tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7833064550026087862024-02-18T22:09:04.591-08:00The Born-Again Cyclista cycling blogElihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-27594620313833548582019-06-06T14:08:00.001-07:002019-06-06T14:09:34.685-07:00Introduction to my Youtube Channel.Sometimes I forget that I still have this blog. Many of you that have followed me in the past via this blog, I apologize. Blogging seems to have gone the way of the Dodo bird. It's all about other forms of 'Social Media' now. If you want to keep following my cycling adventures, head over to Youtube and subscribe to my channel. 604Bluelight I go by as. <br />
Here is the link <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/604Bluelight" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/user/604Bluelight</a> .<br />
<br />
Cycling content has declined and has been replaced by Motorcycling content but I do, once in a while, post about my cycling when I can. So subscribe to the channel to keep up to date.<br />
<br />
This is my latest cycling Vlog . Enjoy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mz_wz1keNNs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mz_wz1keNNs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-6956155919339040632019-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:002019-01-21T09:38:09.340-08:00January 2019 Total Lunar Eclipse | Vancouver, BC, CanadaNot cycling content but I thought it was pretty remarkable. Did you guys see it? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-vyw69YA-3g/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-vyw69YA-3g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/-vyw69YA-3g" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/-vyw69YA-3g</a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What an amazing night to witness. A full Lunar Totality Eclipse with not a cloud in the sky!! I have never seen the moon so vivid this night. It was a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, I was not armed with good camera equipment, otherwise, this video would be so much better. I apologize to everyone watching, but this video does not do the real thing justice... not even close!!</div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-3260858022088246072018-09-20T16:44:00.003-07:002018-09-20T16:44:57.386-07:00Team Tallbike is BACK! Ride For Refuge 2018 Charity Bike Ride.Team Tallbike is at it again! Ride For Refuge 2018! 7 years of AWESOME, this team is strong! Just a small team of a group of friends riding for a cause that we believe in. Partnering once again with Ratanak International, we are moved by a desire to see healing, restoration and freedom in the lives of Cambodians trapped in exploitation, trafficking, poverty and vulnerability. Join us on September 29 as we ride our bikes for this great cause.<br /><br />Please donate to the team, donate to the kids as they have shorter legs than we do, or simply show us your support by giving us High Fives! (that is... if you can reach us on our Tallbikes!) <br /><br /><a href="http://ride.w-ith.me/TeamTallbike">http://ride.w-ith.me/TeamTallbike</a><br /><br />Here is a video of what Team Tallbike is all about! <br /><a href="https://youtu.be/TAYSGmR6M2A">https://youtu.be/TAYSGmR6M2A</a><div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TAYSGmR6M2A/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TAYSGmR6M2A?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /><br /> As for my own personal fundraising, donate if you can, no worries if you can't. I'm not asking but I am, so on and so forth, don't want to be weird about it.. but know it's for a wonderful cause yada yada. <img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f2/1/16/1f60d.png" />😍<img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f4f/1/16/1f601.png" />😁<img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fd4/1/16/1f606.png" />😆 And here is my personal fundraising site <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fride.w-ith.me%2FEliTheTallbikeGuy&h=AT2DrinEwnuDNAslYJ2vPwuvZe-7ntEgpe5_M-eDiwSFGAabWHxaSkBKDk32RuG-omLwRFDkh7KVPFQ7qnaPU0B7Wo0yTGb8SVaGwhnxBSLZIq7JsOy6W2Tyc-FNoEgmTA">http://ride.w-ith.me/EliTheTallbikeGuy</a> .<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/whatmovesyou?source=feed_text&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD0z4hs6181ChDU80HCRCBaxOm1ehg_lCPLCDC0X14P6MhHrSfCa12YDGvJbYo_-p9ojgW1lvbYyHwsqdXJwgdRhRQzg9u2ak51Q4yMY-YA46rHgW44kvwm3CIg3zJ-LzEbpg1xTdH83VawRA87SaFDgkK31UASa4ssZcBAx666cgpnP9_aA1E&__tn__=%2ANK-R">#whatmovesyou</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rideforrefuge?source=feed_text&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD0z4hs6181ChDU80HCRCBaxOm1ehg_lCPLCDC0X14P6MhHrSfCa12YDGvJbYo_-p9ojgW1lvbYyHwsqdXJwgdRhRQzg9u2ak51Q4yMY-YA46rHgW44kvwm3CIg3zJ-LzEbpg1xTdH83VawRA87SaFDgkK31UASa4ssZcBAx666cgpnP9_aA1E&__tn__=%2ANK-R">#RideforRefuge</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ratanak?source=feed_text&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD0z4hs6181ChDU80HCRCBaxOm1ehg_lCPLCDC0X14P6MhHrSfCa12YDGvJbYo_-p9ojgW1lvbYyHwsqdXJwgdRhRQzg9u2ak51Q4yMY-YA46rHgW44kvwm3CIg3zJ-LzEbpg1xTdH83VawRA87SaFDgkK31UASa4ssZcBAx666cgpnP9_aA1E&__tn__=%2ANK-R">#Ratanak</a></div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-58334377659923484122018-09-05T22:54:00.000-07:002018-09-05T22:54:24.202-07:00Hey Vancouver Cyclists... Just Chill the Heck Out!I have been meaning to make a post like this for the last few years now but someone else has made a similar post and to be honest, I don't think I could have written a better one. <br />
<br />
Grant Lawrence, of Vancouver Is Awesome commmunity online publication, has written about his experiences with Vancouver cyclists and how some are ruining it for everyone else.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 26px; word-wrap: break-word;">
Several recent incidents along the bike route have flattened my enthusiasm for commuter cycling.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 26px; word-wrap: break-word;">
One was a helmet-less hipster on a leftover fixie (remember them?) who was racing westward down Adanac full speed between Commercial and Clark. An elderly woman was crossing Adanac.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 26px; word-wrap: break-word;">
“GET OUT OF THE WAY, YOU F******’ RETARD!”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 26px; word-wrap: break-word;">
This is exactly what a young man on a bike yelled at a senior citizen trying to cross the street in Vancouver. The cyclist didn’t slow down. The pedestrian was startled and froze in her tracks. </div>
</blockquote>
<br />
We have come a long way as cyclists in a major North American city and we all need to be grateful of what we now have access to. To those that are ruining it for everyone else, Just Chill the Heck Out!!<br />
<br />
To read the full article written by Grant, please check it out here <a href="https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2018/09/05/vancouver-cyclists-anger-problem/" target="_blank">https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2018/09/05/vancouver-cyclists-anger-problem/</a><br />
<img src="https://assets.vancouverisawesome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/05132609/vancouver-cyclists-min.jpg" />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-909625305574583762018-05-25T13:16:00.000-07:002018-05-25T13:26:45.451-07:00Introducing The Greatest Bicycle We've Ever Built - The 2waharaIt has just occurred to me that I have never properly introduced the greatest bicycle we have ever built on this blog! Sure you may have seen it on some of our Ride For Refuge promo videos but it certainly deserves it's own post here!<br />
<br />
So, I now introduce you to The 2wahara with all it's might and glory! No need for explanation or description, the pictures and videos speak for themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnQPKTSsR30Sbt1pAwE1FmGiPVcxLRSrAoNwlX38G_1K1Wdy61tBhuNDSXMaSJieLOE3GZZnZbsd5w6JwfzlxQWtFd34GLzAe8NofwXt4awjSszRgxZ8LxkVKyR_Xg0wnWIyQAFmy_4Qw/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnQPKTSsR30Sbt1pAwE1FmGiPVcxLRSrAoNwlX38G_1K1Wdy61tBhuNDSXMaSJieLOE3GZZnZbsd5w6JwfzlxQWtFd34GLzAe8NofwXt4awjSszRgxZ8LxkVKyR_Xg0wnWIyQAFmy_4Qw/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgCHlYGVUbVd9zTI9Pfz-kDYNliiT_ywcAjIVikDaW4tgU-meVAsG3bmAPxNAKCA1bBoIwT_HDxnp1gLmGGPGxxwLVqVtpSWdQi4c2WTBw6mgYqFcuJDqNCCUp572_b5k7mOGNatm1o3L/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgCHlYGVUbVd9zTI9Pfz-kDYNliiT_ywcAjIVikDaW4tgU-meVAsG3bmAPxNAKCA1bBoIwT_HDxnp1gLmGGPGxxwLVqVtpSWdQi4c2WTBw6mgYqFcuJDqNCCUp572_b5k7mOGNatm1o3L/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4smavCiWo8Xbr8uWZa-JBv0xSpFCyijV7F7sPBwAIU8mThSUJiEn0T3EDHhiLtD-lD_en81wF3yiGz-ivRwx42NPaXkASlCrevHp_D4LSkjejJj5vxg5-C7SdDg0IPJesDK7Qq6-0otmG/s1600/IMG_1382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4smavCiWo8Xbr8uWZa-JBv0xSpFCyijV7F7sPBwAIU8mThSUJiEn0T3EDHhiLtD-lD_en81wF3yiGz-ivRwx42NPaXkASlCrevHp_D4LSkjejJj5vxg5-C7SdDg0IPJesDK7Qq6-0otmG/s320/IMG_1382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKMR1SCNagM3OIJmSk5_xfBgQsQvuYL_X5ZbHq5irvVqwtJkjf6u4VI_XKEnWw3SgGbQIBErpDrFxTmKbkpa75N3yrn1PW1tst2gnpFAwaaAAgJ_SLO_zaCC9UDPjdo8BzC-m5Bb7E3k3/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKMR1SCNagM3OIJmSk5_xfBgQsQvuYL_X5ZbHq5irvVqwtJkjf6u4VI_XKEnWw3SgGbQIBErpDrFxTmKbkpa75N3yrn1PW1tst2gnpFAwaaAAgJ_SLO_zaCC9UDPjdo8BzC-m5Bb7E3k3/s320/IMG_1426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TfvrBAS9C5s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TfvrBAS9C5s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ingenuity, the engineering and the chiseled good looks is unmatched!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JTqHxUT9SFE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTqHxUT9SFE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-23730758115542420212018-04-01T21:09:00.001-07:002018-04-01T21:09:59.928-07:00From Trash to Treasure - The Frog Bike ExperimentSave your old bikes and turn them into something wonderful. <br />
This is my bicycle build from a yardsale / scrapyard rescue to one of the best bikes I've ever built. A lot of work was done on this bike to turn it into the best bike for my intended purpose. This bike does it all, from commuting to work and back or to travel around the world!<br />
1993 Rocky Mountain Fusion frame. Tange cromoly, triple butted,. extremely lightweight for an all steel frame. All Deore LX or XT groupset, some NOS. Mavic SUP 121 Ceramic hoop with DT Swiss spokes, NOS XT hubs. Schwalbe Marathons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFZ5ErSIPa0FeAYwdwXMDjicNdEfdB6PLImqYbZfdhxATwJBbq_63XyiZC3TKIRfb70IesHN2D6c6UXYYafagHb3BlV1zJ61sxn-eUhNbCnhb7QCvrxD2hwnkOcQLUzeHxjEizlV8BUk/s1600/YT+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1296" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WFZ5ErSIPa0FeAYwdwXMDjicNdEfdB6PLImqYbZfdhxATwJBbq_63XyiZC3TKIRfb70IesHN2D6c6UXYYafagHb3BlV1zJ61sxn-eUhNbCnhb7QCvrxD2hwnkOcQLUzeHxjEizlV8BUk/s640/YT+thumb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNfzCeFa6R13E05QFRwuOwgj1sdTa811_Y8Iff86yQJ7j0Lq7UeMYC33P0hIgoWb0ipfKwdz11RzGrY94YWkZAvSOdHWcDobQpTJYvVSv9tRM7W6GC01mTZd-3oY7mnuduoE5G83MMVjZ/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="960" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNfzCeFa6R13E05QFRwuOwgj1sdTa811_Y8Iff86yQJ7j0Lq7UeMYC33P0hIgoWb0ipfKwdz11RzGrY94YWkZAvSOdHWcDobQpTJYvVSv9tRM7W6GC01mTZd-3oY7mnuduoE5G83MMVjZ/s400/001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU66iHk5ZpzeE6QpmXplBe3LUD5yQpnHYz1pz2zLfbmyWiRqA-LGTSycE89WTu750UCD-STvnI1j3Phuxy4JGw6wibmz3nFbaJ43aMpbIs7_ipd81dqP2P81fxmJF_91meGq0cNUnAo_zg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU66iHk5ZpzeE6QpmXplBe3LUD5yQpnHYz1pz2zLfbmyWiRqA-LGTSycE89WTu750UCD-STvnI1j3Phuxy4JGw6wibmz3nFbaJ43aMpbIs7_ipd81dqP2P81fxmJF_91meGq0cNUnAo_zg/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4QVD1j-cna2IP6SA-3BFBZ7dkSlE11CH7udJhWJ8-AoPZrOuN-DJhAT9djfyuHJZMYyB82eYjD6ImyNjnn6b3yFOUnShp2d8xAsJZOWWSxePz6ZLIwls51XGnqccRsFsC6ITESuFNL9f/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4QVD1j-cna2IP6SA-3BFBZ7dkSlE11CH7udJhWJ8-AoPZrOuN-DJhAT9djfyuHJZMYyB82eYjD6ImyNjnn6b3yFOUnShp2d8xAsJZOWWSxePz6ZLIwls51XGnqccRsFsC6ITESuFNL9f/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJFAq6B2uAQnIXAjXUGuO0XRmdYSlCyr3Kgc5FjsnMFGtWpNhglPkz60w-go0ISf3WTwctqWopUKldbweI-HPYPk1v9OwGm2wDxWGD079DeoM0-hhIr0_93KevaX9Pw7mp3CO0XMsjY8s/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJFAq6B2uAQnIXAjXUGuO0XRmdYSlCyr3Kgc5FjsnMFGtWpNhglPkz60w-go0ISf3WTwctqWopUKldbweI-HPYPk1v9OwGm2wDxWGD079DeoM0-hhIr0_93KevaX9Pw7mp3CO0XMsjY8s/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLgaj8Ko7-ZAGCWOBlSwOBe3JKfpyZ4WX316qESVpqxkRdlmcR9n27qcjZKPAcELjakhFZj_tNW94zmUhN4KmU0ec6ROJaNZMDZ25p8BlaTZHlSQvEg2vEDpeusY63tOe7b91KLbaKSbO/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLgaj8Ko7-ZAGCWOBlSwOBe3JKfpyZ4WX316qESVpqxkRdlmcR9n27qcjZKPAcELjakhFZj_tNW94zmUhN4KmU0ec6ROJaNZMDZ25p8BlaTZHlSQvEg2vEDpeusY63tOe7b91KLbaKSbO/s640/039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a video of the build that I am sure you will enjoy. <a href="https://youtu.be/tfKcYqZooOA" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/tfKcYqZooOA</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tfKcYqZooOA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tfKcYqZooOA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Thanks for your continual visits to my blog.Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-21564553660308091242018-03-13T15:51:00.004-07:002018-03-13T16:07:33.943-07:00Mountain Biking the South Surrey Bike Park.Early March and we get a break in the cold, wet winter we've been having. It was 15 degrees celsius out today and not a cloud in the sky. No better way to spend the day than riding bicycles!<br />
<br />
"The South Surrey Bike Park is hugely diverse with trails, dirt jumps, obstacles and training areas for all skill levels. The bike park is part of the vast Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest Park with serene trails through unique forests, inhabited by diverse animal and plant life.<br />
The South Surrey Mountain Bike Park is located in the forested area west of the South Surrey Athletic Park near Softball City. It lies between 20th and 24th Avenues and is west of 148th Street. You will see a tall concrete water tower and a metal cell phone tower. The park is in that general area. Plenty of paved parking is available near the site."<br />
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.trailforks.com/region/south-surrey-bike-park" target="_blank">South Surrey Bike Park</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oEkcBsp5hxFokBFZ00OQ_d1QlhjGO2u5HTibNZe7OqDHJmXZRCsdBHaSlWSQ-DhsoDqdvOvTgorG8shFhHO96dle7mzDErEggmx1-kXMBuFoVzkQxL8eVFJCILq1C5dTk4kdAXaalu6p/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1124" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oEkcBsp5hxFokBFZ00OQ_d1QlhjGO2u5HTibNZe7OqDHJmXZRCsdBHaSlWSQ-DhsoDqdvOvTgorG8shFhHO96dle7mzDErEggmx1-kXMBuFoVzkQxL8eVFJCILq1C5dTk4kdAXaalu6p/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrO_jogQyDCgMrnewaTYfcKLMG__y4Yz4RcbXAFbUVTsVdMRNh7rHsK7-4Xoj7D6P0pLWbysONZGenlVBC237wJmNtBy2hM7nKoo3GYXzgmJG0_MUPue4D10yAhyM90u4G0k_VgwJdBbR/s1600/vlcsnap-2018-03-12-20h50m42s877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrO_jogQyDCgMrnewaTYfcKLMG__y4Yz4RcbXAFbUVTsVdMRNh7rHsK7-4Xoj7D6P0pLWbysONZGenlVBC237wJmNtBy2hM7nKoo3GYXzgmJG0_MUPue4D10yAhyM90u4G0k_VgwJdBbR/s320/vlcsnap-2018-03-12-20h50m42s877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zwahUhre-2pcCJMRe8vVDW4l9dSo2Bxx_m1xIvplVEZ4AugrX66PsuRFkt_o4hAAInQg34-f3tKBbGWD6jGKBkplvw6_kybCbZLGyM_btOkvrIMNqcZ19E7ZFXgUXR3veBynOqQWpHer/s1600/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h34m53s924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zwahUhre-2pcCJMRe8vVDW4l9dSo2Bxx_m1xIvplVEZ4AugrX66PsuRFkt_o4hAAInQg34-f3tKBbGWD6jGKBkplvw6_kybCbZLGyM_btOkvrIMNqcZ19E7ZFXgUXR3veBynOqQWpHer/s320/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h34m53s924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginjQYHjUqc98FzM1HRu3RVjnsDxCFJJWfwEiTSrCB_LXMPgLBRUk3_7VNFvHudgbyJGQd7-DBXc5zqBJoB9HgdIaVhEh2sRyK_uWu0aFtw47Ry4YX4X-G2Qn4LCQUH42wDZWNxEk2ROcd/s1600/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h35m35s678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginjQYHjUqc98FzM1HRu3RVjnsDxCFJJWfwEiTSrCB_LXMPgLBRUk3_7VNFvHudgbyJGQd7-DBXc5zqBJoB9HgdIaVhEh2sRyK_uWu0aFtw47Ry4YX4X-G2Qn4LCQUH42wDZWNxEk2ROcd/s320/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h35m35s678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_mtJjWHA9yatXRK8hD1neCdtGvJl-ko-afRMHHZ7LElgu1tvkX01W_sPmrmHkWODAUmfIjS5dHYADXRB8mNxKqJbwqE1UzKkp-nJIxw8E5lx2tZWCy0XcKcxQhDZf8vb4wytlLgMMsn9/s1600/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h35m47s396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_mtJjWHA9yatXRK8hD1neCdtGvJl-ko-afRMHHZ7LElgu1tvkX01W_sPmrmHkWODAUmfIjS5dHYADXRB8mNxKqJbwqE1UzKkp-nJIxw8E5lx2tZWCy0XcKcxQhDZf8vb4wytlLgMMsn9/s320/vlcsnap-2018-03-13-15h35m47s396.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check out the Youtube video I created and please like, comment, share and subscribe.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZQ7i9ZzAMAw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZQ7i9ZzAMAw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Stay tuned for the next update.</div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-67886466698563478552017-11-04T20:32:00.000-07:002017-11-04T20:32:07.503-07:00When Motorbikes Are Put Away, Pedal Bikes Come Out To PlayIt's been a while since I've posted cycling content on this blog. Well... here you go.. I'm back on pedal power!! As the title states, the motorcycles are now put away for the winter season. This means more time on the bicycles! <br />
It seems that blogs are now a thing of the past and everyone has moved on to other forms of social media. I have become one of those people. Writing seems to take a lot more effort than video blogging, aka vlogging, so I have made my way primarily to Youtube to post all my two-wheeled adventures. Please check out my channel at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/604bluelight" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/604bluelight</a> and subscribe if you want to keep in touch. I must say, the videos have been a lot more exciting than writing about all my adventures. Hence, the lack of posts on this blog.<br />
In the meantime, please enjoy my latest cycling video here...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JzUC_5V-zug/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JzUC_5V-zug?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/JzUC_5V-zug" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/JzUC_5V-zug</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, what do you think about blogs? Do you think they have become obsolete and the dinosaurs of the internet? Let me know your thoughts on the comments.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
ps. I am also on Instagram as 604Bluelight so you can also follow me there. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/604bluelight/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/604bluelight/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-25440316751085084192017-06-12T00:19:00.001-07:002017-06-12T00:19:43.149-07:00A Path Less Ridden - An Epic Motorcycle Adventure.Another two-wheeled adventure. I have taken all my experiences with cycle touring and cycle camping into the motorized two-wheeled world. This time one of my dreams is to ride around Hawaii be it by bicycle or by motorcycle. This past May, I pulled the trigger and went for it., A 10 day motorcycle camping trip around the island of Kauai, Hawaii. I have put together a video of my adventure and I'd like to share it with you. Here is the link to the best trip I've ever done to date. <a href="https://youtu.be/bjEv8ynFsB8" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/bjEv8ynFsB8</a> .<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bjEv8ynFsB8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bjEv8ynFsB8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Enjoy the ride.Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-78653404463972340322016-12-23T13:22:00.000-08:002016-12-23T13:22:09.256-08:00Where are you going... What are you looking for...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/enDRdPF--N0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enDRdPF--N0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-12793994032181953882016-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:002016-03-04T21:38:12.523-08:00A Different Kind of Bike - A Full Year CompilationOnce again, better to show than to write about. Just watch the attached video.<br />
It was an amazing year 2015 was, and this is one of the reasons why. Some may like it, some may not. But be happy for me, I'm having a blast.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/156179906" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/156179906">A Different Kind of Bike - A Full Year Compilation</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click on the link or image)</span></div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-26430801849307915562015-10-05T19:21:00.001-07:002015-10-05T19:21:10.973-07:00Thank You from Team Tallbike!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6xEaKlofM3k/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6xEaKlofM3k?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/6xEaKlofM3k" target="_blank">Thank You for your Support</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A short quick video to show our Thank You's to all of our supporters and sponsors. Without you we could never have done this. Thank you to friends and families that have donated. A special thank you to 'strangers' who chose to remain anonymous in sponsoring me for this ride. My biggest gratitude to you all. Your support made a difference. Your donations will make an impact. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sincerely yours,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Eli</div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-26494907920378933712015-09-28T11:43:00.000-07:002015-09-28T11:43:22.256-07:00I'm Doing a Charity Bike Ride this Saturday and I need Sponsors! :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<pre>Dear Friends,
I hope you are all doing well and have had a great summer!
<pre>First of all, I am never one to ask for help or for donations and I am a
terrible fundraiser. So bare with me as I have found it difficult to make
this post. But the more I think about it, I realize that this isn't really
about me..</pre>
This coming Saturday Oct. 3rd, I, along with 500+ other riders, will be
participating in a 50Km charity bike ride that supports 175+ charities who
serve the displaced, vulnerable, and exploited. Specifically riding for
Ratanak International who is passionate about empowering Cambodians
through providing access to education, medical and social services and are
focused on helping end child sex slavery. Myself, along with a team of
friends, 4 of whom are under the age of 10!, are excited to be able to
participate in this ride. I will be riding my Tallbike and we have built a
'special' bike for this year!
My fundraising page is located here <a href="http://ride.w-ith.me/Eli-TeamTallbike" target="_blank">http://ride.w-ith.me/Eli-TeamTallbike</a>
And if you would like to see what my 'Tallbike' looks like and a preview
of the 'special bike' that I mentioned, have a look at the video I created
to promote our ride! <a href="https://youtu.be/0UCrSyNAmbE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/0UCrSyNAmbE</a></pre>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0UCrSyNAmbE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0UCrSyNAmbE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<pre>
Thank you for the time you've taken to read this post. I will appreciate
any amount you can give, and at the very least I hope you enjoyed my
video!
Have a wonderful day,
Eli</pre>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-42031295950579628342015-07-24T20:06:00.000-07:002016-06-21T15:25:54.982-07:00A Day In The Life... My 2014 Trip to the PhilippinesThis posting is a little late, actually 1 year late. It has very little to no cycling content but I would like to share it with you.<br />
July of 2014, I was in the Philippines. A trip that produced many lasting memories, and amazing new experiences... somewhat a rarity for a big city boy like myself. My birthplace is always a beautiful place to visit allowing me to connect to my roots that I have left behind for Canada since I was a very young boy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/171364580" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8UBF7iLGLHZpqR0muRs_oWlh5mShhxRnHe62iY0Pceyjjzm7r2OzHJypWMcZOaE5NA6VdL9sw6vIkNZuKgpD8rQHiRAWg7JICJQz0Hqs_h2eI7qLVGBdTTRl26Kfd8G5-rvvknZU4c6O/s1600/vlcsnap-2015-07-24-18h53m47s191.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/171364580" target="_blank">---> Click Here to Watch Vimeo Video <---</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy!</div>Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-3976795923326451282015-06-18T22:29:00.000-07:002018-09-19T09:29:13.291-07:00Cycle Touring - The Galloping Goose Trail, Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol TrestleGreetings readers. Yes, I am still alive. It has been a long time since my last blog post and it seems I've already forgotten how to write. I have no excuses other than living a busy life with different and new interests. I am sure many of you will be surprised to receive a notification of a new blog post from me and many will not even remember that you have subscribed to my blog. Here's to everyone reading this that have kept up on their cycling adventures and keeping your dreams alive and to those that have made their dreams come true. I know some of you have made that trek across the country, have achieved numerous bike tours, have taken on an overnight cycling and camping trips, and/or have finally jumped in and purchased that new bike. Cheers!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, please enjoy this video I created from footage from my last cycle tour in August of 2014. Hopefully the video speaks for itself so I no longer have to write all about it. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/N90ClbS4B2s" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9rQoQqAsqoegruykdWRnfiqPvTZL2S_LAltGI6Jc1-ym0SFt1iZSVoUztt4CjkOxjVVcZvsjph0wuxUAhbQnz1Jq9_GCEBHN37gZpkgUHoeScXn11s5Yl6zuuk01_RBq_SgW4O7hGOZe/s640/youtube+pic2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/N90ClbS4B2s" target="_blank">---> Click Here to Watch Youtube Video <---</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And for those whom have kept in touch with me and have lost touch with directly and indirectly through this blog, and you probably know who you are,.. yes, I do miss the times we've had. Here's to friendships made. !<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-50559197375625888662013-10-10T15:09:00.000-07:002013-12-20T14:20:19.124-08:00Ratanak International - Ride For Refuge 2013, Vancouver BC, Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5nbgKcWYuAiiy7bXZibXTR0pfBqoUuUziPBMkZ_mYq0A-TqSuTo9PPBwIdynFI9NsigAEXg-kgBOK71UMfek_rxqZaIY1DeB4_9AbfppJkhOfx5uMLf8gmdH9Z8NdJz64MOW-hYeD9pv/s1600/cover_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5nbgKcWYuAiiy7bXZibXTR0pfBqoUuUziPBMkZ_mYq0A-TqSuTo9PPBwIdynFI9NsigAEXg-kgBOK71UMfek_rxqZaIY1DeB4_9AbfppJkhOfx5uMLf8gmdH9Z8NdJz64MOW-hYeD9pv/s640/cover_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This past October 5, 2013, I, along with 400+ other cyclists in the suburb of Vancouver in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, participated in a 50Km charity bike ride that supports 175+ charities who serve the displaced, vulnerable, and exploited. Specifically riding for Ratanak International who is passionate about empowering Cambodians through providing access to education, medical and social services and are focused on helping end child sex slavery. Myself, along with a team of friends, were excited to be able to participate in this ride. And, of course, 3 of us rode our Tallbikes!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IJCPkeRW6n-zh-XxDHSTiYmghj6TDhKJRSGR09Z1LVcUU5WdTpG86r8TUb4qEix9G1QJLpxCG1tA9j1vPn6FScAohN-ewYNv3cLbZ9RWv4Kkokdryn2h8oaZnaUyfUKHUFTUBjyQBwRX/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IJCPkeRW6n-zh-XxDHSTiYmghj6TDhKJRSGR09Z1LVcUU5WdTpG86r8TUb4qEix9G1QJLpxCG1tA9j1vPn6FScAohN-ewYNv3cLbZ9RWv4Kkokdryn2h8oaZnaUyfUKHUFTUBjyQBwRX/s640/IMG_0047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCQGBaBsjERYzrQJeSO1a1bkAeqC0eEIkUTYdBM1V5oM7Y3GsCaC5LfQiDXx34Dstv0yqsiJOWfRddce0o6uxTK4KMfUWdgm3hVm05x4YvyWRPRKv7_dSDAuRZpmDZ898M5cELQ5wHqhw/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCQGBaBsjERYzrQJeSO1a1bkAeqC0eEIkUTYdBM1V5oM7Y3GsCaC5LfQiDXx34Dstv0yqsiJOWfRddce0o6uxTK4KMfUWdgm3hVm05x4YvyWRPRKv7_dSDAuRZpmDZ898M5cELQ5wHqhw/s400/IMG_0069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOHGmWV_PABw-CWon6YF5UQINwUfKkFfzP3tCGN-qk6Ebq706RvLdfdyftv1_uuOouRLrq4mQWJsUJN4AYrCGRUgkE8aB2dtDIxZkVCp3z8L_JvqaKsXWgkO4V7-HyLDnWHX5sfJJ8cue/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOHGmWV_PABw-CWon6YF5UQINwUfKkFfzP3tCGN-qk6Ebq706RvLdfdyftv1_uuOouRLrq4mQWJsUJN4AYrCGRUgkE8aB2dtDIxZkVCp3z8L_JvqaKsXWgkO4V7-HyLDnWHX5sfJJ8cue/s400/IMG_0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDCqPJIqDnUJT57R7lcWM3LGGQ85dHE_zECcGoFhCE0SN2Ub0dnsZVF-cacDbj3f_djW6iOa1bUxLez-EvDFAPA4hx_bMDkKo_yqTPBNIEup78KhKVHMjHTmwGtW1g9ax6BS-xJB_lvK_/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDCqPJIqDnUJT57R7lcWM3LGGQ85dHE_zECcGoFhCE0SN2Ub0dnsZVF-cacDbj3f_djW6iOa1bUxLez-EvDFAPA4hx_bMDkKo_yqTPBNIEup78KhKVHMjHTmwGtW1g9ax6BS-xJB_lvK_/s400/IMG_0098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Having done this ride last year in torrential downpour <a href="http://whereareyougoingwhatareyoulookingfor.blogspot.ca/2012/10/charity-bike-ride-ride-for-refuge-for.html" target="_blank">Ride for Refuge 2012</a>, it was an absolute joy that the weather cooperated this year and provided us with dry perfect riding conditions! This has become a ride to look forward to, and this time around we have built a 3rd Tallbike and together much smiles, laughter and overall cheerfulness were had!<br />
<br />
Lastly, I've created a video of the ride and here you will see how much fun everyone had!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VRhBvvEFBfc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/VRhBvvEFBfc" target="_blank">-->Please click here if your browser does not support embedding <--</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You will not want to miss this video!! :D</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/VRhBvvEFBfc" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nNXwXgm-LLxrJPdChyphenhyphenPUYVTL_fGzUU8MnQXhIs2W21Xe34Xz9tFmZczyxjAeRKm7RWfO874cOPbXKbIN86y0JfJTYcBmXDhzqW7YtIbC8cmJZvQs_sNwoPJ6TJE29HJ_6jb52mKFdjzP/s640/tallbike+wheelie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-17387440494932833732013-08-01T20:52:00.000-07:002018-09-19T09:30:26.259-07:00Cycle Touring - Squamish British ColumbiaI must start off by being honest in saying that the title of this post should have been Whistler, BC rather than Squamish. Now you may already have an idea on how this trip had ended even before continuing on to read. But for those who want to continue on reading, here's the story...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Day 0</i></b></span>, Thursday July 25<br />
<br />
The days leading up to this bike trip has not been my typical over-preparation and over-planning like the good boy scout I usually try to be. In fact, it wasn't until the very last minute that I was able to secure a place to stay in our intended destination! There were a lot of distractions with work, life and daily grind. I would have liked to be more prepared for this trip, but be it as it may, we were going no matter what.<br />
<br />
Thursday evening was the time for packing as the following Friday at the crack of dawn we would be on the road. I will be going on this trip with my usual cycling buddy Matt who has also had a week full of distractions., so neither of us are quite 100% prepared. <br />
A few new equipment and gear I will be taking with me on this trip to test out for the first time. A new lightweight sleeping bag, a new air mattress, new HD action video camera and most importantly, a new bike! Well, not a new-new bike but a new-to-me bike, a bike that I had just built from frame up using an early 90's Tange cromoly double butted frame - yes, a steel bicycle! The bike weighed in at a piggish 32lbs including racks and fenders and everything durable and made to last. This will now be my dedicated touring bike as it is the one I have full confidence with not to break down in the middle of nowhere. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3mJ5P7g9_PtN6eC3NM4u0Zcea5AKn0SKgGee-ehUZb3nwsk0TbT4ttrKZyATV7rurkSHOd4VBElyv-RZXXEkWnocmo1CqsgOowmXnD8oiGASHQ9mwz1eBsSozazYWX-yoj1t-4Lwxh-m/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3mJ5P7g9_PtN6eC3NM4u0Zcea5AKn0SKgGee-ehUZb3nwsk0TbT4ttrKZyATV7rurkSHOd4VBElyv-RZXXEkWnocmo1CqsgOowmXnD8oiGASHQ9mwz1eBsSozazYWX-yoj1t-4Lwxh-m/s640/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly built bike on it's first major bike camping trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My packing was rushed! I even forgot to bring a pair of pants. Can you imagine forgetting pants?? Although the weather forecast was nice all weekend, it does tend to get cold overnight where a pair of pants would have helped warm me up a little. Oh, and before I continue on, here's a dumbass move I decided to do. I thought it would be a great practice to carry heavier than what I would normally carry on a trip like this, thinking to myself that the weight I will be carrying on future longer rides will be much heavier than this, so I packed up my trailer with things I would never use! A heavy U-lock and chain, unnecessary tools, extra shoes, more water etc. This was a mistake made due to over-confidence. A lesson that will be learned greatly.<br />
So, stress levels were a little high when we found out that most, if not all, campgrounds around Whistler was fully booked for the Friday night. It was almost midnight and we leave in 6 hours and I've yet to find a place for us to stay. I was ready to accept this as stealth camping is always an option.. something I had always wanted to do. Stealth camping is basically setting up camp somewhere in the bushes where no one can see us. There is also the choice of knocking on people's doors and ask if we could set up tents in their backyards. As a final resort before I went to bed, I posted a somewhat of a plea on my Facebook page asking if anyone knew anyone in Whistler that can offer us a patch of grass in their front lawn or backyards so that we could set up tents and be gone by following morning. Surprisingly enough, a few minutes later, I get a private message from one of my friends. They had a friend that was offering us a place to stay in Whistler! Woohoo! Crisis averted! It's a wonderful thing to have such amazing friends backing you up. <br />
2am I fall asleep. It will be in 3hrs that I will be waking up so that we can get on the road as early as possible. 3hrs of sleep will not be enough. Lesson learned once again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Day 1</i></b></span>, Friday July 26<br />
<br />
5am. I'm wide awake. Feeling energized and no signs of any lack of sleep. I have 1 hard boiled egg and 1 piece of toast for breakfast. Will this be enough until lunch time? We shall find out. <br />
Matt arrives a little later than planned. After last minute checking and packing of gear we are off at exactly 7am. We were both quite excited at this point.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWCP0ToS2oFo2BVw0ABEeI-kDBc6F-ULADPqP8cs2JRQYj5hGisxcLuw79bxqFRCR0Ii1rFc2Kzb2-wALGZuDo7AQoFCxPFUNfUbKcWuu-Ux8EaOqKSk5ob1OpgHjA1MMC1Ao0eMCTq3Z/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWCP0ToS2oFo2BVw0ABEeI-kDBc6F-ULADPqP8cs2JRQYj5hGisxcLuw79bxqFRCR0Ii1rFc2Kzb2-wALGZuDo7AQoFCxPFUNfUbKcWuu-Ux8EaOqKSk5ob1OpgHjA1MMC1Ao0eMCTq3Z/s640/IMG_0588.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Matt ready to ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A chilly morning ride. Our legs and lungs will not be tested until we cross over onto the North Shore. It should be a great warmup ride. Our first challenge came upon the fork on Main St / Cotton Drive in North Vancouver where the road splits into Lower Level Rd and 3rd St. If one split is called 'Lower' level, then you can guess what 3rd Street is. Yup, a fairly decent incline. Something I was set on avoiding by taking Lower Level Road. Unfortunately, as we enter Lower Level Rd., signs saying 'construction ahead, no cycling allowed'. Argh! We had no choice. We had to go up 3rd St. Oh well... we may as well get this over with as there will be plenty more where that came from... much much more!<br />
The rest of the ride all the way to Horseshoe Bay was quite tame as expected. Only the short blip on Capilano Road to get up to the Trans-Canada Highway was the next early challenge. However, as soon as 9am hit, I get a call from one of my clients saying they're having server problems and no one is able to get in. Aarrrgh! Remember, this is a Friday and it's still a work day and I'm supposed to be working! Worry set in at this point and I'm thinking to myself, 'Am I going to have to bail on this bike trip?? It's a server problem and that's pretty critical and I can't just push that off until I get back!' After making a few phone calls from the side of the highway, luckily I was able to walk the clients through on doing a full system reboot. The reboot fixed the problems and continue on we go! Yes! another crisis averted! However, this bike ride seem to have been filled with 'negative' energy so far. Still, all smiles here!<br />
Ahh, the Sea-to-Sky highway... most locals know this to be a beautiful and very scenic highway. It is what connects Vancouver and Whistler. A lot of improvements have been made to this highway since our Winter Olympics in 2010 and it shows greatly as it now has wide shoulders for the cyclists to ride on. But there are still some areas where the shoulder seem to disappear and it gets pretty sketchy. For the most part, it is still a nice and safe highway for bicycles to ride on. Unfortunately, with the beauty comes the dreaded hills. Huge hills and some go on and on for kilometres at a time. This is what lead to my downfall., the damn hills. To those of you who are reading this that have followed my previous blogs, you may remember that I have had some injuries that I've been taking care of for now nearly a year. Rehabilitation on these injuries have been going so well and progress has been excellent! I thought I was ready. I thought I was in the best condition that I can be to take on this challenge. Unfortunately I was wrong and evidently, this bike trip has come too soon and a bit too ambitious. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk6yB15wsytni0wKeivDtiOrGr7s_2z7slVTzxMGH7QPRDqlGWseQIRenA6i29AZ6abfRsA9UMm77YTBiLcjLetRTsulacrZhAKZeRDdlwlKumunT4kpBsQFzdlynzOihE-5E0gF8Jba6/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAk6yB15wsytni0wKeivDtiOrGr7s_2z7slVTzxMGH7QPRDqlGWseQIRenA6i29AZ6abfRsA9UMm77YTBiLcjLetRTsulacrZhAKZeRDdlwlKumunT4kpBsQFzdlynzOihE-5E0gF8Jba6/s400/IMG_0596.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking a break on the side of the highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we tackled all the hills in front of us, my hip and knee pains started to come back. My quads started cramping up to the point where my legs would fully lock up. This kept on going throughout the ride and we still have a long ways to go. I was not tired. But my legs are constantly locking up, there is nothing more to do but stop, wait until the muscles release, then try again. But the hills kept coming and there are more to come. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82uO5LWx84GhPAVbe-Gga-cUosEf1OzhVI5z363EZqTVH8q9xW1GAnKD9iqGHSRDtQojhYebpXdYjHHP8KhavpjvAwQ6CcDx75sLtcbgygW7THN5DZdhnynceGY5Y2wUVB_8aVtXSQiyQ/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82uO5LWx84GhPAVbe-Gga-cUosEf1OzhVI5z363EZqTVH8q9xW1GAnKD9iqGHSRDtQojhYebpXdYjHHP8KhavpjvAwQ6CcDx75sLtcbgygW7THN5DZdhnynceGY5Y2wUVB_8aVtXSQiyQ/s640/IMG_0608.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was hot. But the scenery was gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nearing the Brittania Beach Mining Museum, a large hill faced us. This was at the peak of the afternoon where the heat was at it's highest point. This hill destroyed me. I had to get off my bike a few meters at a time just to ease the pain from my quads locking up. I was wishing this would be the last big hill before Squamish. Was I ever wrong. As we got over this hill, we reached the Mining Museum where a nice long break was taken. I have also been having stomach pains by this time so the public restroom was a very welcomed stop. It is around 2:30pm now and we still had not had our lunch. It's funny, while suffering during a bike ride, you never find yourself getting hungry. You have this mindset that you just have to keep going. The whole goal was to reach Squamish, have our lunch, and then continue on to Whistler. This may have been a terrible plan now that I look back on it. <br />
Immediately after leaving Britannia Beach, one of the biggest climbs I've seen hit us. It was a long ride up to Squamish. My legs were gone. There was no second wind I've been hoping for. I am ashamed to admit that I needed to get off my bike and push my way partly up this hill. This is where I decided that I was not gonna make it to Whistler this day.<br />
Finally, Squamish. Time to reassess the day. As much as all the difficulties that I/we have had so far, the scenery was amazing. Through all the pain I was having, there was never a time where I would not look up and enjoy the surrounding trees, ocean and rocky mountain sides. I have driven my car on this highway many times before, but inside a car you miss so much of the outside world and it passes you along without notice. Riding your bicycle through this at 12km/h is the perfect speed to enjoy the beauty that is given to you. You hear the birds singing, the waterfalls coming down the mountainsides, you see hawks and eagles soaring above you,. even the roar of the metallic trucks that whiz past you becomes somewhat musical. I am still enjoying myself despite the hardships.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT80sh2ux50dz-UR7khsB41lD9NyDPmgKBXvMqGJ07ldnVHGOPd4pKO4qptGLCE592maasuylmquXFSTkvXTALRGJGuZUGvqXEe1wD_klZQnWEcPFRFf3Hbr8IXZ6IvXpMFpr3wyvF8JJB/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT80sh2ux50dz-UR7khsB41lD9NyDPmgKBXvMqGJ07ldnVHGOPd4pKO4qptGLCE592maasuylmquXFSTkvXTALRGJGuZUGvqXEe1wD_klZQnWEcPFRFf3Hbr8IXZ6IvXpMFpr3wyvF8JJB/s640/IMG_0609.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the scenery was gorgeous?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is about 3:30pm, there is still plenty of daylight to make Whistler. Here I am considering maybe I can continue on after a nice meal. A very welcoming Golden Arches awaits us. This has become a godsend stop on tours such as this.. $1 dollar large drinks all summer and plenty of water and ice to fill our bottles, a place to wash up and gorge food that is bad yet so good on a day like today. Just perfect to try and get my salt content back which I have lost so much of. Maybe I can make it after all.<br />
.<br />
Maybe not.<br />
After sitting on a nice comfortable chair for 30 minutes, getting up became a shock. My hip joint and groin has become so inflamed that it was very painful just to walk let alone get back on the bike. Uh oh, not good. This was it., this is my end. I apologize to my friend Matt who I'm sure would have been able to keep going without me holding him back. I had to make alternate plans. I had to find a campsite for the night. Off we go to the nearest information station to look for campsites. And while there, I would ask what the remaining 50km ride to Whistler was like to see if it was attainable. The girl at the Info booth, who was a knowledgeable cyclist herself, tells me that from here it gets even tougher. There is still another 50kms and 2200 feet of climbing to do before arriving in Whistler. Well, that settles it, there is no way I can make it. Even Matt decided it was too much to keep going. The girl gave us directions to a campsite and we were off. The ride to the campsite was one of the nicest bike rides we've had this day. It was through a long bike path away from the main roads, sheltered from the sun under trees, AND it was all flat. I had no idea this bike trail existed until now. Arriving in camp, we took our time in setting up our tents. There was still a lot left of the day. Plenty of time to ride around and enjoy the remaining day without any punishment in attempting more hills to climb. We paid for and setup camp and waited until we were both hungry again for dinner. I had called my friends who had offered us a place to stay in Whistler telling them that we will not be able to make it there tonight. Thank you soo so much guys for the offer, too bad we couldn't make it. You guys rock!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWlCdqNPV3LbNftHlQ0P7khZCyWMgXoGJWQ64AEg9e7xFxWZ76kqN7agOr2uaOlWOlUTEyXYpZOugih16715R_qbiuPrqtUfb26EZ1hKwE_VdeNd21OUWkFAB2lkT4TM1uvEPr5C2fnXj/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWlCdqNPV3LbNftHlQ0P7khZCyWMgXoGJWQ64AEg9e7xFxWZ76kqN7agOr2uaOlWOlUTEyXYpZOugih16715R_qbiuPrqtUfb26EZ1hKwE_VdeNd21OUWkFAB2lkT4TM1uvEPr5C2fnXj/s400/IMG_0616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">much in pain arriving at our campsite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBbBduQTDdsQBigmPlA7z2-M2aCeXJ99-LApOAio4s0XpjaSRHjyj1dzkJqX5cV1egGkHPIDIwuXHKHPYO8wOl7xY4GIB__hQ8hPGcW3zvOp5O0zDTbMnBeZEl3FNXnXijHP1MkS0iaF1/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBbBduQTDdsQBigmPlA7z2-M2aCeXJ99-LApOAio4s0XpjaSRHjyj1dzkJqX5cV1egGkHPIDIwuXHKHPYO8wOl7xY4GIB__hQ8hPGcW3zvOp5O0zDTbMnBeZEl3FNXnXijHP1MkS0iaF1/s640/IMG_0620.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our humble little spot for the night in Squamish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp0KY2UHrx_BrPT4avq_hpnD1SlDHXLvjc0KzW2nU4Q4it4cv9IsFDsDKG2VwbJ9dkAm-zsP_LEz0PqCgwWGGgzSu-13-3RDXHhwGsm3Dza_ENKSI3I8WbN3iUUMzewZAz4uO4MIbRMso/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp0KY2UHrx_BrPT4avq_hpnD1SlDHXLvjc0KzW2nU4Q4it4cv9IsFDsDKG2VwbJ9dkAm-zsP_LEz0PqCgwWGGgzSu-13-3RDXHhwGsm3Dza_ENKSI3I8WbN3iUUMzewZAz4uO4MIbRMso/s400/IMG_0618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The rest of the daylight during the evening passed quickly. We headed into town for a quick dinner and we were back in our campground before dark. This became a time of assessment for tomorrow's ride. It will all depend on how I feel when I wake up. At this moment, I am finding it nearly impossible to tackle any more damn hills. Sleep came fast.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Day 2</i></b></span>, Saturday July 27<br />
<br />
It got quite cold overnight. I could have used those pants that I forgot to bring. sigh. 4am hits and nature came calling. I did not want to get up! But I couldn't hold it much longer. I got out of my tent to walk over to the porta-potties. I quickly found out that my hip and quads were burning and extremely tight. It was quite difficult to walk. This would answer my questions of whether I can ride today or not. I got back in my tent trying desperately to get back to sleep but I couldn't. No matter how tired I was, my body seems to still be pumping of adrenaline. It took another 2hrs before I zonked back to sleep. 1hr later it was time to get up. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNYidURO1SBzLPiAotyJIcEe1Ghwv3yTyFDCy9B1n4RH9ROo3-b1JdjpxSzl_Adq4Dun1VLmcEB-g3RM7C9vuTBD2a2sZ2bQDxftruFU8lzifHFN-7aIhhSKJNqtwjjOLedUkMXDke7t1/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNYidURO1SBzLPiAotyJIcEe1Ghwv3yTyFDCy9B1n4RH9ROo3-b1JdjpxSzl_Adq4Dun1VLmcEB-g3RM7C9vuTBD2a2sZ2bQDxftruFU8lzifHFN-7aIhhSKJNqtwjjOLedUkMXDke7t1/s640/IMG_0637.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning view of my Mayacycle bike trailer from inside my tent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was at this moment when I had decided that I would take the bus home. I left it open for Matt to decide whether to take the bus home with me or to ride home alone. I am glad that he chose to ride home as that's what I would have done if the situations were reversed. We packed up our gear, had a quick breakfast from leftover dinner and off we went to the bus depot. The ride was cool and crisp and I wasn't feeling too much pain in the hip. I was tempted to try and ride home, but I knew deep inside that the first hill we tackle that my legs would soon give up. So those thoughts of trying to ride quickly went away. The station was still closed at this time and the bus will not be leaving until about 9:15. We decided that this is where we would part. Matt will head off while I wait for the bus for another hour or so. Thanks Matt, my apologies for having held you back and not being able to ride home with you. <br />
Waiting at the Greyhound station had me thinking of a lot of things. Feeling discouraged and defeated I can only question myself if I was built for this kind of stuff. If I had it in me to be able to travel long distances with a fully loaded bike and do it day after day after day. I was never really tired during the ride and I was never having to breathe hard. This showed that my conditioning is where it should be but no matter how fit I was, if the legs are locking up and the hip is in so much pain, there is no other option but to stop. It's extremely frustrating and discouraging.<br />
The bus finally arrive and they were able to put my bike and trailer in the luggage compartment with plenty of room to spare. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__tIEZgUC6A3f-fwV_lYgXfWtTIGgShMwzxmqs-D-Jj7SoFmMPWVGk1A2xY5P4QGII7ydhv8mH9945v2vDkNWvd-X9-XiszU6K18a9xw80O1UW61OoWT7jDSBZNQTzrpvKUbCZWswjr51/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__tIEZgUC6A3f-fwV_lYgXfWtTIGgShMwzxmqs-D-Jj7SoFmMPWVGk1A2xY5P4QGII7ydhv8mH9945v2vDkNWvd-X9-XiszU6K18a9xw80O1UW61OoWT7jDSBZNQTzrpvKUbCZWswjr51/s640/IMG_0643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq7y6iSUPY60EnkleB1FXuQHAjz6yEj0UXLyUhvLeiuxq0XJM_-NdlZUjCZ1NEUy2eTxvYv_lLM0390jXYbXfzMNQKr4WUfRJBRV0-yzo_ZL5ikXxWiadqYALJ2MlQ9HY62Cskz1FyMOp/s1600/IMG_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq7y6iSUPY60EnkleB1FXuQHAjz6yEj0UXLyUhvLeiuxq0XJM_-NdlZUjCZ1NEUy2eTxvYv_lLM0390jXYbXfzMNQKr4WUfRJBRV0-yzo_ZL5ikXxWiadqYALJ2MlQ9HY62Cskz1FyMOp/s640/IMG_0646.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bike and trailer fit nicely in the bus luggage compartment with plenty of room to spare.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was the final leg of my journey. I may as well enjoy the bus ride home as much as I can. It was still a beautiful and scenic drive. Looking at the big hills we were climbing from the bus' point of view, it was clear to me that I had made the right decision. There was no way I could have ridden back. This was later confirmed by Matt that the ride back home was terrible as it seemed even worse and it was a hotter day with no shade as he was on the other side of the highway now. A great call on taking the bus home.<br />
Arriving at the bus terminal in Vancouver, I still had to find a way to get home. There is always the skytrain in which I have taken before with my bike, but today I am pulling a bike trailer which make it impossible to get on the train. There is always the option of trying to ride home, a ride that I had done a hundred times before. Certainly this will be my choice if I can't get anyone to pick me up. Fortunately, after a few hours of waiting around at the station, I get a reply back from my brother that he would be coming to pick me up. Another rescue from one of my bike trips. This reminds me so well of my Sunshine Coast bike trip 2 years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI6OiCQnKIk49GGzcCubEH0G5hpDjaBmvu4Kd6IqxzzdHgJWeBa3IYxp7oyXFJuDkeqv1PRxJHZwa7OWu3PDd5TENOpZB_GIZk2gP2ujDiJYABKhpDmtuWZoIa978fFkB_xWVSRpcGLMe/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI6OiCQnKIk49GGzcCubEH0G5hpDjaBmvu4Kd6IqxzzdHgJWeBa3IYxp7oyXFJuDkeqv1PRxJHZwa7OWu3PDd5TENOpZB_GIZk2gP2ujDiJYABKhpDmtuWZoIa978fFkB_xWVSRpcGLMe/s640/IMG_0655.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhZJG0T-jRQRV3iM__H-uCuJQ-hYOnCNfDXnet-0LaCjPIq-c0FtPF7D_-FLyeO93c_ZhMs5buR-Js0OjA_R9mceIvb9eNw86YFudvse7QWs9eLNnSutIpi9LNMPv025nvwDcj_iTLAAF/s1600/The+Best+Touring+Bicycle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhZJG0T-jRQRV3iM__H-uCuJQ-hYOnCNfDXnet-0LaCjPIq-c0FtPF7D_-FLyeO93c_ZhMs5buR-Js0OjA_R9mceIvb9eNw86YFudvse7QWs9eLNnSutIpi9LNMPv025nvwDcj_iTLAAF/s640/The+Best+Touring+Bicycle.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver Bus and Train Terminal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So now what? Back to the drawing board? Which drawing board would that be??<br />
This was a humbling and an eye-opening experience. There will be some big decisions to be made from here on. I am glad that this happened now and not while on a much bigger and much tougher bike tour.<br />
<br />
Please check out the video I made of the trip taken with my new HD Action Camera. No footage were taken of the pain from riding I promise! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9m2cumpILgs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/9m2cumpILgs" target="_blank">--> Click Here for Squamish Trip Video <--</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And just for fun, here's video footage of me riding my touring bike pulling a trailer on a BMX track! LOL!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0UduhdiXFY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/q0UduhdiXFY" target="_blank">--> Touring Bike on a BMX track! <--</a></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-43068830235383045232013-05-22T20:50:00.000-07:002013-06-09T11:47:19.552-07:00Yoga for Cyclists - A Must-Have Workshop for the Avid CyclistFor those of you who currently have that 'big' bike ride coming up, the Charity Ride that you're doing fundraising for, that Fondo or bike race you've been training all these months for, or simply that daily commute to work by bicycle, there is nothing more that can benefit your body than Yoga to alleviate and/or prevent cycling related aches and pains and potential injuries. Yoga is the one thing that I can attribute my overall improvement on my body and health when it comes to my cycling. Since starting Yoga about 5 months ago due to a cycling related injury, I have noticed a significant amount of improvement on my mobility and ability to get on and off the saddle with a lot more ease and a lot less pain. This has translated to longer pain-free rides which will be of great benefit for my future plans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2kYxHwisl6yqQAlxkojw_nG9bR_KokTfNvc5OY89PR14M1zscHBrJ6j-gtsw_2Qt7YfkIFUAtcrx8RPs66V94PkxjpmwiUj5SctiIzzYlO43BPkBekT4z94z9qL7NFU0jXrdL8xU3Bfs/s1600/yogacyclist1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2kYxHwisl6yqQAlxkojw_nG9bR_KokTfNvc5OY89PR14M1zscHBrJ6j-gtsw_2Qt7YfkIFUAtcrx8RPs66V94PkxjpmwiUj5SctiIzzYlO43BPkBekT4z94z9qL7NFU0jXrdL8xU3Bfs/s320/yogacyclist1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I am extremely new to Yoga, and at first I had so much doubt whether it would be beneficial for me, but now I am convinced that it only makes me feel better and healthier. I am now a believer and will continue to be so. As I continue with my practice, I will be updating this blog with my progress and keep you all posted on the transformations I am seeing. I am seeing some wonderful things and you should know about it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVyIJ0jByBiZji9eo_Zv1qi7inxGEEKbF-DE27zJ14PLJ2PanqcmTUPUMXJRfPVvht0kXsk_6w5vLV95n6vZ6OX6GxbUemHRRunWlCQjLTi9kEiZTlx255j2QjWrRCTMrM_ngC2Lg2T4T/s1600/yogacyclist2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVyIJ0jByBiZji9eo_Zv1qi7inxGEEKbF-DE27zJ14PLJ2PanqcmTUPUMXJRfPVvht0kXsk_6w5vLV95n6vZ6OX6GxbUemHRRunWlCQjLTi9kEiZTlx255j2QjWrRCTMrM_ngC2Lg2T4T/s320/yogacyclist2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDsYDaenKeOFpNT5_jBzBCG7uBykDBOf1BLFkBsH3ct6FyxGzEzk2_YRpf5cSICIk6yYDehIGLaZpbcw0Zw10TtJyNuE-dDZq3qXNnTU-ZpeNzaewwWQwGSS19Hl-x4lXrj76J0La1ofj/s1600/yogacyclist3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDsYDaenKeOFpNT5_jBzBCG7uBykDBOf1BLFkBsH3ct6FyxGzEzk2_YRpf5cSICIk6yYDehIGLaZpbcw0Zw10TtJyNuE-dDZq3qXNnTU-ZpeNzaewwWQwGSS19Hl-x4lXrj76J0La1ofj/s320/yogacyclist3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><u><b>Yoga for Cyclists. A Yatra Yoga Studio Workshop</b></u></span><br />
A workshop at YatraYoga Studio in Burnaby has been specifically designed for the cyclist in mind and is intended for the avid cyclist of all levels. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmObeWp7tuxPP-HsuK9YGy58vnKBRUWwS_9PSyAem2T1n_uUEFOtvZ_tfGNxfQi9Ok3n8IJeGvBP7u7jEL_aBjNjKrbonIg5wIppXq7wxiyHIc0CZ-I5ct-oBX2UWrFAfL_vJ0_baipCR/s1600/SAM_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmObeWp7tuxPP-HsuK9YGy58vnKBRUWwS_9PSyAem2T1n_uUEFOtvZ_tfGNxfQi9Ok3n8IJeGvBP7u7jEL_aBjNjKrbonIg5wIppXq7wxiyHIc0CZ-I5ct-oBX2UWrFAfL_vJ0_baipCR/s640/SAM_1040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beginning Saturday, June 1st - July 6th (2013): 5:30-6:30pm. (6week session) CAPPED TO 8 PEOPLE! This is a pre -registered class $90 (gst included)<br />
Fostering teacher / student connection through a progressive class structure. Small class sizes enhance quality of teachings to be received by students, and enhancing teachers ability to attend to each individual student thoughout the class.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">A yoga practice focused on flexibility, core strength and balance can be a perfect cross-training platform for the avid cyclist, a regular yoga practise can assist any cyclist to alleviate muscle tightness from logging long hours in the saddle and can aid in preventing cycling related injuries.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">In cycling, the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hips never rest. As a result, riders often have overdeveloped quadriceps and tight hamstrings, which can pull the hips out of alignment. Also, a cyclist's spine is constantly flexed forward. If proper form isn't maintained, it can result in muscle pain and strain in the back and shoulders. Yoga helps ease the tightness, creating core strength, and aligning the spine.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Cycling requires not only physical strength, but also intense focus and concentration to succeed on the road. The attention to breath and mind-body connection in yoga can be employed by the cyclist while riding to maintain mental clarity and calmness</span></i></div>
Please email or phone Alexandra (yatrayoga at gmail.com)/ to register! Registration deadline: Wednesday, May 29th (2013). .<br />
<div>
Please check out their website at <a href="http://www.yatrayoga.ca/">http://www.yatrayoga.ca</a> for more information or join their Facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yatrayogastudio">https://www.facebook.com/yatrayogastudio</a> .</div>
<br />
Our city needs more workshops like these so help me spread the word to ensure increased availability and support for the future. Happy cycling and Namaste.<br />
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-7228560281814789362013-05-02T21:52:00.001-07:002018-09-19T09:29:46.594-07:00Maya Cycle on Dragon's Den Update*post edited to be consistent with CBC's website changes 10/7/2013<br />
<br />
Well, this update is a little late as it has been 3 weeks since the Dragon's Den and Maya Cycle's pitch was aired. I wanted to take my time and talk to Marta some more regarding the show before I would update my blog.<br />
For those of you who watched the show, you will remember how Marta handled herself with such professionalism and poise especially being under all that pressure. She did amazingly well and I can not say enough how proud I am of her. I was getting a little choked up while watching the show as friends poked fun of me. I was truly that proud of her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/pitches/maya-cycle-bicycle-trailer" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NGl3SmwDMUNC_jwv7MXinR_pVEiZ4mrUijVxbl57FmbD1YApKVDTrO7JuO-FmOUH8M9-Mft39VetBlE5atJRczb80hZW6KeR8_6zLC-tvUYPtihA8JhW4YsgdSCIP3jWdPkHwZRHlCVK/s640/Martacapture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For those that missed the episode, you can still watch Marta's pitch online on CBC's Dragon's Den website here <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/pitches/maya-cycle-bicycle-trailer" target="_blank">Maya Cycle pitch - Dragon's Den</a> . Also please remember to click 'IN' if you are using a Facebook account in support of the Mayacycle pitch.<br />
As for the rest of the story... why not hear it from the woman herself! Marta has finally had a chance to write her own blog about her experience...<br />
<br />
<br />
"...<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> No matter what would happen, I was going to present myself professionally and hope to God that this would reflect positively on my young business reputation. As many of you have seen, the Dragons can tear people and their business completely to shreds and make a complete fool out of the presenter. That was my biggest fear. In 2012, I spent the entire month of March out west attending 3 bicycle tradeshows in Vancouver, Seattle and Portland. It was a busy month and I gave it all I had, literally. These three shows and talking to the thousands of people who attended them, allowed me to build up enough experience and courage to finally audition for the Dragon's Den television show in Toronto. The audition went well and I was confident I would get a call back. A day or two after my audition I got the call, they wanted me on the show. Of course I accepted! And two weeks later, we were scheduled to film the episode. ...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had to be absolutely ready for anything. I studied my numbers, stats, history, market and anything else I needed to know on a whim. I prepared myself psychologically to handle any ‘curve balls’ thrown my way. I told myself that no matter how rude and ignorant Kevin O’Leary was going to be, I would smile and nod, maintain my cool and move on to the next Dragon as I already knew that Kevin was definitely not “in” and knows absolutely nothing about the bicycle industry or the potential for the Maya Cycle bike trailer in North America or globally. My hopes were set on partnering with Arlene Dickinson, the marketing genius. Marketing and mentorship was exactly what I needed out of a partnership.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did the best I could. I gave it my absolute all. And when it was all done, I skipped out with an offer from Arlene for $100,000 for 40% of my business. I took the deal because I need the help and a strong partnership (especially with Arlene) will help my business grow.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So now what? I had a few meetings with Arlene and her team and at this point, we have not closed any deals but have an open door for future discussion. I have an extraordinary amount of respect for that woman. It is incredible what she has accomplished, and above all, she’s got the no BS, straight to the point attitude about business. And that’s how I like to do business.</span> ...</i> "<br />
<br />
You can read the rest of Marta's blog here at <a href="http://www.mayacycle.com/maya-cycle-bike-trailers-on-cbc-dragons-den" target="_blank">http://www.mayacycle.com/maya-cycle-bike-trailers-on-cbc-dragons-den</a> As you can see, it was a truly memorable experience for her. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us Marta! All the very best for your future both professional and personal. It was quite the ride huh? ;-) <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/q0UduhdiXFY" target="_blank">Having Fun With The Maya Cycle on a BMX Track! :)</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q0UduhdiXFY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=783306455002608786" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0UduhdiXFY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/q0UduhdiXFY" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="321" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNUKlNyYoASkXEMaD21Xzzw2XLrrvDbZ0kaRWybq6bgPxY8kbhSkWZqp94VCHu_xpNZ3nCUgQBWjKSn0xgaBTuAPt_D4UihRHMUnbZixAZaPzL1xzohAJYZx2e2S6aC18DlKHMtI7p6Ye/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-86756009011998774962013-03-17T19:40:00.000-07:002018-09-19T09:30:48.811-07:00MayaCycle on Dragon's Den!This coming April 7, 2013 at 8pm EST, Maya Cycle will be appearing on CBC's Dragon's Den TV Show to WOW the Dragons with their bicycle trailer product! <br />
I am so excited and can't wait to watch this episode as I have known about it for a whole year since it was filmed! It is now finally airing nationwide and we can all FINALLY find out the outcome from the shoot!<br />
<br />
As some of you may know, I have become friends with Marta of Maya Cycle ever since I first met her at the 2011 Vancouver Bike Show (<a href="http://whereareyougoingwhatareyoulookingfor.blogspot.ca/2011/03/my-journey-into-bicycle-dorkdom-local.html">My Journey Into Bicycle Dorkdom</a>) where I had my first look at their bicycle trailer product. Shortly after that, I purchased my own trailer and have become very 'attached' to it for all my cycling camping and touring purposes. <br />
Maya Cycle with their bicycle trailer is a very new Canadian company started up by Marta's family with her father being the designer and engineer behind the trailer and Marta doing everything else behind the business side of things. Her stories of how the company started up and how at one point she had to unload hundreds of pieces of inventory from a shipping container by hand and having to store it all in her parents' basement was nothing short of jaw dropping. Having personally witnessed the hard work and extreme dedication that Marta puts into her company, the travelling she does all over N. America to promote her product, all the sacrifices and long hours of work and having seen her in tears because of all the pressure she puts on her shoulders, one can't help but to root for Marta and to wish her every bit of success that she deserves. And knowing that this type of dedication is behind the Maya Cycle family, I have no doubt in my mind that the company will soon start seeing the potential and growth in the very near future. And maybe being on Dragon's Den may just be what jumpstarts it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kUGgp-_aTvNwCyetowJ-fsTGU_WzMdjKyvFuLcqVQyFrPkaEBwbeNCXSHSfjUlEZ-f65Ig15Vq7NtARxddWS9WExxikZ5qapfjF0-hJ6muXbuJoyNij11CS1bcjRBpLy1Gz94RMHAVSV/s1600/IMG_8440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kUGgp-_aTvNwCyetowJ-fsTGU_WzMdjKyvFuLcqVQyFrPkaEBwbeNCXSHSfjUlEZ-f65Ig15Vq7NtARxddWS9WExxikZ5qapfjF0-hJ6muXbuJoyNij11CS1bcjRBpLy1Gz94RMHAVSV/s640/IMG_8440.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marta about to make her pitch and woo the Dragons with her charm! She looks amazing!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv4TebtCdmUX-VxEuqPJ90YL3GB4v_LxNcmgNBoa6GNWbjYvxduLU758AY6Ix_yCeKKCinfrOcUOB8bIkvhuKk_8I8Eg_JmLJ03WjF5wCqJ0611b_o0FXIz7Jf95BZ8anoXjwavzci4GF/s1600/IMG_8471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv4TebtCdmUX-VxEuqPJ90YL3GB4v_LxNcmgNBoa6GNWbjYvxduLU758AY6Ix_yCeKKCinfrOcUOB8bIkvhuKk_8I8Eg_JmLJ03WjF5wCqJ0611b_o0FXIz7Jf95BZ8anoXjwavzci4GF/s640/IMG_8471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Favourite Dragon, Arlene Dickinson, goes off and tries the bike with attached Maya Cycle Trailer. Barefeet and all! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPAF3vGUTJFWigZbC-cb-hIfa-N2jik05VSN25CCf9AxjJyKfR9KpczoIQlD9XGWVyos1yg3UYySjT9NvSe0ZS3KUyu8sSqiTL1bw3ivJOkWvMjnzRf2bzJfpEv_LOgh3MHWCrP_zdRcp/s1600/IMG_8457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPAF3vGUTJFWigZbC-cb-hIfa-N2jik05VSN25CCf9AxjJyKfR9KpczoIQlD9XGWVyos1yg3UYySjT9NvSe0ZS3KUyu8sSqiTL1bw3ivJOkWvMjnzRf2bzJfpEv_LOgh3MHWCrP_zdRcp/s640/IMG_8457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maya Cycle Trailer in Action in front of the Dragons</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is so exciting and I'm so happy for Marta and MayaCycle. We still don't know the outcome of the show due to confidentiality reasons and Marta has been soooo well-behaved that she hasn't slipped a word... even through all my pleading and prodding for her to tell me!! Haha! All she tells me is that it was the scariest thing she'd ever done! So please, watch the show on Sunday April 7 at 8pm EST and it will be rerun on Monday April 8 also at 8pm. After the episode airs, there will be a section on the Dragon's Den website here <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/">http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/</a> where people can vote 'In' or 'Out' on each pitch, so please please vote 'In' for Mayacycle's pitch! Tell your friends! Announce it to everyone you know! I am sure you all have a cyclist friend or two! Join Mayacycle's Facebook page here <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MayaCycle">http://www.facebook.com/MayaCycle</a> and please visit their website <a href="http://www.mayacycle.com/">http://www.mayacycle.com/</a> . The more people know about it, the better chance of Maya Cycle taking off!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8SMB6ZIDRiJTJMGu_qBqKGGpZ9CLxAei63FBUEwldR6nj01E9xN0m3M_NQ5R1ZFjhVO0EfRAdN4HcBDZKu2g6dk7P475Arr_fgGxhc5DJS4PXvVHSNq89GzmhiBnWvTQFc3gOH-TWoBi/s1600/Img_1796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8SMB6ZIDRiJTJMGu_qBqKGGpZ9CLxAei63FBUEwldR6nj01E9xN0m3M_NQ5R1ZFjhVO0EfRAdN4HcBDZKu2g6dk7P475Arr_fgGxhc5DJS4PXvVHSNq89GzmhiBnWvTQFc3gOH-TWoBi/s400/Img_1796.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Marta out on a bike ride with our MayaCycle cargo trailers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSSZCqX53GPbS7Zawfu-MJgZ_gir-WR586JQZ9OopPDFsYQSsWyzjGbPAEqiIKzd4-5gYQFyoZCDM67_Ysj1zYKqEJGrpq37D-P-sFIZJP78W_EpWxOKQwICAWLVENHXo6XsUd3YmvbCy/s1600/Img_5051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSSZCqX53GPbS7Zawfu-MJgZ_gir-WR586JQZ9OopPDFsYQSsWyzjGbPAEqiIKzd4-5gYQFyoZCDM67_Ysj1zYKqEJGrpq37D-P-sFIZJP78W_EpWxOKQwICAWLVENHXo6XsUd3YmvbCy/s400/Img_5051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Marta manning the MayaCycle booth at the 2012 Vancouver Bike Show!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A HUGE Congratulations to Marta for being on Dragon's Den! Whatever the outcome may be, we will always be rooting for you! Go Marta go! Go Mayacycle!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">*Update*</span><br />
<a href="http://whereareyougoingwhatareyoulookingfor.blogspot.ca/2013/05/maya-cycle-on-dragons-den-update.html" target="_blank">What happened on the show?? Click Here!!</a></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-85563479433835209322013-02-17T22:13:00.002-08:002013-02-18T02:44:09.484-08:00My Trip to ParadiseOver the Christmas and New Year's Holidays I've finally had the opportunity to go on a 'real' vacation. A vacation that lasted longer than 1 week. It has been over 5 years since my last true vacation and I have been feeling the need to de-stress and de-program. My work does not afford me the luxury to travel and be away for long periods of time. This time, I was able to go. Destination - my birthplace, The Philippines. <br />
It was a wonderful and magical experience. I can go on and on about the things I was able to do and things I was able to enjoy, but I can truly say that it is best to show you rather than to tell you in writing. Here is a video I had prepared for my family and friends and I thought that it would also be a great idea that I include you, my blog readers, in sharing my experience. Some of you I haven't spoken with in months and I am anxious to hear from you, especially those that I have become good friends with through my blogs. And then there are also the new friends I have made along the way who are now following me on this blog. You know who you are. ;-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vmxekof1rUQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/Vmxekof1rUQ" target="_blank">-->Click Here for My Trip To Paradise Video<--</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp80FVxCl9Mkip_mj57ek6gmNnl14P9E1CN6rf5QCbD8VubIYY_nqoI_4UBtPdDSf-mvNeZqVgd0AzeemRFMi-X9y7gbt_0L0yKydyPJCr1Hl9YP-QG04Z95Fo7z_QCys73GCGEIhWwybY/s1600/SAM_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp80FVxCl9Mkip_mj57ek6gmNnl14P9E1CN6rf5QCbD8VubIYY_nqoI_4UBtPdDSf-mvNeZqVgd0AzeemRFMi-X9y7gbt_0L0yKydyPJCr1Hl9YP-QG04Z95Fo7z_QCys73GCGEIhWwybY/s640/SAM_0224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was truly a trip of a lifetime. Something I will never forget.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now for some cycling content... </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It has been 4 months since my last blog entry and I will tell you why... Other than the excuses of life 'getting in the way', one of the main reason is that I haven't been on my bicycle(s) in the last 4 months. To start off, I ended my cycling season of 2012 with a 'Bang' doing a charity bike ride on my Tallbike! It was a great end to an amazing cycling season of the best spring/summer/autumn seasons out here on the Westcoast Vancouver, Canada. We had no rain for 3 whole months! And if you know westcoast Canada, you know that is an extreme rarity around here. I rode my bike daily. I rode everywhere! And one of the proudest accomplishments I've had was to commute to work day in and day out! I did not use my car for 3 whole months, something I thought was simply impossible! This was huge, and I was extremely happy that I was able to achieve this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, all this riding came at a price. At around August and September of last year, I started developing hip and knee problems. The hip pain started moving towards my groin and before you know it, I was forced to stay off my bike to get some time to heal. It has been 6 months now since I've had these pains on my right hip, right groin and right knee and I have seen no improvements even through long-term rest. In this time, I have also been taking some Yoga therapy sessions hoping it would help fix whatever problems I am having. Yoga has helped tremendously with my mind, and body and my overall physical and mental health and that includes my happiness. Unfortunately, it has helped very little with my hip/groin and knee problems. I will need some drastic measures to be able to really fix myself. I have now recently gotten some x-rays done and I am scheduled to see a Sports Medicine Doctor to continue on with my treatments. Hopefully, this finally fixes my problems, or at the very least allow me to be as pain free as possible so that I may be able to get back on my bike. At this time, I have lost so much of my cycling stamina and I will surely have to do a lot of training to get back to my physical cycling fitness level that I was accustomed to. I am feeling some desperation for everything to start getting better as soon as possible as I am going to need my legs, especially now that certain 'plans' have been confirmed that will allow me to reach that goal that I have been aiming and striving for in these past few years of my born-again-cycling life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Until next blog... Hoping all is well with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-4645303215685769412012-10-14T16:30:00.001-07:002013-04-02T22:37:32.829-07:00Charity Bike Ride. Ride For Refuge for Ratanak InternationalYesterday, October 13, 2012, myself and some friends along with 450 other riders were able to participate in a charity bike ride with Ride for Refuge Vancouver 2012. Primarily riding for Ratanak International to raise funds and awareness for their child exploitation programs in Cambodia <a href="http://www.ratanak.org/">http://www.ratanak.org/</a>.<br />
Myself and my friend Matt decided that we would ride our tallbikes for the ride to gain some more and fun attention. We chose to ride the 50Km ride as there were choices for 11, 26, 50 and 100kms. We figured that 50kms is just the perfect distance for our tallbikes.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xgvZQPPDizuoRpYKVgN8zHlLsy8b0BFYd_SZC3dy0GF7ntvH3QOlGJ2qsoc2ycx8J0HdxKp7CDXSKDSJPXA7v9bk5Ys5_NN-A-9EMER22MtyeLlwnZ56_9VFZE6J3WonzH_hNyhPVJcu/s1600/51k+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xgvZQPPDizuoRpYKVgN8zHlLsy8b0BFYd_SZC3dy0GF7ntvH3QOlGJ2qsoc2ycx8J0HdxKp7CDXSKDSJPXA7v9bk5Ys5_NN-A-9EMER22MtyeLlwnZ56_9VFZE6J3WonzH_hNyhPVJcu/s400/51k+Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">51km route through the streets of Richmond, BC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The ride started early at 8:30am and it was wet... REALLY WET! Having had the longest dry spell in recorded history in the westcoast British Columbia, 3 months of no rain, the rains came back with a vengeance unleashing 3 weeks worth of rain in a span of 2 days! As wet and cold as it was, everyone was all smiles and ready for the challenge. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZIPcZikKCfFXtr4sEyA8_wjXOLc6OOC-C722aJZajIuTfS-pLbyLcJyLaNpAu6fV0giFdFtDAfBolQenpMmwH_15VW4H_ALALJWkgbnljV6DhIukDI12etVwn75bTXKY2yMlYcn1OG_/s1600/01+Just+Starting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BZIPcZikKCfFXtr4sEyA8_wjXOLc6OOC-C722aJZajIuTfS-pLbyLcJyLaNpAu6fV0giFdFtDAfBolQenpMmwH_15VW4H_ALALJWkgbnljV6DhIukDI12etVwn75bTXKY2yMlYcn1OG_/s320/01+Just+Starting.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early stages of the ride. Really great to see the tallbikes along with other bikes to get a perspective on how high we really are above others!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jemGeTnps3P_f51WU3O34QOYUS1TCOlChyphenhyphenJwCUf2xRWZsnBirR7sqQRIyKOJJTLFfotM7cTaoXSYKnQaaAeeaI9gsG11GS_DXTMir99C95s0cPEAYFjT8DeakY5AQrkXCncpbDZYDIlF/s1600/02+Just+Starting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jemGeTnps3P_f51WU3O34QOYUS1TCOlChyphenhyphenJwCUf2xRWZsnBirR7sqQRIyKOJJTLFfotM7cTaoXSYKnQaaAeeaI9gsG11GS_DXTMir99C95s0cPEAYFjT8DeakY5AQrkXCncpbDZYDIlF/s320/02+Just+Starting.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture looks like myself and Matt are riding a tandem tallbike! lol!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcw0_hrCxV3OErH2bqsVRJWvH-q2kx7QPCnT6dXSvi85JgcTbjLtT0n3PTmVA3AQhrKCUUft9kISDWTsSw49ojSp0pVfVLR-RmZ3V-wVcgkOYy7NEd0cL0lY7HpsJnaLrV_gLIy_fnBDb/s1600/03+Just+Starting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcw0_hrCxV3OErH2bqsVRJWvH-q2kx7QPCnT6dXSvi85JgcTbjLtT0n3PTmVA3AQhrKCUUft9kISDWTsSw49ojSp0pVfVLR-RmZ3V-wVcgkOYy7NEd0cL0lY7HpsJnaLrV_gLIy_fnBDb/s320/03+Just+Starting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Having ridden most of this route on my solo rides in the past, I knew how boring and monotonous this ride could be as it is very flat and you can be sitting at the saddle for hours. Having torrential downpour and being quite cold through the ride could easily dissuade a rider to simply give up and head off to their comfortable and warm homes to sit in front of the tv and under their blankets. Luckily, I was with a group of friends that really made the ride enjoyable and there was never a time that any of us considered packing it in. Yes, it was the wettest bike ride I've ever been on, but it was also one of the most fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDD1y1ycv7fVJjT3GeePFoAGzHkFjC-UxooVfkJgwKMLaoqn9YZ8INpDmZH18j3DtzXf9XRMb3rEfUhwvT8J5LNIlzShNoZoGxuzz-AU5ONbk3kuu0bdvzSa-8w_gMF5dQZQ5ITXST-2X/s1600/04+2nd+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDD1y1ycv7fVJjT3GeePFoAGzHkFjC-UxooVfkJgwKMLaoqn9YZ8INpDmZH18j3DtzXf9XRMb3rEfUhwvT8J5LNIlzShNoZoGxuzz-AU5ONbk3kuu0bdvzSa-8w_gMF5dQZQ5ITXST-2X/s320/04+2nd+Stop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRJG1wDSmmWUh0soHbjLvDv5qnUpdR9GYaiy0iHfeEaT0ENllI_E_CK1EkkF5qjQk7fGWvsqdLVToE2OLjvrd71euRPzfyiHWCejutdWHDxQ-iwG050LFSh5-ljvlsj1_jKJE7l01DjDQ/s1600/05+2nd+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRJG1wDSmmWUh0soHbjLvDv5qnUpdR9GYaiy0iHfeEaT0ENllI_E_CK1EkkF5qjQk7fGWvsqdLVToE2OLjvrd71euRPzfyiHWCejutdWHDxQ-iwG050LFSh5-ljvlsj1_jKJE7l01DjDQ/s320/05+2nd+Stop.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our own very small group of 4. Myself, Sharalee, Ian and Matt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZfJD5PMhi2Xh0nMQvw5_VcvH9kee1D-Mv4lt_41erZpkzSgdisSLIA_KIAsQ5anzGR9QnbruoQEQuMbrD7pfMQREHlRJp2ZnPYZ3smHqcRHoDh4eMMlkns-4gzgQlO4Ti8yxGHUrB3Nm/s1600/06+3rd+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZfJD5PMhi2Xh0nMQvw5_VcvH9kee1D-Mv4lt_41erZpkzSgdisSLIA_KIAsQ5anzGR9QnbruoQEQuMbrD7pfMQREHlRJp2ZnPYZ3smHqcRHoDh4eMMlkns-4gzgQlO4Ti8yxGHUrB3Nm/s320/06+3rd+Stop.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being quite isolated from the rest of the pack in this portion of the ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRq7iAErUFsCweVfYingSUhudTCvHPlkeQ_rqM-enEnMXSmWXh4_tCzjLB4SPb3Y4pgThPyKIVv9jNWzi7dZhcgV4aqfakna7eNVFNuCfwyRlPG1VDWSPI4w2Z27xCosBXQSUuPYU1eLZ/s1600/07+3rd+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRq7iAErUFsCweVfYingSUhudTCvHPlkeQ_rqM-enEnMXSmWXh4_tCzjLB4SPb3Y4pgThPyKIVv9jNWzi7dZhcgV4aqfakna7eNVFNuCfwyRlPG1VDWSPI4w2Z27xCosBXQSUuPYU1eLZ/s400/07+3rd+Stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading into a rest stop where food and refreshments were provided</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along with all the riders and the support crew and volunteers of the ride, we also had a wonderful cheering group that greeted us through various locations along the route of the ride. Family members of my friends Ian and Sharalee, people who did not have to be there to stand in the rain, people who took their time to drive around in the early morning of a very wet day just to show their support for what we were doing. These people made our ride even more special.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNOZcBZF2SMqJNag0H-RBMnZreWnGlftibuD4ytKbv1LaLPYTEfGOc75p05tRY2j4fsckZdObw_2VA77VgEGk2SXFDM2j_z7XwIIXfD-z0yAtjKAW8_FDJQ5IGryVImwjn-tvY3klBGjZ/s1600/08+4th+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNOZcBZF2SMqJNag0H-RBMnZreWnGlftibuD4ytKbv1LaLPYTEfGOc75p05tRY2j4fsckZdObw_2VA77VgEGk2SXFDM2j_z7XwIIXfD-z0yAtjKAW8_FDJQ5IGryVImwjn-tvY3klBGjZ/s320/08+4th+Stop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6EfWVCEjzMj8d6BTExpElXNf5ZhfBqhnVs7YWuFDsVkYwzmjDMQLoLgPGoevhjc8I0WDi4PSl_-I5poyp8DtDJMbqHCoh07FpMRKb2a4LTpmgfXlmwNzorRqXChi44OzRKwJdOWk9zgY/s1600/09+4th+Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6EfWVCEjzMj8d6BTExpElXNf5ZhfBqhnVs7YWuFDsVkYwzmjDMQLoLgPGoevhjc8I0WDi4PSl_-I5poyp8DtDJMbqHCoh07FpMRKb2a4LTpmgfXlmwNzorRqXChi44OzRKwJdOWk9zgY/s400/09+4th+Stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our very own cheering section! The Dalby's and the Bowker's, with the kids and dog and all! Thanks Guys! A special thank you goes to Sharisse Dalby who was never in these pictures because she was the one behind the camera the whole time. Thanks for the great pictures Sharisse!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx98c9xyUt0B_QxD_U968uRIm_3spN0M0uHt7HxfDatun56hhoc-Y5V6FMhrOCZEF6dwYgythyphenhyphen8XsXPxus4Bv31qdZzPiPTBGNYUDr9fL9Jp8YXUjpi0Qe8Pc15C_FCudq7hMYU81iFyaa/s1600/10+Finishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx98c9xyUt0B_QxD_U968uRIm_3spN0M0uHt7HxfDatun56hhoc-Y5V6FMhrOCZEF6dwYgythyphenhyphen8XsXPxus4Bv31qdZzPiPTBGNYUDr9fL9Jp8YXUjpi0Qe8Pc15C_FCudq7hMYU81iFyaa/s400/10+Finishing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Home Stretch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Nearing the ride's end, the rain finally let off and by afternoon, the sun actually peeked out a little. I was able to mount my camera on the bike and take a short video footage. Here is a clip of our anti-climactic ride to the finish greeted by friends and family. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEW6U2lE3HM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/vEW6U2lE3HM" target="_blank">-->Click Here to see the ride to the finish!<--</a></div>
<br />
This was our first bike ride for charity. As long as the charity ride is for a great cause and it is for something I believe in, I will definitely participate in more of these rides. This was really a great event and had so many little things that made it quite memorable. I hope the next one will be just as worthy and just as fun<br /><br />.Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-13560416292443761492012-09-25T22:49:00.001-07:002012-09-26T18:31:38.381-07:00Another First - My First TV CommercialTV Commercial?? Sounds great and all, but why would you post this on your cycling blog you ask?... It is because my Tallbike got me the gig! LOL!<br />
<br />
This past weekend I was picked to be in a TV commercial shoot. Something that started out from simply replying to an inconspicuous ad and turning out to be an amazing experience. This is my story of my short-lived journey into the world of Showbiz! <br />
<br />
Last Thursday night, I was scouring Craigslist for bike parts for a bike that I am currently building. One ad popped out of the screen with the subject that said "Tallbikes Needed!" and with a very brief and vague description saying 'for a film shoot this weekend, UBC' (University of British Columbia for the non-locals). I immediately thought that these were UBC film students just out to make a movie and seeing that I had a tallbike I thought 'Hey, that would be fun!' So I forward the ad to my friend Matt who also had a tallbike and asked him if he would be interested in doing this. Matt said he was definitely up for it if it worked with his schedule. So I immediately replied to the ad simply saying "Hey, we have tallbikes! We'll help you guys out! Just tell us the time and where to show up!" Shortly after that, I received a reply from an Andy and he asked if I would send him pictures of our bikes. I obliged and sent him a picture of both Matt and I riding our tallbikes, and also a video clip of us riding our tallbikes around Vancouver. I immediately got a reply once again and Andy had asked if I would call him so we can chat. I gave him a call that night and he asks if I could give him my contact info and possibly some clearer pictures of ourselves. I gave him my number and told him I would send better pictures once I got off the phone. That was the end of that conversation. The following day, while I was at work, I received a call on my phone from a number I didn't recognize so I just let it go to voicemail. I quickly Googled the number on my display and found it was from a local company that was in the film industry <a href="http://capitalmedia.ca/">http://capitalmedia.ca/</a> . So now I am fully realizing that these aren't just some UBC students and that this could be something more serious. It was Andy that had left me a message. I quickly called him back and as we were talking, he mentions that they liked me and I was the one chosen... Chosen? So I guess there were other applicants I assumed. Well great! Awesome.. now what? Andy proceeds to tell me that I would be getting paid for my time and also being paid for my bike! PAID!?? Woohoo! He mentioned the pay rate for the day and it was something I wasn't expecting... let's just say I was pretty darned excited! So I asked Andy, 'what about my friend? Do you guys need another tallbike?' Unfortunately, Andy says 'Sorry, we only need you if you're up for it'. Hell yea, I'm up for it! Sorry Matt! ;) <br />
So, as we were finishing our conversation, the only instructions I got from Andy was to be at the location at 6am sharp on Sunday, bring multiple change of clothes and a towel. ...uh, say what? what have I gotten myself into! lol! I was told by Andy that I would receive further instructions and a map of the location by email at night's end. So that was the start of that, I have a film shoot to go to. And I was going in blindly not knowing what it's all about.<br />
Sunday morning comes along. 4am is what I set my alarm to. I did not get to sleep until 2am so 2hrs of sleep is all I would have for the whole day. This is going to be interesting. I had to make sure to get to the location earlier than everyone else because I had to load and unload my tallbike in my car, which it barely fit in, and assemble it at the location. I did not want to be late. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxlyJAJ1a_-KQgxc79Z0N7U_WekLA6SMOfAgQDxwLwtvYll919z7VCM8-gJMRgzfr-3JrywgDcwuDHxbSR4PPI26dTqCzM5wjfO0v8pZ5aDvqog5WFcbI_jo1qu0dq6rWyf5XNQvOpmTI/s1600/IMG_7962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxlyJAJ1a_-KQgxc79Z0N7U_WekLA6SMOfAgQDxwLwtvYll919z7VCM8-gJMRgzfr-3JrywgDcwuDHxbSR4PPI26dTqCzM5wjfO0v8pZ5aDvqog5WFcbI_jo1qu0dq6rWyf5XNQvOpmTI/s320/IMG_7962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">early morning at UBC to unload and assemble the bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrive at 5:15am and there were already so many people there, the crew setting up, and so many film trucks everywhere. All the actors and extras were all lined up in one area, and I had no idea where to go. I started asking questions and someone radio'd in to someone that 'the tallbike guy is here'. I was immediately sent to wardrobe and they put me in a suit and tophat!! Woohoo! How cool is that?! I noticed that I was the only one that was wearing a suit let alone a tophat, AND I was the only one in the set with a bike! I was surrounded with all these actors and extras that seem to all come from agencies and I was feeling out of place. But everyone was so cool and nice to me, especially the wardrobe girls.<br />
After everyone had all dressed up, the paperwork starts. We were given waivers to sign stating that we could not divulge any information to the public of this shoot, and that we are not allowed to take pictures in the set. So at this point of the blog, technically, I am not allowed to say much more until after the commercial is aired. Did I just say 'commercial'? oops., Oh yea, I already mentioned that at the beginning of this post. Well, at least I haven't said what the commercial was for... actually, I still haven't found out during this time.<br />
<br />
So how do I continue this story without divulging too much information.... ?<br />
<br />
I'll give it a shot. I'll try to be as descriptive and as vague as possible.<br />
<br />
The shoot went from 6am til 6pm. It was a very long day. But it was filled with awesome! I have never experienced anything like this. I was smiling ear to ear the entire time. The production was huge. It seemed so much money was spent just for this one commercial. They fed us breakfast and lunch, and not just with little deli sandwiches, but I'm talking roast beef, clams, etc. etc. The food was sooo good! The whole day was spent running around with a whole bunch of people, shouting, screaming, getting dirty and having the time of our lives,.. take after take after take. I had several scenes where the cameras were on me and my bike and had to do multiple takes just to get me in the perfect shot. I realize that I may be highly visible in this commercial and not just be in the background along with everyone else... we shall see.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, that may be the only thing I can say on a public forum without breaking my signed contract. I will have to update this once the commercial is finished and once it's aired. I have no idea when the commercial will air, or even if it will air here in Canada. All I know is that they spent a buttload of money doing this commercial so it's not gonna be wasted on a hicktown small city channel.<br />
I will, however, attach a couple of stolen pictures that should not divulge too much information on the shoot..<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H5N1XuNUHO2Haufe0ohOGY558RnHyuVTgdPgXGR0vXl2RkNZF2ip5-D6ypoKQkBEcnZFWUHyeuWywEMJmn0wT4jpCZ6E0D53QPnGYXdNKX_PpCSXyNXGJGDLdppusOkERJDLcbO5TpbN/s1600/set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H5N1XuNUHO2Haufe0ohOGY558RnHyuVTgdPgXGR0vXl2RkNZF2ip5-D6ypoKQkBEcnZFWUHyeuWywEMJmn0wT4jpCZ6E0D53QPnGYXdNKX_PpCSXyNXGJGDLdppusOkERJDLcbO5TpbN/s320/set.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the tallbike makes its first appearance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg782u6X93hxigu0SJtmJDmyOPzL3WSp92rZYQbY7IaHEcMwaX1Hk5HPVUvufnOn_vXVVGjBzJSgGnAZHn4AWsNEoBoXBfTmBj-r7gouNCr_NSW6p0laQhaZ1NcvO1vyCx6XomKcJne2kYU/s1600/tophat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg782u6X93hxigu0SJtmJDmyOPzL3WSp92rZYQbY7IaHEcMwaX1Hk5HPVUvufnOn_vXVVGjBzJSgGnAZHn4AWsNEoBoXBfTmBj-r7gouNCr_NSW6p0laQhaZ1NcvO1vyCx6XomKcJne2kYU/s640/tophat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in a suit and tophat! How COOL is that?!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We all ended up being a colourful mess so that was what the towels and change of clothes were for!<br />
<br />
As the day came to an end, the actors, the extras, the crew and the whole production had just another day in their pockets. But for me, it was a truly new and exciting experience, something I will be talking about for a long time. I am so excited to see the final product once it airs on TV. I do hope it airs on local TV, if not, I'm sure I will be able to find it on the internet somewhere, some day. So for everyone else reading this, if you see a TV commercial that has a guy riding a tallbike wearing a suit and tophat, make sure to let me know because chances are, that it is me!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-kc0CLLveDEaTaceisZFm4cgiwuJM5Vy_hI-8XjtMdl9NXJX4QCB3aJ6kqGRKH1HUBbcGYNIuM9Hs-Z4TiJuc2JtvMEl5z4byCHgl9ndS7uRNFicuSgY7yeUz6euLGbkZRfDzx-RZo0U/s1600/me+and+my+shadow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-kc0CLLveDEaTaceisZFm4cgiwuJM5Vy_hI-8XjtMdl9NXJX4QCB3aJ6kqGRKH1HUBbcGYNIuM9Hs-Z4TiJuc2JtvMEl5z4byCHgl9ndS7uRNFicuSgY7yeUz6euLGbkZRfDzx-RZo0U/s640/me+and+my+shadow.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My Shadow. The end to a great experience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just an additional little tidbit, our director for this commercial shoot is Mathias Zenter. Apparently he is one of the best commercial directors in the world. A showreel of his works are seen here <a href="https://vimeo.com/30012350">https://vimeo.com/30012350</a> . Truly amazing work, so I am expecting a great final product coming out of this shoot.Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-53859355132318022882012-08-23T21:32:00.000-07:002012-08-24T00:33:22.500-07:00Tallbikin' Vancouver! - Aug 19.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The long awaited plans of tallbiking along the Vancouver Seawall finally happened. My buddy and I have been anticipating this bike ride since we finished building my tallbike earlier this year. We knew it was gonna be a gong-show and that we would attract a lot of attention, but little did we know the magnitude of attention we would be getting. Let's put it this way... if you want to be a rockstar for a day, ride tallbikes around the Vancouver Seawall! LOL! Yes, indeed, we were attention whores. And yes we loved every minute of it!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7chPXXyQ2tqNWuURSAYqCCZdZd-w6Z6ytz3dScm-rBjjyhZ2rytBSweOQRcCFa6Zu_yL1zdBu98FevvPLEssmFMaxUg3HZqPWePsN3cZpsJbbuMhmJaTDHza7bzDtE2VtqOeyzTf4cR4p/s1600/IMG_7664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7chPXXyQ2tqNWuURSAYqCCZdZd-w6Z6ytz3dScm-rBjjyhZ2rytBSweOQRcCFa6Zu_yL1zdBu98FevvPLEssmFMaxUg3HZqPWePsN3cZpsJbbuMhmJaTDHza7bzDtE2VtqOeyzTf4cR4p/s1600/IMG_7664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7chPXXyQ2tqNWuURSAYqCCZdZd-w6Z6ytz3dScm-rBjjyhZ2rytBSweOQRcCFa6Zu_yL1zdBu98FevvPLEssmFMaxUg3HZqPWePsN3cZpsJbbuMhmJaTDHza7bzDtE2VtqOeyzTf4cR4p/s200/IMG_7664.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Going into Downtown Vancouver, we both had to take our cars with our tallbikes stuffed in the trunk. Yes, they fit! Normally, we would just ride our bikes into downtown, however, we do live pretty far from the downtown core and it certainly would have been difficult to ride our tallbikes all that way. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGLFhJIYbxdLMmNoCyruk-tnXhopOQ7chpLH_YNbW91VHVoHnnPAbgUxy2Kc7J-0MY6-5p1Wvah2RKFdARcDrVO_z7jTixtjTNCw8f6Qf5WZfY26HvZh37YkZMouaSy8_qxWKHserm7dy/s1600/IMG_7606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGLFhJIYbxdLMmNoCyruk-tnXhopOQ7chpLH_YNbW91VHVoHnnPAbgUxy2Kc7J-0MY6-5p1Wvah2RKFdARcDrVO_z7jTixtjTNCw8f6Qf5WZfY26HvZh37YkZMouaSy8_qxWKHserm7dy/s200/IMG_7606.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
This would be our starting point, False Creek Science World. This is where it all starts. The pointing and laughing, the ooh'ing and ahh'ing, the 'how do you get on those things' questions, the stares, the WTF looks, the OMG looks, the 'Wow, looky that mommy!' from little kids, the 'those things are gonna get those guys laid' comments, the 'how do you get off those things' questions, riding with the biggest grins on our faces, the hundreds of tourists taking our pictures, etc. etc. etc. What a day it turned out to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnnskMrW-SLI5xmUFbQLgn-mzfazPjbgJDKLjLAFdtUQTvs_s3_-zrRAuYgjWU2NjdX9qboFQIOSiPBEKzR2gxcPYxg8ylCzCcUkxTOHOJUMAWiLHQbQp4xSR4b-zzApzhXZBofoPqHaL/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnnskMrW-SLI5xmUFbQLgn-mzfazPjbgJDKLjLAFdtUQTvs_s3_-zrRAuYgjWU2NjdX9qboFQIOSiPBEKzR2gxcPYxg8ylCzCcUkxTOHOJUMAWiLHQbQp4xSR4b-zzApzhXZBofoPqHaL/s640/IMG_7611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Best pic ever! This guy's face pretty much sums up how we were feeling all day! </span> </div>
<br />
We made our way from Science World into English Bay where the above picture was taken. This is where the large crowd was forming. A very unusually large crowd I might add. There were police blockades everywhere and we did not know what was going on. Low and behold just a few meters ahead of us, a parade was happening. Yay, a parade!! And quickly we find out that it was a Hare Krishna parade! Haha, it was so cool, Krishna music blasting loudly, hundreds of people everywhere dressed in Krishna clothes, and there was even a huge Hare Krishna cart as a centerpiece of the parade. I was seriously expecting a big elephant to be pulling the cart, but instead it was hundreds of people pulling it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfhuIbaSzY1h1rCIt-eUPgcD494m63gtbUfIM-nDfDdJNIIshuukN736Fp7aAAbirahWAq-Dbff-GHEg191QGiiIP-KMxl4W-ND4HiOru6Q8XYTRCWYUF4I9phB1056XFGLfOkZAp7WLG/s1600/IMG_7615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfhuIbaSzY1h1rCIt-eUPgcD494m63gtbUfIM-nDfDdJNIIshuukN736Fp7aAAbirahWAq-Dbff-GHEg191QGiiIP-KMxl4W-ND4HiOru6Q8XYTRCWYUF4I9phB1056XFGLfOkZAp7WLG/s400/IMG_7615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's Matt for the perfect photo op in front of the Hare Krishna cart. There were thousands of people there! And we definitely got our share of attention.</span></div>
<br />
As we passed the parade, we made our way into Stanley Park and proceeded to go around the Seawall. Our first stop was to take pictures of the Vancouver skyline. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h1c37430xVZeGAdfSgHFiKd4CB0G8Kf0eOuEg0RwzosoCCMRdrE3Z2ypv4jz3BxM0Uph_W-XtkNoPbzkXbliDps1_60wxNl-c-vRNwVk0cqv64QIX0_8i0e52NnoSalRA70GEOo-uyvO/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h1c37430xVZeGAdfSgHFiKd4CB0G8Kf0eOuEg0RwzosoCCMRdrE3Z2ypv4jz3BxM0Uph_W-XtkNoPbzkXbliDps1_60wxNl-c-vRNwVk0cqv64QIX0_8i0e52NnoSalRA70GEOo-uyvO/s400/IMG_7626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And of course, messing around with the statue of the great Harry Jerome was obligatory!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Riding around Stanley park was full of WiN everywhere we went. Total and complete strangers were talking to us and smiling and laughing along. The little kids were the best as their eyes grew as they see us riding by. And it certainly was tres cool when pretty girls on bikes started talking to us and made small chit chat. It was all fun and the tallbikes were a huge hit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFWlRpUVIHQr5h_QyAhHDpatimTGVuPD9Tltq6HL0JDGIblTO_LctMav3JfjaKfcVAl0tj4Pm4FfrJiEPLei4R5YfZbnmJ5Csyk0ryBvuPHQtvTa8LMqEdA33jBgdFsK_w6yg6EyMhwfD/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFWlRpUVIHQr5h_QyAhHDpatimTGVuPD9Tltq6HL0JDGIblTO_LctMav3JfjaKfcVAl0tj4Pm4FfrJiEPLei4R5YfZbnmJ5Csyk0ryBvuPHQtvTa8LMqEdA33jBgdFsK_w6yg6EyMhwfD/s400/IMG_7633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We were a big hit especially with the tourists. People from all over the world asking to take pictures of us. And of course we obliged.</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVw6uAzjKHIfcyXiFAlqbuYSLV6_PUEFxC_xvZVEePdT8XDYYtkCxe_nCEAfu64G0cl4XcWi3PEx8hVz22EjsAbWhjNIH_S9fS9UCVcpxhKVYJidxvqCNu_AFZs_Lo1YOmwLhjq46nKU/s1600/IMG_7647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVw6uAzjKHIfcyXiFAlqbuYSLV6_PUEFxC_xvZVEePdT8XDYYtkCxe_nCEAfu64G0cl4XcWi3PEx8hVz22EjsAbWhjNIH_S9fS9UCVcpxhKVYJidxvqCNu_AFZs_Lo1YOmwLhjq46nKU/s320/IMG_7647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Inukshuk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we made our way back from where we started, we stopped at the Olympic Village for a few more photo ops. This is where we would decide to end our day or to keep going on towards Granville Island.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHlksHHaHtaI-KhyOctkRuHTAonanvjQP90FG9ZeX3r-oBo1zPc2e-G59kM4STEx9Bhb2E0VvPI2Kf6PkkkocLFLoHkIrOMY1N0CT2PseRFHvGETb_q0lWzlXkIs6JUiBdoFU2hmUtn0I/s1600/IMG_7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHlksHHaHtaI-KhyOctkRuHTAonanvjQP90FG9ZeX3r-oBo1zPc2e-G59kM4STEx9Bhb2E0VvPI2Kf6PkkkocLFLoHkIrOMY1N0CT2PseRFHvGETb_q0lWzlXkIs6JUiBdoFU2hmUtn0I/s400/IMG_7654.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This giant bird makes our tallbikes look puny!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since there was still plenty of daylight left, we decided to keep riding towards Granville Island. I think we both wanted to keep the day going because it was certainly one of the funnest bike rides that we've ever had, and we've been on some epic cycling weekend tours.<br />
And so we continue on. Granville Island will be our last stop before heading back to our cars. And what a great decision it was to keep going. When we arrived in Granville Island, we see something awesomely unbelievable. We see 3 other guys on tallbikes! And they were on much taller bikes than we were! We were on opposite sides of the road so it was just a quick wave and a yell of 'brothers!' was had before losing them. As we rode into Granville Island, there was no denying that both of us wanted to catch those other 3 tallbikers. So off we went and continued on towards Vanier Park! We never did see them again along this route. So, having thought that was the end of that, we decided that it was time to head back. It was to be the end of a great day of riding. To our surprise, on our way back and out of the corner of my eye, I see the 3 tallbikers! So we chased them down as they were about a block away from us. When we finally caught up, it was like a band of brothers (lol!) talking like we've known each other a long time!<br />
Here's the video I took when we caught up to them. Say 'crazy' much? :D<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CboEmLI4z9U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/CboEmLI4z9U" target="_blank">-->Click Here for Tallbikin' Vancouver!<--</a></div>
Here we find out that they were 3 brothers and more shockingly, at least to me, the Zenga Brothers and that they were the ones involved in creating and directing a movie that I have been searching for in the past year. The movie is called <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Where Are You Go</i></span> and it is about cycling across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town. Here is the trailer of that movie <a href="http://youtu.be/7NpubbAzKSY" target="_blank">-->Where Are You Go - Trailer<--</a> . Yes! that is indeed the same tallbike in the movie, and they rode it across Africa! Benny Zenga, the bearded one on my clip, is the co-director of the movie. He gave me his email address and I have now been in contact with him so that I can get this movie from him. He already set aside a couple of DVD's for us. What a great guy. What a great bunch of guys. We were so fortunate to run into these 3 brothers and hopefully, some day, we can ride again. Here's some more information on the Zenga Brothers and what they do, a big shout out to these guys <a href="http://zengabros.com/home" target="_blank">Zenga Brothers dot Com!</a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC2lRa0k5xQLbeoRQ4cyngPrNUD1NVSG0_bzohu1Mq_33JvZN9FbOer6oE9FmJvL2bPguwO5B23vokpPpTPc4gxBnWaoFz4RwlgSOpkWZn3v8XEQOzxhDpV53taRuI4Ek9XJI_Bso9VvP/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC2lRa0k5xQLbeoRQ4cyngPrNUD1NVSG0_bzohu1Mq_33JvZN9FbOer6oE9FmJvL2bPguwO5B23vokpPpTPc4gxBnWaoFz4RwlgSOpkWZn3v8XEQOzxhDpV53taRuI4Ek9XJI_Bso9VvP/s640/IMG_7662.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truly great running into these guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, that was our day of Tallbikin' Vancouver. We don't get to do this too often but when we do, it is a guaranteed great time which leaves us longing for more. Until next time..
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6ui2hevXdM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/E6ui2hevXdM" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-->click me if you want to get jealous<--</span></a></div>
<br />Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-783306455002608786.post-80582331384072344252012-08-09T21:19:00.005-07:002018-09-19T09:31:24.394-07:00Cycle Touring - Galiano Island, British Columbia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This post is a few days late. As you know, coming home from a great vacation you just want to relax and rest and recover., and blogging was the last thing on my mind. And my long-weekend cycling trip to Galiano Island BC was just that, a great vacation!<br />
First off, I would like to make a small correction from my previous blog saying that Galiano Island would be a great place to start for someone new to cycle touring. In fact, the island is actually very hilly. Rolling hills are constant and there was one hill that was extremely challenging. You definitely should have some cycling background to be able to tackle those hills offered by Galiano. Luckily, my friend Matt has enough experience with hills that he was up for every challenge we faced. As challenging as the terrain was, Galiano Island is a beautiful place, a perfect place for a getaway from big city life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Day 0</u></span> - Friday Aug 3. Preparing, packing and first short leg of the trip<br />
<br />
Having been on a cycling trip to Victoria the previous weekend, the packing and preparing was easier this time around. I am bringing the same things as I did on my trip to Victoria with the exception of not bringing my laptop as I knew I would not have access to power and wifi for most of the trip. This relieves me of an extra 5-7lbs of carrying weight. However, I did pack an extra t-shirt and a hoody for those cool nights and mornings.<br />
The end of work day Friday couldn't come soon enough to start off the BC Day long weekend. Immediately after work I packed up all my gear into my trailer in which I would drive the trailer to Matt's parents' home where I would stay for the night so that we could start riding the following morning at the same time. Considering it was already 7pm in the evening, my best option was to take all the heavy stuff in the car, come back to my home and ride my bike unloaded. Once I had dropped off my gear and driven back home to ride my bike, it was starting to get dark so I had decided to take transit with my bike for the very first time. I rode to the closest Skytrain station and got on with my bike. I had never done this before and it was a good experience for possible transit rides with my bikes in the future.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij36nrX-EVfQSx56PckGAwKMB-3kY1mAmdnBqKlnH2-nO7fxZZbqTwNI-nHlKOd2QGdEQ2LC_A20Q5tjmV6QgIkI-KUTm3F4W_zb16UvNZyAQLLRZ0VDTREH3b_mtwTMkmR1pcauODfPp6/s1600/IMG_7331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij36nrX-EVfQSx56PckGAwKMB-3kY1mAmdnBqKlnH2-nO7fxZZbqTwNI-nHlKOd2QGdEQ2LC_A20Q5tjmV6QgIkI-KUTm3F4W_zb16UvNZyAQLLRZ0VDTREH3b_mtwTMkmR1pcauODfPp6/s320/IMG_7331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Skytrain with my bike for the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Arriving at Matt's parents' place, Matt had already arrived himself and is waiting for me. Matt also rode his bike and gear from his apartment to his parents' place so that we may start the ride together in the morning. We spent the rest of the night organizing our gear and doing last minute preparation for the trip. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Day 1</u></span> - Saturday Aug 4. We're off! The ride to the ferry to Galiano Island.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning went off with a great start, a big breakfast made by Matt's Mom! I normally don't have a hefty breakfast before my cycling trips just in case the food doesn't sit well in my stomach, but who could resist a ham and eggs and biscuit breakfast?! Our ferry sailing was not until 1:50pm but we wanted to get on the road early to beat the heat so as soon as breakfast ended we were on our way.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDb0FCV2TTET5Fucl6ERpXvF3OznlKTjdEgpjJ1DDRda0TB1u_z3WvC6sC_mPhLOmolUzvFEtadPiIrRPuzCuq74Egcza_kcNFmiT3zb-_KaZp50-XyrS1JTUG7dUyikxpePYsG6fo_Xu/s1600/IMG_7335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDb0FCV2TTET5Fucl6ERpXvF3OznlKTjdEgpjJ1DDRda0TB1u_z3WvC6sC_mPhLOmolUzvFEtadPiIrRPuzCuq74Egcza_kcNFmiT3zb-_KaZp50-XyrS1JTUG7dUyikxpePYsG6fo_Xu/s320/IMG_7335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Matt and his bike. My bike and trailer armed with my Go Canada! flag in support of our Olympians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bike ride to the ferry took us through Surrey and with a slight navigational error on my part brought us to Nordel Way in which we found out that bikes were not allowed. We had no choice but ride on this street as there wasn't much traffic. It was a short ride on Nordel and quickly we were on River Road on our way to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. Arriving in Tsawwassen, we had ample time before the ferry sailing so a quick lunch stop at the nearby Golden Arches allowed us to cool down from the heat before getting on the ferry. At the ferry terminal and to our surprise, there were so many cyclists awaiting to get on the ferry as well. I guess everyone else had the same plans as we had for the long weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwqh0WvP0zLRE9amwwaiNXJqktKEqqWzAtrtzSAQmNmM7grBr-pDr2iQQWLD_VX96Ffx6S4Q980CS1viKAj' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaF896imYHgvj3i1pMAml3uu7SR-BQk5uccLPiwx6HAoBZLdAnD7WCgZPe0WSlu8gcizO_r2vStuNxBChnhqHyOVDb9IZwkyzGMQXgoB8BHD7ipx7ADPe0rhfW-Cv10wOeNJjNbyFS1VF/s1600/IMG_7347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaF896imYHgvj3i1pMAml3uu7SR-BQk5uccLPiwx6HAoBZLdAnD7WCgZPe0WSlu8gcizO_r2vStuNxBChnhqHyOVDb9IZwkyzGMQXgoB8BHD7ipx7ADPe0rhfW-Cv10wOeNJjNbyFS1VF/s320/IMG_7347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many people opting to take their bikes instead of their cars for the weekend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ferry ride was slightly delayed as the ferries were having to deal with long weekend holiday traffic. But soon enough we arrive at Sturdies Bay Ferry Terminal on Galiano Island and we were off on our bikes once again. By this time it is nearly 4pm and knowing that the campsites may be filled to capacity with it being a holiday weekend, we decided that we should find camp as quickly as we can. Our destination is to Montague Harbour Provincial Park. No sooner than riding our bikes away from the ferry terminal, we quickly discover how hilly the terrain was. The road to our campsite was full of undulating hills and they seem to keep on coming as we get further into the island. Yes, the ride was challenging but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the waterside scenery and calming breeze. We did have to take a few breaks from pedaling as our loaded gear did not make the hills easier to climb. It was about 5pm when we reached our campsite and sure enough the campground was filled to capacity. Luckily, they had an overflow campsite for those coming with no reservation. It was in an open field that's shared amongst everyone coming in late and it was first-come first-served.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn69-L4qzUgJP-sXpGm2XZCnR8vPVWwJcJHOs420ZtDDM-MrUxQvchzYyODtJZ1DHxdfq-waK3YyZ4lUnjW9up2EroDKkx2AD7VP-pF9YFs6LrbD-yQjSm8GtDqfHzrEqbt8KLi0X7MYk/s1600/IMG_7393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn69-L4qzUgJP-sXpGm2XZCnR8vPVWwJcJHOs420ZtDDM-MrUxQvchzYyODtJZ1DHxdfq-waK3YyZ4lUnjW9up2EroDKkx2AD7VP-pF9YFs6LrbD-yQjSm8GtDqfHzrEqbt8KLi0X7MYk/s320/IMG_7393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a challenging ride into camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLxFb_l5dUP5KAtU8UtbBNt0ID8vyvtXWEqFUoIrqH11Fuz7Fl3n9OJGEGgFbgCejWMKBPO9klnhLvW6fEWYFPlFWmjIq0EUWpFj8bjqSjjsW277EUjXjRLH1ieI6rUhAV2JRn2BVo44A/s1600/IMG_7397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLxFb_l5dUP5KAtU8UtbBNt0ID8vyvtXWEqFUoIrqH11Fuz7Fl3n9OJGEGgFbgCejWMKBPO9klnhLvW6fEWYFPlFWmjIq0EUWpFj8bjqSjjsW277EUjXjRLH1ieI6rUhAV2JRn2BVo44A/s320/IMG_7397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We quickly set up our tents before heading out to look for food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpLP6LOANdFgphCS4NEyiPvP8Rrz39PM7DTBRnzj4oguP_vyhlCTxfWKxWqZ02jlZbOyngjmPJHYxOnxWBsy0-87XIJik1-IQD2zsAuSlfYuMZVrOwyPe3W8Ju7K4G041OmAK_xiZpHMV/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpLP6LOANdFgphCS4NEyiPvP8Rrz39PM7DTBRnzj4oguP_vyhlCTxfWKxWqZ02jlZbOyngjmPJHYxOnxWBsy0-87XIJik1-IQD2zsAuSlfYuMZVrOwyPe3W8Ju7K4G041OmAK_xiZpHMV/s320/IMG_7404.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at an overflow lot shared by other campers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our dinner for the night is at a nearby pub. We were both craving for some cold beer after a hot bike ride and when we heard that there was a bus that comes on the hour and takes campers to a local pub, The Hummingbird Inn, we didn't hesitate to join in. After a long wait for the bus to come, we finally get on and it turns out to be a most enjoyable bus ride with a very funny bus driver full of character. The whole bus was singing and playing along with tambourines and maracas to old tunes blasting on the radio. That bus ride alone was worth the wait. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKxsBsFN2kuM8GiL6-1VPOkrC-2UOdF4ffMtx22RyhtWsvbQVNW1OHxS7h8P2CFo2oPXAvvRZ1s1cilUkiD9iki4KAHUVn5cQXNlAfhR8PA2M9F8Ku-1-3f2qtRIEwtjXsFHGPD0B7H8m/s1600/IMG_7405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKxsBsFN2kuM8GiL6-1VPOkrC-2UOdF4ffMtx22RyhtWsvbQVNW1OHxS7h8P2CFo2oPXAvvRZ1s1cilUkiD9iki4KAHUVn5cQXNlAfhR8PA2M9F8Ku-1-3f2qtRIEwtjXsFHGPD0B7H8m/s320/IMG_7405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our awesome bus ride to the Hummingbird Inn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzo3r7qDF86bZtZndw3Zh9DbRS2xs3Z-S7wJiOKgOAfhG-zBYH_RU_8zZaCt2Lo7xjCFZLCa7iOXLAHXi5N7g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
The Hummingbird Pub was a really nice pub that gave you that island feeling. The food was great and the atmosphere is what you would ask for in a popular local island watering hole. Unfortunately, this night the staff may have been overwhelmed by the amount of people because of the long holiday weekend. Our food came very late, but I will not dwell on that as we were in no rush and we had some good entertainment by a live duo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EZyIMK2wfqjriXmhZMy2Q9lWaKRxOcJgOsI5Db60vWbYi2ewVUtdTeJMmwOSQpKto4l3kCTOUQFwUOd-LHkjiFS51BSUm41pmslp-02mobfrjNdrlQpkCXlyLZt7UhzLWy3kFp4fHS1g/s1600/IMG_7412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EZyIMK2wfqjriXmhZMy2Q9lWaKRxOcJgOsI5Db60vWbYi2ewVUtdTeJMmwOSQpKto4l3kCTOUQFwUOd-LHkjiFS51BSUm41pmslp-02mobfrjNdrlQpkCXlyLZt7UhzLWy3kFp4fHS1g/s320/IMG_7412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our live entertainment as we waited for our food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua4Z0pcp_8r8D1huCOHvW449mLBZMbbA0bN0FQLnDlyMggcFcr_U80v9oIxzgfa9VLs_l9UknVz4oNsdwMA2AK_pGFhpD1VxrDyGnkncPGCZryJBGKspJCdpq-eSZZCa5bY8LI0yy_3mm/s1600/IMG_7415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua4Z0pcp_8r8D1huCOHvW449mLBZMbbA0bN0FQLnDlyMggcFcr_U80v9oIxzgfa9VLs_l9UknVz4oNsdwMA2AK_pGFhpD1VxrDyGnkncPGCZryJBGKspJCdpq-eSZZCa5bY8LI0yy_3mm/s320/IMG_7415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few much needed drinks were had as we waited for our food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our pub night ended with another bus ride back to our campsite. It is about 10pm by this time and the fatigue and exhaustion has been setting in for a few hours now. The only thing left to do is succumb to the darkness and crawl in our tents for that needed sleep. Tomorrow will be another great day.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjhy0bRjOKGRT4kuoMT3G8bwYM_E0dhTx_Db5q0BdRBiBRIHyK9vsFf3_aXWM4F66Qyf7KzWqwNwt2L9uoEbJFkw8pdkZ4zDk4JOIfDtRkfcrKiycMmLJMUEGtq6fS5k-UpMbjXtSdLxP/s1600/IMG_7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjhy0bRjOKGRT4kuoMT3G8bwYM_E0dhTx_Db5q0BdRBiBRIHyK9vsFf3_aXWM4F66Qyf7KzWqwNwt2L9uoEbJFkw8pdkZ4zDk4JOIfDtRkfcrKiycMmLJMUEGtq6fS5k-UpMbjXtSdLxP/s320/IMG_7420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first day/night in the books. Can't wait for tomorrow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Day 2</u></span> - Sunday Aug 5. Exploring the Island.<br />
<br />
Waking up early the following day gave us a chance to explore our campground, Montague Harbour Provincial Park. It also gave us a chance to meet our neighbours who are experiencing the same things as we were and to make friends. The plan is to explore the island all day, take in the sights and sounds, and relax as much as we can.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzirJLV2HjbYJbgTl6ZNCRL3acRTyjfQGgn5hQqcQI8u8addQ9naO8HU4K9AR3Aogk4gfamJ_BVGIyt-MIvM-5Wz0P-7cJ4q0xxLblvW8d-UeGK5_inWog94J2vc3NmEoYlAGd0PX_tS-/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzirJLV2HjbYJbgTl6ZNCRL3acRTyjfQGgn5hQqcQI8u8addQ9naO8HU4K9AR3Aogk4gfamJ_BVGIyt-MIvM-5Wz0P-7cJ4q0xxLblvW8d-UeGK5_inWog94J2vc3NmEoYlAGd0PX_tS-/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up to sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxqwmpRFnqOMqth_IaUtAwYSxshBXYCitBS_whyphenhyphenYqcFP3_Q4Beh0qtXJGkSt4qeOqKE1JkkHuEBhdOpXDyGS24_UeDdcs5Jn3m54nNvf7E6kPL6XJGUxw5LhkYmgdq-krMASn_4JT5R9a/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxqwmpRFnqOMqth_IaUtAwYSxshBXYCitBS_whyphenhyphenYqcFP3_Q4Beh0qtXJGkSt4qeOqKE1JkkHuEBhdOpXDyGS24_UeDdcs5Jn3m54nNvf7E6kPL6XJGUxw5LhkYmgdq-krMASn_4JT5R9a/s200/IMG_7429.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquYgPe_CEzaGwoRFpki4N7ZlWnYbk0roXnwG3ggytxinvfSgjASoJFZjUk0Af71Xw2gmz7zj-21FhvvdQDqDE_DRUPuzYzCfGNi7YFOXUA9Khc1g0_NDacOF34mQm3cQAv5fsbgIEwwf7/s1600/IMG_7432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquYgPe_CEzaGwoRFpki4N7ZlWnYbk0roXnwG3ggytxinvfSgjASoJFZjUk0Af71Xw2gmz7zj-21FhvvdQDqDE_DRUPuzYzCfGNi7YFOXUA9Khc1g0_NDacOF34mQm3cQAv5fsbgIEwwf7/s200/IMG_7432.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ASRjt1eTbJ0H05X8xtSjkampGsJ3amlzEbskUp1DCvNaLTxaA7dCPJhsz2ZvM4zUyCq3HWDSoHbb0DtlwdhvphcQvxKvmomsQMa2MZ-3YUBFUKIbmcN7tX5-2WVc5BGYqB1G7G48Fp9G/s1600/IMG_7436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ASRjt1eTbJ0H05X8xtSjkampGsJ3amlzEbskUp1DCvNaLTxaA7dCPJhsz2ZvM4zUyCq3HWDSoHbb0DtlwdhvphcQvxKvmomsQMa2MZ-3YUBFUKIbmcN7tX5-2WVc5BGYqB1G7G48Fp9G/s200/IMG_7436.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXS5oUXkZRH7GQ8Y54VVFl3MJWQut9dc16h6zYbSX7mJ_SkcnL_oSpUE4eBzLeoMHbNiIoS8gLNPNPGBQTwK7AhZyoPZrRWB-24wGiH3FbdDH9B3OA6A-68OzDUrAepv0d9Rbfj5DnjD/s1600/IMG_7440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsXS5oUXkZRH7GQ8Y54VVFl3MJWQut9dc16h6zYbSX7mJ_SkcnL_oSpUE4eBzLeoMHbNiIoS8gLNPNPGBQTwK7AhZyoPZrRWB-24wGiH3FbdDH9B3OA6A-68OzDUrAepv0d9Rbfj5DnjD/s200/IMG_7440.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you can see from the pictures, Montague Harbour Provincial Park is indeed a beautiful place. I am glad we chose this location as our campground for the weekend. You can find out more information about the park from their website here <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/montague/" target="_blank">Montague Harbour Provincial Park</a> .<br />
All through the day we rode and enjoyed the scenery. The road coming out of the park was a big challenging hill that we overcame with a few breaks on the way to the top. The day was getting hot and we were getting hungry, so the next stop would be for some food and some shelter from the sun. We found this at the Scoops Ice Cream & Burger Bar where we ate and at the same time I charged my dying iPhone at the nearest power outlet. Once we've had our food and had my iPhone almost all charged up, we wanted to look for a beach side location that had some shade and hoping for some cool breeze. Some locals recommended we check out the Bellhouse Provincial Park so off we went. Wow, what a sight! It was an amazing location at the southern part of the island. Here we could see other Gulf Islands and many vessels on the Pacific Ocean. It was where we rested for a while away from the heat and even had time to take a power nap. If there was camping allowed at this location, we would have certainly taken it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w4vRU3PJBIMPWueTmOFicLq7jZWVBPfbOViGadMzlAz1IKgqSu05sxSppF1Sr1gzlPPUk0YzNlQ-2HhD5wQTxFppl1aqTHBsrQFe6f_L1UnCpvME1o-8wa4Q0O2HJJD3Jf7P7WgL4mU-/s1600/IMG_7464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdajicczemCvmdONaKWnTmh83FtKachE_0FzGn_nlsmWpJ21H_pGhn8LY_tAGH5N7KiKb1Vzt4kVbGI0iPA5TJIeuMUyGEDVhkj-rpCkdRYfhm50Vd6SNyEcXwLo04I9lZQdlO3-I_23-9/s1600/IMG_7468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdajicczemCvmdONaKWnTmh83FtKachE_0FzGn_nlsmWpJ21H_pGhn8LY_tAGH5N7KiKb1Vzt4kVbGI0iPA5TJIeuMUyGEDVhkj-rpCkdRYfhm50Vd6SNyEcXwLo04I9lZQdlO3-I_23-9/s200/IMG_7468.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCgq1GxMahdMxUfQ83H-sIwE801qqWNT9Jqe7TZcOCoXsxHNE-owzZDtJam30KUhAtBwcgHC_noRBMDAispuEmACXTYKYQ7OAv_-RrrRtkZkMPkP64Zq6tHzqBvLr9bnqzx5He-HKbXQ3/s1600/IMG_7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCgq1GxMahdMxUfQ83H-sIwE801qqWNT9Jqe7TZcOCoXsxHNE-owzZDtJam30KUhAtBwcgHC_noRBMDAispuEmACXTYKYQ7OAv_-RrrRtkZkMPkP64Zq6tHzqBvLr9bnqzx5He-HKbXQ3/s200/IMG_7476.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w4vRU3PJBIMPWueTmOFicLq7jZWVBPfbOViGadMzlAz1IKgqSu05sxSppF1Sr1gzlPPUk0YzNlQ-2HhD5wQTxFppl1aqTHBsrQFe6f_L1UnCpvME1o-8wa4Q0O2HJJD3Jf7P7WgL4mU-/s200/IMG_7464.JPG" width="200" /><br />
<br />
It was truly an amazing place and we were content to stay here until it was time to head back to camp to get ready for dinner.<br />
Once again we were craving for some cold drinks from a long day of riding in the sun. The Harbour Grill Restaurant provided this for us. It was only a couple of kilometers from our camp so that was very convenient. We had time to cool down a little at camp using the communal water faucet on site and I was able to wash up and change my shirt before going to the restaurant. That faucet was a lifesaver, it was the source of our drinking water, our shower and for washing our dirty shirts. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTBykpOG6IQDdiJ1BwXJsvTUFjmJCXos93JFqVN3QO30wYG-e9aLO9fCaaEqma0cdsY3G-NM3dBkwIsQ8KtUlMxjBPDz9rmdR9G29pBy0a4-JNz3ecHa2WtxeJ6KTes3El-NKEWGX73bh/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTBykpOG6IQDdiJ1BwXJsvTUFjmJCXos93JFqVN3QO30wYG-e9aLO9fCaaEqma0cdsY3G-NM3dBkwIsQ8KtUlMxjBPDz9rmdR9G29pBy0a4-JNz3ecHa2WtxeJ6KTes3El-NKEWGX73bh/s320/IMG_7481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks faucet! What would we have done without you! And check out those tan lines!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After our nice meal and drinks at the restaurant, it was time to wind down at the campsite. We spent the evening by the water just chillin and playing fetch with dogs that passed by with their owners. It was soon time for bed as we would be going home tomorrow. What a great day it has been.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsf9hlecn8tNtRGcxMjufroa6m7ImOGK7iy-_j603JbfaBhMUfPUvQqyRsqQgsC4ExMd9hoX8UXENkdq6AB2iTRY5uPtB1iO1qcgjGRTwUVJdIXr3Lqkn8EBMOVUDThNXeIQX3hizg-NR/s1600/IMG_7487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsf9hlecn8tNtRGcxMjufroa6m7ImOGK7iy-_j603JbfaBhMUfPUvQqyRsqQgsC4ExMd9hoX8UXENkdq6AB2iTRY5uPtB1iO1qcgjGRTwUVJdIXr3Lqkn8EBMOVUDThNXeIQX3hizg-NR/s200/IMG_7487.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is indeed a dog fetching the largest log ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qhxP6Oz1J-riVdR9Teu8TgWpEHchR4PslZJuaR1WCbuuySTSWwEKA3uXSB9fqe5eVFePDxoOJ3jZd770qrM05zs_Fski28yrSCU48iKQh42ADQD4nIBIrjW7qoC2T0I8SUNil9jVj0hD/s1600/IMG_7489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qhxP6Oz1J-riVdR9Teu8TgWpEHchR4PslZJuaR1WCbuuySTSWwEKA3uXSB9fqe5eVFePDxoOJ3jZd770qrM05zs_Fski28yrSCU48iKQh42ADQD4nIBIrjW7qoC2T0I8SUNil9jVj0hD/s200/IMG_7489.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for bed. My trailer nicely tucked under the fly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>Day 3</u></span> - Monday Aug 6. Going Home. These trips always seem too short.<br />
<br />
Waking up way too early the following morning was not by choice. The whole campsite was awoken by loud screaming crows and it wasn't even 6am yet. These crows were absolutely persistent in their 'cawking'! Argh! I can hear other campers cursing inside their tents for being awaken so early in the morning. I took a video of the said crows so you have an idea of how our morning started.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzjQb2IPyXvZXVYE1_5GLNakX3TuU2Pk2UJ1i1KiKfr9kADtGLdJ6E4AN-nhcWcANy5p5RoB8Abd-XHhrmAMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Now that we're all fully wide awake, the only thing to do was to start packing up, and at least we can take our time and not have to rush. The ferry sailing isn't until 12:40pm so there is plenty of time to make it to the ferry. We decided we would get out of the campsite, head to the main town and have breakfast or brunch and get to the ferry as early as we can to avoid all the people that are also leaving the island. We packed up all our gear quick. Soon we would be on the road. However, neither of us were looking forward to pulling our fully loaded bikes once again over all those hills. Oh well,, we have plenty of time to take it easy.<br />
Off we go riding out of our campsite. Thanks Montague Harbour Park, you have been very accommodating. No sooner than getting out onto the main road we see something amazing. As I pedaled on at a nice pace, I see a beautiful deer by the side of the road. It allowed us to ride by it and it didn't run away. I was literally 5 feet away from it until it finally got spooked and ran away. I was able to take a video of the whole encounter here: <span style="font-size: x-small;">(If you are reading this blog in your email and not seeing the video link, you must go to the actual blog site)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S1qNdg3_P0g/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/S1qNdg3_P0g?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/S1qNdg3_P0g?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://youtu.be/S1qNdg3_P0g" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-->Riding my bike within 5 feet of a deer<--</span></a></div>
<br />
After a few hill climbs we finally get into some downhill into town. It was such a great ride when most of the way is going downhill. And at this time of the day, the air is still fairly cool and there aren't too many cars! We arrive into town and just sat around at the Sturdies Bay Bakery and Diner. Both of us only had a danish for breakfast thinking we would have lunch later on before the ferry sailing. We spent most of our time at this bakery and from there we decided to buy our ferry tickets really early. We ended up waiting at the terminal for two hours waiting for our ferry to arrive. We didn't mind, there was still a lot to see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXekLOBbVXTcJ8iVXE3MpKnRMyq4V7yts1LWp7xnV2-OlvQsvNPwRYy1Yl4DFOQkk0zT9lFwJY7BvGlvDKL3RPWHnwCWo1vSLU8gCmv7y10ZE0zVTR2Ph8K3nIK8XYAho1U6Tm8bYWosM/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXekLOBbVXTcJ8iVXE3MpKnRMyq4V7yts1LWp7xnV2-OlvQsvNPwRYy1Yl4DFOQkk0zT9lFwJY7BvGlvDKL3RPWHnwCWo1vSLU8gCmv7y10ZE0zVTR2Ph8K3nIK8XYAho1U6Tm8bYWosM/s640/IMG_7527.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for our Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52UQI1y89DMRpNMC94NdT_6GfmzGqeuDiZhFdkFstEFHGzwJWZuiS4jMg7BRFlkidkRj9319RsvA1gV1U5JnHC5RAu4FPImFr5Jma1xMCfj_2dCXZeSEBxvvvsLl-J2FEMgA_SIMq9d6x/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52UQI1y89DMRpNMC94NdT_6GfmzGqeuDiZhFdkFstEFHGzwJWZuiS4jMg7BRFlkidkRj9319RsvA1gV1U5JnHC5RAu4FPImFr5Jma1xMCfj_2dCXZeSEBxvvvsLl-J2FEMgA_SIMq9d6x/s200/IMG_7517.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of otters on a dock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXylSwsBSXMb4LQLhrOAuDbcZmN5iZ7GmEWI-BR9YVSHAPwqzeklxmovAapvGQGl28kcFhuuc0cmR9ihffBgQowWBIzcLL9kDaX_IVugwUqSCUFNf9Kwqbc1LE46_0dh6LlW4zxIs3Rmn/s1600/IMG_7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXylSwsBSXMb4LQLhrOAuDbcZmN5iZ7GmEWI-BR9YVSHAPwqzeklxmovAapvGQGl28kcFhuuc0cmR9ihffBgQowWBIzcLL9kDaX_IVugwUqSCUFNf9Kwqbc1LE46_0dh6LlW4zxIs3Rmn/s200/IMG_7524.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is indeed a baby seal!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After a few hours of waiting, finally our ferry arrive. And as expected, it was full to capacity. It seems that everyone on the whole island wanted to leave at this time. It was a good decision to come to the terminal as early as we did. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnm_VCkfXdHUwL1p-i0kKAFjEa71sfo06QUjvryeYDSCkvmbsy0C3ruLS-x1jx4UmGITzUL7kNkH0p-WGWU8UTVtOItKyWnQbpnwSrB20qi2GPE1DsRtTuqzAJPTOJtm1PGHF-XGIt_Sx/s1600/IMG_7542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnm_VCkfXdHUwL1p-i0kKAFjEa71sfo06QUjvryeYDSCkvmbsy0C3ruLS-x1jx4UmGITzUL7kNkH0p-WGWU8UTVtOItKyWnQbpnwSrB20qi2GPE1DsRtTuqzAJPTOJtm1PGHF-XGIt_Sx/s320/IMG_7542.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ferry was packed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ferry ride was quick and soon enough we were unloading at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. The weather had change significantly at this time, it has become overcast and almost chilly. We didn't mind the colder temperatures but the dark clouds seemed worrying. We had a quick stop at the nearby McDonald's to top up on water and have some needed lunch as our breakfast danish evidently was not enough. Here, I had decided to cover my trailer bag with a plastic cover just in case it rained on our way home. This would prove to be a great decision later on.<br />
The ride was still over 40kms away to arrive at each of our homes and even though most of the way is flat, we will both have to tackle some more hills before we finally arrive at our separate destinations. The rest of the ride was uneventful until we got closer to the Alex Fraser Bridge, this is when it started raining. It rained and at some points it rained hard. This is another first, riding in the rain with a fully loaded trailer. In the back of my mind I wanted it to rain. It was something I have yet to experience. I have commuted by bicycle in the rain before, but not pulling nearly 70lbs of gear including bike. I wanted to test out everything I had whether they would hold up to the rain or not. Everything held up perfectly. The bike was a little dirty, the trailer was a little dirty, but other than that, there was no problem whatsoever. I was smiling the whole time it was raining.<br />
When we reached River Road and Nordel Way, this is where myself and Matt would find our separate ways. He will continue on on River Road and I will make my way up and across Alex Fraser Bridge. This is the end of our journey. It was still raining as we make our stop to say our 'see ya laters'. We know it won't be long until we make another bike trip some other time some other place. But it was great to be able to share our experiences and especially great for me who has always done bike touring solo. Now I have someone to talk to and reflect with in the future.<br />
The final leg of my journey is to challenge the bridge and all the remaining hills that I must climb to get to my home. As tired as I was and as hard as the rain came down, the smile never left my face. I knew I had another epic weekend of bicycle touring in my pocket, they seem to get better and better every time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3PYgSWvPRj7xNFALJUgxHzxygTHxv3Zo7j7vJbIQMVTjpcnElYvyLrFz7W9dTfxYBwh0S6K373kSy68HxLxwnBmbjcN7i-0pIhhFq27g74tQiWuRXAaqKzqcxNA6_8ysHhkCVMtXjaOz/s1600/IMG_7548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3PYgSWvPRj7xNFALJUgxHzxygTHxv3Zo7j7vJbIQMVTjpcnElYvyLrFz7W9dTfxYBwh0S6K373kSy68HxLxwnBmbjcN7i-0pIhhFq27g74tQiWuRXAaqKzqcxNA6_8ysHhkCVMtXjaOz/s320/IMG_7548.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally home. Go Canada Go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived at my home as the rains let up and the sun started to shine again. My biggest reward will be a nice long shower and a lot of food! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjPgoszlLUS1J0RahmnWEK3bOVomiA1qkSY5ye_jBlvcDTsq7NSIuBqlfsUUwmflQLlo-xnRtvqjKew3P4Xb_TXRpAzLvTUhzBS24m9xVENDdOGDCisT7jwcIYE_bVyKzFWsI3smB_4Wo/s1600/everytrail+capture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjPgoszlLUS1J0RahmnWEK3bOVomiA1qkSY5ye_jBlvcDTsq7NSIuBqlfsUUwmflQLlo-xnRtvqjKew3P4Xb_TXRpAzLvTUhzBS24m9xVENDdOGDCisT7jwcIYE_bVyKzFWsI3smB_4Wo/s640/everytrail+capture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GPS Tracking of our trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A GPS tracking of our trip is created on my Everytrail account here <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/fullscreen.php?trip_id=1708066&code=a953efe57b58bee8716ea9cfdeeb436b" target="_blank">GPS Tracking - Galiano Island</a> . Unfortunately, my iPhone was at low battery most of the time as there was no power available at the campsite to charge up and I had to conserve my battery, so only the important parts of the trip were tracked.<br />
<br />
Total distance travelled via Bike Computer: 140Kms<br />
Total time on saddle: 8hrs 46mins.<br />
Max. Speed: 67.5km/h Woohoo!<br />
Avg. Speed: 15.4km/h<br />
Elevation: Vertical up 1245meters, Vertical down 1236meters
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N90ClbS4B2s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N90ClbS4B2s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Please check out the video/movie I made of one of my other Cycling Tours. The Kinsol Trestle.Elihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15060818322044715907noreply@blogger.com3