Canadian athletes take a weekend "off" in Fernie

This weekend I had the opportunity of spending time with four of Canada's celebrated athletes and a great friend and athlete, Jenny Delich. Jenny has been a physiotherapist with Alpine Canada's technical team for the last two years and as training has began in full force (six days on, one day off of intense and creative workouts, including diving) she invited the crew to a few days of exploration in her home town of Fernie, BC.

After a night at Yamagoya, I met the crew at the Blue Toque where they were powering up on a hearty breakfast before a mountain bike ride - a first for some. Madison Irwin, Erin Mielzynski, Marie-Pier Preontaine and Eve Routhier were all smiles as I went over a few options, finally settling on Hyperventilation and Southern Comfort, as not only are these two of Fernie's most epic trails they also boast some of the best views. Straightline outfitted a couple of ladies with bikes and helmets, and they were on their way!

They loved the trail and those new to the sport were already in discussions with Ian about purchasing the rental at the end of the season. If only my first experience was that positive - but what else can you expect from world-class athletes?

Finishing in true Fernie fashion, the group enjoyed gelato at Beanpod and then apres at the Brickhouse. Later that evening over dinner at the Curry Bowl, they talked with excitement about their day on the trails and wondered what they should ride the following day, even with a couple of bruises and scrapes. Swine Flu was the next obvious choice!

As we were leaving the restaurant, the group discussed a week long training session in Fernie... I'm guessing if they get their way we haven't seen the last of them!

Thanks for a great weekend ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you and I'm in as a bike guide on your next visit! Just promise to go easy on me...