My Big Break

This past week was the reading week break and the majority of students in Ontario were given a week off to catch up on school work and getting organized. For me, the break was a great time to finish off my summer job search. 

Over the past few weeks I had been e-mailing back and forth to possible employers about positions in Alberta & BC. I am glad to say that after the long search I have officially accepted to attend training at Canadian Rockies Rafting Company. 

The position will be as a beginner raft guide and training will begin on June 1st and will be one week of rafting on the Bow, Kananaskis, Horseshoe Canyon & Kicking Horse Rivers. CRR is based out of Canmore, Alberta and is just minutes from Banff National Park. 

With this position now available to me I'm very excited for the coming summer season. I look forward to finishing off the semester so that I can begin my big adventure out west. 

Ride Music:

The next few months are going to be an exciting time for music fans because a lot of great artists are releasing new albums. One these artists is Toronto based Metric, who has just released the first single "help i'm alive" from the upcoming album titled "fantasies".

Listen and love.

Metric: Help I'm Alive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAaaQDTNWnk

 

The New Urban Playground

These days the ski hills and resorts are not enough for the avid riders. The winter enthusiasts are turning to the city streets and back alley's for a new look on the urban playground. 

Last night a group of us ODA students left a party with the urge to utilize some of the features behind the local ice rink. The conditions were warm and the snow had been piled high by the zamboni so it was the perfect time to shape and build some "step-ups" onto a long hand rail. 

Armed with shovels, snowboards, ski's and a camera we descended like vultures onto the untouched snow. Starting just before midnight we worked and played for hours taking on a hand rail and setting up a drop off into the back alley of the rink. 

The police and the neighbours would often stop to watch and occasionally chat with us about the safety of it all but overall there was a resounding amazement and enthusiasm.  I encourage everyone to take a new look at their own home town or city and find the play spots available to them.  With some good snow and good friends you'll find yourself forgetting about the price of lift tickets.

Ride Music:

This week, coming in with a remix from the Aussie superstars Cut Copy is Ladyhawke with Paris is Burning.  The opening has a great djembe beat that sets up the rest of this addicting dance track.

Ladyhawke- Paris Is Burning(Cut Copy Remix)

Hello all

Now that we are "smack" in the middle of winter in Ontario more and more people are out and about at the ski resorts, trails and the backcountry. This is always great to see and experience but I'd like to send out a personal word of caution to all those enjoying the white and fluffy.

The past few months I've had a reoccurring strain on my lower back. I knew right away that this is something I'd have to take care of as the season went on because I could not afford to stop for weeks to recover from putting it out. Well lo and behold it's finally happened. After finishing the snowboarding unit of my course I came home for the weekend to slowly but surely find my back seizing up.  Normally I would stretch it out and take some time to recover but this time I'll need to take time off from the course and make sure I get put back together correctly.

The caution I'd like to send to everyone is to listen to what your body tells you. Take the time to stretch properly before your outdoor pursuits and if you a very active person, you should be seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis.

Ride Music:

This week it's going to be a group that I've really started to pay more attention to lately. It's Dead Prez's big hit Hip Hop remixed by the american superstar DJ Diplo.

Dead Prez: Hip Hop (Diplo Remix)

http://regnsky.dk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/hip_hop_diplo_remix.mp3