XTERRA World, 20th anniversary

The calm before the storm, 800 racers will be on the beach tomorrow 9 am sharp to see the 20th anniversary of Xterra go off.  Excited for my buddy Roy who has overcome a kidney transplant to be at the start line! Same goes for Dave Desantis, Xterra warrior 2015 overcoming cancer who will be on the beach, all smiles when the gun goes off.  If that's not motivation to get out there, what is I wonder.  I sure will keep these two inspiring men in the back of my mind when the going gets though.  Condition for the race are shaping nicely with some hot weather in reserve.  I also want to wish all the best to my usual suspect, GL 72 year strong, his son Patrick.  Retired Commander Alan Moore(go navy) and his daughter Allison.  The kind of friendship that I forged with theses people all the way back to my first Xterra in 2011 in Saipan and their family will last a lifetime. As for me I hope for a good race, seem that the broken foot earlier this year should have appeased the Xterra gods but who knows.  Join me on the start line #572 in your program and follow tweeter @chuck98 where my wife will keep up to date.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Scouting Report, Maui World bike course

Started this morning with the gang as we progressed on the course, I ended up riding with Roy and Erin.  Have to admit the course had a chance to dry so it was in much better shape.  The addition this year is what I call the great wall of China.  A steep old golf cart path who gets you to the lake.  Now further down the path we have a huge puddle of mud and water, frankly I'm unsure that it can dry before race day but who knows.  No major surprises this year, the course is fairly similar than last year.  All we need is Mother Nature to be nice.... Mind you we have high surf advisory for race day so that could make things interesting to say the least ( do I hear duathlon? Likely not but I can dream!) as for the steed and I we have forged bond through lava rock and with Roy's help, the front fork is dialed in. What's in store tomorrow? Open water swim clinic and practicing some ins and outs in high surf courtesy of Ben and Jacqui.  Stay tuned for more updates, happy trails! 

Carpe Diem

Tale from the Trail, Maui style!

After arriving Saturday night in Maui, Sunday was marked with a easy run and a pool work out.It was time to built the steed in order to go out and ride a bit.  Fast forward today as Roy and I, sporting his Donate Life kit were out to see a bit of the course.  Only the lower loop at the start was open, with mix of ups and downs and some technical single track. Add a wet muddy terrain and that's what we were dealing with. The course should be dry as long as there is a few days of sun. This being so early in the week, no need to hit the panic button just yet.  We than headed over to DT Fleming beach, and for once, the waves weren't so gigantic! (Again early in the week and wave advisory for Wednesday) After practicing some ins and outs it was time to pack it for lunch.  The usual suspects are arriving tomorrow for the most part and Wednesday the course should be fully open as the Xterra Crew is working round the clock to make this 20th anniversary a success. Stay tuned for the scouting report.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem

New Stable, new Steed...I FELT it

I am proud to announce that I have a new stable to call home.  Dandy Horse Cycle in Burnaby has been kind enough to bring me on board as one of their riders.  This family business is exactly what I was looking for.  Attention to details, great customer service and one of the best mechanic in the business ( Yes that's you Jason) made this a no brainier.  In addition I have been fortunate through the shop to get on with FELT bicycles for my new racing mountain bike which I will use in Maui for the Xterra World Championship in 3 weeks. Let's take a look at this new racing steed.

The Bike: Felt Nine 1 2016 hard tail 29 er

The Set up:

This racing machine comes with a full carbon frame seat post and handle bar.  Full SRAM XO groupo and XO breaking system with a 1x11 drive train and SRAM fork lock out.  Rock shock racing CIS fork with through axle at the front and rear.  Complemented with DT Swiss X1800 and Schwalbe Racing Ralph on at tubless set up.  This machine is part mountain goat part pure breed and has a faster acceleration than a Tesla.  At 21 lbs on an XL frame it makes it the perfect weapon for any serious XC racers. With a wicked black finish and accented with some red trims, this beauty is also stealthy.  My first ride today FELT amazing so stay tuned for more news and more posts leading up to Maui.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Xterra Quebec City

Xterra Quebec City


I had the chance to take part in the second edition of Xterra Quebec City this past weekend.  Although still in its inception, this race would not disappoint and procure plenty of challenges. Nestled near Stoneham Ski resort, Lac Delage is about 30 min north of Quebec city and is the race site chosen by the race director.  The swim course is a giant square of 1200m, favouriting the non swimmer as it is a bit shorter that the usual 1500m.  To the dismay of many, including yours truly, the water temperature last weekend was too warm to be wetsuit legal.  Although unaware at the time, speed suits weren’t supposed to be allowed as Tri Quebec follows the ITUI rules that on a non wetsuit race, whatever you wear going in the swim has to be kept for the rest of the day.  I had spoken with the race director a few days before and that was not the case.  After a quick discussion as I was in transition with an official, she gave me a break and I continued on without penalty. To my defence I was not the only competitor with a speed suit.  If the swim is on the short side and probably not as hard, the bike course is definitely the opposite.  One could describe this course as reminiscent of a true world cup cross country course in “La Belle Province” the 6 km loop  that had to be done 5 times posed plenty of challenges and demanded technical ability on the mountain bike.  This true cross country course has it all from the Chicken pass option almost at the start of the course to steep power climbs, rocks and roots and tricky descent; mountain biking skills are a must.  With two waves being 10 minutes apart, the trail was not too crowded given the fact that it was a multi loop system and all riders that I encountered were very gracious to let faster riders pass as soon as they could.  The nice thing about the multi loop system is that it is great for spectator as they would see you in a pump track style every lap where a live band, music, and beer garden were accessible for them.  The run course was in itself also a challenge as although not a lot of elevation gain was taken on the bike compared to other course around the world, the technical and short power climbs would still tire your legs.  The run course was a 5km loop to be done twice and with longer ascent and some technical descent, one could not take a rest. This run course was also a true cross country run presenting all the challenges that one would expect. Adequate aid station were on the course as last minute decision from the race director to add a few due to the heat was the right call to make.  It is to be noted that if this course was in the rain and mud such as last year, it would be very challenging to say the least.  Although in its infancy this race has definitely the potential to become a marquee race and should definitely be on everyone’s race calendar who is looking for a challenge both on the bike and on the run.  The volunteers were great and you can see that a lot of hard work has been poured on the trail system.  As for me, it was nice to be back to racing after having being sidelined for three and half months with a broken foot.  Happy Trails

Carpe Diem

Text: Chuck Fortier
Picture: Pascal Gagné

Scouting Reprot from the bike course at Xterra Quebec Cityoo

This will be my first Xterra since I broke my foot.  Although I'm from Quebec I have never done this race and had never ridden the course.  I arrived last week, fighting a strep throat infection. The weather had been rainy and I had no idea what to expect from the course.  The bike course is a 6 km loop that each riders will have to navigate five times.  I would describe the course as being in line with  what I expected from cross country riding in la belle province, technical, short but steep climb with lots of rocks and roots.  You know you're in for a challenge when you're two minutes into the course and you're already face with a "chicken pass" section. Other trails such as S curve, bobsleigh and cheese grater will also greet you along the way.  The challenge will be that with 100 racers or so and not a lot of place to pass, the faster racers might end up catching the back of the field near the end.  The run course has some steep section right off the bat and will also see racers do two loops or roughly 5 km each.  Another true cross country course with roots, rocks that will challenge especially after the bike.  It seems that so far the rain has held off and the course is looking good, we will have to see as there is some rain in the forecast.  Water temperature is borderline for a non wetsuit swim so let's hope it's stays unde the limit.  My lovely wife will take over my tweeter account on race day so feel free to follow @chuck98  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Dealing with injuries, not always easy

4 weeks ago, coming out night shift but feeling good despite  4 hours of sleep, my wife and I decided to go for a trail run.  I recently came back from Saipan with two solid races and I was looking forward to many more.  I had a good base of fitness and was ready to build on it.  Sadly, lady destiny had other things in store for me and about 1.5 km into my run, I rolled my ankle and heard a loud crack. Iwas hoping that it was a branch that I stepped on and not a bone breaking.  Unfortunately it was a bone, first broken bone in my life.  After an ER visit which could have left me worst, I was lucky enough to have my wife somewhat doubting the advice of the physician and lucky for me and the contacts she had, I was seeing the Ortho for Team Canada who specializes in running injuries two days later.  It's been hard on the psyche, I'm a very active person and going from being busy training to not even able to go to work is not easy.  That said I'm lucky that I can still swim with pull buoy and do some weight. I realise that there are people in much worst situations than I find myself in.  What I have learned from this so far? There will be good days and bad days, but always remember that it will get better.  Follow the advice of your Dr, I think one of the biggest mistake people do is start pushing too early even when the Dr. Says otherwise.  Try to stay active as much as you can within the limits of your injury.  Mental preparation is a huge these days so  think about the sport you practice and visualise yourself.  Make future race plans, this will keep you motivated. Finally, smile and stay positive, this will help with your healing.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Saipan, the aftermath

It's never a good sign when you wake up and it's raining, and it looks like it has been raining all night.  Mother Nature had decided to show who's the boss and the perfect riding conditions were now out the window.  As I set my transition, it kept raining and I was even a bit cold.... The swim was waiting for us and with the current, i would have to make sure I was heading the right way.  After the first buoy the current was carrying us away towards the second one at a fast pace.  At one point my good friend Al was next to me, not sure if he was trying to knock me out but ultimately I think he got behind me and drafted me. After the second turn, the water was shallow enough for me to dolphin dive and I realized that I was going faster than people trying to swim.  After two laps I was out of the water and on to my bike, still greated by rain.  As I exited the first off road section onto the road I took the curve and my wheels went under me. The result was a 10 foot slide on my right side, clipped in my pedals and fast approaching a concrete wall with my head.  Luckily enough I stopped and after dealing my chain ( pro Olivier Marceau suffered the same faith as me 30 second or so before but had a broken chain refraining him from continuing)I got back up but missed a turn, which cause me to have to turn around and lose valuable time. 

 Then came the second crash into a technical section with the result of a broken spoke on my rear wheel.  I was starting to wonder if my run of bad luck would finally stop!  It took me a while but I finally caught up to what I thought was the front of the field for age grouper and after passing the last guy, I thought I was in command.  On the back side of Tapachou I even caught up to a Korean pro in one of the tricky section. I finished the bike bang up and didn't know how much gap I had created with my field so now wasn't the time to take a break.  I headed on the run, happy with my first mile time, which would decrease once in the jungle. The footing was treacherous and very slippery but I manage a good run, rain helping to cool off the conditions.  I crossed the finish in 3:23 happy to find out that I was the first age grouper to cross the line and knowing I had just punched my ticket for Maui.  As for the usual suspects, Al had a great race despite the conditions and he finished first in his age group, also good for a ticket to Maui.  Allison ,who was in great shape coming into this race and battled today's adversities like a season veteran was also able to earn a slot for Maui.  Last but not least, legendary GL Brown came through at the finish and earn his slot.  

As for me those last two weeks of racing and training were very successful with two top finish this early in the season, I couldn't be happier.  Congrats to all the racers today who fought a hard battles in harsh conditions and let's not forget the volunteers who did an amazing job. Happy Trails! 

Carpe Diem

Scouting report: Saipan run course

The run is always special here in Saipan.  First it is hot, no two ways about it, secondly it's challenging as you run over jagged rocks, coral and the like but lastly you get to run through a cave tha was used during WWII, anf that folks, you just don't get that anywhere.  So yesterday  Al, Daz who's a pro from England and myself decided to run the course.  Just like the bike course, I thought that the run course was well flagged.  I also remembered very quickly that there is a lot of climbing on that run.  As well, you need gloves to deal with "death valley".  Now,  we have named that section a few years back as it's very treacherous to go down.  Think dry creek bed, going down hill with drops, jagged rocks and coral.  That's also where you will encounter the cave section, which is lit by candle light on race day.  The race course was dry yesterday and probably in the best shape I have seen these past years.  Runners beware, once your out of the jungle, you're still not out of the woods as a very hot beach run will be waiting for you.

I went out today and rode the first half of the bike course with Al, it was still in very good shape ( the course that is although Al is doing great as well) So race day is almost upon us, stay tuned for the post race report, until then happy trails !

Carpe Diem

What to do the week before a race

I was asked to write this blog for XTERRA Island to help first timers getting ready the week before their race.  I'm happy to oblige and give some pointers from the trial and errors that I have encountered along the way.  If you are traveling a long distance to a race, try to get there at least a week prior in order to acclimate to the new location and adjust to the time change.  This is something I try to do as often as I can.  Another suggestion for race week is if you're going to do any long training sessions, do it earlier in the week.  This will give your body time to recover before the race. It is also a good idea to pre-ride bike course, especially for an off road triathlon.  This is probably one of the most important tips I can give to a new triathlete. If the course is long and you do not want to tax your body or have time, you can always break it down into sorter sections to ride/run during the week.  It is important to know the course route, what the terrain is like, where the important shift changes are and what obstacles you might find in technical sections.  Generally, if I can't ride a technical section during my pre ride, I likely will get off my bike and run it.  When you preview the run course, it is good to assess where you can push yourself and where you may need to slow down.  Every run course is different and one of my favorite is the Guam course.  For this course it's important to preview the run especially if you' ve never run down waterfalls.  Its a little difficult to try and figure it out on race day! In regards to the swim portion of the race, I try to swim a few times during the week.  This can be done in a pool or an open water swim, such as the ocean. 

So let me leave you with an example of my preparation This week for Xterra Saipan.  I took a off day Monday due to racing Tagaman on Sunday and I pushed my body pretty hard. If haven't race the previous weekend, Thursday is usually a good day to take as a rest day.  On Tuesday, I rode the whole bike course with pro triathlete Ben Allen.  It was a great opportunity for me to learn from him and he promised he'd take it easy.  Then on Wednesday I ran the majority of the course (all the off road section) which I followed with an open water swim.  As for my plan on Thursday,  I will probably ride half the course to relook at some of the trickier sections. The day before the race which in this instance is Friday, I always keep things light. I will typically do a 30 minute bike (easy spin), 15 minute run and a 15 minute swim earlier in the day.  Then I try to stay off my feet and out of the heat as much as I can.  During this time you can think about your goals or setting some realistic goals for the race.  It's important to remember to have fun and enjoy the day.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem 

Scouting report, Bike course

I was fortunate enough to have pro Ben Allen from Australia to ore ride the course with yesterday.  After a cup of coffe at our local hang out we were off. Good friend and local Kimiko was also along for the ride although she would leave us half as she wasn't planning on riding the whole thing. Saipan was hit by a tropical storm roughly two weeks ago but the outstanding job from the volunteers made the bike course well marked and rideable.  It was also nice to be able to chat and ride with Ben and get a few tips.  I think that's why Xterra races are so great, you can actually ride and talk with most of the pros. The first half of the course was quite smooth and after a quick stop for cold drinks, it was time to assault Mt. Tapachou.  The road up is usually rough but this year they are in the process of paving so the road was flatten and sand had been placed over which made the climb, shall war say more manageable.  We were greated by GL and Allison at the top, as they had employed a better mean to get up there.  After a few photos, Ben and I were off heading down hill.  The downhill path was a bit more dense with foliage but with saw Bobby and her crew doing some clearing, which should make this perfect for race day.  Even the deep muddy rut laced with coral were for the most part rideable.  Overall, the bike course as it stands is in good shape and well marked, but as we all know, it could all change come race day.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Tagaman Olympic Tri, when the stars aligns

Today was the Tagaman 70.3 and Olympuc distance in Saipan.  I opted for the Olympic distance for a few reasons.  16 hour time change is not the easiest to get used to in short notice.  30 degree weather in 93 percent humidity is great but I didn't want to wreck my body as I have Xterra 6 days from now. I was fortunate to have my good friend GL driving to the start of the race at the God awful time of 5 am.  The races starts at first light to try to take advantage of  cooler temperatures.  Swim is 1500 meters and it was mass start.  Tide was fairly low but I was still able to swim for the most part. NOw I'm not the fastest swimmer but I think I was holding a pretty straight line as I saw a beautiful blue star fish on my two passes. As I exited the water I had a respectable 28 min swim, now the real work would start.  Unaware of my position I forged on the bike, slowly passing a few people. As I was approaching the turnaround, I could see only two riders ahead of me, placing me in third overall. After the turn around it was time to turn the heat on and me and my trusted steed forged on, passing the second place rider in short order.  I caught up to the lead rider and decided to push and see how he would respond.  I passed him but he stayed hot on the trail, even in my draft which not allowed.  On the other hand, I had a motorcycle escorting me as the lead racer and I thought that was pretty special as this doesn't happen very often.  I came in transition just over an hour and after a quick change, I was out on the run with my motorcycle ahead of me.  I wasn't deceiving myself as I knew that the racer I had past would get to me at some point.  By mile two I had been past and looking at his speed, there was no way I could even hang on to it so I kept my pace.  At the 5 km mark, which the turn around for us, he kept going, for some reason he had missed the 180 degree turn. He was too far for me to let him know so I started the journey back, fully prepared to let him pass me for the win as he deserved it.  I never saw him, I think he ran so far that he probably didn't want to come back.  Can't say that I blame him.  My lead motorcycle was back and after a quick glance behind me, I couldn't see anyone close. I ended up crossing the line in  a respectable time of 2:22, good enough for first place overall with the usual suspects waiting for me as they had opted not to race.  Very happy with the race overall under some very hot conditions with not a cloud in the sky.  A big thank you to the owner of Brabu Pharmacy here in Saipan who loaned me his road bike and to Nick for his bars. Stay tuned for tails from the trails as I will be back in the saddle Tuesday to pre ride the XTERRA course.  Happy trails!
Carpe Diem

Where it all started......

5 years ago I landed in Saipan, was lucky to merge the Moores and Browns, survived swimming in a tsunami, than went on to survive nuclear meltdown in Japan while vacationing.  Fast forward five years later, I'm with the Moores and Browns but I hope no calamity will follow us.  After 27 hours of traveling we arrived late last night, GL will arrive tonight.  I'm racing the Tagaman, Olympic distance on the road this weekend and will race XTERRA next weekend. Went for a very short run to pick up my loaner road bike from the owner of the Brabu pharmacy, which I can't thank enough and also went swimming.  I put my Mtb together and as I was tightning the screw for my seat post collar, it broke in half. This mean it will be another trip to the bike shop......  The weather is great and tomorrow I will go for a lite ride to make sure my noble steed is in good running order.  So stay tuned for more adventures.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

The fast approaching season

It's been a while since I have done a post.  The off season coupled with the winter almost makes me hibernate for a while.  The start of the season is fast approaching for me, as in about two weeks I will be heading over to Saipan, one of my favorite racing destination for an Olympic triathlon followed by Xterra Saipan.  Nothing beat the sun, beach, warm weather and the atmosphere.  It also means that I get to the the usual suspects and make new friends.  Sadly I will not be able to continue on to do Xterra Guam this year as the races are two weeks apart. If you ever have a chance, I highly recommend both of them.  Some other races on the program will included Xterra South East Championship, Victoria, Boise, Quebec and hopefully Maui.  I also plan to squeezes a mountain bike race and maybe a fondo.  So I have been training hard and hope that it will pay off.  I have also started taking some great vitamins from USANA.  People always ask me why I take vitamins I usually answer the following: I take vitamins so my body can perform at his best, recover faster, boost my immune system so I don't get sick.  Finally, even  eating right, the reality is that farming practice today doesn't yield the same that 50 years ago.  I have been very happy with my choice to the point that I am now distributing USANA .  So if you're curious or are interested in vitamins, check it out at www.fortier.usana.com I'd be happy to help you.  The beauty is that USANA distribute in many countries around the world.  Stay tuned for more blogs as the season ramps up, hope to see you along the way.  Happy Trails!

Carpe Diem