For the third consecutive year, I participated in the Tour of the island of Montreal as a volunteer mechanic on the circuit. I have already worked as a mechanic in the relays for 5 years in the 90s, but I prefer this way to participate in the event. This year's edition was very nice compared to last year. The chosen route in 2006 was absolutely atrocious. One would think that the organizers were given the task of finding the worst streets of Montreal for an organized tour of potholes and railroad crossing!
Departure
Departure This year the route chosen was perfect. This is only my humble opinion, but make a detour package in the small streets to a highway pleasing to the eye is not a simple thing with 30,000 cyclists in the ride. A path was clear and simple, I think, an excellent choice.
My lap Island
My challenge this year was twofold. First I drove for the first time without my faithful apprentice. My son was another activity that has prevented him from participating this year. My second challenge was to impose on me to ride in the Tour with a bike with one speed coaster brake, the brake pedal famous! Mission accomplished but with a few more lessons. A bicycle equipped with single rear wheel brake application to be poorly lit and not awake because you have to make an appointment to brake. It is not instantaneous the trick! With eyes wide open, I noticed some things.
My Bike People are unconscious!
There I am very polite, PCQ is not what I meant! Well it's not for everyone either, but there were many who rolled in does not care about other cyclists. The fact that the street be closed to cars gives a false sense of security and people drive by changing the "way" without looking, decided to stop in the middle of the road or instantly pass from one side of the street to another without realizing the enormous train rider behind, beside and in front of them. This is without counting the idiots who decide to do the slalom at high speed in the rolling mass. My advice to you is to always rode ahead, behind or directly at side of another rider. Do you ever placed at an angle, placing you in the dead of the person before you. Always, but always look beside you before you pack it. If you bring your child with you to make the Tour, called them to ride in a straight line and not zigzagging. I saw a person collapsing to the ground before me following a maneuver of the kind executed by a young cyclist.
Keep your ears open
Volunteers on the course must sometimes give verbal guidance to cyclists in order to properly direct them, with you they speak. Listen carefully and follow the instructions.
Relays
I have no information you provide on the relays. I avoid them like the plague! Too many people and I do not want to wait in line half an hour for a Cossin for free. On the subject by cons I have an opinion on the first relay of the 2007 Tour. The first relay was located down a slope and there were volunteers who indicated that "Under the baton keep left, keep right to continue". Small detail, there were only 3 meters to take this decision while everyone was moving at a brisk pace! I ask the organizers on behalf of Heaven indications place well in advance next time.
Prepare your bike and your legs in advance.
It is important for you to repair and ride your bike a few weeks before the Tour. This will also help your legs. :) Do you not to add accessories or make major repairs on your bike the day before the Tour. Test your equipment well in advance. Bring with you the tubes, there is no guarantee that your mechanics will scale with them. By cons, he will gladly repair your flat tire.
The mechanics Or rather bénévélos. Quite simply, without them no tour of the island. Congratulations to you all for a great job.
The Tour de l'Île de Montréal a fantastic event and very well-organized. You must attend at least once in your life. But remember, be careful and vigilant so that this day is an enjoyable experience from beginning to end. At the next
Gerald
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