Christmas Break

I apologize for not posting this week.  As it's close to Christmas, things have been rather hectic.

I'm going to be away from the blog for at least another week.  I can't wait until I start snowshoeing in the New Year, as I really love posting about that!

To all my blog followers out there, thanks for following me!  I really enjoy posting on my blog.  Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Carolyn

Introducing Squirrel Girl (Gal)

I received a very special Christmas gift made by my friend Peter.  He drew up this neat logo for me.  I earned the title Squirrel on Tour De Jasper this Summer.  I'm going to wear this on a shirt when I help out next Summer.  The squirrel is even riding a Rocky Mountain bike.  Thanks Peter for an awesome Christmas gift.  I will have to make it part of my blog.

The Lost Art Of Letter Writing - Prince George Correspondents' Club

On Monday, I rode my bicycle over to Book's and Company for their first Correspondent's Club event.  As I love writing postcards, I thought that I should attend it and meet other letter writers.

Ride to Fort George Park

Today is the perfect day for a ride with Baxter.  Despite my hesitation about getting him dirty, I took him for a ride. It is just below 0 C, so it's not too slushy.   I first took him grocery shopping, and then as I returned home, I really wanted to enjoy more time with him outside, so I took him to Fort George Park.

Journeys

Jo Selkirk signs her book

Yesterday I went to a friend's Book signing.  Her name is Jo Selkirk, and she's turning 100 in less then 10 days!  When she was in her 60's, she had the opportunity to travel to countries such as Afganistan, Holland, and Iraq.

Festival of Trees 2011

 This past week I volunteered at the Festival of Trees.  It ran from November 18th until November 27th.

First Weekend-

Even though it was particularly hard to leave the house on Saturday morning because of the cold weather outside, I had to go out to vote and then to volunteer. 

Committed to Cycling article now online

The Northword Magazine article 'Committed to Cycling' which I was interviewed for, is now available online for all my blog followers to read.  Enjoy!

http://northword.ca/december-2011/committed-to-cycling

On a publishing spree...

 

I'd swear that this year is the year of publishing for me.  A photo that I took just got published in the local paper, the Prince George Citizen.  I took the photo of Jo for her soon to be released book.  I was completely surprised about it being in the paper today!

My photo in all it's glory, with full credits

You can read the article by clicking this link:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/article/20111129/PRINCEGEORGE0101/311299980/-1/princegeorge/prince-george-resident-shares-her-journeys-around-the-world

December 2nd update- Another photo from the series of photos that I took of Jo Selkirk for her book, has been printed in the December 2, 2011 edition of the Prince George Free Press.  This is so cool!  I am glad that her daughter asked me to take photos of her for the book.  I will be going to Jo's book launch tomorrow at Books and Company.  You can view the Free Press newspaper that featured the photo by clicking this link:   http://www.pgfreepress.com/news/134914318.html

Free Press Book Signing article

Northword Interview Article- Committed to Cycling

Yeh, an interview that I did in August for a friend, just got published.  It's all about us tough riders of Northern British Columbia. My friend Peggy, is also featured in the article.  Ironically, even though the magazine is from here, and we all live in the North, the actual interview was done in Vancouver by MEC in August!  If you live in this area, you should pick up a copy.  There is a listing where you can find this free magazine by going to the website at http://www.northword.ca/.   If and when it becomes available online, I will be sure to post about it on my blog for all my fans to view.

Biking with a Record snowfall

Cold Crisp snow doesn't stick to Baxter

We just had a record snowfall of around 23 cm the other day.  I decided to 'walk' the bike to work when it was still snowing.  I was hoping that I would be able to ride home after work.  I found it a bit challenging walking the bike as even though the sidewalks had been cleared, it had been a while and there was quite a bit of fresh snow on top of plowed sidewalk.  I ended up being a little late for work as I was slowed down.  Perhaps, I shouldn't have brought the bike!

Baxter frolics in the Snow

It was a real snow day today, and the snow is still falling.  Despite being very hesitant about getting him dirty in fresh snow, I took him out today.  I rode him to work and back, and then I rode to the Post Office with him to get more stamps for my Postcrossing activities.

Bicycle surprise from Rhode Island

No, it's not a bicycle in the mail, but I did get another bicycle related postcard in the mail today.  This one is from Rhode Island.  Funny enough, I was thinking of visiting this area one day and have been researching online.  I've been told a good way to explore the island the area which is NOT an island (my bad!) is by bicycle.

Love this custom made stamp

Missive Maven was the sender and she has her own website, all about writing, etc.  It looks very special.  I remember always looking for special stationary when I had pen pals, and I find myself now looking for special postcards whenever I travel!  It's like sending art!  Missive Maven's website is located at http://www.missivemaven.com/ and I think that her website is special enough to add to my general blogroll

I'm amazed at what bicycle themed postcards that people are finding!  Postcrossing is already exciting, this makes it that much more.  Thanks for sending the neat card, Missive Maven.

A Calm between Storms

Icy path on the Heritage trail

I've been enjoying a three day weekend, despite it being very stormy outside.  I think that Winter is here to stay.

After staying inside most of yesterday, I decided to head out for a walk.  I was originally going to bike, but as it's very icy outside and I don't have studded tires, I quickly put the Pink beater back inside.  This definitely is a studded tire day!

It's true, Winter bicycling have arrived...

Winter riding in 2010

I should have taken photos, but Winter has arrived here!  I biked yesterday in the snow to go babysitting.  Despite the crummy stormy weather, it was nice to get outside.  After babysitting, I ran to the store to stock up on more of my favourite coffee.  The store that I get it at is a little out of the way, and it's not so easy getting there when the snow is deep.

Mailbox surprises

Cute postcard from Nolleke

It's been a while since I posted about Postcrossing.  I stopped doing it during the Summer as I was away from home for quite a bit of time and I couldn't register any postcards if they came while I was away. You actually have to put yourself as inactive a month ahead of your holidays.  I slso wanted to save some money, especially for a little bit after the trip..so I didn't send any out right away when I returned.  But I'm back at it again!  What a fun way to spend your time.

Winter Transition

I put a trainer on my Rocky Mountain

It's the season of transition.  The snow started to really fly this past Saturday.  It didn't stay on the ground like it did in New York City, but it snowed heavily for a while.

Menagerie at Two Rivers Art Gallery

Loved this costume by an Art Gallery employee

Last night I went to the Menagerie, a Fundraiser for the local Art Gallery.  I had earned a free ticket to it by volunteering to stumble as a Zombie at the local Farmer's Market on the October 3rd weekend to advertise the event. I actually had 2 Halloween Tickets for that night.  I started the night at the Halloween Party at the Cariboo Restaurant and got my money's worth of dinner. Then as a friend wasn't coming for a while still, I moved on to the Art Gallery fundraiser event fully intending to return to the event at the Cariboo.

2011 Halloween Critical Mass

I see a magical Unicorn!

10 people showed up for the last Critical Mass for the Season. As it's much colder outside, I didn't expect the amount of people that we had last month.  Four of the group wore halloween costumes.  My favourites were the Unicorn (which looked like a smart thing to wear on such a cold night) and the Zombie in the Yellow Dress.   I think that the Unicorn got us a lot of honks and support.

The day has arrived....

Bike all geared up for Winter riding

After waiting several days in great anticipation of picking up the new 'used' bike, the day finally arrived where I would be doing just that!  It's been a hard few days, when I bought the Rocky Mountain, I bought and took it home right away.  I was just as excited to get this bike as I was when I got the RM.  I walked to work today so I could it home. ( Just a friendly reminder that I'm still looking for cute name suggestions until this weekend)

Introducing my 'New' Beater Bike

I now own the blue Norco with the Canadian Flag Bell

I have a Bike addiction!  Let me introduce you to my 'New' addition.  It's a blue Norco (Winter beater bike) that's actually in pretty good shape.

Help me decide a name for it!

Ancient Forest- Universal Boardwalk

Nowell pounds down dirt

On October 2nd, I volunteered to help out at the Ancient Forest to work on the Universal Boardwalk. I last had helped out with the boardwalk back in Spring, but I've not had a chance to go out until now.  Nowell, who has been in charge of this, has been out there 41 times this year.  He's one dedicated person!

In search of a SARAT

Squirt likes Autumn too

 In honour of Rantwick's SARAT contest, I've made this post.  What is a SARAT exactly?  According to Rantwick at http://rantwick.blogspot.com - The Second Annual Rantwick Autumn Tree Smackdown, North America's premier fall-foliage-posted-on-an-obscure-website competition, RULES! That is all.

I went on a quest yesteday to find a SARAT, but luck didn't seem to be on my side today.  I'm sorry Rantwick, maybe I'll try today again as the sun is once again out.   But I had fun with my camera and had an rather enjoyable ride.

October bike shop notes

When I took the bike to Koops Bike shop on Saturday, to get the back brake cable replaced and the back cassette tuned so the gears worked properly again, I was told that the Drive Train will be needed to be replaced next Spring.  When I had the bike tuned up at Ruckus before the bike tour this Summer, they had mentioned that it was showing wear, but that it was still good for the trip.  That was 2000 kms ago!

As I am over 9000 kms on the bike, this was expected and it will be replaced next year.  The derailleur must have got damaged in the box when it was shipped up by Greyhound after my bike trip as bike shop noticed that it was slightly bent.  That was part of the reason some of the gears weren't working properly.

Tour De Jasper 2011 - Part III

Squirt really enjoyed Tour De Jasper 2011

I woke up to the last day of riding the Tour De Jasper.  Even though this was only the beginning of my adventures, I felt sadness to the end of this great segment.  I met some wonderful people who enjoy the same passion.

First Farmer's Market of October/11

I love surprises!  Just going to the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings brings me them.  Take the one on October 1st as an example.

A rather lazy Thanksgiving Weekend

The bike enjoyed getting used  a little bit today

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, which means I get a 3 day weekend.  Yah!

I admit that I've had a rather lazy one.  I could have gone hiking, but I chose to hang around town.  I'm not really going anywhere for dinner, but I've made up a nice dinner for me and the birds tonight.

Tour De Jasper 2011 - Part II

When we woke up in the morning at La Salle Lake, there was no rain!  We packed up our gear, had a good hearty breakfast, and was all set to go.  I took my sweet time again as I was in no rush.  I loved this, I didn't have to rush out of bed.

September 2011 PG Critical Mass

I finally made it another Critical Mass in Prince George.  I've missed riding it since Spring as I've been busy and was away a lot.  Although I missed the one in August simply by not thinking about it until it was too late

Daily Sun News -Ozalenka Hike

Yeh! Today I received the newspaper article that I did for the Daily Sun News.  I am so stoked!   This has been a fantastic year for that, it's the second time that I had a photo published and a first for a writeup. Thank you Laura for giving me the opportunity, and thank you for editing the article.  You are an awesome editor!

The article was published in the September 22, 2011 edition of the Daily Sun News, from Sunnyside, Washington, United States on page 8. The Daily Sun News website is located at dailysunnews.com.   My friend Laura Gjovaag, is a Reporter for the newspaper and she edited the article.

I"ve posted a high def photo of the article so that you can click on it to enlarge and read the article.


The article is fuzzy in photo above, so here's a better one.  You can still see the photos in the above photo...

Tour De Jasper 2011 - Part I

Participants and Crew of Tour De Jasper 2011

Tour De Jasper has come and gone for another year, but the memories still linger.

For the tour this year, I volunteered as a sweep, which meant that I would be riding at the end of the group every day.   I had already planned on joining Jim, who is a cook on Tour De Jasper, on his tour from Jasper to Vancouver.  I was thinking of volunteering, but never got around to asking the organizer Nicole.  Jim thought that it was a good idea to volunteer as it would cut costs down on the whole trip.  I'm glad that he got me involved because I really enjoyed it!  Thanks Jim!

River's Day 2011

I was thinking of helping out at the Ancient Forest, but I really wanted to sleep in this weekend.  I might help out next week.  I hanged around home for a while, then I decided to take some fall foliage photos at Fort George Park. I forgot that there was the River's Day Festival going on.  I promised the birds that I'd be gone for a short time, but I instead spent the afternoon at the park.

Daily Sun News preview #2

Laura sent me another 'teaser' for the article that I did.  Too bad it's not online!

Ozalenka Adventure- Part II - Photos

 

Here are some more of the best photos taken on the recent Ozalenka trip, enjoy! Thanks for the GREAT weekend Vivien.  Here's hoping that next year it will be just as nice!

I've been published, once again!

Yeh, I've been published, once again!  I will post more about it when I get a copy of the newspaper.  I did a writeup and submitted photos for the Sunnyside's (Washington State) Daily Sun News.  It won't be available online, but I'll post a scan of it for my followers to look at.

Odometer issues

My odometer has been wonky for the last bit with the speed bouncing all over the place!   I cleaned the sensor by the wheel and the magnet, and so far it seems to be working ok.  But today, I noticed that the wire is worn in parts and wire is exposed.  I wonder if this is what is causing problems with it?  I might get another odometer and use the base/wires for that one and the old odometer.

Anyone else have the problem of worn odometer wires?  Any solutions?  I am thinking perhaps covering the wire in electrical tape might help...hmmm.  I don't want to wreck the wire fiddling with it to get electrical tape on it..  I am almost thinking of getting the base and wire new for the Winter.  And get the bike shop to wrap the new wire in the electrical tape for me to give the wires more protection from rubbing.  This is a bit annoying!

Speaking of bike shops, I've been to Koops a lot lately.  After test riding the B-67s, I returned on Tuesday and decided to get the seat since it is so comfortable on my bum (no sore bum after Sunday's long ride).  He gave it to me for a good deal, not the price on the tag!  That is so cool.  But it gets better.

I returned again on Wednesday to pick up some Proofide Saddle treatment by Brooks, and the bike shop just gave it to me!  Wow!  I love deals like that.  While I was there on Tuesday/Wed, I did have the odometer looked at but couldn't seem to fix the problem.

Ozalenka Adventures- Part I

Vivien L. has to move the poles to fit 2 more vehicles in

Ozalenka- September 3-5, 2011 

Guest Post by:  Vivien Lougheed

The following is a guest post by Vivien Lougheed.  It's reposted with permission from the Caledonia Ramblers Website. Some of the photos are taken by me and some were taken by Debbie Hazel with permission also.  As there are so many good photos, I'll publish more in a second post.

A ride into the country

Today I rode out past the Airport for 17.9 km ride one way to a friend's place for a potluck.  This morning as I woke up I thought I was nuts as it was very windy outside.  But I had told my friend that I was riding to her place so there was no backing out from it!  Besides, it was the PERFECT test ride for the Brooks B-67S saddle on my bike.

Looking for interested bike tourists

 I'm going to put out the plea again for interested bike tourists.  I am looking for someone to bike down the West Coast with.  I am thinking of starting from Prince George, but I don't really want to bike alone.  I am pretty sure that I will do this route, although if someone is looking for a person to join them on a similar distanced bike tour, I might take them up on their offer.

The above is just over 1400 kms.  I can probably even do more as I know now how far I can go each day.

Friends told me that posting stuff at bike shops might also work too, so I am going to try that.  If anyone reading this is interested possibly, or knows someone who might, please let me know.  I'll post this for a while as I think that the farther the ahead the better.  I am sure that I can find some interested parties.


**Febuary 2012 update-  I have decided to bike from Astoria Oregon to San Francisco-  I have found a rider to ride with.  But, I will still invite anyone else who may be interested in doing this trip to leave a message below and I will get back to you.

PGCAR2011

Today was the Annual geocaching event in Prince George called PGCAR2011.  Short for Prince George Cache and Release day.  As the caches are spread all around town, today's caching would have to be done by vehicle.  We all met at the geocaching member Plumbacres to get the necessary info and passport.

Guess what I'm test riding for a few days?

A Brook's B-67S for Woman.  I am still on the fence for this one as it's a bit wider then the B-17.   But the shop owner was nice enough to let me borrow it for a few days to try it out.  I have seen some touring bikes with it on  Just have to see how it feels.  It'll be hard as it takes time to break in, but I want to get a sense about the width for my bum.  It's definitely different!

Squirt's enjoying the Autumn ride.

I want to give it to myself for Christmas, so now is the time to test ride it, beforehand.  I would really appreciate any thoughts about the B-67S or the B-17S with Springs.  What do you prefer?

I figure that wearing my current seat out after 2 1/2 years, it'll be nice not to have to worry about that again!  I'll have to buy a seat one way or another for next Season.  And I'd rather spend my money on items I like, rather then toss money out on stuff that I don't.  I will let you know what I think about it after trying it out for a while.  This goes along with all the customizing that I've done with her already, ie upgrading the tires, handle grips, pedals, etc. The last thing that needs to be done!

Tour De Jasper 2011 photo preview

I apologize for not posting about Tour De Jasper 2011 yet.  I've been waiting to receive photos that I've purchased from the tour as I really want to share them with my blog followers along with a few stories about the trip.  I hope you don't mind waiting.  I also hope you don't mind that I'm posting so late after the event.  Like on the 2010 tour, the photographer on the trip took some great photos!  And I had such a great time that there are good stories to be told.

Wil and Laura's Dutch bikes return for 2011

Here's some of the awesome photos taken by the tour photographer on Tour De Jasper 2010. Some are my photos as well. Please note that there are other photos in the book as well from my Summer 2010 travels. 

Click here to view this photo book larger

Beautiful postcard surprise in August

When I arrived home after my Summer Bicycle adventures in the middle of August, there was a nice bicycle postcard sitting in my mailbox!  It was from my good bicycle friend from the Netherlands congratulating me on my ride.  I love the flowers, it's such a beautiful postcard!  My Postcrossing friend, Nolleke, has good taste.  I wonder if those are Basil bags on the bike?

Thanks Nolleke!

I really need to get back into Postcrossing, I've just been trying to save money this month after having little income for the last while. I have set my status there though to active so I am good to go!