It’s OK to get off your bike
Today’s epic adventure, Tour des Lac was a mix of everything a gravel rider could ask for! My good friend Augusto joined me on this fun and challenging adventure around Lac Phillipe through some of the best XC trails in Gatineau Park. It’s an early time of year for us to be able to bike this early and we are making the most of it!
We started from P17 and made our way towards the #50 through trail #53 and it was pretty much bone dry at this point. Once we hit the #50 we had to make our way around some water but it didn’t last for long. It’s really fun to explore these trails outside of the winter as it’s a whole new experience. We climbed out on trail #55 and Augusto made a great recommendation to head up trail #56 and see some of the nice campsites we could rent this spring. I hadn’t been to Mud Lake so this was a great chance to explore new trails!
Mud Lake view did not disappoint! Wow how stunning! It amazes me how you can find such amazing trails that are undiscovered for some time. Once we headed out of Mud lake, we made our way up to Lusk cabin.
And this is where a bit of walking came in.
This is where you want to dial in your mental game.
It’s OK to walk the hills with your bike. In fact, it could save you from some leg fatigue further on in your ride if you don’t. My teammate was able to climb up one of the hills that I could sense I needed to get off and walk, and for one split second I thought, ‘Push through you don’t want to get off!’. The key to overcoming this sabatoging is to ensure you turn quickly to your sage offer compassion, support and positivity.
It’s good, get off and walk!
Save your legs for the next hill.
You’re not competing with anyone. It’s you and the trail.
When we arrived at Lusk Cabin, I had a HUGE smile on my face and was completely happy with how that climb went.
Once we zoomed downhill and headed on the parkway, we made our way back to the cars through trail #52. This trail tests your will as it has some slow little punch climbs as you get towards the long descents. These aren’t your easy peasy descents my friends, you must be alert and be ready to have sore triceps from braking! (Unless you are skilled with speed). On our way back we took a small detour to Brown cabin, enjoyed the view and made our way back to the car to have a well deserved late lunch.
My key takeaways from today’s training session:
Expect the unexpected. If you find yourself saying the upcoming hill or section is going to be hard, reframe it that you are curious to see how this may go.
Don’t compete with others if prooves to bring stress. Focus on your own ability, goals and wins.
Smile and congratualte one another when the opportunity arises. Offering your training partners support will often give you a sense of happiness and joy.
Map: Check out my Gaia map
Hydration: Nuun Hydration - Endurance
Food: Strongbar Energy Bar and Honey Stringers
Gear: Marino wool socks and tights, boot covers, buff, Peppermint long sleeved shirt, bib shorts and mittens. Tire Size 36 - Challenge Strada
Experience Required: I would recommend someone that mountain bikes or is compfortable with some very rocky and rooted terrain attempt sections of this trail. Trail 52 is one of the more difficult sections to ride.
Trail Information: You can park at P17 to start this route if you are looking for a bit more distance on your ride. If not, I’d recommend P20 and see how you enjoy the hills and terrain and if you have more energy, you can make your way to Healey cabin and have a snack and head back to your car.
