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In Timbits Hockey, kids learn that theres more to hockey than just playing the game. Its also a fun way to make new friends and discover a love for the game. Tim Hortons is proud to support the 250 boys and girls who play Timbits Hockey in Georgetown and Acton - where making new friends, and discovering a love for the game is all part of the drill. The first goal is having fun. Tim Hortons, 2007 Shooting drugs is no different than shooting dice: youll be on a roll for a while, but one time is all it takes to end the game. Drug addiction can happen quickly and be hard to beat. So, why play games with your health and well-being? Its not a gamble worth taking. DONT GAMBLE WITH YOUR LIFE Life Chiropractic and Whiplash Centre 80 Guelph St. Georgetown,Ontario 905-873-1871 www.painfree.ca Life Chiropractic and Whiplash Centre is a comprehensive facility specifically designed for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with motor vehicle injuries. 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After surviving a 65 kph head-on collision by a drunk driver, I expected to live and was told I would live a life of misery. Following weeks of pain killers and muscle relaxers I could still barely walk. A friend suggested that I go to the Chiropractor. I was amazed at the precision of all the testing and procedures. I soon regained my health with hard work and a very systematic approach. I feel blessed to be here, my life has meaning and I know I was kept alive for a reason H.G. State-of-the-Art Treatment & Facilities CALL FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! Book Your Tour Today! To start on your path to a successful CAREER call today for April classes 905.453.6214 1.866.993.2831 49 George Street S. (at Queen) Brampton, ON, L6Y 1P4 Visit us at www.mellenniainstitute.com Registered Private Career College Members of the Ontario and National Association of Career Colleges Advanced Aesthetics Aesthetics Electrolysis Business & Spa Operations Post Graduate Medical Aesthetics Laser Hair Removal Vascular Treatment Non-surgical face lifts Micro-dermabrasion Chemical Peels Waxing Manicure/Pedicure Skin Care Make-up Body & Spa Treatments Laser Hair Removal Advanced Skin Renewal Treatments Choose from diplomas and certifi cates in: Institute of Aesthetics Inc. ENHANCING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Now Offering 8 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, February 27, 2008 On New Years Day, 2001 Halton Hills resident Lawrence Hacking embarked upon a lifelong dream. For decades he had followed the famous Paris- Dakar Rally, annually held the first 21 days in January, which covers 10,000 km across the Sahara Desert. Every year, hundreds of competitors would embark upon the rally on motorcycles, off-road vehicles and trucks to try and finish the most grueling and demanding rally in the world. And in 2001 it was Hackings turn to try it. By the time he crossed the finish line on his custom-equipped Honda he was the first Canadian competitor to finish he knew he would write a book about his experiences. Entitled To Dakar and Back: 21 Days Across North Africa by Motorcycle, the book chronicles his struggle to be the first Canadian to finish the rally while facing lots of personal challenges and hard- ships. The Dakar was certainly a life-changing event, said Hacking, but even when I was riding through the desert, it was in the back of my mind that Id write about my experiences. Hacking said the event moved at such a fast pace that he had little time to make notes beyond sticking post-it notes on his road book (map) to remind him of the days activities. When competing in the Dakar, life is going by you at 100 miles an hour, said Hacking, So you dont have much time to write. Immediately after, I had written 158 pages a nucleus for the book and about a year later, I got in touch with my old friend Wil De Clercq, who is a writer. I turned my notes over to him and he put it together. The book is pretty much a blow-by-blow account of the Dakar, and the ups and downs and highs and lows I experienced while taking part, continued Hacking. It captures the emotions, hardships and determination to finish the thing, added Hacking. Hacking said the book is designed to be read by someone who isnt really familiar with the Dakar, but hopefully will be drawn in to the excitement of the event. Hacking was in Lisbon, Spain this past month when the 2008 Dakar was cancelled due to terror- ist threats, and has hopes of taking part in the 2009 race this time on four wheels, not two. The 2009 race will take place in Argentina and Chile, South America. Its a special breed that competes in the Dakar, said Hacking. something like a person who climbs a mountain, or rides a bike around the world. The Dakar is considered to be one of the worlds top adventures, right up there with climb- ing Mount Everest. What the Dakar requires most is accepting the fact the buck stops at me, said Hacking. In tak- ing part, you test yourself to the limit. The Dakar was one of a long list of accomplish- ments Hacking has racked up since he began rid- ing motorcycles as a teen. He has represented Canada and medaled six times at the International Six Days Enduros with a perfect record of finish- ing each one. In 2005 and 2007 he entered the Beijing to Ulan Bataar International Rally across the Chinese Gobi desert and won the 250cc class. Hacking finished sixth overall in the Pro Truck category of the 2007 Baja 1000 in Mexico last November, and more recently competed in the Parker 250 off-road race in Arizona. Hackings book is published by ECW Press and is available at bookstores and through online bookstores in Canada and the U.S. Hacking will be at The Freckled Lion, 56 Main St. South, this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon to sign copies of his book. Rally driver shares experiences Lawrence Hacking has written a book about his experience in competing in the Paris- Dakar Rally. Photo by Ted Brown TED BROWN Staff Writer