since I reported awhile back about the Montreal bike tour, well last Sunday 
it actually took place. The tour runs through main streets in towns on the 
island of Montreal. There are two category of cyclists: Those who want to go 
fast, non-stop and able to keep a speed of at least 30km for the 63 km 
distance. The other is the main group who want to cycle leisurely stopping 
when the need arises, taking the better part of the day to complete the 
distance. The first group composes of about 1500 cyclist and the main group 
approx. about 43 thousand cyclist. Being the biggest tour in the world you 
can imagine the logistics for setting about a course for such a large 
gathering. Would you believe that aftering receiving 45 thousand entree forms 
in a period of two weeks, the organizers must reject any more. I entered the 
express group that leaves first and covers the distance under two hours. The 
nice thing about the express is there are no bottle necks throughout the 
course which does occur for the tourers. I finished in 1:40. The start and 
finish is found in a large park where one can lie down in after the ride. 
There are music bands playing and entertainers walking through the crowds. If 
anyone is interested the tour is at the beginning of June and entry forms can 
be picked up in April. When these form come out at the local Canadian Tire 
store, don't hesitate to send it in. It was truly fun given the nice weather 
we had and friendly people that came from all over the world.
Richard G.
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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