

And so Genevieve and I completed the Tour de L’Isle, yesterday, June 4th. A 48km fun in the sun bicycle excursion here in Montreal. Basically, you pay $27 to ride amongst a gazillion other cyclists. Get told repeatedly to go left and watch out for sharp bends (La courbe La courbe? Qui? Quoi?), dodge volunteers and pylons, and pedal furiously to get to the next stop.

Stop 1: Apple Wedges and caramel dip. Plus a draw to win a bicycle! (A better one than the one you’re obviously on!)
Stop 2: A thousand mile line-up for 3 pieces of cheese and a bottle of chocolate milk. (‘Cause heavy dairy products are a great idea when cycling)
Stop 3: Dial! Yup, body and laundry soap. (Are they trying to tell us something?)

I’m glad I experienced this event, but will I do it next year? Well…only with more prior training, and if I’m part of a group wearing silly things attached to their bike helmets.

Kudos to the cool street of families that were playing upbeat dance tunes from their porches and getting everyone involved from kids with pots and pans to grandma waving from her lawn-chair. That, to me, was the most memorable part of the day. Thank you!

There’s lots happening in your own city. It’s summer (or winter), so get out and get involved! You don’t have to be a nut who cycles 76 kms for…fun? Just get out and have fun!