Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays resume May 19th

May 16 2013

The 43rd season of Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays begins this Sunday, May 19th. This program is presented by the National Capital Commission (NCC), in collaboration with title sponsor Alcatel-Lucent and volunteers from KPMG LLP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Red Cross.

Every Sunday morning until the Labour Day weekend, outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of over 50 kilometers of the National Capital Region’s scenic parkways in the heart of the Capital and Gatineau Park. Parkways will be closed to motorized traffic and reserved entirely for cyclists, in-line skaters, runners, walkers and people with mobility aids.   
“The Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays is a great example of partnership with the private sector. Each year, thousands of cyclists, in-line skaters and pedestrians enjoy this program which is now in its 43rd year,” said Jean-François Trépanier, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “Thanks to this program, residents and visitors will again have the opportunity to enjoy a unique and safe experience and discover the Capital’s natural and cultural attractions. The NCC would like to thank the many volunteers who contribute to the success of Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays.”
 
"Joining thousands of residents and visitors for a bike ride through Ottawa and the Gatineau Park on Sunday mornings has become a favourite past-time for many. It is a great way to be physically active with friends and family with the added benefit of not having to worry about navigating automobile traffic," said James Watt, COO of Alcatel-Lucent's Core Networks Division." At Alcatel-Lucent, we are proud to partner with the National Capital Commission to bring this unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the beautiful scenery the National Capital Region has to offer."
 

***SPECIAL INVITATION THIS SUNDAY***

Join us this Sunday between 9 am – 1 pm as we celebrate Alcatel- Lucent Sunday Bikedays’ season opening on Colonel By Drive (in front of the Ottawa Convention Centre). There will be free bike checks, a demo of Eclipse bicycles by Pecco’s, face painting for kids and giveaways! Also on site will be 105.3 KISS FM.

 

 

OTTAWA PARKWAYS RESERVED FOR ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS:

 
Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (formerly the Ottawa River Parkway) — 9 am to 1 pm
The westbound lanes of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, located on the south side of the Ottawa River just west of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from Vimy
Place (Canadian War Museum) to Carling Avenue. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. (Length: 5.5 kilometres)

* May 26, 2013: Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays will not take place on the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway due to the Ottawa Race Weekend.
              
Colonel By Drive — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of Colonel By Drive, located on the east side of the Rideau Canal, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from the Laurier Bridge to the Hog’s Back Bridge. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from KPMG LLP. (Length: 7.6 kilometres)
* May 26, 2013: Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays will not take place on Colonel By Drive due to the Ottawa Race Weekend.
 
Rockcliffe Parkway — 9 am to 1 pm
Both lanes of the Rockcliffe Parkway, running along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core, are closed to motorized traffic from 9 am to 1 pm, from the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. The Parkway is monitored by volunteers from the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Red Cross. (Length: 7.5 kilometres)
 

GATINEAU PARK PARKWAYS RESERVED FOR ALCATEL-LUCENT SUNDAY BIKEDAYS:

 
The Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Parkways, which are ideal destinations for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy steep hills, are closed to motorized traffic from 6 am to 11 am. One section, to the north of Lac-Meech Road, is ideal for families with young children and is closed for two additional hours, from 6 am to 1 pm. (Length: 30.5 kilometres) 
 
CLINICS – SUMMER 2013
 
Once again this year, representatives from the Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks will be on hand to offer free bike checks.
  
Organization:                  Alcatel-Lucent Switchbacks
Clinic:                             Free Bike Checks
Location:                        Colonel By Drive (near Clegg St.)
Date and Time:   Every Sunday, from May 19 to September 1, 9 am to 1 pm
*Except for May 26th
 
Ottawa Public Health members will offer instructional sessions on helmet fitting and recreational safety tips for the whole family.
 
Organization:               Ottawa Public Health
Clinic:                          Helmet fitting information and recreational safety
Location, Date, Time:  June 16 – Colonel By Drive (near Seneca St.), 9 am to 1 pm
July 7 – Sir John A Macdonald (near Westboro Beach), 9 am to 1 pm
July 21 – Rockcliffe Parkway (near parking lot #8), 9 am to 1 pm
*Rainday for any of the dates is July 28th                                                            
 
For more information about Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays, please contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/biking.
 
Source: Jean Wolff - NCC Media Relations

Head to Mont SUTTON for a fun summer

May 15 2013

With the activities announced on montsutton.com/activities, Mont SUTTON is definitely a top of the mind place for an escapade of a stay if you want to be surrounded by nature! This ski area, located in the Eastern Townships, has a wide range of activities for all on the program this summer, whether you are a challenge seeker or looking for a family outdoor activity!

Xtrail Asics: one of the top 10 trail races in Canada
On June 1st, close to 1,000 runners of every ages and levels will get challenged on the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton’s trails! For the 5th consecutive year, Xtrail Asics will offer different circuits; from 1 km for kids of 4-12 years old to 21 km for more experienced runners. This year, Mont SUTTON will be hosting the Canadian mountain running championships! Spectators are welcome to encourage the participants at the departure and the arrival, all of this in a festive atmosphere! xtrailasics.com

Swiss National Day: the largest celebration of its kind, outside Switzerland
On Saturday August 3rd, discover Mont SUTTON under another decor during the 37th edition of the Swiss National Day! Activities and concerts are scheduled for the whole day! Among others activities on the program: exhibitions of Swiss artists’ creations, a Swiss style wrestling competition (Schwingen), a small rifle shooting event, chairlift ride, Swiss music, traditional Swiss food and a bonfire in the evening. Rain or shine, here’s a great opportunity to find out more about the Swiss culture! fedesuisse.com

Hiking and camping at the summit
Those who like Mont SUTTON in the winter for the unique concept of glade skiing and surrounding nature also like Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton’s trails, where nature is everywhere! The Parc d’environnement Naturel de Sutton offers many different combination of circuits on a total of 52km of marked trails of every category.

Top tips for an interactive hike
To animate hikes with kids and to make hiking a top interactive activity, ask for the “M
assif des monts Sutton BioKit” at the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton’s reception point or download it before the day of your hike on Environment Canada website at ec.gc.ca.

For a unique experience, Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton also offers the possibility to combine hiking and camping by spending a night at the summit of Mont SUTTON in a tent or in the chalet Alt.840m, which becomes a refuge for hikers in the summer (reservation required). parcsutton.com

Overview of the activities in the area
In the summer, just as we can appreciate in the winter, Mont SUTTON and its area offer a wide range of activities! Here are a few activities on the program this summer: Coupe des Amériques (cycling event), different arts events such as the Tour des Arts and the Tournée des 20, new VéloVolant (canopy cycle) at Au Diable Vert, golf, calm water kayak excursion, spas, circuits to be discovered by bike or even by car such as the Wine Route and the Chemin des Cantons, arts galleries, cultural hall, museum and so much more…

Also, those who would like to stay in Sutton can take advantage of the Hike’N Sip Rosé’N Stay package and discover in a same escapade the trails, warm lodging and local wine Rosé!

To find out more about the activities in the area, the attractions and the lodgings:
montsutton.com

infosutton.com

tourismebm.qc.ca

easterntownships.org


Sources :
Nadya Baron, Marketing Director - Mont SUTTON
Mireille Simard, Communication Coordinator - Mont SUTTON

At Ski Bromont, the mountain bike season is ready to roll!

May 06 2013 On Saturday, May 11, a whole new downhill mountain biking season begins at Ski Bromont. This year, considerable work has been carried out on the mountain, a new trail is opening and there are lots of interesting events on the calendar: a great summer of action and fun in store!

Events for all
Don't miss the Grand Opening Day Happening on Saturday, May 18. The program includes: a DJ and entertainment from 10 am to 4 pm, BMX pro stunt show, Air Bag, Red Bull squad on-site, demonstration booths, door prizes and more! The event is FREE and open to all!

If you're always looking for new experiences, you'll have two opportunities to get into downhill mountain biking this season. Experienced guides from Rocky Mountain will be coming to the resort to demonstrate the basic techniques and provide free advice to beginners.  Interested? Come and try out this group activity:
•  Saturday, May 25: THE GIRLS' TURN!
•  Saturday, August 3: ALL IN THE FAMILY

Reservations required. Call the rental shop at: 450 534-2200, ext. 2900.

The Circuit B-Maaxx is back again for another season! This three-stage race offers challenges to both novice riders and the more experienced.  Racing takes place on Saturdays, June 15, July 20 and September 21 and everyone is invited to attend. Participants can register online at: www.maaxxevents.com .

More accessible than ever
With the aim of making this great sport more accessible, Ski Bromont has acquired a new fleet of all-terrain bikes for rental purposes. Lighter than downhill (DH) bikes, the dual suspension bikes are suitable for flat terrain as well as hills, and they make learning the sport easier and more pleasant for beginners.

No equipment? Get a package!
This year Ski Bromont is offering Trio Packages, which include a one-day rental of a mountain bike, lift ticket, helmet and protective gear.  So now anyone can experience this great sport from as little as $65.99 + taxes for the day!  Also, we've added four “learning circuits” to our two existing green (easy) trails. These circuits, which are shown on our trail map, allow novice riders to try different routes and progress safely, in accordance with their skill level.

New expert trail and other improvements
Designed for expert riders, La Coulée is a new 0.5 km long technical trail, single track style, rated ‘'very difficult'' that is opening this year in the Jasper glade area. The new trail was built entirely by hand and is the first in a wave of improvements at Ski Bromont: the 4-cross course has been modified to make it more accessible and fluid; blue trail 6B will be rethought and improved; a section of trail 52 will now include more jumps; and the fast section of trail 9 will be revamped over the summer.

Contest: win a pass!
With all these new features and with season passes costing just $199.99 + taxes until May 31, there are more reasons than ever to enjoy beautiful summer days at Ski Bromont! And to kick off the season, each week until May 16, we'll be holding a drawing for a downhill mountain bike season pass at the Ski Bromont Facebook page!

Proud to be behind this team!
Ski Bromont is always aiming to help up-and-coming athletes achieve their potential, which is why we
grant sponsorships to certain outstanding young people. For the 2013 season, we'll be sponsoring the Lama Cycles team of Vaea Verbeeck and Matt Beer, who were recently crowned national champions. These fine competitors represent the best of their generation and are passionately involved in downhill mountain biking, which is why Ski Bromont is proud to encourage them in the pursuit of their goals. 

Source : Geneviève Ménard, Communications Techician - Ski Bromont.

A new Signature Hiking Trail at Owl’s Head!

May 06 2013

A partnership between « Missisquoi Nord » and Owl’s Head gives birth to a hiking trail on the shores of Lake Memphremagog that climbs to the top of Mont Owl’s Head (At the arrival of the main chairlift access). This trail is in the final phase of construction; it will be situated on the East side of the mountain and will transport the hiker in history while walking in nature’s wonder.

"You must plan for a 2h30 to 3h hike to complete the circuit!" reports Luc St-Jacques, Sales & Marketing director at Owl’s Head.

The official opening of this trail will take place mid-July 2013.

  

See the « MISSISQUOI-NORD » website for official information about the new Owl’s Head hiking trail. Mr. Francisco Ruiz of Missisquoi-Nord is the project leader for this wonderful trail that will be open this summer. He is of course backed up by many trail volunteers who will make the trail enjoyable for hikers.

Here is a link to a preview of the trail taken on May 2nd, 2013:

For more information, please call Owl’s Head at 450 292 3342 or visit www.owlshead.com and www.missisquoinord.com

Vivez Owl’s Head! The mountain of good news!

Source : Luc « Skypowder » St-Jacques - Owl's Head.

ENCORE 15 feet of snow on the glacier!

May 02 2013 Spring is finally taking its place in Quebec, along with all the typical summer temperatures. After a generous and persistent winter, the sun is finally back on the Valley of Saint-Sauveur. Mont Saint-Sauveur, the only ski resort in the Laurentians still open at this time of the year, is proud to offer you the opportunity to practice your favorite sport on a layer of 15 feet of snow!

The exceptional snow depth measured yesterday by the Director of the mountain, impresses: "With exceptional and outstanding winter conditions, we have broken records of operation during the week, opening our doors to all keen skiers throughout this week from 9 am to 4 pm, with an average of 15 feet of snow on the 70 West trail. We are entering the month of May, with 165 days of skiing already under our belt this season! " said Christian Dufour. While the mercury reached between 20 and 25 degrees on the slopes, diehard skiers can admire the buds burst, birds twirl and the colours in the Laurentian forest, while riding the Étoile quad chairlift to the summit of the Mont Saint-Sauveur "glacier" to enjoy three trails that are still open.

To celebrate this sunny weekend, highlighted by the aroma of the barbecue on the terrace, meeting friends, ENCORE, Mont Saint-Sauveur will open Saturday and Sunday from 11 h to 17 h, as well as for the closing weekend on May 11 and 12.

Mont Saint-Sauveur demonstrates once again the importance of being a leader in the ski industry offering the longest ski season in Quebec. Opened on November 7, the station will close the 2012-2013 season, on Mother's Day, May 12!

Enjoy the month of May, on skis!

Source : Patricia Bergeron, Product Manager, Communications and Public Relations - MSSI.