Everyday Adventures

Today's post comes to you via Matthew at Adventure-Some. It's all about finding the adventure in everyday experiences. It resonated with me - yesterday morning I was taking a shower and the morning sunlight was streaming in through the bathroom shutters. I looked up and the water vapour was dancing around in the light in the most amazing way. It was the coolest effect, and it made me pause to think. Remember that scene in American Beauty when the plastic bag is floating around in the air, caught by the wind?

It's so easy in our hectic lives to keep looking ahead to the next big 'adventure' or experience, and totally miss out on the small, quiet moments that take our breath away. Like when my 10-month-old daughter smiles at me.

What are your everyday adventures?

Thanks, Matthew. Live the adventure!

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Often when I tell someone that I am going on a trip, they comment “what a great adventure!” And they are right. However, I think that people often have the mistaken idea that adventure = travel, which is not the case. Traveling might get you to the adventure, it might even be an adventure in and of itself, but adventure can be found wherever you are.

I think that the biggest reason for this mis-belief is because people don’t realize what I said in my first post, that “an adventure is something that is exciting or new to you.” They think ‘adventure’ and picture some grand excursion. In reality, an adventure can take place in your back yard, at your local park, or in your home town.

It all depends on your mindset. When you are looking for adventure, you can find it in the most surprising, dare I say everyday, places. If all it takes is doing something new or something exciting, you can do that in your nearest grocery store. I can wander over to the cheese section and find some very interesting looking specimens. I have never tried any of them, and know nothing about them. For a quick culinary adventure, I could pick out one that looks interesting and ask someone behind the counter what they recommend that I try it with. Pick up their recommendation and go home to sample. I might feel safer to do a quick search online for recommendations [do search for cheese, side and wine combo]. I found this… in less than five minutes. If you’re already a cheese fan and have tried everything offered locally, check out the other aisles, I’m sure that you can find something new.

If you are short of inspiration, spend some time with a 5 year old. Any child will lead you on a constant stream of adventures, if you let them. You will explore with a prince or princess, discover exciting worlds and otherwise have an amazing time. All of these amazing adventures to be had in familiar, everyday settings. (Don’t have a 5 year old that you can borrow? I’m sure that if you ask your friends, family, and neighbors you will find someone who could use a babysitter, even if it is just for a few hours of peace during the day.)

As a blog about everyday adventure, I will be mentioning all different kinds of adventures that are available, not just the ones that involve travel. Don’t become discouraged because you don’t have the time or money to go somewhere for a week-long getaway, you can have adventures anytime, anywhere, as long as you are looking for them.

Feeling the love

It's not often I get a personal letter from a government minister, so I was a little surprised to get some correspondence from the Canadian Minister of Tourism Diane Ablonczy this morning. "What the hell," I thought. "What does the government want now?"

I was surprised and touched to open a personal letter from Diane, congratulating me on our recent selection as one of the "Best Adventure Companies on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure (#1 mountain bike tour company, actually!)

You love me, you really love me.

Thanks, Diane. It's not often I see eye to eye with the government of Canada (especially the current one) but this was pretty touching, and I really appreciate it.

Here's what she wrote.

"Dear Mr. Brcic,

I recently learned that Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Holidays Ltd. has been named one of the world's top adventure travel companies by National Geographic Adventure magazine. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to you and your staff on receiving this coveted endorsement.

Your efforts toward sustainable practices and infusing the spirit of adventure into Canada's tourism offerings are exemplary. it is individuals like you who inspire the industry and serve as role models for others.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued success in your future endeavours.

Sincerely,

Diane Ablonczy"

My favourite MTB photos

I'm pretty blessed to have had the opportunity to host some of the world's top mountain bike and adventure photographers on my trips - people like Patrice Halley, Stephen Wilde and Paul Morrisson.

Not only do they get the shots, but they're all great people: fun to be with, humble and with lots to offer those who are willing to listen. As an amateur photography buff, it's amazing to see these guys in action and the lengths to which they will go to get the shot. I've seen Patrice fall out of trees in BC, Stephen running at top speed in Croatia to keep up with the shot, and Paul hanging from bushes over cliffs in Peru. Their dedication to their craft is admirable.

I was looking through my collection of photos yesterday and reminiscing about the great memories behind all of the photos in my library. Each has a special connection to a time and place, memories that will live on for a long time. They remind me why I do what I do and what I love about mountain biking.

I'm posting my 3 favourite photos below. If you've got the itch for mountain biking and are stuck in midwinter deep-freeze, check out our Flickr account with many more beautiful images from around the world to inspire you.

Thanks to all you shutterbugs out there for so beautifully capturing the essence of our sport. If you have a favourite photo to share, send it to me via Twitter, e-mail, or post it to our Facebook group and I'll get it up on the blog soon.

Mike

Peru lead guide Wayo showing off his freeride form on top of the Olleros trail, with about 10,000 feet of vertical to go. I love this shot for all the white space on the frame, bringing attention right on the rider. ©Stephen Wilde

Guatemala guide Matt Hartell dropping in to the Santa Catarina trail above Lake Atitlan. This photo captures the essence of Guatemala riding beautifully: the spectacular scenery, and sharing trails with locals going about their daily business. ©Patrice Halley

pro riders Richie Schley and Robbie Bourdon riding a crazy section of discovered trail in Peru. Although the line was pretty technical, this shot makes the line look totally insane! ©Paul Morrison

DeVinci and Sacred Rides: together at last

It's true. After a long courtship full of awkward, shy moments and playing hard-to-get, Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Holidays and DeVinci bikes are now dating.

We met at a party, somewhere in the vicinity of the chip table. I was reaching for the nacho chips while DV was reaching for the guacamole. Our hands touched, ever so briefly, but it was enough to send sparks flying throughout the room. I think at one point the curtains were on fire, but we were too enthralled with each other to notice.

DeVinci is now going to be our main sponsor, providing us with staff bikes, rental bikes, and some sweet jerseys and shorts. I'm especially excited because we get to work with a Canadian company, based not far from our Toronto offices (they're in Quebec). This fits in nicely with our local suppliers mandate (part of our Responsible Riding sustainability mandate).

DeVinci is one of the smaller bike companies out there, but they have a great reputation. I first rode a DeVinci at Fernie Alpine Resort a few years back and was immediately impressed. There's a lot of attention to detail on their bikes and you can tell that the builders are proud of their work.

We'll be sporting the Remix SL3 XC Trail bike and the Hectik 1 All-Mountain bike in our British Columbia and Utah rental fleet. I'm getting mine in a few weeks and hope to have some dirt to try it out on soon!

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