tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65462741564169785052024-03-14T07:13:13.739-04:00cyclesthe journey within the journeystevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-37045248633144688062013-04-25T21:20:00.000-04:002013-04-25T21:20:04.009-04:00madegoodthere's some sweet and good riding starting to open up where i live. the weather is stabilizing and there's snow for sure but it's flurry type snow that blows hard and doesn't really stick. the rain's cold but that's what clothes are for - oh, and hot showers!!! anyhow this is a sweet spot to visit if you need to know anything about bike repair at home . . . <a href="http://www.madegood.org/">madegood</a> is an amazing resourcestevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-66521847508112351502013-04-07T19:58:00.002-04:002013-04-07T19:58:47.982-04:00"invisible" bike helmet . . . <a href="http://vimeo.com/43038579">check this out</a> . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyjZLM9p3xma22WIk6XP2kFTtlCWkCQTRogaz56-d6QlNDeUtZQU2LH07eGakYG0XxXwerESo-KQP5s7yzHnzN6cSxDXHLYZDuMhKp3PUc2P3bb5ORIeSu4YwkfF0Z1NIIh6z6I8ReZY/s1600/Invisible_Helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyjZLM9p3xma22WIk6XP2kFTtlCWkCQTRogaz56-d6QlNDeUtZQU2LH07eGakYG0XxXwerESo-KQP5s7yzHnzN6cSxDXHLYZDuMhKp3PUc2P3bb5ORIeSu4YwkfF0Z1NIIh6z6I8ReZY/s320/Invisible_Helmet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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very cool but not on a hot summer day riding a long distance . . . but i like the thinking . . . .<br />
<br />stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-23706997059613813792013-04-05T22:48:00.003-04:002013-04-05T22:48:38.448-04:00futurist cyclist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmbW3DxXRhSE-6ZxNSYsRouj6S2P-a03Fpq-f-hkj7v3FYBvcj_X5IJzl72tDhcK5jyBSQmwqrgOkBrTfb0ZL5cPEaKLqIj0F2JdtpMWLcIlTp20_gcYzZTRS_307wDMtX2VF0wcYKrU/s1600/+%D0%92%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmbW3DxXRhSE-6ZxNSYsRouj6S2P-a03Fpq-f-hkj7v3FYBvcj_X5IJzl72tDhcK5jyBSQmwqrgOkBrTfb0ZL5cPEaKLqIj0F2JdtpMWLcIlTp20_gcYzZTRS_307wDMtX2VF0wcYKrU/s320/+%D0%92%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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cyclist painted in 1913 by the futurist artist natalia goncharova</div>
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stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-22708437661672236592013-04-03T07:23:00.001-04:002013-04-03T07:23:22.665-04:00cape argus to cape town bike racethis cool mini documentary just crossed the cycles world headquarters desk. you really should check this out: <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/video/2013/apr/03/cape-argus-cape-town-worlds-biggest-bike-race">cape argus to cape town</a> . . .<br />
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here's <a href="http://www.cycletour.co.za/">the home page</a> for the race with all sorts of tatsty tidbits . . .<br />
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and <a href="http://www.capetown.travel/blog/entry/cape-argus-2013-photos-from-the-finish-line">photos from this year</a>'s iteration of the race . . . nope our heroes didn't win!stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-46093550759850026612013-03-30T20:16:00.005-04:002013-03-30T20:16:51.121-04:00a plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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an article worth reading . . . . </div>
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<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/london-mayors-ambitious-bike-plan-a-lesson-for-other-cities-especially-toronto/article10330668/">right here</a></div>
stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-24125251499346065532013-03-10T10:39:00.003-04:002013-03-10T10:39:39.898-04:00summer dreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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in a few months on this very spot, i will sit at a small black table in the morning sunshine,</div>
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drinking an americano and eating a giant ginger cookie! </div>
stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-75872692287307020602013-03-09T17:57:00.003-05:002013-03-09T17:57:37.161-05:00return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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it's coming back . . . after a winter of cycling through blizzards, minus thirty celsius rides, and two weeks of riding through the flu, i am really really ready and happy to see the snow pulling back and the bike lanes reappearing !!!!stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-28318999635359372982013-03-03T23:13:00.003-05:002013-03-03T23:13:42.990-05:00Brussels Express: Bike Messengers<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dMMFoYA6_J4" width="480"></iframe>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-17946282079321467302012-05-29T20:03:00.002-04:002012-05-29T20:03:47.299-04:00ryder on stage 14<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cVNkvWzi1ec?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-7871344130735072052012-04-29T09:47:00.001-04:002012-04-29T09:50:02.899-04:00well . . . .<div style="text-align: center;">
avid readers of "cycles" will know that for me the cycling never actually stops. in fact this has been the best back-to-back year of riding i can ever remember as i managed to cycle right through the winter and so carry a seamless experience from last summer in my legs and head that i hope will help me on my planned big journey <b>this</b> summer.</div>
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more about that another time.</div>
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meanwhile, i bought another bike while i was in quebec a month or so ago. i was riding with a friend through the hills and valleys there and we passed <a href="http://cybercycletremblant.com/?lang=en">a coffee shop that also seemed to sell bikes</a>. so we agreed that on our way back we'd stop in for pastries and coffee and cast an eye on the merchandise. </div>
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well, i didn't get a coffee or a pastry but <a href="http://www.argon18bike.com/2011-collection/hybrides/cobaltlux2011.html">i did ride out on this</a>:</div>
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this bike gets me to and from school and if plans work out, will get me and my gear </div>
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back from quebec city this summer.</div>
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the ride there i will be on my roadbike.</div>
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i was out for a ride up to lakefield yesterday. </div>
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the wind was a bit raw in places and was not at all kind in its in-my-face atttitude, so there was no letting up on the push push push that goes with a headwind.</div>
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which was fine because life is not always about tailwinds. </div>
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more often it's about the beauty all around you. </div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-136282124182929192012-03-05T00:07:00.000-05:002012-03-05T23:22:07.827-05:00on the rollers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwAY71Q0X9v3YoISlgdeJoknExFKxeQIY2oMNJHrNbYC0SL1zZ3Lc2yGfswOeEH7Wd21kj5AeoFk-vlMjFzEFJlXTE8-6q0HVzCKipMWmabfrItq05H240lpni1a5uXgZqw32ejbwYWc/s1600/P3067158.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwAY71Q0X9v3YoISlgdeJoknExFKxeQIY2oMNJHrNbYC0SL1zZ3Lc2yGfswOeEH7Wd21kj5AeoFk-vlMjFzEFJlXTE8-6q0HVzCKipMWmabfrItq05H240lpni1a5uXgZqw32ejbwYWc/s400/P3067158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645920066786532258" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I scouted out a couple of classic bike films for those of you who succumbed to the weather and planted your road bike on a trainer.<br /><br />The first is the Classic Paris-Roubaix film shot in 1976 "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4IDCkcnnHg">A Sunday in Hell</a>". Lots of classic footage and intimacy with the riders.<br />Next up the 1974 Giro featuring Eddy Merckx. 'Nuff said!! "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8oh9gy7uvs&feature=related">Eddy Merckx: The Greatest Show on Earth</a>"<br />Following the Eddy Merckx groove - a documentary on the Man and his legend. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEha0S9XVCk&feature=related">Tour de France Legends: Eddy Merckx</a>"<div>The 1965 Tour de France is the subject of an outstanding documentary that has no commentary - a visual feast!</div><div>Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLTvuIyEVMw">Part One</a> of "Pour le Maillot Jaune"<br />Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r22FfwWyHS8&feature=related">Part Two</a>.</div><div>and here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19e7BKissRY&feature=related">Part Three</a>.</div><div><br />While not about racing, my fave bicycle movie of all time is "The Bicycle Thief". Get a box of Kleeenex or wear a long-sleeved shirt for wiping on the fly.<br />Here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7sUcDk7RGI">Part One</a><br />and here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK2aWzWnX-w&feature=related">Part Two</a><br />and here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvpFBmc5Flw&feature=fvwrel">Part Three</a><br />and here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1z5SVpPxQ&feature=related">Part Four</a><br />here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEFk6RNzrBc&feature=related">Part Five</a><br />and . . . here's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVxBho3boEY&feature=related">Part Six</a><br /><br />A treasure trove of very recent bike shorts is surfacing . . . top of my favourites from the current crop is this one profiling bike builder <a href="http://www.revelinnewyork.com/videos/josh-hadar">josh hadar</a>.</div><div><br />Adrenaline junkies should <a href="http://vimeo.com/2086946">check this one out</a>.<br /></div></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-90692077031467055522011-12-25T07:49:00.003-05:002011-12-25T07:55:10.329-05:00happy christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ThtLlk6T8z4NJUM0CRG01Gt4KVqpviN7cp8vlFrZlGs5uWo24FNRqJMKViI4r311KUGZy9ixSO4x-HcP0NgPhyphenhypheno1r0e5elAyojv6Ny-Qt7Qle-Hm-VvHdmYV-4vMqYxlLjHsMhjLwU/s1600/PC240025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ThtLlk6T8z4NJUM0CRG01Gt4KVqpviN7cp8vlFrZlGs5uWo24FNRqJMKViI4r311KUGZy9ixSO4x-HcP0NgPhyphenhypheno1r0e5elAyojv6Ny-Qt7Qle-Hm-VvHdmYV-4vMqYxlLjHsMhjLwU/s400/PC240025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690047873570437698" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">a very happy christmas to all my cycling (and non-cycling) friends!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">may your roads be lined with beauty and the odd shop selling good pastries and nice tea or coffee, and may they end at a place that has an awesome dinner ready with something lovely to drink!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">steven and my two bikes</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-31556062050661836552011-12-11T19:28:00.014-05:002011-12-11T20:41:48.016-05:00riding on dec. 11. 2011okay so let's get this bit out of the way to start - it's freaking windy and so . . . well i'll admit it's cold. like, not thirty below cold, but cold in the way that winds that bore into you and subdue you and hold you still as they make their point can be cold.<br /><br />then there's the whole piece of stopping at public places - intersections - and carefully hoisting the water bottle out of its carbon fibre frame and slurping back water so close to ice it literally freezes my tongue - i mean this is entirely about posturing. oh yeah . . . i'm soooooo tough. the water hurts it's that cold. it's one step from ice. but . . . the people in their audis and suvs don't know that do they? nope, they think i'm a freak on a roadbike still sitting on summer slicks. and that's what freaks do - they drink water on a day when the rest of the world is nursing rum and cokes to avoid the horror of dealing with the nasty truth that - even though the sign says autumn, it's winter.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">so what! here i am!</div><div style="text-align: center;">i'm sitting right next to them on a carbon fibre bike that says f--- you i don't care, really i don't!!!!</div><br />i've already put on my uninsulated too tight gorgeous leather biking shoes and layered myself with a store's worth of performance wear and headed out regardless.<br /><br />first impressions? damn it's windy. second impressions? what's my point here? well i'm aiming for a season total that sees the road bike get 4000 kms on it, so that's a worthy goal i figure. then there's the whole piece of knowing that most of my bike buddies have hooked their bikes up to rollers. not me. not yet. i will not weaken. or something like that!!!!<br /><br />but then, riding out of the beautiful city i get to call "home" for now . . . well so much opens up and really all the ego stroking and self-perceptions that hover around the whys and whats of a ride that probably shouldn't take place disappear and it all comes clear exactly why i should go out and lose all feeling in the front half of my feet and suffer the brain ache i usually only get with a jumbo blue-coloured (and flavoured) freezie. <div><br /></div><div>i fire snot rockets every twenty metres and spit every ten and i think more than once about the much more comfortable places where i could happily park my body and let it enjoy other experiences that would be far more gratifying and memorable!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and yet, i ride on!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">past the ducks sorting out the complications of three mammals in love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqarBXelN4k8fUzloFv9fDuEsN3ioRhOMVNEVFMfRBTqGvRIAiSIih-l9FoHEmVXLA7iz1Sd0q0ORydwe-Fykyq0hYjO85s3LiUDC7lxLHIzJsg1En7gXapamTDgi4sNzk_o3VUWRZ6w/s1600/DSCF2028.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqarBXelN4k8fUzloFv9fDuEsN3ioRhOMVNEVFMfRBTqGvRIAiSIih-l9FoHEmVXLA7iz1Sd0q0ORydwe-Fykyq0hYjO85s3LiUDC7lxLHIzJsg1En7gXapamTDgi4sNzk_o3VUWRZ6w/s400/DSCF2028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685037339410605858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">they seem happy, but you know there's all sorts of shit going down there!!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">past the place where the water is running down the bank and freezing into icicles before it hits the river. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">check it out. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">see the white things pointing straight down? </div><div style="text-align: center;">not roots my friend - icicles!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAi7EGX5L9ZsDL3VcIZKWpnt1ixlPHDp5kNdFFhiCtbS05dugqcz38BPnEdf2z4LwgWfNZP8a1cnLhNI_wNALTvYRtF7SWqZ-1I-PT7s0P6rGFL178ftbpP_uwlPWjPj8OUoYVIT0xBM/s1600/DSCF2043.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAi7EGX5L9ZsDL3VcIZKWpnt1ixlPHDp5kNdFFhiCtbS05dugqcz38BPnEdf2z4LwgWfNZP8a1cnLhNI_wNALTvYRtF7SWqZ-1I-PT7s0P6rGFL178ftbpP_uwlPWjPj8OUoYVIT0xBM/s400/DSCF2043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685038264969235058" /></a><br />and i take a picture of the shadow of myself just to confirm that it's not summer or spring or autumn - no way man it's every part of the frosty fingers of winter and i'm in the process of earning some sort of amazing experience that has never been a part of me before and so this is what i look like as i watch myself - sand and dust and snow and cold water and a shadow . . . . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB3M8ngmibFPd9fHAK3T4fMwzorHyefa49JztWZJ1B6K_y65o5rG-BdVeScsuyt8Nk_F_d9EraPodlc0gc4vijN6R39qPYJZ9WglKjKamCBJ-VJh_mYC6OwnQkedBL0JUgYzB2Ey4mHc/s1600/DSCF2034.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB3M8ngmibFPd9fHAK3T4fMwzorHyefa49JztWZJ1B6K_y65o5rG-BdVeScsuyt8Nk_F_d9EraPodlc0gc4vijN6R39qPYJZ9WglKjKamCBJ-VJh_mYC6OwnQkedBL0JUgYzB2Ey4mHc/s400/DSCF2034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685040240509010658" /></a> and further on i stop to take a thankyou portrait of my road bike who remains nameless - perhaps not for long as i have requested support from she who will ride with me through snowsqualls and anything else!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMNzCj6VYCWYjA9Zq7TnWV9elWyHbAV6qvjYQqcsNgilJDk3ZvdkyJ87X4vFJD-APEaNYD4tMnzQ80W2xnhwNoxJul5hhVL2D5aAtDNnl65C8YwE-W7Nww8i3pTRwCXg4zNS6-EHNRTA/s1600/DSCF2040.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMNzCj6VYCWYjA9Zq7TnWV9elWyHbAV6qvjYQqcsNgilJDk3ZvdkyJ87X4vFJD-APEaNYD4tMnzQ80W2xnhwNoxJul5hhVL2D5aAtDNnl65C8YwE-W7Nww8i3pTRwCXg4zNS6-EHNRTA/s400/DSCF2040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685040858757095522" /></a><br /></div><div>but really, in the end the ride was defined by this little inukshuk dude standing waist deep in the cold fast-flowing water and somehow still retaining his super-high stop the bike ride coolness quotient.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">evidence:</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinFxUdSIw1cOdXcYivMYA1ac9xTSg5oexZfk8uMVYiWWxXZawf2GMERJwmWuyVmujKeEVCYb9PzqBFbwCkBBEImrWdHcaW0PXA1_28RLXMHdPTEqWl4MJz9BFcVdzA9M4uhtIqKeUVhA/s1600/DSCF2044.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinFxUdSIw1cOdXcYivMYA1ac9xTSg5oexZfk8uMVYiWWxXZawf2GMERJwmWuyVmujKeEVCYb9PzqBFbwCkBBEImrWdHcaW0PXA1_28RLXMHdPTEqWl4MJz9BFcVdzA9M4uhtIqKeUVhA/s400/DSCF2044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685044573745669346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnmhvPN8hJVB2eTk1wueyKSgj9ldCOFy12EswnEevDf1vTDX5iUv08zRtmW7bvMnEIWMwkjm_xQc1C9DyEUq-82BHMHPGwSOlQ4dqRqo5BPbEcAdi5_gYnzMfFFkIl71Tb3qT5SXDtH4/s1600/DSCF2045.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnmhvPN8hJVB2eTk1wueyKSgj9ldCOFy12EswnEevDf1vTDX5iUv08zRtmW7bvMnEIWMwkjm_xQc1C9DyEUq-82BHMHPGwSOlQ4dqRqo5BPbEcAdi5_gYnzMfFFkIl71Tb3qT5SXDtH4/s400/DSCF2045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685044152350980066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LMG9rZcpG0nr7fHqqKjIAq9o0vx2Fl-OzLvx9H-BdHrdsuegpPIXs7_-7qseBn9l0pfb76OtwYyaX6hENndftPmmAW4VFC4S3zD_PJpif9ORw7XnX6odu2C8HYSfKUUlepTEwVUHaTw/s1600/DSCF2047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LMG9rZcpG0nr7fHqqKjIAq9o0vx2Fl-OzLvx9H-BdHrdsuegpPIXs7_-7qseBn9l0pfb76OtwYyaX6hENndftPmmAW4VFC4S3zD_PJpif9ORw7XnX6odu2C8HYSfKUUlepTEwVUHaTw/s400/DSCF2047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685043931312815586" /></a>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-81353703955182878972011-12-03T17:38:00.006-05:002011-12-03T18:21:24.058-05:00riding on december 3rd, 2011<div style="text-align: center;">there's still no snow on the ground and sure it's one degree celsius out with a 17 kph wind huffing in from the south (which doesn't mean warm air by the way!!) but i have to take my road bike out and see the sights, </div><div style="text-align: center;">feel the feelings, i bet you know what i mean!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwCBWUSibhwLWT4gmwWIIE4SwZWzgudw2TsCwZeyT-qLNtId5pOHw-8UjiDd3jfE3M1Ts7pV0QjogqxRevohW-2yg1BU4EmS3CwBaAEpKGDVJLrCYPSKBnpckViMu04yJeC0BLEoTMbM/s1600/DSCF1919.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwCBWUSibhwLWT4gmwWIIE4SwZWzgudw2TsCwZeyT-qLNtId5pOHw-8UjiDd3jfE3M1Ts7pV0QjogqxRevohW-2yg1BU4EmS3CwBaAEpKGDVJLrCYPSKBnpckViMu04yJeC0BLEoTMbM/s400/DSCF1919.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682043412041681666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">my bike and body stretch across the dry and fading late autumn landscape. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the rider who isn't really there rode with me today. "hey! long time no see. </div><div style="text-align: center;">i bet you're glad you could come along aren't you?!!!"</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">there's a peacefulness about this little part of the world. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPhWMI8ITPQqNWHKu0IH4v_6x2VnmUrjCOKFHwzh_ipUmS4im0FxvMtmHEwj6duxOHWnVsuAOA1FCAZXVoIzPuuZBBCWchameRfnEKaH65JhNsjwxtndD4jiG2JS2dBuLiOh3HdxI-zo/s1600/DSCF1941.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPhWMI8ITPQqNWHKu0IH4v_6x2VnmUrjCOKFHwzh_ipUmS4im0FxvMtmHEwj6duxOHWnVsuAOA1FCAZXVoIzPuuZBBCWchameRfnEKaH65JhNsjwxtndD4jiG2JS2dBuLiOh3HdxI-zo/s400/DSCF1941.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682043809860484898" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">everything is filled with the sense of waiting for the arrival of winter. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i saw autumn and winter merging across a pond.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1DPUk2B2uX2byAepGlv1rG-kNQr52P4GVrIx1JDWfLRlkMfJU72wXygMKQKDkKVOPZG0n2jC5bOocBAIe4_99-aNFsLtJk0okFKp5UPV8kS_evO2Gbp8OxoOlqcvpGq46BMl1jVxWFA/s1600/DSCF1931.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1DPUk2B2uX2byAepGlv1rG-kNQr52P4GVrIx1JDWfLRlkMfJU72wXygMKQKDkKVOPZG0n2jC5bOocBAIe4_99-aNFsLtJk0okFKp5UPV8kS_evO2Gbp8OxoOlqcvpGq46BMl1jVxWFA/s400/DSCF1931.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682044701113854514" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i'm so glad to be riding on two wheels so late in the year. in such a beautiful place. and loved!</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-36771750924093885502011-11-26T17:34:00.013-05:002011-11-26T21:15:08.065-05:00riding ... with love and care<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKUvT6q9hvFatNIaQmC2y30y1MyUYXaK_fb9AA2xUYY-almptj3DaA5hwTBHYNKrZhwgWorSiHzqQ0yTwCjBMf6sTvosj66bSzxiiBN7w3uI8kCLRWaL1i5r32TX0srYN7c90lBmhbmM/s1600/DSCF1893.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKUvT6q9hvFatNIaQmC2y30y1MyUYXaK_fb9AA2xUYY-almptj3DaA5hwTBHYNKrZhwgWorSiHzqQ0yTwCjBMf6sTvosj66bSzxiiBN7w3uI8kCLRWaL1i5r32TX0srYN7c90lBmhbmM/s400/DSCF1893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679443235895892258" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">late autumn - november 26th -</div><div style="text-align: center;"> i think of each ride on the road bike as the "last of the season".</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's what i call a "pointed stick" . . . a way of really experiencing something with the intent in this instance of holding the experience of this ride through the long, dark months on the bike trainer that are stretching out in front of me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i left late - 3:25 - for a ride that i set aside two hours for - door-to-door 50+km.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the sun sets around 4:45 so even though i've got some cute flashy lights on the front and </div><div style="text-align: center;">the back, i still feel vulnerable and not entirely expected in the vernacular of the road at this time of year. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the temperature was hovering around 10 celsius, so it's pretty warm for this time of year. the air was almost windless which is exceptional for this area and especially for this ride which is notorious for malicious zephyrs that pummel you on the way out and somehow know to turn around at the same moment you do </div><div style="text-align: center;">and pummel you on the way home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the sun was already dropping before i arrived at the turn-around point.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSZiIPGDg1YkgIMb4HUbZ1wPKxh2J46P-_UWlVbhG2lE1xOCXieRZxYLi30ZbChRV8DOmQobCoKgtkzxHMxdrZ4M6pyENJHx7OVbEL6gORAO2voYV-i2kyBd_n1hwyRh9QbhVEQxtL5Y/s1600/DSCF1894.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSZiIPGDg1YkgIMb4HUbZ1wPKxh2J46P-_UWlVbhG2lE1xOCXieRZxYLi30ZbChRV8DOmQobCoKgtkzxHMxdrZ4M6pyENJHx7OVbEL6gORAO2voYV-i2kyBd_n1hwyRh9QbhVEQxtL5Y/s400/DSCF1894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679441636145862994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">this was one of those rides where everything went right. i was entirely and completely able to take risks and not get hurt. lights changed in my favour, my legs did absolutely everything i asked of them, my body didn't crave food or water even though it's not been getting enough of either lately!!! i had the most wonderful conversations, sharing thoughts, and wishes and dreams and speaking so bravely about all that matters to me ... all on my own of course!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the return was even more beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> i hold so much more in my head and my heart than i can share here,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> but these images hold something of the moment.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKO3BTaLOFxhlYJyvXI4j2J2eyAkaB4mhGxzrL9Piytv2UA1oqKj_6i85oW8WQvLwnuG6e_9sRNcywzatag9yJcfc6g91TM78-RF_QaAfL-b_xlRFDMiZpYU9ar6WG8j_Hrez6A5xTNM/s1600/DSCF1892.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKO3BTaLOFxhlYJyvXI4j2J2eyAkaB4mhGxzrL9Piytv2UA1oqKj_6i85oW8WQvLwnuG6e_9sRNcywzatag9yJcfc6g91TM78-RF_QaAfL-b_xlRFDMiZpYU9ar6WG8j_Hrez6A5xTNM/s400/DSCF1892.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679442713065026690" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3qMfuQvk39zXIYFLW_xZGckro4Cm8hWCjJT3t0KigDOPcghzKkXSeQj_dD0CwkCkDyT0B0Eddjy1yJdUI0mJNyXeTTTpOyDY7OuADsyDlyZkSi4wrJOw-wmKl-b-YbdV3MFK_1Qjk8w/s1600/DSCF1890.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3qMfuQvk39zXIYFLW_xZGckro4Cm8hWCjJT3t0KigDOPcghzKkXSeQj_dD0CwkCkDyT0B0Eddjy1yJdUI0mJNyXeTTTpOyDY7OuADsyDlyZkSi4wrJOw-wmKl-b-YbdV3MFK_1Qjk8w/s400/DSCF1890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679443018221792658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i made it back in 1 hour and 45 minutes. i'll do the math right now - not that it matters a whole lot because really, for the beauty, the good loving feeling that filled me and especially for the tremendous fortune that holds my hand and quietly says "come on then" in my ear, the numbers are of no consequence but i moved at an average of . . . no seriously, well really, who cares!!!!</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-46541704649210937612011-11-24T00:07:00.002-05:002011-11-25T06:33:31.694-05:00a late autumn ride<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMHkpFEG8N4VNloW1nNDxMiOQZFjoy7uKqmCYO8DMdupCazntXU-uU_HJ52tOceTmms2SgnOFRsbfOTS38R63PxqzjPTODCiSffbj4ccU1oFIhp_Mg8_Cjw8m9Kf6GtNtl83aLB1yTZo/s1600/DSCF1833.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMHkpFEG8N4VNloW1nNDxMiOQZFjoy7uKqmCYO8DMdupCazntXU-uU_HJ52tOceTmms2SgnOFRsbfOTS38R63PxqzjPTODCiSffbj4ccU1oFIhp_Mg8_Cjw8m9Kf6GtNtl83aLB1yTZo/s400/DSCF1833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676700881230413618" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in the late autumn the temperatures are in the single digits . . . above and below the zero line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">so, when morning opens torn and wild like this</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9a4EVDqPMFeS_12EhmE7ZRiFsF3yFB2ATJdtuyf_xlJlK9_pFIOGvYUCtScXeCNWRIk5W-kcybiyqflWauokS4oQhJ_pzgfPOUS0Vgd4OQ2aWFq1uDyfedC4o8aSSG-0p23TFb5ppMo/s1600/DSCF1825.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9a4EVDqPMFeS_12EhmE7ZRiFsF3yFB2ATJdtuyf_xlJlK9_pFIOGvYUCtScXeCNWRIk5W-kcybiyqflWauokS4oQhJ_pzgfPOUS0Vgd4OQ2aWFq1uDyfedC4o8aSSG-0p23TFb5ppMo/s400/DSCF1825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676699079466279474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">words flutter fast and furious across my thinking </div><div style="text-align: center;">- much like the forecast snow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">do i ride?</div><div style="text-align: center;">which direction do i go first to grab a tailwind on the way back?</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl3po_UTGZ9Hxw3Fk7teComl0BZ0a5c63dKv-kPCbSZs-KsIM5QrvJ-WcGf73WJz-bAocC-hlW2YfTA6A4eX1q10qVAIqv_KIXyIIEvlDCBePXBdNOTnScs6wKUaD9So4zkVLdA48TAE/s1600/DSCF1831.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl3po_UTGZ9Hxw3Fk7teComl0BZ0a5c63dKv-kPCbSZs-KsIM5QrvJ-WcGf73WJz-bAocC-hlW2YfTA6A4eX1q10qVAIqv_KIXyIIEvlDCBePXBdNOTnScs6wKUaD9So4zkVLdA48TAE/s400/DSCF1831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676700320133277314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">how much grip do racing slicks have in the snow?</div><div style="text-align: center;">how long will the hurt last when i drop?</div><div style="text-align: center;">will i be able to keep up?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the answers, are all found as i watch our wheels on the road</div><div style="text-align: center;">which care nothing for anything</div><div style="text-align: center;">other than the joy of quietly passing through this beautiful world</div><div style="text-align: center;">exactly as it is</div><div style="text-align: center;">and not as it might be</div><div style="text-align: center;">or could be</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and when we stop and look over the fields at the places where</div><div style="text-align: center;">the sky meets the earth in a soft wavering film of falling snow</div><div style="text-align: center;">words pass through me:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we're here now . . . in this very moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's all that it is and couldn't be anything more.</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-25096470597388526802011-11-19T00:07:00.001-05:002011-11-23T06:53:42.232-05:00summer memories #1: the blondel deviation<div><div style="text-align: center;">this memory, i think of as "the blondel deviation".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">for those of you you who don't know dave blondel you might be expecting something a tad off colour - well no! blondel has tried to lead me down muddy and gravelly paths, but nothing really off colour.</div><div><br /><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">if you don't mind, i'll take you back a little bit. a long time ago, <a href="http://www.ptborides.com/?p=1802">dave mentioned on his blog</a> that his buddy kieran had posted a piece about a little dirt road which (if followed) provided lovely scenery and exquisite views to cyclists who ventured off the river road bicycle pipeline. the dirt road he referred to is one i have passed a lot of times and yes, i have wondered as i pass it each time "what's up there" but it's the strangest thing that</div><div style="text-align: center;"> i couldn't bring myself once to turn right and have a look. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">note to self: stop writing notes to self and start asking more probing questions of self!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">well one day this summer i followed dave's suggestion, and i am so glad i did!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tuTMNDV1y_dit8dyJqubkFpcCbF-Vjv7u_9siuhUQBz3-CQrIjdpuuUayXhyue-KRoXKH-ny5VUoVvYh7tU0oZ8PfWhfr7EpRL3IcRbDkHOB_fBF_2mklsqa7etf5Dwl14XM50YYMJM/s1600/DSCF1184.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tuTMNDV1y_dit8dyJqubkFpcCbF-Vjv7u_9siuhUQBz3-CQrIjdpuuUayXhyue-KRoXKH-ny5VUoVvYh7tU0oZ8PfWhfr7EpRL3IcRbDkHOB_fBF_2mklsqa7etf5Dwl14XM50YYMJM/s400/DSCF1184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657472251219128898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">i wasn't more than a hundred metres along the road when the quiet settled so suddenly around me it was breathtaking. to add to the beauty of the moment, a huge monarch butterfly fluttered up right next to me and followed me until i stopped to take this next photograph, at which time it flew on ahead and </div><div style="text-align: center;">then came back and joined me again! </div><div style="text-align: center;">it was right out of walt disney.</div><div style="text-align: center;">then it was entirely real.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgDmvfkFZPlIEj3f4-r05uSFjfFi6E5Qa7eLETXcWOLb4FJv9zlD4zmhDAIWXU07M54XxPHCFtZk7Qh-xHeRlUSKWETEQpfOfg3JSzKp-1GvQIhSoD01wWTkHZizWSChEIMTJYbKUtYg/s1600/DSCF1187.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgDmvfkFZPlIEj3f4-r05uSFjfFi6E5Qa7eLETXcWOLb4FJv9zlD4zmhDAIWXU07M54XxPHCFtZk7Qh-xHeRlUSKWETEQpfOfg3JSzKp-1GvQIhSoD01wWTkHZizWSChEIMTJYbKUtYg/s400/DSCF1187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657473177575852306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">further along this road, the sumac had really taken hold of the idea of autumn's arrival. </div><div style="text-align: center;">i love the gift of colour in nature and for that, the autumn has to be the most amazing </div><div style="text-align: center;">heap of gifts in the whole year!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwIrQzhilAEAxFP04_ueGVeQcKEvIIAEJAihh7dkGJLZTpW_wCFuK55AzhRFbO653tQ0ns0XpATJTpfDoEuDAD-67E0jjwfAL39fFffRYLABJuAHtHDf5DyZBulwmL1iQZ__G9ET7ssA/s1600/DSCF1188.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwIrQzhilAEAxFP04_ueGVeQcKEvIIAEJAihh7dkGJLZTpW_wCFuK55AzhRFbO653tQ0ns0XpATJTpfDoEuDAD-67E0jjwfAL39fFffRYLABJuAHtHDf5DyZBulwmL1iQZ__G9ET7ssA/s400/DSCF1188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657484122490672530" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vrfyrXwQzxCnPx5onHUVhzmPOJlnN_KoD_3SqXxRz6w7nViEbxmE4tHzJcSi24F5OPr-IAUzOFTiLSqitEu3wRsERANOUmfWVcDENjukrauX9E4MPC8lNrF9WRVSSl2DVzECw2dEMZI/s1600/DSCF1189.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vrfyrXwQzxCnPx5onHUVhzmPOJlnN_KoD_3SqXxRz6w7nViEbxmE4tHzJcSi24F5OPr-IAUzOFTiLSqitEu3wRsERANOUmfWVcDENjukrauX9E4MPC8lNrF9WRVSSl2DVzECw2dEMZI/s400/DSCF1189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657524321893184418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeWomlvEXUkuKE_F5Z6sEa7cfwW8gwUYz5sCrMB8MAgken2esKkVyYVkKGpqDgMhaWxJUHCxyKKhyphenhyphen-xliRIDK7gye4_gNvji2DAZ-ctlaxxH_k9RhzUiZVLWEDKcBVlYHGE_5cp6pb74/s1600/DSCF1199.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeWomlvEXUkuKE_F5Z6sEa7cfwW8gwUYz5sCrMB8MAgken2esKkVyYVkKGpqDgMhaWxJUHCxyKKhyphenhyphen-xliRIDK7gye4_gNvji2DAZ-ctlaxxH_k9RhzUiZVLWEDKcBVlYHGE_5cp6pb74/s400/DSCF1199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657523992797028066" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">i got so immersed in the beauty of this little stretch of road that i took a "wrong turn". can you make a wrong turn when you're somewhere this beautiful? i think not!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i rode on, heading somewhere but i had no sense of direction although i figured at some point </div><div style="text-align: center;">i'd see either douro or warsaw. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but really. </div><div style="text-align: center;">i didn't care!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dzx3ts_CznaFIVnBkWjNoPZR_ALks-MjRe0Bq_57lh1ihhqO3_uy-_xY9P4KvMAjgG_OVsEKwrcRz4wBoZZYNTJ0BzOWPCn1Mb22JbTWZc7q9CfaykhYgXmqhGNQKYQo3S6BBsazgwE/s1600/DSCF1196.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dzx3ts_CznaFIVnBkWjNoPZR_ALks-MjRe0Bq_57lh1ihhqO3_uy-_xY9P4KvMAjgG_OVsEKwrcRz4wBoZZYNTJ0BzOWPCn1Mb22JbTWZc7q9CfaykhYgXmqhGNQKYQo3S6BBsazgwE/s400/DSCF1196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657519950476780098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i mean ... why worry?!!</div><br /></div></div></div></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-65822655831157250962011-11-18T19:30:00.014-05:002011-11-18T20:38:53.317-05:00first ride - first snow<div style="text-align: center;">an after-work ride south of peterborough - thirty minutes out and thirty minutes back, it's like grabbing a snack only much better because it's bicycling with a lovely person very late in the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">entirely unlikely and entirely welcome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the temperature is just below zero celsius. </div><div style="text-align: center;">the wind is merciless and blowing from the southwest. </div><div style="text-align: center;">snow squalls are forecast and visible.</div><div style="text-align: center;">we are riding south and southwest for the first half of the ride.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the sky opens up at a distance.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sv8CLbVPBIs-KEPwpsiXy6N6deD4EqvXEoxql3GHUgzdOUhHo_0GFiOzsSaJ1K25A7lkwi5GXl8RSZF7l8Yw2pgvOUJ5Vbu0BM0_z4pn9r4CJTZ_f895xgMEHIlu7hDgX_nSa8mUMgU/s1600/DSCF1828.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sv8CLbVPBIs-KEPwpsiXy6N6deD4EqvXEoxql3GHUgzdOUhHo_0GFiOzsSaJ1K25A7lkwi5GXl8RSZF7l8Yw2pgvOUJ5Vbu0BM0_z4pn9r4CJTZ_f895xgMEHIlu7hDgX_nSa8mUMgU/s400/DSCF1828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676498555214597794" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the snow holds off until we are riding north on crowley line and just past this house . . .</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVha96ZUkGq3AIXrOV3-_EOmxnW4eHyzhYVwKCpdnmCN1ed3fWO5otDk8yZuFmm0kXaZH4Smo8_WQwACkZLOjeIT1KC8IR3YneQ_J35rSVxVM-upkYjNytb_0deEiliMZZs3MaCgQpX88/s1600/DSCF1834.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVha96ZUkGq3AIXrOV3-_EOmxnW4eHyzhYVwKCpdnmCN1ed3fWO5otDk8yZuFmm0kXaZH4Smo8_WQwACkZLOjeIT1KC8IR3YneQ_J35rSVxVM-upkYjNytb_0deEiliMZZs3MaCgQpX88/s400/DSCF1834.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676503012575423122" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">from which a hairy dog bullet comes flying down the driveway and across the road to gnaw on our tires - hers first and then (perhaps because i use my deepest growliest voice) -</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the dog carves furry arabesques </div><div style="text-align: center;">and disappears behind us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">at which point a snowsquall flutters over us and settles all around us and i hear her laugh and i start laughing myself because really - REALLY - this is so epic!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we crest a hill by an old old wooden building and she says it could be a tavern (and wouldn't that be a dream come true!) a place to settle our windblown snow-covered bones and put back some liquid warmth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> but it's actually derelict and so on we go.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">heading our separate ways. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">one of my best ever and most unforgettable rides!!</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-46213263457084594712011-11-12T00:07:00.001-05:002011-11-12T00:07:00.508-05:00on reflection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3stx4tzRcabXl40Tqqmdh_Ku3p16wzK8WwJz3xsRDWy_6XkjQtPidObVgI_pzkyWf2vqEvtpCbm5rg12t9iAHoJUXAmwP9nfhYs1AJ8jgF8W8cyRq77VE1MtgyLvb3fk8G5g-Ovg-WGc/s1600/DSCF1664.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3stx4tzRcabXl40Tqqmdh_Ku3p16wzK8WwJz3xsRDWy_6XkjQtPidObVgI_pzkyWf2vqEvtpCbm5rg12t9iAHoJUXAmwP9nfhYs1AJ8jgF8W8cyRq77VE1MtgyLvb3fk8G5g-Ovg-WGc/s400/DSCF1664.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671512371233415298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the autumn is probably the most beautiful time of year to be out on two wheels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">one of the routes i love to take follows the otonabee river which at this time of year is often lowered quite</div><div style="text-align: center;">substantially, slowing the current down enough such that if there's no wind, </div><div style="text-align: center;">there are amazing reflections in the water. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">these are from last weekend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nFPb0Ck96bZk4OtVdk-eFPd_cYt9mGzQh-9JFWMViNOKLVn15GkvSquc_-8uyDfI3PwLXck4CdY0o-hC-LcSkw4V5f2XeV6NVLvE1H5igIpJ2JI7fA7C2GShYwiB61AzW2LRp5mr57w/s1600/DSCF1666.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nFPb0Ck96bZk4OtVdk-eFPd_cYt9mGzQh-9JFWMViNOKLVn15GkvSquc_-8uyDfI3PwLXck4CdY0o-hC-LcSkw4V5f2XeV6NVLvE1H5igIpJ2JI7fA7C2GShYwiB61AzW2LRp5mr57w/s400/DSCF1666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671512812673215938" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBMzSxSYYUZrq8M95E2Ctyq-WWBw0C1aVVEkRMA9pf5lG40zd4s6sshfon9R-wnZI2AJn6371d5fNGY_HhgSq6hapUUr8O96xre1MeVDifk_G1GnF8UfLSolUE5I0vgcRN5qjjUNSjaI/s1600/DSCF1667.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBMzSxSYYUZrq8M95E2Ctyq-WWBw0C1aVVEkRMA9pf5lG40zd4s6sshfon9R-wnZI2AJn6371d5fNGY_HhgSq6hapUUr8O96xre1MeVDifk_G1GnF8UfLSolUE5I0vgcRN5qjjUNSjaI/s400/DSCF1667.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671513095338483570" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa_McPGu2TMZkJDiV3OkSCcPwqhAKfTap-z09XgnT0BtWTSVC5T5pRIgcA-siWfeU6EIHs4m_O64eGlTLo0JZpZIAcOALJGVGJHuTjmdmI-nJDYGwBOinUiuIAQaE1m7yYMbdB6hUidY/s1600/DSCF1670.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa_McPGu2TMZkJDiV3OkSCcPwqhAKfTap-z09XgnT0BtWTSVC5T5pRIgcA-siWfeU6EIHs4m_O64eGlTLo0JZpZIAcOALJGVGJHuTjmdmI-nJDYGwBOinUiuIAQaE1m7yYMbdB6hUidY/s400/DSCF1670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671513591903198114" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">the side-effect of these scenes is to slow me down. to stop. </div><div style="text-align: center;">to look around and really let all this wonder settle in.</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-45303977489536180172011-11-06T00:07:00.002-04:002011-11-06T00:07:00.123-04:00international angry dog day<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sent this posting out today as a letter to friends and family and then i thought "hey that would make a good posting on my cycles blog". so if you come here and think "hey, i just got that in the mail" then please don't feel any less special!!!!</div><br />------ ------ -------- ---------- --------------- ------------------------------<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">today I went out through the hills of cavan and then back through millbrook and along wallace point road and back through downtown peterborough to my home on the western edge of the city. </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_QdY0_8Y4vrDgocmAeUqGpwwA0vCk0pPaVvJczyl5_HZEAKzxq_de0d7Wn3Q_gQ6JpK1vcs0LEQo8HaxaCwqWKJIKm722leKqLsjyIAzYaN6zD2MKdl_ODmQsdWjQB2NjtQq4gaxjdM/s1600/DSCF1707.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_QdY0_8Y4vrDgocmAeUqGpwwA0vCk0pPaVvJczyl5_HZEAKzxq_de0d7Wn3Q_gQ6JpK1vcs0LEQo8HaxaCwqWKJIKm722leKqLsjyIAzYaN6zD2MKdl_ODmQsdWjQB2NjtQq4gaxjdM/s400/DSCF1707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671641496753641394" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i've attached this photograph because when you look at it, you'll see that in the distance is a little hill. on the other side of that hill there's a nice long swooping dive into a valley that's a bit like the ones i imagined when i first read the hobbit. sort of otherworldly in a good and kind way. except this valley has one detail that makes it different from the idyllic image conjured up by tolkien.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">see, this one has a reddish-brown dog who today was celebrating international angry dog day. how did i miss that on the equity and diversity calendar?! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">he started barking as i crested that distant hill and when i heard him i looked over - wayyyy over - across a field of scruffy acreage to a house that i guarantee had nothing in it that i wanted to steal ... but this dog's job was clearly to protect that homestead and so it started to run towards me - from a very long way away. </div><div style="text-align: center;">i kept on going, figuring I'd cross the next hill before he got to the road. wrong. VERYwrong. this dog was FLYING!!! when i did a second check on his progress and did some quick calculations in my head, i figured my ass would for sure be in his mouth before very long and so i slowed down and turned around, dropped from the Big Ring at the front to the small ring and started pedalling hard. REALLY really hard. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(remember, i'm in a valley at this point, there's a climb in front of me, but i have a tailwind in my favour and fear on my side!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i was really moving when i decided to look back and see how i was doing. at that point I saw the dog jump through the split-rail fence and onto the road and keep coming. No Way!!! i have never had a dog that crazy. i mean, i'm a skinny guy - there's nothing to me. "IT'S NOT WORTH IT" i yelled out and kept pedalling as fast as i could until i crested the hill and saw the dog still running but falling back now and do you think I stopped until I was a good 7 km from Nasty Dog Land? not on your (or my) life!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">when I got into the Pastry Peddler in Millbrook i shared the story with colin and deanne who empathized at my plight as i huffed back a beer-mug of water and a big piece of caramel-covered brownie to make me feel better about my lot in life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">it was a chilly ride at times - 67 km including the detour I took to avoid the Angry Dog - but so nice to be away from everything - well almost everything!</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-54550271891698739212011-11-02T00:07:00.000-04:002011-11-02T00:07:00.431-04:00late autumn commuting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuYlTSLq6wegPS-wuarP03ulHKKMKHiv0-FxkBDKQKSZB_BJMUM6vlQARimyx3kAGWuIUwFIsHta3TY7K5EehDUrvrSrfwRpSD3v1Q7V_GdQh9BbsghZ7KfJ0VrI_dtemSEpxYQu2IgU/s1600/DSCF1428.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuYlTSLq6wegPS-wuarP03ulHKKMKHiv0-FxkBDKQKSZB_BJMUM6vlQARimyx3kAGWuIUwFIsHta3TY7K5EehDUrvrSrfwRpSD3v1Q7V_GdQh9BbsghZ7KfJ0VrI_dtemSEpxYQu2IgU/s400/DSCF1428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666339214989524530" /></a><br /><br />this is the time of year for cold rainy day rides. i commute to and from the school i teach at and until recently - very recently in fact - i've been riding in shorts. temperatures are hovering around the single to low double-digits in celsius so it's been a manly character-building exercise in something that when asked to explain, i simply can't, not even to myself. i simple feel the need to do it. <div><br /></div><div>however, those days are passing by as my hands now have gloves on them and my legs (no matter how hairy) are also covered, by riding pants.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">the bike looks out onto the driveway ."oh no. not again".....</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kD6HDlVm5IKyKCCXuT4nUOzshSsbdGOWvWiDtx_s3iw6RpC0Z18r9mji_qmjQ0aAKfAS7072iOMpVU1Epnb2SiJe702RxggGXtuPuZZYRabJGaiL7d7ljQUv3E1_RwZ9f7KE-QGTtBo/s1600/PA199324.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kD6HDlVm5IKyKCCXuT4nUOzshSsbdGOWvWiDtx_s3iw6RpC0Z18r9mji_qmjQ0aAKfAS7072iOMpVU1Epnb2SiJe702RxggGXtuPuZZYRabJGaiL7d7ljQUv3E1_RwZ9f7KE-QGTtBo/s400/PA199324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666334362126870242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">yep! get your nose out there .....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYAiwcRYbyQ6JhDsuH_pQc-KSUuWqKiJYp1HFeZPSq2rPscD8yXz0CJfoZ_rq1OSk13_O92nBbb6JcIt2VnPlxg-I6n6fk8J-4-NkbtSbEChkNhw4r8QgCv5x1NPLFdLr3uOltTc9mzo/s1600/PA199326.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYAiwcRYbyQ6JhDsuH_pQc-KSUuWqKiJYp1HFeZPSq2rPscD8yXz0CJfoZ_rq1OSk13_O92nBbb6JcIt2VnPlxg-I6n6fk8J-4-NkbtSbEChkNhw4r8QgCv5x1NPLFdLr3uOltTc9mzo/s400/PA199326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666334655924043170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">it ain't gonna go away</div><div style="text-align: center;">and i've gotta ride.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHsg-KFEZw__jHxnXLIJz8zUVbUBhzcKW2aleOTSvwy9EmAKu-bjN87lrNrToypfO2ier5U4CWhoZ8aK-5ml-tVwOJoXgLMdikFezSQnPRPfK3zy0aodKTddwG_aSBv0C06dvk5TshWo/s1600/DSCF1425.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHsg-KFEZw__jHxnXLIJz8zUVbUBhzcKW2aleOTSvwy9EmAKu-bjN87lrNrToypfO2ier5U4CWhoZ8aK-5ml-tVwOJoXgLMdikFezSQnPRPfK3zy0aodKTddwG_aSBv0C06dvk5TshWo/s400/DSCF1425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666336630439987650" /></a><br /><div> every day, the road unfolds under my wheels. on these days when it's rainy and the roads are often slick with leaves, i read the road even more carefully than usual for anything that could make my ride - and maybe even my life - less than pleasant . . . or worse!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNEHK4MVJllM_z8YiYqqzlk2_IvREHP9_zIM-AmcsG509IAlVF_m0AIAXhDHLE3jnf3t9T4cLY1Dsui97VoWTZpZSd_YY3ToAgg2j-JE4Z5W3XAzSCUqbSTDbUTFp1PTBeI_oKigezI4/s1600/DSCF1426.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNEHK4MVJllM_z8YiYqqzlk2_IvREHP9_zIM-AmcsG509IAlVF_m0AIAXhDHLE3jnf3t9T4cLY1Dsui97VoWTZpZSd_YY3ToAgg2j-JE4Z5W3XAzSCUqbSTDbUTFp1PTBeI_oKigezI4/s400/DSCF1426.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666338013830101266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">but i'm careful and so (touch wood) nothing overly untoward happens. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">i love the early morning streetlights reflecting in the rain on the streets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xr2KQKiOoRtkQZmRSGTPAKpg3RsANfFHHJ3CJK5SoXfaJ5zRaR7OccZLQmJ3TCX0SSU_lNYp9661qBQ4QyQ3x_3BRNtdNknBk4Mp03JaFexWkkMYFpogLRyAYl6YJVCc78_INZw7mbM/s1600/DSCF1427.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xr2KQKiOoRtkQZmRSGTPAKpg3RsANfFHHJ3CJK5SoXfaJ5zRaR7OccZLQmJ3TCX0SSU_lNYp9661qBQ4QyQ3x_3BRNtdNknBk4Mp03JaFexWkkMYFpogLRyAYl6YJVCc78_INZw7mbM/s400/DSCF1427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666338913498995154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">they're the hidden gift of a rainy day ride for me.</div></div></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-55410023887114872042011-10-28T00:07:00.000-04:002011-10-28T17:23:20.272-04:00Ride for Africycle 5.0 Day Nine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxEuq-A_v4Flwbxy0ccHv7cskRegn8ucvfVAd36l7G55ldmKkxQ9Rp1B7bFv08FaQtvWNmGxEHHT8tjgDZu8FIasLlEfSlt3E12oYhV7Fg9pu5vuHNE5Kqixe2Ik5qb4dpgEDS1LXrmo/s1600/P8138728.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxEuq-A_v4Flwbxy0ccHv7cskRegn8ucvfVAd36l7G55ldmKkxQ9Rp1B7bFv08FaQtvWNmGxEHHT8tjgDZu8FIasLlEfSlt3E12oYhV7Fg9pu5vuHNE5Kqixe2Ik5qb4dpgEDS1LXrmo/s400/P8138728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666306755455825650" /></a> The sun rose bright and full on this day and came streaming into the tent at a fairly early hour. Our last day. It's always a mixed-feeling as I know that something very special is coming to a close but then I get to see my family and sleep in my own bed and return to familiar surroundings . . . . . The house gradually came to life as everyone in their tents starting packing bins and admiring the gardens.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindnxT7Ooq99PRwE6dmDY8PeCJwdk4ksXA5JS35Kvz-hMdqrG7qEislCqLLVoDx5HhEVlQLLBceJ88FZ6qlZKa8F4fsf2vTzS6IYTVQgZKu0UlVTuazzWMeMCY0rOwk11xZE4LobzY1XE/s1600/P8138729.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindnxT7Ooq99PRwE6dmDY8PeCJwdk4ksXA5JS35Kvz-hMdqrG7qEislCqLLVoDx5HhEVlQLLBceJ88FZ6qlZKa8F4fsf2vTzS6IYTVQgZKu0UlVTuazzWMeMCY0rOwk11xZE4LobzY1XE/s400/P8138729.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666307597075205570" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBatTxSjOlPraFMm0mmTO6ZnF9lYhObyLf-cTqGwdWdC7WbcIolFd8RTw0HBPDJBe1xKBTd93M98sNlrmM_lwuCaaj89q79hAAuVr7Os5Wb_v16WcbX1gvlAekQUK2BJNHdei57uGgVTA/s1600/P8138730.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBatTxSjOlPraFMm0mmTO6ZnF9lYhObyLf-cTqGwdWdC7WbcIolFd8RTw0HBPDJBe1xKBTd93M98sNlrmM_lwuCaaj89q79hAAuVr7Os5Wb_v16WcbX1gvlAekQUK2BJNHdei57uGgVTA/s400/P8138730.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666307787333963746" /></a><br />A huge breakfast was prepared and we were invited to join the family and friends inside the house where a lot of food was put back pretty quickly. Soon, it was time to say goodbye so bins were packed for the final time and bike tires pumped up and chains lubed and off we went. Our route was largely undetermined and figured out along the way. I remember passing through some little towns and certainly I remember one epic climb up a hill on the North side of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosport_International_Raceway">Mosport racetrack</a>. Otherwise, I couldn't tell you the route we followed. It was super hilly and there were some breathtaking views and speedy descents. </div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually we arrived in Millbrook and paid a visit to our friends Colin and Deanne at <a href="http://www.thepastrypeddler.blogspot.com/">The Pastry Peddler</a>.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5LTMimVR63OFv72GoVJtg6vKT0Qdi-f8O_oenDrRlYm4qDtHuNnwwpo1wSdbHllNR0KhW_FAHYgJLevCEJgSLeR-zQ-fDxD2iMxhTGcLxVTBCO2bkTQnapibTT3fCSHso8AXQw0s8EM/s1600/IMG_0972.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5LTMimVR63OFv72GoVJtg6vKT0Qdi-f8O_oenDrRlYm4qDtHuNnwwpo1wSdbHllNR0KhW_FAHYgJLevCEJgSLeR-zQ-fDxD2iMxhTGcLxVTBCO2bkTQnapibTT3fCSHso8AXQw0s8EM/s400/IMG_0972.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666309201118951426" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Michael's bike waiting patiently while its owner puts an Americano and a pastry where they belong! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon it was time to clip in again and head up the long steep hill East out of Millbrook and catch the awesome tail-wind that often waits at the top. Sure enough(and thankfully) it was right there. Scotia then made history with an epic pull that began at the top of the hill and ended at the VanDerHerberg residence in Peterborough. Speeds sat around 40 -45 km/h much of the time so we were there very quickly!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Friends and family were waiting there for many of the riders so a few beers were hoisted and there was a little celebration. We heard that the bus had broken down near Port Perry and that our bins of gear were being brought up in a van and so the celebration lasted a little longer as we waited for its arrival. Not a problem as Andrea magically hauled some chocolate cupcakes out of nowhere to continue the celebration! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My wife came to pick up my gear and after lots of goodbye hugs with the riders and support crew, I got back on my bike and rode home, west into the afternoon sun. Another amazing ride - my second - over too soon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-eBiWTBwP5m__122ueOWnz8cRY7gs7-cgZNNl41moRFtBGIcnFJraH1WokGWs28yt_J5EvwCF0UUU1Ni1B2BOFvCQwl_wjHdhLnXG0jq005CvdJ1pRIVLbfwq5gY7NQchyB-daqU91I/s1600/Presentation1_thumb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-eBiWTBwP5m__122ueOWnz8cRY7gs7-cgZNNl41moRFtBGIcnFJraH1WokGWs28yt_J5EvwCF0UUU1Ni1B2BOFvCQwl_wjHdhLnXG0jq005CvdJ1pRIVLbfwq5gY7NQchyB-daqU91I/s400/Presentation1_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666312281032051154" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next year, for Ride for Africycle 6.0 we will ride to Quebec City. It will be an epic, life-changing ride.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Ed and I are planning on riding back as well). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you've followed this story and are curious, or feel the itch to ride with amazing people and have incredible never-to-be-forgotten experiences, then you really should consider <a href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/">contacting the Ride for Africycle people</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A big thanks to the Voss family for their support of our ride. To Dave Barber for all his quietly incredible extra efforts and for being such an awesome man. To Jerred our chef for the excellent food. To the good people of The Next Church in Kingston for being so accommodating. To our many generous sponsors! To all of you who prayed for us and sent us your good thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These rides are entirely possible only because of the many good people who </div><div style="text-align: center;">generously provide their love and support. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Love and thanks to you all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Steven</div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-47624237514997587892011-10-22T07:51:00.023-04:002011-10-28T17:24:05.959-04:00Ride for Africycle 5.0 Day EightWaking in Bronte Creek Provincial Park to a cool morning. The distant muted roar of traffic. The much closer sound of birds and people grudgingly extracting their bodies from sleeping bags.<br /><br />My point-and-shoot camera battery said "no more" just after I woke up, so most of today's photographs are from the camera of Mr. Ed Kwaka, my biking buddy extraordinaire.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyitt7qfnJgnVdmALUzfPUmwF_7jc5FsORRrqUnjq94EMXGjUQd34luNyEr7k6fQ36tWenZHGtt8afnMPyaUOIK0IBn0MQdLwPLM9mRzwLzlXVe6MP6J4R_WIk6x4cydTOmatD10BtOxI/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyitt7qfnJgnVdmALUzfPUmwF_7jc5FsORRrqUnjq94EMXGjUQd34luNyEr7k6fQ36tWenZHGtt8afnMPyaUOIK0IBn0MQdLwPLM9mRzwLzlXVe6MP6J4R_WIk6x4cydTOmatD10BtOxI/s400/IMG_0934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666285081908605378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here I am hauling my pillow over to my storage bin in exchange for a bowl of porridge. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e-W2QSjxwHtdFX7bLbEsnZCG3kDPAgBjcxq6Salj-6MT5CflfGiUVHIg39YLvT_0lt3eRSLF81V-toepSZEGck1hoctv_Sx_KJSlt1CxpVlG-it7xhAB_xGyUHUeH-MeN7q8q6ulznA/s1600/IMG_0937.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9e-W2QSjxwHtdFX7bLbEsnZCG3kDPAgBjcxq6Salj-6MT5CflfGiUVHIg39YLvT_0lt3eRSLF81V-toepSZEGck1hoctv_Sx_KJSlt1CxpVlG-it7xhAB_xGyUHUeH-MeN7q8q6ulznA/s400/IMG_0937.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666285538375904466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The morning is a fragile place but there were always people laughing while they </div><div style="text-align: center;">parked back a couple of cups of coffee. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span></div></div><div><br />Today's ride had been the topic of much discussion as we were unsure whether to skirt North of the GTA or to cycle right through its heart. There are benefits to both routes of course but the decision was finally sealed by the Amazing Ben Voss who invited us to spend that night at his parent's home in Claremont. Our route there would take us directly along the Lakeshore until somewhere East of Toronto at which point we would turn North, ride past the Metro Zoo and then wiggle and twist our way through Concession and County roads until we would arrive at Chez Voss.<br /><br />Most of the ride alongside the Lake followed the <a href="http://www.waterfronttrail.org/trail-p-toronto.html">Waterfront Trail</a>, a well-maintained and well-signposted route that we left when necessary as it does deviate away from what we thought was the best and most direct route for us.<br /><br />The ride along Lakeshore Boulevard through Oakville and Port Credit was fast. A smooth uncluttered road with beautiful old trees on either side and of course, vast mansions whose wrap-around driveways are parking lots for Bentley's, Aston Martins, the odd Lamborghini and lots of other toys that are well beyond my experience. I wonder how the lives of their owners might be changed if they were to come along on an Africycle ride?!<br /><br />Eventually the edge of Mimico arrived and we passed into the older parts of Downtown Toronto where the road was a little more broken up and of course bisected by streetcar tracks. I really enjoy riding along here - although the last time I had been on this stretch on a bike would have to be thirty years ago - it looked essentially the same. A lot of cool little shops seemingly untouched by the passage of time and very obviously deeply embedded as the anchors they are for the little communities they serve.<br /><br />Shortly after passing through Mimico, we crossed the very stylish bridge over the Humber River.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7EM2qbT25ICEW-ApzNMlDKf5lSwXVFMpglUWHg-pB62On8h-8S_j_XPZYKUjw8-iqfNUH-_RT0vXTD0rhDKSvqXNV92jUVdibr4gAMFUbcPjbHsdhyM7nc7xehgW95zx4HtBTQwhFY0/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7EM2qbT25ICEW-ApzNMlDKf5lSwXVFMpglUWHg-pB62On8h-8S_j_XPZYKUjw8-iqfNUH-_RT0vXTD0rhDKSvqXNV92jUVdibr4gAMFUbcPjbHsdhyM7nc7xehgW95zx4HtBTQwhFY0/s400/IMG_0954.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666288480407169522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just up ahead and on the right are Dave and Mel enjoying the view across the Lake. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The views across the Bay to the Downtown skyline were really good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDXJ7T9tJw5cdEqS2FeWw0bN8RwOp-9Xj6V29SvyaemZmkHlXAMhguvILiBZnfSLQnwGGAeMuxfENmf8kTfpzX9i-fE8PbSlU6fKIg-7h8hENlIHuLFi0-sg4twwehkem49dGiVBUa1s/s1600/IMG_0955.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDXJ7T9tJw5cdEqS2FeWw0bN8RwOp-9Xj6V29SvyaemZmkHlXAMhguvILiBZnfSLQnwGGAeMuxfENmf8kTfpzX9i-fE8PbSlU6fKIg-7h8hENlIHuLFi0-sg4twwehkem49dGiVBUa1s/s400/IMG_0955.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666290739293852674" /></a> Downtown Toronto skyline.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"> (Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />We stayed as close as possible to the Lakeshore and blew past the Sunnyside Swimming pool, weaving and dodging through the bladers, runners, walkers, and other cyclists until we reached the bottom end of the Don Valley Parkway where we picked up the bike trail that would take us to our Lunch spot at Ashbridge's Bay. At Ashbridge's Bay we met the bus and the guys had picked up some roast chicken and fries and buns which was so totally unexpected and awesome! The park is huge and there were rugby games, a skateboarding park and all sorts of mega picnics and whatever else going on.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After Lunch we headed across the middle of Scarborough using the Danforth and Kingston Road -huge entertainment quotient there as bikes are definitely not expected and especially not welcome. This is a car and truck road and people are motoring along and have places to go and things to do!!! I was super happy when my front wheel turned North andI knew that we would pass by the Metro Zoo and head out into countryside pretty soon. Of course country roads are a bit rougher but there are all sorts of visual distractions that make it all worthwhile. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At one point we came across a countryside hazhard - the bridge was out. Not wanting to take the long way around we agreed that no matter what, we were getting across that river even if it meant we had to wade or swim across with our bikes! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happily neither was necessary as the bridge had handy dandy planks where its paved span would normally be so we were able to walk across and remain nice and dry!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXjDhxr88ThYvx-EIgV3V6tyDXg19X_gl6338sL3kyUcZ5OyNHDm7kReSOWgFsT826Uy3YzWq3SlOBqKFydbDNN1CBuMpXo8q3ON81I8TW_h_HKfsG-llaNIAVoeaJ2nuJoO9vqdZIgk/s1600/IMG_0958.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXjDhxr88ThYvx-EIgV3V6tyDXg19X_gl6338sL3kyUcZ5OyNHDm7kReSOWgFsT826Uy3YzWq3SlOBqKFydbDNN1CBuMpXo8q3ON81I8TW_h_HKfsG-llaNIAVoeaJ2nuJoO9vqdZIgk/s400/IMG_0958.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666295384891428258" /></a>Here's Michael VanDerHerberg taking the difficult route across.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJuVyDc6_pjrpw96sljyrekZJByIHxINoB3n1k27Or7NADxWwggLtzFzy4a_YM_acdvY0aaUhoU2nI6pDCdQY30iqtsXzN-7KO8jm-Pv1PhAchq9sObaDJQ2eA-dl0XgJsRMrlMZwza8/s1600/IMG_0959.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJuVyDc6_pjrpw96sljyrekZJByIHxINoB3n1k27Or7NADxWwggLtzFzy4a_YM_acdvY0aaUhoU2nI6pDCdQY30iqtsXzN-7KO8jm-Pv1PhAchq9sObaDJQ2eA-dl0XgJsRMrlMZwza8/s400/IMG_0959.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666295265098266370" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center; ">Here are the rest of us taking the easy way across. Is there a life-lesson there? You be the judge!!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy Ed Kwaka)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">From here some long smooth roads led us to the beautiful little town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claremont,_Ontario">Claremont</a> where the bus was parked.</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0ezavvC90CIfdC3TLZ8Gl3m0KbwSZXnyvW5jKnYtpx765irqda7rBiAevLQCOXhO-nduKbfgFQurHTf-xDVrsXyVbTOyIxOIyXuelzJQO1rVy-EjdLVhPW-kWtwGadSnkBMIv66hMHw/s1600/IMG_0970.jpg" style="font-size: small; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0ezavvC90CIfdC3TLZ8Gl3m0KbwSZXnyvW5jKnYtpx765irqda7rBiAevLQCOXhO-nduKbfgFQurHTf-xDVrsXyVbTOyIxOIyXuelzJQO1rVy-EjdLVhPW-kWtwGadSnkBMIv66hMHw/s400/IMG_0970.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666296998499478450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzdhpNqoTr5jF28YNNkE7GUyhlyo1ziqUQgEx5roQfPAdxYOBRB2Bqnt0BsUpiHZkG4enp8MI4wHr6dqD7bIZjHlKV5RVszgfo1MWwSDAVY6d-fxR4MlUrC3Kic0xRIg1GCO0IAyEsn4/s1600/IMG_0968.jpg" style="font-size: small; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzdhpNqoTr5jF28YNNkE7GUyhlyo1ziqUQgEx5roQfPAdxYOBRB2Bqnt0BsUpiHZkG4enp8MI4wHr6dqD7bIZjHlKV5RVszgfo1MWwSDAVY6d-fxR4MlUrC3Kic0xRIg1GCO0IAyEsn4/s400/IMG_0968.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666297944644467026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">The bikes were put away in the garage for the night. I'm sure they had some amazing discussions!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(Photo courtesy of Ed Kwaka)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">After we'd all enjoyed a couple of rehydrating beers, <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">Ben's sister provided superb massages to all who wished! She worked on my shoulders which hold a lot of tension when I ride long distances and it was as if a weight had been lifted off them by the time she had finished working her magic!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGevMQUShyuxp7LsrHQr9F-hXSRXmQsk9e4C8mK8QOeGCvcE9z_Q_vM1IBfbhbCCHNd1dq9Mu-jq7cYLqzwtpZDSdAuO6oaskRb0Nqj5DWlVjML0CWuqmLoBGYQAWtOciIN0Oe6eSMkE/s1600/P8138727.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGevMQUShyuxp7LsrHQr9F-hXSRXmQsk9e4C8mK8QOeGCvcE9z_Q_vM1IBfbhbCCHNd1dq9Mu-jq7cYLqzwtpZDSdAuO6oaskRb0Nqj5DWlVjML0CWuqmLoBGYQAWtOciIN0Oe6eSMkE/s400/P8138727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666301493271054226" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Then we all gathered in the beautiful back yard of this gorgeous home for a candlelight feast that was beyond comparison around tables filled with the most amazing people. We ate and drank and laughed our way into the night and then retreated to our tents for the last sleep of this year's ride. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Tomorrow,<a href="http://bikewithsteven.blogspot.com/2011/10/ride-for-africycle-50-day-nine.html"> the ride home to Peterborough</a>!</span></div></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-4472117895293783922011-10-15T00:07:00.003-04:002011-10-28T17:22:30.874-04:00Ride for Africycle Day Seven Part Two<div><img class="size-large wp-image-754" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P8128706-604x452.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="452" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Night falls at Bronte Creek</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Riding across the top of the Niagara Escarpment, you get some pretty good views of Lake Ontario and bits of the Golden Horseshoe conurbation.</div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-736" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=736"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-736" title="DSCF0983" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0983-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">After riding through a lot of countryside, the scale of cities always comes as a surprise.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">Eventually we arrived above Hamilton and made the big decision about which road to drop down into the city on.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-738" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=738"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-738" title="DSCF0984" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF09841-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">The picture below shows Dave Blondel scouting the terrain to determine which tarmac ribbon would get us the closest to the shoreline of the great Lake. This scene reminds me of those paintings of Columbus, Cartier and Cabot that have the great explorer standing on the prow of their ship while the scurvied lackeys wait anxiously for him to announcethat indeed we have arrived at the New Land .....</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">Dave's choice was a road that descended at a ferocious, brake melting rate with - bonus of bonuses - a sharp right about four fifths of the way down that cars coming up the hill left their lane and crossed into ours to take at a faster clip!! I was so nervous coming down that I didn't fully appreciate it and I hope that one day I can return and let the bike do its own thing!</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-739" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=739"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-739" title="DSCF0986" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0986-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">We raced through the streets of Hamilton which were pretty clear and in surprisingly good condition.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">We made our way to the Lakefront trail which is a wide paved smooth and very fast ride but on this day was also fairly well populated with roller bladers, runners, walkers, families, little and big dogs and so we picked up speed where we could and were careful everywhere else.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">At this point last year it was the only cold and rainy day of the ride.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">This year it was beautiful and so we were able to appreciate the mega-structure of the Skyway ...</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-746" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=746"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-746" title="DSCF0987" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0987-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">Soon after passing this great big bridge we crossed another great big bridge. This is the lift bridge that you can see when you cross the Skyway by car. Some of us rode across it and some took the sidewalk. If you're thinking of riding across it I'd suggest taking the sidewalk! I've done both and the sidewalk feels a whole lot better under the wheels than the interlocking metal grid of the roadway!!</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-755" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=755"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-755" title="DSCF0988" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF09881-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><a rel="attachment wp-att-757" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=757"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-757" title="DSCF0990" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF09901-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-748" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=748"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-748" title="DSCF0989" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0989-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">From here we continued along the Lakefront park trail which became even more densely populated. At one point we saw two women walking along it in scuba diving flippers ..... and eventually the trail ended and we came out into Burlington where we stopped at a favourite pastry and coffee stop of Ride for Africycle riders - the <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps/place?hl=en&biw=1267&bih=664&gs_upl=663l5083l0l6956l24l22l1l10l10l0l223l1413l3.5.2l10l0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=lakeshore+coffee+house+burlington&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=lakeshore+coffee+house&hnear=0x882b63d2965d93b7:0xa44a27764c2b554f,Burlington,+ON&cid=16205341254272346314">Lakeshore Coffee House</a>.</p></div><div>Here we were able to strech out and put back some tasty Americano's and I believe that most people parked a slab of cheesecake back as well.</div><div>From there we rode on caffeinated legs at a very good rate of speed along Lakeshore Boulevard, and then North towards Bronte Creek. Bronte is an improbable park, located smack dab in the middle of suburbia. But you would never know there were housing developments within a kilometre of you at all times through some cool trick of nature that has placed trees, small rises and a really beautiful setting to distract you.</div><div><br /></div><div>We set up the Ride for Africycle tent city ...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-749" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=749"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-749" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P8128704-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and watched the sun go down behind the trees.</div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-750" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=750"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-750" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/P8128717-604x452.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="452" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bikewithsteven.blogspot.com/2011/10/ride-for-africycle-50-day-eight.html">Tomorrow we leave for Claremont.</a></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6546274156416978505.post-8125145723043706602011-10-08T00:07:00.005-04:002011-10-28T17:20:57.527-04:00Ride for Africycle 5.0 Day Seven Part One<div>Crossing the border day! Our destination - <a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/bron.html">Bronte Creek Provincial Park</a> in Oakville.</div><div><br /></div><div>But first, getting the body back in gear - there's cycling to be done today and lots of it! The process of preparing for a day of riding becomes so much easier as you establish the little routines of bike maintenance, organizing clothes (trying desperately to keep the smelly ones away from the clean ones...), and packing up the camping gear, becomes secondary to enjoying the sleepy banter of a dozen people getting revved up for a ride.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today's ride began gently with our wheels turning along a beautiful parkway that more-or-less parallels the Niagara River. We passed through the beautiful town of Youngstown - I'd love to spend more time there sometime.</div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-718" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=718"><img class="size-medium wp-image-718" title="at my back" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0955-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Image courtesy Ed Kwaka</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-719" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=719"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-719" title="DSCF0956" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0956-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's the strangest thing to look across a river at the opposite shore and realize that it is not simply "the other side", but another country.</div><div><br /></div><div>We rode at a good pace and after the big climb up the side of the Niagara Escarpment ...</div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-720" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=720"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-720" title="DSCF0957" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0957-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-721" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=721"><img class="size-medium wp-image-721" title="IMG_0900" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/IMG_0900-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"> Image courtesy Ed Kwaka</span></div><div><p style="text-align: left;">we were on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Moses_State_Parkway">Robert Moses Parkway</a>. Another post-apocalyptic riding experience that saw us using a former Expressway that runs right alongside the Niagara River but is now entirely abandoned and given over to runners, walkers, and cyclists like us. The views were a bit industrial, but then I find that stretch of the River with its massive hydro-electric facilities a lot less than natural!</p></div><div><a rel="attachment wp-att-723" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=723"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-723" title="DSCF0964" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0964-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-722" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=722"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-722" title="DSCF0962" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0962-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's Ed Kwaka putting the Big Ring to work</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;">After a little fun trying to figure out how to get onto the Rainbow Bridge, we found ourselves riding alongside happy tourists who were bemused to see a team of cyclists making their way across the border.</p></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-724" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=724"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-724" title="DSCF0968" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0968-300x183.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="183" /></a></p></div><div><p style="text-align: left;">This is what you see half way across the bridge!</p></div><div><p style="text-align: left;">This year we had agreed that when we got to the Canadian side, we would stay on top of the escarpment and only drop off it when we were near Hamilton. The route was tricky at times but between the pre-ride support of Evan Taylor of the <a href="http://www.thefreewheelers.com/">Niagara Freewheeler's Club</a> and our very own live-action sort-it-out-on-the-fly cartographer Michael VanDerHerberg, we made our way through little towns, beautiful countryside, along sometimes busy but always lovely little roads ....</p></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-725" href="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/?attachment_id=725"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-725" title="DSCF0974" src="http://www.rideforafricycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/DSCF0974-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bikewithsteven.blogspot.com/2011/10/ride-for-africycle-day-seven-part-two.html">until we came to the drop down into Hamilton</a>.<p></p></div>stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14132104804524716898noreply@blogger.com0