This website is dedicated to the average weekend warrior who never trains for anything, but really should (!) or doesn't believe in it but is still willing to go out & try just for the pure fun & enjoyment of the sport.
The original site was dedicated to the sport of cyclocross but a few years down the road of life, a little bit older, & not much wiser(!), the list of sports has gotten a bit longer. I will try my best to explain the fundamentals of cyclocross to those unfamilar with the sport & to make sure that all the links to resources are in working order. Go out & enjoy the mud!
This page is from a real beginner's point of view whether it be cyclocross, duathlon, running or even ball hockey.
For those who are trying any sport, take heart. You are not alone.
The Reason Why ...
My personal motto, "Hey! I think I can do this...."
I would say the results are usually very mixed (at best) to down right horrible (at worst). But, I am fortunate to have good friends to see me through the good & the bad times. My good friend, Robert, worded it best,
"So...., can I say it?.... Feel smart now?"
The response, you can guess, varies from
to 
Whatever possessed me to become involved, sort of competitively, in cyclocross (also referred to as CX) & at the same time, duathlons (also referred to as du's) at the ripe old age of 35 (in Sept 2003)? It was the chance to ride & run off road, & also a bit of wanting to try something new & semi-adventurous. So, off we went & the rest is history.
I can honestly say that cyclocross, in my home province of Quebec, is a fringe cycling sport which seemed to have been gaining some new found popularity since 2004. My local shop was aware of the sport but have never known anyone to try it, until I came along! Just to be a wise guy about it, I firmly believe that many are missing out on this sport, that I have fully embraced.
I have had an unbelievable amount of fun & the comeraderie was spectacular. I even learned quite a bit about myself along the way too. Through cyclocross racing, I have gotten reacquainted with mud, & the meaning of pain & suffering, all for the sake of having fun. I will say this about the participants that I have met & spoken with, I have never met such a friendly crowd of folks, who will offer words of encouragement & advice (while passing/lapping me, not once but twice or three times, of course). It is not the least bit intimidating at all & truly welcomes the beginner to this competitive sport.
Where does duathlon fit into this? I have been a fan of duathlons for quite some time & was inspired to take the leap of faith after chatting with a fellow about using it as training for an upcoming CX season. It seemed to be a great idea at the time. Thought to myself, "Hey! I think I can do this...." Get in some much needed cardio by running , cycling, & running again. Of course, little did I know at that time, that I would have as much passion about this sport as I do for ball hockey & cyclocross!
What shape do you have to be in to participate? I consider myself a weekend warrior, but no more fit than the average North American fellow. I do not subscribe to any diet plan, though I really should. I workout at the local gym, PowerFlex, & right afterwards, will enjoy a good beer, hamburger & fries at a greasy joint, or chocolate ice cream :) I know, you don't have to say it, my eating habits need a litle work. If you do decide to go & join a gym, get a personal trainer, this way, you will suffer in the proper direction.
I am not a strong cyclist by any stretch of the imagination nor a very athletic person. I do not possess the killer instinct/attitude to win. I do have an abundance of humour though!
My Goals:
1. Finish
2. Hope lungs don't explode
3. Hope heart doesn't explode
4. Have fun!!!!
When Death finally catches me, he'd better be sweating, wheezing, and clutching his chest!
As funny as may sound, I have slowly, very slowly, made improvements upon my physical strength, conditioning, & overall health since I turned 27yrs old. Before then, I was a couch potato extraordinaire / armchair commando. Now, I am the weekend warrior extraordinaire. Work hard & play hard (over the weekend)!
My Inspiration, Words of Encouragement, & Profound Thoughts from Friends...
In case you haven't noticed, I really don't take myself very seriously. Besides, if you can't make fun of yourself, then you should not have the right to make fun of others.
It would seem that my definition of enjoying sports & "having fun" involves vast amounts of personal suffering, leaving me in various stages of being sore, battered, bruised, covered in muck, freezing, wet, dying of thirst, sun-baked, & generally down right miserable. I will have to give my definition of "having fun" some real serious thought one day.
I go through life trying (sometimes, trying very hard & constantly wondering "why?") to be happy & content. I try my best to help those who I love & care for
Cyclocross Racing in Quebec & Eastern Ontario: From 2003 to today
Links Page: Cyclocross Information from Home & Abroad
Duathlons & Running from 2004 to today
It's the silly season & I have to stay in shape somehow or another. So, I took up duathlons whuch is run/bike/run & just plain old running!
The Bike Page: 2001 Trek XO1
This is the on-going saga of my bike. I hope you enjoy it. I will be posting new images every so often when I acquire new toys & gadgets & hopefully from some of my rides around Montreal & the surrounding regions.
Racing Weather Across Canada
For more info on Montreal weather,
Windchill factor info
Canada! My Country!
Email: Arctic Hawk 2003
Please drop me a note, if you like. Perhaps you have a question about any of my kooky sports, I will do my best to direct you to the right place/source. Or, if you have a good idea for my webpage, let me know! Or better yet, explain to me how to do it!
There is no such creature on Earth known as an Arctic Hawk, at least, none that I am aware of. I thought it was a pretty cool name given the Canadian winter climate & for my fondness of birds of prey!
Thanks to T for the wonderful music!
