Andrea “Cycle Chick” Tetrault

Kyle Thomas

Update February 23:

John Paul Peters

Training Co-op (and Medic) Tom (video trailer)

Tristan Fast

Updated, update – February 26:

Actif Epica: The Movie – produced by Tom Kolesnik

Feel free to share yours with a comment below.

February 18th, 2012 marked the first ever Actif Epica outdoor winter event. 32 self-propelled human beings, including 3 runners and 29 cyclists embarked on an epic challenge of endurance, ingenuity and resilience over 130km (bike) and 80km (run). Hundreds turned out for Co-Actif events, including pick-up shinny with a sustainable twist and a community walk along the beautiful Seine River. A Yeti came out of hiding to watch it all and encourage the participants.

None of it would have been possible, were it not for the support of our volunteers and our sponsors.

So with that, Ian Hall and I would like to extend a big, big, thank you (ManiYeti hug, too) to the great Actif Epica volunteers.  The race would not have been possible without you, and your enthusiasm, initiative and general awesomeness added so much to the day.  The checkpoint crews offered warm and inviting stopping points for riders and visitors alike and our rovers helped keep racers’ spirits up in some of the roughest spots.  Thankfully, our medics weren’t required to use their expertise, but their presence and support were most reassuring.  Our race officiating team kept timing and results on track and our drivers got participants to the start line and home after the race.  The race reporting team made the race come alive for people following along online (racing vicariously), and we were honoured that the ManiYeti saw fit to grace us with his presence throughout the day.

Merci, also, to the host communities (and facilities) that opened their doors to us: the Belgian Club, St. Malo and Festival des Amis, St. Pierre Museum, Providence College, Niverville Arena, St. Adolphe Bible Fellowship Centre, University of Manitoba and Festival du Voyageur – thank you for hosting Actif Epica 2012.

We would also like to thank two wonderful sponsors in particular, and encourage Actif Epica enthusiasts to show their support in return.

The Winnipeg Committee for Safety supports, assists, stimulates and mobilizes the community on safety concerns and play an important role in advising City Hall and various City of Winnipeg departments on safety related issues. They recognize in practice on a regular basis the central role that human resilience and the strength of community play in making our city a safe and vibrant place. Our hope is that Actif Epica can help inspire the type of resilience and community spirit that can create vibrant and safe places to live, work and play in. We are very thankful for the committee’s financial contribution and encourage anyone with an interest in safety in Winnipeg to contact them and learn how they might contribute to their efforts.

Don’s Photo has been a driving force in photography since 1979, and is currently one of the largest independent photo retailers in Western Canada. They carry an outstanding array of top brand name cameras – from basic digital pocket models to professional digital SLR’s – all at very competitive prices. Their gracious support of our event by allowing our photographer Kyle Thomas free reign of rental equipment means we were able to capture the event in all its glory, and their provision of prizes allowed some of our racers to go home with cool gear.

Thank you. Merci.

Sincerely,

Ian Hall & David Pensato

Where racers crossed the finish line together, they are listed in alphabetical order by first name.

130km Bike

50 Mile Run

Wow.  It’s Actif Epica THIS WEEK.  And the weather is unbelievably warm and sunny….

Here’s a few final details for racers – stuff to help you plan your race.

1. Gear check and pre-race meeting.  Bring your mandatory safety gear, minus your bike, to the Belgian Club, along with your halfway drop bag and finish line bag.  The Belgian Club is at 407 Provencher, and we will be meeting on the main floor.  Gear check will be from 3-7 p.m., spaghetti dinner is at 7, with a short race meeting to follow.  At 9:30 the club turns into a karaoke bar, which I only mention as a point of interest.  Dinner is free for racers and is $10 per ticket for non-racing friends and family.  We still have about a dozen tickets left for dinner, so if you’ve got a friend who’d like to join in, please let us know.  The bar will be open and has other (non-spaghetti) food options.  The bar is cash only (and is excellently stocked with Belgian brews).

2. Vanpool.  If you’d like a ride to the start, we still have a couple of van spots left.  We’ll be leaving from the Norwood Hotel parking lot (112Marion) at 6:00 a.m. (sharp) and in Island Lakes (where a few of the out-of-towners are staying) at 6:45 a.m., to arrive at about 7:30 a.m. for the (bike) start at 8.  Shuttle cost is $5.  Let us know if you’d like a ride – first come first served. [Mark, Don, Steven, Paul and Andrea, I’ve got you down for a ride; and Dallas and Chris Scotch, we’ve got you covered for a ride to the earlier runners' start].  If you want to setup your own carpool, feel free to drop a comment on this post to connect with others who need/want a ride.

3. The start.  There will be heated washrooms and a large tent with some heat at St. Malo for the start, thanks to the Friends of St. Malo Park.  We’ll aim to marshal racers and get started quickly and on time.  So don’t be late!

4. Parking at the start.  You can park at the start, in the main St. Malo Provincial Park parking lot.  There will be security on site all day and overnight.

5. Parking at the finish.  If you want to leave your car at the finish line, you are welcome to park on the street around the Festival du Voyageur site.  Our Festival friends have asked us to remind you to make sure you park legally, as parking patrol will be on the watch.

6. Getting picked up at the finish.  The finish line will be the Maison Chaboillez (log cabin to the east ofFortGibraltar).  We’ll have the wood stove going, and some snacks.  For those racers who have enough voyageur spirit to make it to the finish line, you’ll have your finish line bag there with some dry clothes, and if it’s before midnight, you can wander around the Festival, dance a jig, etc.  Your race number will be your admission to the Festival.  Included in your race kit will be one additional adult ticket – if you’re going to have someone meet you at the finish, they’ll need this ticket to get in… once they’re in, they can head to the snow bar and watch the race updates on the giant snow screen and be there when you ride or run in.  If you’re flying solo, perhaps you can swap your ticket to another racer for some extra spaghetti…

If you’ve got any other questions, please leave a comment or raise it on Friday at the meeting.  We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the end of the week!

When you buy a fair trade product, it means that producers in the developing world have received a fair wage for what they produce, so they are able to better support their families and communities.  This alternative approach to trade encourages more sustainable farm management practices, better conditions for workers, and more democratic procedures within the workplace. Fair trade also means NO CHILD LABOUR has been used in production.

Actif Epica is proud to be a fair trade event: through the assistance of the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) and local suppliers all of the coffee, tea and chocolate that will be served on February 18^th will be fair trade products.

The Manitoba Council for International Cooperation (MCIC) is a coalition of organizations involved in international development who are committed to respect, empowerment and self-determination for all peoples; development that protects the world’s environment; and global understanding, cooperation and social justice.  MCIC works with Manitobans who are concerned about building a better world. The Council believes that successful international development work goes hand-in-hand with efforts to build understanding of international issues within Manitoba. They encourage dialogue on global issues and help empower Manitobans to become active global citizens, individuals who understand that their actions here make a difference around the world.

Want to help spread awareness on fair trade while enjoying deliciously ethical food products? Get involved in MCIC’s One-Month Challenge campaign in 2012. The One-Month Challenge is an opportunity to show support for producers in the developing world by consuming only fair trade brands of coffee, tea and chocolate for 30 days beginning February 14. Thousands of Manitobans have already taken the challenge in previous years by pledging their commitment and getting friends and colleagues to sign on as well.  It all starts on Valentine’s Day, 2012. Those who sign-up are also eligible for fair trade prizes! Contact MCIC at (204) 987 6420or omc@mcic.ca for more information and to access resources.