Updates may seem few and far between recently, but I’ve been toiling behind the scenes on a few other projects. The first once has been in the works for months, and was a concept bouncing around in my head for even longer. It’s entitled “Photos de la Route”, and chronicles a cycling trip I did with a friend back in 1997. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Hopefully you can come along for the ride.
There isn’t much there now, just a teaser, but I’ll be adding more content — especially photos — in the coming days.
The Pacific Populaire took place in Vancouver last Sunday despite cold rain and high winds. We didn’t let the weather deter us and so Agnes, Amy, Simon and I joined 173 other cyclists to participate in the 100km randonné. This is my belated account of our ride.
(more...)
In an effort to put in some km’s prior to next week’s Pacific Populaire, Agnes, Miranda and I went for a 61km ride yesterday. Traffic was light due to the long weekend and the weather was cool and overcast, making for a decent enough afternoon cycle.
I really enjoyed the route, cobbled together from the 50km & 100km Populaire routes currently listed on the BC Randonneurs’ website (I say “current” since they were different only a month ago when I last checked). So, in the interest of creating resources that other local cyclists can use, here’s a brief review of our route.
(more...)
Agnes discovered this on Friday. My immediate — and enthusiastic — response was, “So what distance should we do?”
The Pacific Populaire is an annual cycling event held by the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club. From their website:
Greater Vancouver’s first major public ride of the cycling season is the Pacific Populaire. Since its inception in 1986 the focus of this event has been to encourage participation by all cyclists regardless of fitness level, cycling experience, or age. For some, the ride is a challenge to turn in a fast time, a personal best, or to complete a greater distance than in a previous year. Others will be out for a relaxed spring ride, fresh air, and exercise.
(
more...)
Ever since my old bike (a ‘99 Rocky Mountain Hammer Race) was stolen earlier this year, I’ve been extra-paranoid about its replacement. I love riding my Devinci Sydney, but the thought of locking it up somewhere and coming back to find it gone is too much to bear. Losing the Hammer was traumatic enough.
As a result, I’ve ended up biking far less than I should. So this weekend I picked up an old beat up road bike at Our Community Bikes. Its a really neat bike shop that recycles old bikes and parts. You can rent a work stand and their full range of tools for $5/hour - not a bad deal!
My “new old” bike is nothing pretty to look at. But used 62cm Bianchi frames aren’t easy to come by. The bike fits me pretty well and it handles quite nicely. Once I get the hang of the downtube shifters I’ll be tearing up the pavement in no time…