Today, cycling is an integral part of my life. But this interest came late.
As a child and teenager, I cycled like most kids my age, but nothing more. It was more or less the same in college and university. Although I had a bicycle, I rarely used it. At the time, the bicycle network was underdeveloped, so we weren't really inclined to get around by bike.
I began my career as a meteorologist for Environment Canada in the mid-80s, initially in Edmonton, Alberta. At the time, I had bought myself a mountain bike, thinking of using it in the Rockies, but there was a step between theory and practice that I didn't really take. I was a bit too constrained by a work schedule that alternated day and night shifts.
It was when I was transferred to Cornwall, Ontario in 1988 at the age of 26 that my interest in cycling really began.
It all started with a ride through the countryside of this rather rural part of eastern Ontario. Somewhat unwittingly, I had decided to accompany a work colleague who was a marathon runner and who was also training on his bike. Naturally, this little outing was an ordeal for me, and my pride took a beating. I quickly realized that I had a long way to go to get into shape and, above all, to keep up with my colleague Bruno.
Without hesitation I bought my first Marinoni (I owned two) and from then on I was crazy about cycling. Almost every day I rode an average of 40 kilometers, frequently after work, simply for pleasure and often alone.
Then, when I spent a year in France (Toulouse) for my master's project in the early 90s, my Marinoni made the trip with me. Whenever I had free time, I'd set off to discover the Toulouse region on my own or with friends who were meteorological cyclists. I rode several thousand kilometers on the departmental and communal roads of this beautiful region, and my solo escapades in the Pyrenees were unforgettable. It's hard to describe the exhilaration of speeding downhill after grueling uphill.
When I returned to Montreal, I continued to get around by bike, but with my new job at Radio-Canada and its very early morning schedule, opportunities to borrow my bicycle were becoming rarer. It's not easy to motivate yourself to get on your bike at four in the morning.
So, after a break of almost 15 years and an extra 9kg, I was determined to get back into shape, so I got back on the bike. What's more, taking advantage of a change in work schedule in 2011 (evening shift), it was the perfect opportunity to cycle to the office as often as possible. With the ever-expanding cycle network, there were no more excuses.
I've been riding assiduously since 2011, and for four years now I've been cycling all year round, winter and summer, rain or shine, a total of almost 2,000 kilometers a year (in the city).
What's more, the advent of the Réseau Express Vélo (REV) was a turning point for me as a cyclist. It became possible to travel even in winter on a very safe cycling network, despite the snow and ice. The REV is well cleared of snow and salt, so why not make the most of it? In winter, I don't hesitate to take a detour and use the REV on rue Saint-Denis and the one on rue de Bellechasse to get downtown. The REV is synonymous with safety, despite the sometimes difficult weather conditions.
Cycling is a way of life for me, and I do almost all my shopping and commuting by bike, often travelling up to 20 kilometers round trip to do some shopping on the other side of town. It's good for my physical health (and that of our environment), and what can I say about the feeling of freedom I get when I'm out in the fresh air and on the move? It's combining business with pleasure.
Thousands of kilometers later, I've been riding the same bike for over 12 years, just changing parts that are too worn. Our duo has seen it all, from extreme heat to extreme winter cold, not to mention rain, snow and sleet. Dealing with the often difficult road conditions makes me appreciate the good weather all the more. I'm not one to restrict myself to riding in bad weather.
My ageing bike has become a faithful companion on the road and I'm reluctant to replace it, because I'm so attached to it. As for my old Marinoni, it only comes out when the weather's fine. I have to take it easy, because at almost 30 years old, it's a bit of a collector's item.
In two words, I could say I'm addicted to cycling.
Pascal Yiacouvakis
Meteorologist
