Getting serious to enjoy the ride

looking back towards downtown

Yeh, today I took a good training ride.  After doing a few errands after work, I headed up Highway 16 East, the same route that we head out on Tour De Jasper.  I rode about 30 kms or so in the hot sun.  It was hard getting motivated about it after working, but once I was out and riding, I really enjoyed it.  It was nice to hear the peace and quiet of the country.  Near the end I really wasn't going too fast, but that's ok..I am glad to get a good ride in today, it sure beats going home to my hot and stuffy apartment.

One observation made today, I don't think I like the toe cages. I didn't like them after using them for a few days on Tour De Jasper last year as my feet felt sore being crammed into them.  I am not sure if I'll invest in toe clips/shoes..but might be a good decision since toe cages are not working too well.

Gathering stuff for the bike trip

Put some bar extensions on ends, so hands can be in different positions during ride

Sat, June 25 -Today I found some energy to go shopping for bicycle gear needed for Summer tour.  I've been sick with a chest cold for the last few days, so it's been hard doing anything after work.  I think that I'm getting better though.  I haven't been able to ride as much, but the weather has been terrible, so I don't think that I would have bike much anyways if I did feel better.

Start of season for Ancient Forest work

Brian could carry many pieces of wood using wheelbarrow

This past Saturday, June 18,  was the first day of the year in which some members of the Caledonia Ramblers went out to work on the Ancient Forest.  We had 2 big stacks of 4x4s to move from the parking lot into the forest.  There was 2 other people that also worked on Friday and camped overnight.

Only one month until big bike adventure!

At the bottom of UNBC hill

Today it's a month till I leave on my big bike adventure.

I finally started taking it seriously and doing some more riding after work.  It's easier to load bike with riding stuff then going home to get it.  Once I'm home, I am going nowhere!

After work I dropped by the bike shop and chatted.   I looked at suitable tires to have as a spare.  I think that I will be getting The Continental Travel Contact Globetrotter as it folds up nicely and is similar to the Continental Tour Plus tires that I have on my bike.  A bit more expensive then my tires, but light to carry.  I think fold up tires cost more, but it's the only way to carry a spare which I definitely will need on the trip even though my current tires are brand new.  It's a good thing that I got panniers that I can borrow, so I can save some money this year.

I biked a 15 km loop up the University Hill and around College Heights.  I got to try out my new bike shorts that don't look like bike shorts.

I'm going to try riding after work when I can.  On Thursday though, I have to go the meeting for the upcoming Tour De Jasper which I am volunteering in.  I'm getting excited!  The tour leaves on July 20th this year.

Vancouver and bicycles

Dahon Fold-up

I love visiting Vancouver and seeing all the various bicycles around. Sure, are a few varieties in PG, but nothing like what you find in Vancouver.  I'm hopeful that I will see more as time progresses.

Positive side of Vancouver

I debated about posting the photos of the Canucks fan gathering recently in downtown.  This event, which was on Friday, June 10, was good because the Canucks won the game.  Recently, after the last game, in which they lost the Stanley Cup, rioting broke out! You may have seen that on your local news station.

Introducing Squirt!

Thanks for all the name suggestions.  It's been overwhelming! I think that my dolphin is a he and that is name shall be Squirt! It was really tough deciding as there was some great suggestions. I just think that Squirt is so darned cute.  He will be my Mascot/Navigator for the big bike trip this Summer.

A bike ride with Pedal Talk

Pedal Talk's Hamish

On Wednesday, June 8, I joined PaddyAnne from Pedal Talk for an afternoon ride around Vancouver.  The main mission was to search for a bike bell.  I've been watching her posts about various bike bells that she spots while riding around Vancouver and I thought that it would be neat to have one of my own.  And the best part is that I'd be the first in PG to have a funky bike bell!

Legion Geocaching Article online

I just noticed that the Geocaching article in the Legion magazine that I was part of, is now online.  The photo credit of my friends Peter and Melanie is incorrect, so I just emailed them about that so it should be corrected soon.

You can view the article at http://www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/2011/05/high-tech-hide-and-seek/

Back to reality

I need a name for my dolphin

Well I'm back home.  It feels like I've been gone forever and that I went far away.  But I was only gone for a week and I wasn't too far away like Toronto or New York.  I love Vancouver, but I think the energy of the City drains a person.  I will be posting more about my trip including my bike ride with the lady from Pedal Talk.

Now I am off to get some food.

Squamish Adventures

Today I went on an adventure to Squamish. My brother rock climbs so we went to Smoke Bluffs which is in the town limits. It was the perfect day to be outside.

 

Vancouver 2011

Mosquito Creek Park

Here I am in Vancouver.  It's nice to get away, as it's been since last Summer since I have done so. I'm staying with my Brother and family. I've been lucky to hit sunshine as it's been raining a lot during the last few months.  Maybe Summer is finally here.

Spring colours

Received another Postcrossing postcard from Netherland friend.

I love Spring! Finally the leaves are out and the blossoms are on the trees.  There is the sweet scent from the blossoms which is so enchanting.  I only wish that it wasn't so fleeting.  One must savour every moment of it.