The starting team

In May 2005, Marie Collin and Christian Blanchard will start their journey. They envision to do some 45 000 Km of pedaling. Their friend Pierre Beauregard will be riding along at various times during the project and participate actively in the organization of the project. Here's the occasion to know more about them.

Christian

Marie

Pierre

2003

Identity Card Last name: Blanchard First name: Christian Nick-names: Action, Elvis Birth: Granby, Qc, Canada, 1970

1971

Professional path: very diversified: journalism, printing then outdoor business, cooking, painting, desk work

Some precious things in life: air, water, beer, friends, love, respect, duct tape and tire wraps

Strong memories: My improvisation years, my trip in India, my back ache on the eve of my wedding

In a few words: sociable, patient, staid sometimes slow, resourceful, surprising

What he brings to the project: his spirituality, his pencil, his cooking ideas, his Swiss army knife philosophy

Christian according to some people

He was once nicknamed "Action" by his improv. friends. But since he thinks a lot and talks slow, we don't always understand why at first, until it's time to get into the"action". He's also a real dabbler and it would be easier to enumerate what he hasn't done in his life. However, "Damn he gets up late". He's a real marmot...when he is not on tour.

Christian is very resourceful and most of the time he shows great patience. The contact with him is surprisingly easy and he is very sociable in general until he needs to spend some time alone. Unifier, he gathers people and can bring them to give the best out of themselves.

Finally he has this idealistic optimism that gets him not to be discouraged by those who are a bit scared by the project and that would advise us to keep up with our daily comfort.

Professional path: very obstinate. Archivist: studied it and worked in the domain since 1995

Some precious things in life: discoveries, mango lime chutney, women's rights, memories, friendship

Strong memories: toothbrush lessons with my grandfather, my years in an international student' hall

In a few words: thoughtful, down-to earth, curious, critical, enthusiastic

What she brings to the project: her rigorousness, her persuasive ability, her generosity

Marie according to some people

Marie's head is always full of ideas and desires, but she doesn't always get time to accomplish everything she has put on schedule. This allows her to live a life filled with rich and various experiences.

Very thoughtful and generous, she often seeks what could please a person whether it's a close relative or barely an acquaintance. Furthermore, with her selective memory, she rarely forgets the birthdays of people around her.

Her intellectual side being quite developed, she is both curious and rigorous with a touch of scepticism for everything that is a bit too transcendental. Her shyness can make her look severe at first, but in certain situations, she can surprise much with her lightness and energy inside a group.

Professional path: Lifeguard and union official for 18 years, now studying the outdoors at University

Some precious things in life: friends, the precious time to live, Guinness beer

Strong memories: His first journey in Ireland, the discovery of the outdoor program

In a few words: unyielding, active, modest, smiling, busy

What she brings to the project: his energy, his ideas, his knowledge in the outdoor field

Pierre according to some people

Pierre's life is not made of half-measures. He's not so sure how long he will live so he tries to live as fully as possible, getting involved in many activities. So even if he is a good organizer, he tends to overload his time-schedule. School, guitar, cross-country ski, kayak, friends and family, Irish step can be his daily life.