The bridge to Hog Island in Grenada is truly a place that you can only get to by bike or walking….and who wants to walk when you can take a bike?

In this edition of Grenada by Bike, I venture out to this hidden location on the South-East coast and take a quick video from the bridge.

Here’s a few more pictures taken from my Hog Island trip.

I may not be an extreme mountain biker like some of you out there, but lately I’ve been feeling like a mountain bike pioneer….and making it happen on the Grenada off-road trails.

On my tropical island of Grenada, there are not too many mountain bikers around…heck, there’s not that many cyclists in general.  There are a few people who use the bike for transportation, some who train for road and triathlon racing, and some who just meander around because they love riding….but the number of hardcore mountain bikers is significantly small.  Possibly even non-existent.

I do know of one guy who claims to have ridden every inch of this island and cycled through every trail, and I think he’s the only one to have ever ventured down these trails on a bike.

But I know there are more trails, and that’s what I’ve set out to unearth.  Christopher Columbus may have been the pioneer who discovered Grenada in 1498, but I’m going to be the mountain bike pioneer who rides some virgin trails in 2013.

My buddies over at Singletracks.com have even added Grenada to their worldwide directory of mountain bike trails so that I can be the first to include our mountain bike trails on their site.  So far I’ve included the Mt. Hartman trail which takes you over to the Hog Island bridge if you make a slight detour.  Here’s the link to the Mt. Hartman trail I posted on Singletracks.  They happen to have the largest trail directory, and I’m hoping to make it even bigger.

One thing I’ve learned so far is that you need a lot of patience to be a pioneer.  I’ve rode down so many trails only to find them become so thick that they can’t be ridden, or ventured into some private property with angry sounding dogs, or something else that has made me have to turn around and come back.  For every 5 trails I’ve set off to discover, only about 1 of them turns into something ride-able.

But I’m going to continue exploring Grenada’s great unknown on a bike.  It’s not a huge island, but there’s plenty of mountains and rainforest to get lost in.

Here’s hoping I don’t come across that juvenile Anaconda that was recently located on the island.  Yeah, what a crazy story…turns out some guy on the island has had a pet Anaconda for a few years and it escaped.  Grenada has a few harmless snakes around, but the thought of this thing creeping on the island spooks me a little bit.  Yeah, I guess I never should have watched that movie “Anaconda” when I was younger.

I’m sure there are new bike paths to be discovered where you are as well.  Come join me and be a mountain bike pioneer of your own.

Grenada was host of a most successful triathlon once again this past weekend.  Yes, it’s the Tri de Spice triathlon and it just happens to be put on and organized by my Mocha Spoke business partner, Marc DeCaul.

I’ve heard many times how this is the best run event on the island, and now after experiencing it first hand it’s easy to see that these comments are absolutely right.

Marc is easily one of the best triathletes in the Caribbean, and his passion for the sport is what drives him to put on this event year after year.  Together with him family and local volunteers, they put on a fantastic triathlon for all ages.

2013 Tri de Spice Triathlon Press Release  

Almost 250 athletes from six countries participated in the Digicel Tri de Spice 2013 held at Port Louis Marina on Easter Sunday, 31^st March. There were seven different distances and 15 categories that athletes were able to compete in, based on age and ability. 248 trophies and medals as well as US$3,000 were up for grabs.

The first events of the day were the Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons. In the men’s Olympic race, Grenada’s Chris Regis led the race out of the swim; Piers Vallance from the UK had a solid bike to take the lead which he kept to earn his gold medal. Last year’s winner, Ancil Greene from Trinidad finished the swim in 4^th place but had moved into the 3^rd place by the end of the 1^st transition. He continued to close the gap on Chris Regis throughout the bike and run but Chris was just too strong, narrowly beating Ancil by only 10 seconds. The women’s race was won by Piers’ wife Claire Vallance, also from the UK, in very impressive fashion leading the whole way. Inga Karasek and Helen Raithby, both from Grenada were 2^nd and 3^rd respectively. Chris Regis and Inga Karasek are the Olympic distance National champions.

The men’s sprint distance race was dominated by Nicholas Mitchell from Trinidad who led from the very start; Aleem Mohammed also from Trinidad was second and in third place, our new national Champion and the second youngest athlete in the sprint race at only 16, was Calum Noel of Grenada. The women’s race saw Trinidad on all three podium spots. Renee Chin lee led from the very beginning of the race, with Jacquline Jodhan and Chelsea Mohammed coming second and third respectively. Lucy Murchie is the women’s new national champion.

The Republic Bank Right start Interschool championships had another very successful year with 180 children racing. The senior school champions were PBC for the boys and Westmorland for the girls; the junior school champions were Alpha for the boys and Westmorland for the girls. Congratulations go to the individual winners of the Try-a-tri and junior events, Kean Hoschtialek, Gabrielle Hyson, Jaydon Hyson, Beyonce Embleton, D’Andre Stephen, Angelique Minors, Devonte Noel, Lily Stauble, Ricardo John, Joan Norton.

Special thanks go to all involved including the volunteers and the sponsors. Especially Digicel, our title sponsor, Insurance Consultants Ltd, Republic Bank, Coca Cola, True Blue Bay Resort, Savvy’s, Deco Industries, and GU for supplying gels to all the competitors. Visit http://tridespice.com if you would like more info or call 473-534-2646.

I invite you all to join us next year for the 2014 Grenada Triathlon.  Hope to see you here.

Pictures

Here’s a few pictures from the event.  To see all the photos, click on this photo album put together by Arthur Daniels of True Blue Bay Resort.

Kid’s Tri de Spice Triathlon

One of the coolest things about this event is how many kids get involved.  It’s great to see them developing a love for fitness and sport.  More photos from the kid’s event can be found in this photo album.

I remembered to grab my video camera before taking off for a ride, and this time I stop in at Mocha Spoke for another segment in our “Grenada by Bike” feature.

Please excuse the fact that I cut off the top of my head once again in the video.  I either need to practice centering my face I the shot, or hire a camera person.  Anyone wish to apply?

I was out repping #bikeschool in this video and stopped in to show you the beginning stages of Mocha Spoke.

The word “Suffering” seems to be in the vocabulary of most cyclists, and generally seems to fit our sport quite well.  Heck, the guys over at The Sufferfest have even created the Tour of Sufferlandria for cyclists to join in the suffering from their pain cave.

I’ve totally bought into the term and find myself suffering while out on many rides.  It’s especially felt that way since moving to Grenada, as it’s pretty much impossible to get in a ride here and not be forced up some suffer worthy hills.

But the other day while I was suffering my way up another climb, it hit me that what I was doing is not even close to the suffering that some other people are doing around here.

I was making my way up one of the many steep inclines, and as I came around a corner I passed by a women walking up the hill with a 5 lb pail of water in each hand.  I was moving slow enough to get a good look at what she was doing, and to see her face.  As our eyes met, I got the sense that she was doing some actual suffering…..but also seemed to be saying, “I do what I need to do”.

For the rest of my ride home, I couldn’t help but create a different personal definition for the word suffering.  The discomfort I had been accustomed to was self-inflicted.  Any of the difficult climbs or exhausting rides I have taken have always been by choice.

The girl hauling the two pails of water was doing so out of necessity.  She’s likely one of the islanders who doesn’t have running water in their home and the trek back from a nearby pipe is a daily (or more than daily) occurrence.

I know it’s fun to talk about how much suffering went on during a ride, but I realize now that what I’ve been doing ain’t real suffering.  It’s suffering by choice, which is not quite the same as suffering by necessity.

I’ll tell you this.  Every hill for the rest of that ride home (plus every hill I’ve climbed since then) has suddenly seemed just a little bit easier.  All I have to do is picture the face of that woman with the water, and I’m reminded that being out on my bike climbing hills is oh so much better than the reality of what she does each day.

Note: The image above is not that of the woman I’ve described in this story, nor is it taken in Grenada. But it does encompass the idea of this post and how many people all over the world need to do this sort of thing each and every day.

I don’t know about you, but I’m super thankful that the only suffering I have to do is on my bike.

What’s your cycling kit washing routine?  I thought I’d give you a quick behind the scenes look at what I do here in Grenada.  Here’s my old school kit washing video with all the details.

What is it about coffee and bicycles that makes them go so nicely together?  I’m not sure who first came up with the idea of a bicycle cafe, but coffee being served in bike shops dates back to quite a long time ago.  The first official bicycle cafe that I heard of was “Look Mum No Hands” which is located in London, England.  I’ve never been, but it totally looks like a place I need to visit one day.

So what makes a coffee shop a bicycle cafe?  Well, I figure it all comes down to a business that loves coffee and bikes and does what they can to combine them together.  Some bicycle cafe’s sell bikes and coffee, while others simply have a bicycle theme.  Look Mum No Hands is a bicycle themed cafe that plays cycling videos on their big screen, offers bicycle repairs, and serves a lot of coffee and beer.

OTB Bicycle Cafe is located in Pittsburgh, PA and are all about “Bikes, Beer, and Bloody Good Food”.  I had to include them in this bicycle cafe write up because the owner just happens to have the same last name as me….but as far as I know we’re not related.  We share a pretty unique last name so I thought it was pretty cool that we both dig bikes and own a bike cafe.  OTB seems to be a little more focused on beer and food than a traditional coffee and pastry cafe, but one things for sure….they are totally bike crazy.

The Musette Caffe got its name from the shoulder bag given to riders during a cycling race which contains food and drink.  So with a name like that, it’s easy to tell they have cycling on the brain.  This bicycle cafe is located in Vancouver, BC and apparently my fellow Canadians like to add an extra f to cafe.  Musette seems like a pretty cool place and although they call themselves a bicycle cafe….they really cater to each and everyone who enjoys life on and off the bike.

I think it’s safe to say that all bicycle cafe’s are not only meant for people who love bicycles.  They are a place where everyone is welcome, and if the customers aren’t bicycle lovers when they walk in…hopefully they will be by the time they walk out.

It’s this stereotype of a bicycle cafe that has given me the most concern during my process of setting up Mocha Spoke in Grenada.  I want so badly to call ourselves a bicycle cafe, but worry that non-cyclists will feel that it’s not the place for them.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Mocha Spoke is a cafe that is passionate about cycling, but is a place where people with all interests can feel at home.

So yeah…we’re a bicycle cafe, and as far as I know we’re the first and only bicycle cafe in the Caribbean.  I wonder how long it will take for more to pop up here in the islands?

I’ve mentioned a few things about Mocha Spoke over the past months, and please forgive me if I’m going overboard with posts focused on my new venture.  It’s just that I’m so excited about this and can’t hold back my enthusiasm.

As of today, we’re officially in business as a bicycle rental and tour company….but the cafe end of things is still coming.  We hope to have the cafe open by mid February, and you’re all welcome to drop in any time.  We’ll have some amazing hot and cold beverages for you, as well as the finest food the island has to offer.  If you don’t bring your bike along with you, we’ll set you up on a 2013 Jamis Trail X2 bike and supply everything you’ll need to tear up the roads of Grenada.  We also do repairs and have a whole bunch of cool Mocha Spoke merchandise to fill up your suitcase.

Oh, and thanks to Julie Starling and @shinyredthings for coming up with the tagline we’re now using for Mocha Spoke.  We wanted to use something that showed we were a bicycle cafe, yet also catering to everyone.  Their submission of “Adventure is Brewing” seemed to fit quite well and we’re happy to have it as our slogan.

Attention all Triathletes: Take part in this one week triathlon camp held in Grenada, West Indies this March.  It will give you quality training time just prior to your full season getting started, and you’ll cap off the week by competing in the Grenada Tri de Spice Triathlon.

Oh, and when you’re not training you’ll be in for one incredibly fun and relaxing time on this beautiful Caribbean island.

This triathlon camp will be focused on cycling, but information and training for swimming and running will also be available.

Dates

• Training Camp runs from March 24 to 30, 2013.
• Tri de Spice Triathlon – March 31
• 9 Nights Accommodation (March 23 to April 1)

Schedule

Day 1:  Cycling for triathlon

• Introductions / Bike set up 2 hour
• Short fun ride 1-2 hour
• Talk about cycling for triathlon followed by discussion and QA
• One on One bike fitting (others have free time to swim or run)

Day 2:  Bicycle fit and positioning / Ocean Swim

• Morning ride 1-2 hours
• Talk and workshop about bicycle fit and positioning for triathlon
• One on One bike fitting (others have free time to swim or run)

Day 3:  Equipment

• Morning ride 1-2 hours
• Talk and discussion on proper bike set up, equipment bikes, wheels, etc.
• One on One bike fitting (others have free time to swim or run)

Day 4: Cycling Technique / Ocean Swim

• Morning ride 1-2 hours
• Talk/presentation about being an efficient cyclist for triathlon
• Hands on workshop on pedaling technique, cadence, bike handling skills
• Riding in the wind, etc

Day 5: Pacing for triathletes

• Longer ride
• Talk/discussion on how to pace in training and during a race 2 hours
• One on One bike fitting (others have free time to swim or run)

Day 6: Putting it all together / Ocean Swim

• Short ride practicing technique
• Talk and discussion about incorporating what you have learned
• workouts and training plan
• One on One bike fitting (others have free time to swim or run)

Day 7:  Rest Day

• Free day to relax on the beach or take in an island tour or event (ask us for a list of recommended options and prices)

Day 8:  Tri de Spice Triathlon (Olympic or Sprint) 

• More details for the triathlon can be found at www.tridespice.com

Accommodation

Option 1: Deluxe Waterfront (waterfront location)

Includes balconies or patios facing the Bay and surrounded by gardens, these spacious rooms are decorated in Caribbean colors with teak furnishings and have fully equipped kitchenette, Cable TV, phone, ceiling fans and A/C. Option for king bed or two single beds.

Daily Continental breakfast buffet included

Option 2: Standard (non-waterfront location)

One bedroom apartment accommodation. Attractively furnished with a double bed, fully equipped kitchen, coffee machine, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, laundry facilities and internet.

Coach

Victor Jimenez is a professional bicycle fitter, technical cycling consultant and recognized authority on road and triathlon cycling. A teacher and problem solver at heart, Victor helps athletes and coaches better understand the technical aspects of cycling. “It amazing to work with athletes on their bicycle fit, equipment, and riding technique and see the results in their races and in their smiles.”

For over 25 years Victor has been involved in bicycle fitting, cycling, triathlon and the bicycle industry.  He shares his thoughts and ideas about bicycle fit and technique on several cycling and fitness related blogs. He is a regular contributor and writer for Endurance Magazine and other publications.

Victor got into cycling through the sport of triathlon in the early 80′s then moved into bike racing.  He started out as an athlete and American College of Sports Medicine trainer/ fitness testing specialist. In the mid eighties he began to couple his background in fitness testing and cycling to better understand how we interact with a bicycle. He has worked with thousands of athletes to improve their position on the bike and ultimately their riding. “Its not always about getting faster, I want to help athletes have fun and enjoy the sport of cycling”.

Victor works with coaches and athletes on positioning, form and overall efficiency.  He has been presenter for USA triathlon coaching certification and continuing education workshops.  He works equally well with beginner athletes and elite professionals.

More information on Victor can be found at BicycleLab.com, TheFluentCyclist.com, and Cycling360media.com.

Package Price

Packages include 6 days of training, entry fee for Tri de Spice Triathlon, Airport transfers, Welcome Dinner, Sunset Sailboat Cruise, all taxes, and more.

Deluxe Oceanfront Accommodations:

$3,699 per person – Single Occupancy

$2,399 per person – Double Occupancy

Standard Accommodations:

US$1,799 per person – Single Occupancy

US$1,399 per person – Double Occupancy

Here’s another edition of our Grenada By Bike feature in which we highlight a different aspect of Grenada as seen from a bicycle.  This time around I stopped just West of the capital city of St. George’s to capture a cruise ship in at port.

It’s said that the cruise ship industry injects nearly $2 billion a year into the economies of the Caribbean, so you can easily imagine what these floating hotels mean to an island like Grenada.

Enjoy Your Ride.  Bike Grenada.

I saw someone with a touristy t-shirt sold here in Grenada that said: “Live Slow”.  It totally caught my attention because as usual I’m in need of constant reminders to de-stress and love life.

As is the case with many people, I often find myself needing to rush around and get as many things done as possible….yeah, I haven’t quite adopted that Caribbean attitude yet.  But seeing those words, Live Slow, helped me cool out at least for the moment.

This saying is not unique and you’ll often find it on a shirt telling you to Live Slow, Sail Fast….but I’m re-quoting it for us cyclists:

Live Slow….Bike Fast

Yeah, we like going fast on the bike and that is super awesome….but I’m making it my goal to start living a whole lot slower when I’m off it.  Maybe one of Headwater’s cycling holidays in France would help me achieve this goal?  Yeah, that is still on my cycling wish list.

Being immersed in Caribbean culture of Grenada should make it a little easier for me, and I invite you to come along on my slow living journey and fast riding training.

As we say at the start of each week…..have a Make it Happen Monday.  But as you do so, be sure to also live slow and focus on what matters most as well.