penner chronicles

Autumn Tweed Ride Snapshots

2011-11-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Last month I attended my first Tweed Ride. It was immensely enjoyable! I became acquainted with nattily dressed lads and ladies, and we shared a brisk ride along one of Edmonton's finest scenic routes.
Our meeting place was at the University of Alberta. Karen, Deborah and I decided to attend together. I had previously met a few people who were gathered at the square, but most of them were unfamiliar yet friendly faces.

What is a tweed ride, you say? It's an urban bicycle ride with a sense of style. The idea of a "Tweed Run" originated in London,organized by an on-line cycling forum called "London Fixed Gear & Single Speed". The official tweed ride site is a wealth of information on suitable clothing, grooming for men, and vintage cycling photos. Traditional British cycling attire is encouraged, as are vintage bicycles!
Flat caps and suits were worn by many gentlemen. The guys looked so stylish! The men were just as wonderfully attired as the ladies, it was great to witness so many stylish men.

It was delightful to see someone wearing plus the traditional plus four breeches and argyll socks!

I apologize for the lack of photos. I felt bashful about taking photos and it was quite cold. And I didn't realize that I lacked photos of myself! Check Loop Frame Love for more photos taken by Deborah.
We set off towards Fort Edmonton Park, occasionally stopping for everyone to catch up. We encountered a group of runners, who chatted with us and asked us about our ride. One of the runners commented that we looked like we belonged in another era, which was a fitting compliment.

After a long stretch of switch-backs, we stopped to enjoy a gorgeous view of the North Saskatchewan River. Our river valley trail system is one of the jewels of Edmonton.

I love the fitted coat and black Bern helmet that fine lady is wearing. And the bow tied gentleman looked effortlessly chic.

Deborah sported a cloche hat and this great coat. Although it was rather chilly outside, we eventually took of our outerwear because we were sweating from our cycling adventure, although gloves were kept on our hands.

If you live in Edmonton, I encourage you to attend the next tweed ride in the Spring 2012. I assume there will be a facebook page created too. Tally ho, friends!

Banff Escape!

2011-08-27T22:58:00.000-06:00

We spent a few days camping in Banff National Park recently. Hiking was on the agenda, but so were day-trips to Banff for window-shopping and sight-seeing!

Our first day we opted to visit Lake Louise. With several hiking options available for tourists, we choose a strenous hike to Big Beehive.

I lagged behind constantly and took frequent breaks. It took 5 1/2 hours round-trip, with the last 2km completely up-hill. Our dog Shepp urged me onwards whenever I lost sight of the guys.

The stunning view of Lake Louise. We were so high up that I felt uncomfortable at times.

A fellow hiker kindly offered to take a family photo of us:

Hungry and exhausted, we returned to our cozy camp-site.

Bruce was able to borrow the Ellsworth tent from Redbike!

Bruce insisted on preparing our meals. He makes great pancakes!

There was plenty of time for enjoying each other's company:

We played Monopoly and ate Jiffy Pop by lantern light:

Between hiking days, we went to Banff for some fun! Lots of cute loop-frame bikes with roomy baskets parked in fromt of shops:

Several bike shops offered rentals for as low as $11 per day!

This Electra looked ready to ride!

We window-shopped and snapped photos of people on bikes:

Hipster on his Raleigh:

This lovely lady kept warm in boots and a cozy scarf:

Tourists enjoying the beauty of Banff:

I bought some tea from this locally-owned shop!

A highlight of our trip was the hike to Bow Falls. Isaac really enjoyed it. It gets colder, windier and more majestic as you approach Bow Falls. I highly recommend this fairly easy hike!

Hope everyone enjoyed their summer holidays!

Princess Pashley Meets The Duchess

2011-08-11T15:43:00.000-06:00

I planned to meet my sister at The Duchess Bakeshop on a dazzling Saturday afternoon. The weather motivated me to finally test-ride the newly established bike route that stretches along 106 street.

A large section of the bike route is still under construction. So far this section (near my home) has been blocked for about 6 weeks. Residents have taken advantage of the deserted street to set up their own basketball area. I've seen them hoop it up as I pass by their place with our dog:

I rode along the bike route from 61 Avenue to Saskatchewan Drive. I liked the new traffic signs, indicating proper use of the sharrow portions:

Sections of 106th street are only wide enough for one lane traffic. So as I leisurely rode along the sharrow, vehicles would overtake and pass me by driving in the opposing lane. I guess they don't want to wait for slow cyclists like me. Would motorists be more patient if I was a child/adolescent trying to navigate the sharrows, or would they try to pass kids, too?

Cars can still park beside some bike lanes. Again, cyclists need to watch parked cars in case the doors suddenly open.

Signs also indicated where the designated bike lanes started too:

It's always fun to zoom along the High Level Bridge path!

Sweaty helmet head aside, I arrived at my destination full of energy. And hungry,too!

If you live in Edmonton and haven't been there yet, I highly recommend a trip to Duchess.

My favorite treats are the lavender madeleines:

(both photos from the Duchess Bakeshop)

We strolled down 124th street and stopped at High Street. Lots of boutiques and specialty shops are situated there. I love sitting on a bench and people-watching!

Vespucci Consignment Boutique is a fun place to browse for footwear, bags, and women's clothing. It's a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. Lots of quality items there to check out.

Soon enough it was time to head home. My initial ride along the new bike routes was very enjoyable. I'm confident that more people will take advantage of them. As an experienced cyclist, I probably wouldn't use it on a regular basis, because I am comfortable enough to ride wherever I want. But once the route is finished in my neighborhood, I might change my mind and use it more often. Time will tell!

Canada Cup à la Mud

2011-07-25T21:56:00.030-06:00

No joke, we've been having a wet and mosquito-infested summer so far. Rain or shine, the show must go on for the Edmonton Canada Cup! Bruce took a few videos of the mudfest, which I've posted here. Luckily it didn't rain during the race itself but the trails were perilous in some sections.

Many racers got off their bikes and walked through the more slippery parts of the race. The trails look easier to navigate on video:

Bruce followed Redbike racer Matt during part of the race, and almost hurt himself in the process:

Shantel pushes onward. Check out the mud on her legs!

In other news, we're getting bike lanes in my neighborhood!

New sidewalks,signage other construction is currently underway on 106 street. It;s been closed for a month, and judging by the amount of contruction I see every day, it won't be completed for another month.

I'll keep you up-dated on the progress! Our dog also likes the peace and tranquility of our normally traffic-heavy area.

Brompton Foldy Fun!

2011-07-13T22:47:00.000-06:00

July 1st was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday for us. The weather was sunny and cool for an all-day foldy ride! We rode through some lovely & familiar neighborhoods in our way to DaCapo Caffe:

DaCapo customers were ready to spend some quality time on the patio:

As we were enjoying our coffees, the pink Brompton attracted admirers, both make and female. A few people accepted my invitation to take the Brompton for test-rides.

Some people simply admired the ease and speed of its foldability and portability.

Our friend Lance rode over to the cafe on his wicked awesome Rocky Boroughs. I love its checked-out wheels!

The three of us rode to the Alberta Legislature grounds to watch the Canada Day Criterium road race. It's fairly dangerous to compete in a race like this one. There were hay bales strapped to poles in case a racer lost control of his/her bicycle:

We sat close to the road, which was great because it was more exciting and dangerous to be so close to the action.We cheered for everyone, but especially Redbike racers like Shantel!

Bruce looked very dashing:

We spent most of the day just watching the races. Isaac was competing in Kelowna that weekend, so it was great to have a bit of down-time together.

Hope your summer holidays are fun and mosquito-free!

Hello!

2011-06-19T21:38:00.000-06:00

Hey! I know it's been almost two months since my last post. There are no excuses; we've been incredibly busy. I've taken a volunteer role at the track club, which has taken up a lot of my "down-time". June is also the outdoor racing season, so every weekend there is something happening.

Bicycle racing and track & field competitions are keeping this lady moving!

Of course, there is time for everything. A time to ride with a group:

And a time to ride solo:

Redbike has seat covers now. The best part? They are free! Just come over and ask for one!

I'm still cruising the aisles for new stuff. These Basil panniers always catch my eye:

Last year i really wanted this Basil "Shopping Memories" pannier. Somebody beat me to it though. It's in the shop again. I love its 100& canvas recycled material and the adorable print!

I plan to write a post every 3 weeks or so. Until then, keep riding!

EBC Bike & Bake Sale!

2011-04-25T19:13:00.002-06:00

On Saturday I took the Pashley to the Edmonton Bicycles Commuters storefront. They held their first Bikeworks Bike & Bake Sale. They needed some baked goods, so I made a batch of Triple Chocolate Brownies and brought them over.

This is the bake sale spread. There were a variety of treats, including gluten-free cupcakes.

I bought these delicious pistachio & rosewater cookies that were made byEBC President Chris Chan. My brownies are pictured on the top left.

I'm sure that these vegan chocolate pomegranite cherry cupcakes sold quickly. Oh my.

When I arrived at EBC, there were plenty of people looking for a bike. Mechanics were busy fixing up the bikes that people bought that day.

Everyone seemed to know what they were looking for, whether it was something for their kids, a reliable commuting bike, or a salvaged vintage bike.

This is something I've learned as the wife of a bike mechanic:

Chris checking out the wheel pile:

Someone found her special ride to buy!

Another customer purchased this Rocky Mountain Fusion. It was a great deal for $60!

It felt great to contribute in a small way towards the fundraiser. And it was also nice to meet some fellow cyclists that I've known about but never met. I look forward to more fun events at Bikeworks!

All-City!

2011-04-19T20:38:00.000-06:00

Winter is finally defeated and the Spring thaw has begun! This past weekend we witnessed more melting and warmer temperatures. There seems to be more road rage and angry drivers this year. If I spent an hour commuting to work everyday then I'd feel upset too. I like commuting by train and bicycle because it's the fastest way to get home. I love just listening to music or reading on my commute. I mean, who needs the stress of driving when public transport is cheaper and faster?

My home station. It's not very crowded and I like its open spaces.

I work downtown near the Art Gallery of Alberta. I love its architecture!

The foyer is majestic yet really serene.

Recently Bruce went on a ride to check out the trails.

Although this picture is misleading, the paths are drying up like crazy!

Back at Redbike,Linus bikes are selling quickly. Mechanic Craig bought his fiancee this shiny red one!

Mark Jung is the resident renaissance man. He sells bikes, he does product displays, he cleans stuff! Oh yeah, and he's one of our best racers!

Darcy has been riding an All-City Nature Boy throughout the winter. Named after a professional wrestler, it's fast yet still versatile enough for the city.

It's an awesome bike. Seriously.

More riding time, more fresh air and less snow. Win-win-win!

Silver Lining

2011-04-11T21:33:00.000-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Spring, hurrah! On Saturday I dropped by Redbike to check out new products and bikes. Bruce mentioned that a fellow cyclist named Sheldon was test-riding the Brompton. Sheldon and fiend Ken write a local bike blog called Bike Ridr. If ou're looking for another local blog, check it out. I particularly enjoy their home-made videos!

After riding around Garneau block, Sheldon seemed enamoured with our favorite foldy. Pretty soon he and Bruce were talking about adding clipless pedals to the Brompton!

These Flat bags are new to the store. They're made of used inner tubes and reclaimed fabrics.

Besides being ecologically friendly, they're made Nelson, B.C. It's great to support small Canadian businesses.

This orange bag was my favorite!

In case you're wondering about Bruce's "hit & run" incident; the driver settled out of court. We couldn't justify a lengthy and nasty court battle. I earnestly hope that the driver realizes that he needs to stop hurting people. I hope that he takes anger management courses. Conversely, I secretly hope that his driver's license gets taken away from him forever. Anyway, life goes on. We can't ride in fear once something happens like this to us. Time to dust it off and ride on.

Thermodynamic

2011-04-03T20:29:00.000-06:00

We've emerged from winter and are finally rolling into warm weather. By "warm" weather, I mean above-zero temperatures. The white stuff is melting, although not fast enough for soccer season. I went for a run last week and was lucky enough to capture John Deere snow-blowers clearing up Foote Field. It's home to our varsity football and soccer teams. Quintessentially Canadian, no?

The other side of the venue is the track & field area. We'll be spending a lot of time there, since outdoor track season is approaching quickly.

One lane has been cleared off and more lanes were cleared up this weekend. I'm looking forward to more running and cycling. It's been a while. It seems like everyone's emerged from their grumpy winter shells and is embracing the mud and dirt! There'll be lots of commuting stories from me this year. For our family, there are a lot of changes around the corner. For now, ride on everyone!

Can I Get A Witness?

2011-03-27T22:30:00.001-06:00

On Friday I got a phone call from Bruce. It was his day off and he usually goes for an afternoon ride. When I answered the phone, he sounded shaken. A driver had turned left onto the road and cut off Bruce. This driver was also speeding through our school zone and had to wait at the intersection for the green light. Bruce caught up to him at the light but manuevered around him to take the left-hand turning lane. I guess Mr.Intrepid got scared, because he pointed his car towards Bruce and drove towards Bruce and the Pugsley. The car grazed Bruce's foot but completely wrecked the Pugsley. And then he took off. Afterwards a van full of guys caught up to Bruce and gave him a piece of paper. One of them had written down the licence plate number and also his contact information. Bruce brought this to the police along with a detailed description of the driver. Now we're just waiting. The damages quote for the bike is $1600. But I don't care about the bike, I'm so grateful that Bruce is all right. Bruce is mourning over Puglsey, like a died-in-the-wool cyclist!

On Saturday Bruce was back at the store, tuning up bikes:

Redbike has started to carry Linus. They're designed for urban utility and inspired by classic French bicycle design. They're also affordable and are available in men's and women's styles.

The roadster style is very pleasing to the eye!

I spotted a fancy pink Brompton, ready for someone to give it a home!

Sunday's group ride brought out some regular riders.Bruce misses Pugsley already, test-rode a Rocky Mountain Element. Sometimes it's convenient to work at a bike shop, no?

I'll keep you posted about our "hit and run". The driver was clearly an angry, impatient coward. It scares me that people have such venom for cyclists and disregard for people in general. Stay safe, y'all. Spring has arrived like a lion, hasn't it?

Cherry Blossoms and Warriors

2011-03-24T19:45:00.000-06:00

In Edmonton, it's more of the same weather; we have snow and it is cold. But we're all grateful to live in a beautiful city where earthquakes don't exist and tsunami are impossible.
Did you know that we lived in Japan in the late '90s? Bruce used to ride solo in the bamboo forests around Yokohama. Sometimes he misses those quiet, meditation rides. But he hated the snakes!

{via Traveler-life.com}

In Tokyo we rode "mamachari",which are heavy steel bikes with front baskets. Because there are plenty of spacious bike paths, everyone rides bikes to markets, arcades, convenience stores and schools. The writing below says "bicycle".

Both of the above from Sable & Argent

This is a typical parking lot in front of a train station. Sometimes I didn't lock up my bike because stealing a "mamachari" rarely happens. Often I couldn't discern my bike from the other ones!

{via travel.webshots.com}

We still have friends in Japan and they haven't left their homes, yet. Needless to say, we're still following the news closely and we have a new appreciation for our own climate. It's absurdly cold here but we decide whether we sulk indoors or bust out the bikes and ride. Right?
The Sunday group ride brought out 5 riders who are prepping for race season. Sometimes the fourth time is a charm, as Bruce displays in this video:

Have a great week! Stay warm and dry!

Hittin' Your Stride

2011-03-13T19:20:00.001-06:00

This week was all about track & field. This weekend Isaac competed in the provincial Indoor Championships. It's commonly known as "The Big Show" because it's the most important competition during the indoor season. Most of the track clubs in Alberta attend this event and vie for provincial medals and personal best times.

Bruce rode over to the UA pavilion from Redbike so he could watch Isaac's 1200m race. He borrowed a Surly 1x1 with a handy-dandy front basket! I really like his Chrome messenger bag:

Isaac competed in 2 races: 1200m and 2000m. Isaac has had a very successful season so, and he was confident that he would deliver some personal best times.

This weekend he learned a few very important lessons. One of them was to keep mentally strong and never lose your focus. He finished 2nd in both races, with a PB in the 2000m. This weekend was a success, but Isaac was definitely frustrated with the outcomes. He wanted to win.

Middle distances require stamina and tactics. You must stay focussed and mentally tough to the very end of the race. I think Isaac felt the heat of a strong competitor and lost his focus; instead of concentrating on his running form and running his own race, he was nervous about losing.

As you can discern, he was very unhappy after his first race.

He had a post-race debrief with his coaches. One of his mistakes was giving away the inside lane when he was tired. He allowed his fatigue to distract him and he moved over to allow his competitor to pass him at the last stretch.

For a while, nothing could cheer him up, not even the kind words of an encouraging parent.

On Sunday he finished second place and earned a personal best in the 2000m. I thought it was a decent race. I know that Isaac gained valuable racing experience this weekend. Among other things, his coaches reminded him to focus on improving his mental toughness because it will only get tougher when he gets to the top. Wise words, indeed!

Anyway, I spent the rest of Sunday doing chores until I went for a walk in the afternoon.

Yep, we still have plenty of snow!

Isaac cheered up too. He and his best friend spent the afternoon toboganing and just goofing around.

Did I mention that I chopped off my hair? I really love it! No more flat helmet hair!

Next weekend is the annual Edmonton Journal Games, where Isaac will compete in the 800m. This is always an important event because many schools in Edmonton compete for medals. I hope that Isaac continues to improve and to learn from his racing experiences. Those lessons will serve him well in future races and help him to hit his stride!

Everything's Gone Green

2011-02-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Truthfully, nothing has gone green in our city. In fact, it is -25 Celsius with the wind chill. Bruce had been riding his indoor trainer and I haven't been riding at all. I've been running indoors but fully expecting to run outside next month, so I'm keeping faith in Spring!

Today I'm at home, nursing a cold (thank you, dear Isaac) and wistfully looking out the window. Oh yeah, and eating the scones I baked yesterday. Would you like a blueberry or raspberry white chocolate scone with your tea?

I'm done with posting winter photos until next November. As Bruce told me last night, "I just wanna ride my fixie on nice, dry streets". I feel similar, except I long for my Pashley. And for running outside and the pungent, crisp Spring air. *le sigh*

For now, I'll be content with this very short clip made by local cyclist & Redbike supporter, Ron Checora. His video sums what we are ALL feeling in E-town, especially cyclists. It's all downhill from here, right?

Novelties

2011-02-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

This week brought warmer temperatures and happier folks here. At Redbike the guys and gals are building bikes as usual. When I dropped by on Saturday Bruce was building a DeVinci CX4 road bike:

Mechanic Craig is back part-time to save up for his wedding. And for the first time ever at RB (I believe), there are a few women learning the basics of bike-building. It's a novelty to see women working here, although they're working on a trial basis. If they have the aptitude & the attitude, they'll stay. Wouldn't it be great to have women working here? It can be intimidating for women to walk into a bike shop run only by males. When Bruce started working at RB, I felt awkward hanging out there. What do you think about women working in bike shops; does it improve the customer service?

I browsed the shoes shelves and spotted these very cool men's urban bike sneaker. They're SPD compatible:

Can you believe they're cycling shoes?

The Sunday ride from DaCapo Caffe had a bigger turnout than usual. There were a lot of riders from different bike shops, braving the icy paths.

I had planned to go for a run, but I didn't want to risk injuring my ankles in the ice. I decided to take the Brompton for a slow mini-ride around my neighborhood. Bruce took it to Vegas in September in it's carrying case:

Confession: I didn't know how to unfold the Brompton until today. It took me about 20 minutes to figure it out with the help of YouTube.

Our Brompton comes with a small carrying pouch, perfect for carrying an alternate pair of shoes:

This reflective leg band can double as a bracelet, no?

I wore my Yakkay helmet...too icy to risk a head injury!

I enjoyed my ride but it was pretty icy. I stuck to the dry roads as much as possible but sometimes i had to get on the sidewalk. The sidewalks were way icier!

Pure ice.

I fell once and bumped my head, but I am just fine. I expected to fall so I rode slowly and cautiously.

I can't wait for more adventures on my Brompton once everything dries up!

I Melt With You

2011-02-02T21:34:00.041-07:00

I apologize for the 2-week absence! We've been hibernating! Last week the temperature was frightful. It was really scary to go outside. But today we got a temporary reprieve from the cold.
The temperature hit 3 degrees Celsius today. I HAD to run outside; the sun and warmth were beckoning for me to come out and play. Feeling inspired, I brought my camera along. I hoped to snap some photos as I ran along my favorite route. My route takes me past the Saville Centre, near the South Campus LRT. The Saville Centre (below) is a world-class curling facility, with a spacious lounge area (for after-curling beers & fries) and tennis courts.

This bike parked near Saville has been homeless since last Spring. I know this because I park my bike here often. It's been there forever.

It seems like a perfectly functioning bike, why would anyone abandon it? Such a pity.

My route continues past Foote Field track. Isaac often competes here in the summer.

Here is the Foote Field track without snow!

The track isn't plowed, so people usually start using it whenever it dries up.

The amount of snow here just boggles the mind.

Many of our bike racks aren't cleared. Here's just one example. Can you see the bike-wheel behind the sign?

Here I am, looking dishelved after my run. Notice that I'm not wearing a hat. It was too warm for that! I initially wore mitts & a toque but quickly stuffed them into my pocket early into my run.

I planned to include a video of Bruce and Puglsey, but I had technical difficulties. I will keep trying to download it and post it when I'm successful. Hope you're all enjoying your weather, wherever you are!

Three Feet High and Rising

2011-01-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

It has been frightfully cold for the past two weeks and we've gotten a LOT of snow. With the wind chill factor, the average temperature last week was about -30 Celsius. Mind-numbingly freezing! Despite the scary weather, we've continued to enjoy it and meet with friends. So.... this is the sidewalk in front of our home:

And the snow-pile is about three feet high and rising. I think it kinda looks like an iced layered cake:, except it's not as delicious as cake:

Bruce continues to prepare for Spring racing season. He's been riding regularly, so I gotta give him full props! Two essential pieces of gear for Bruce? His Lake boots (the older, 2nd generation version is made of leather) and his Barr Mitts! He's also wearing two buffs, like the buffs worn on the TV show Survivor!

Some riders are anticipating Spring and road racing. Redbike brought in these very fancy road shoes for a regular customer. These are Sidi Scarpe ERGO2 carbon lite in midnight blue. Fantastico!

Isaac has been running outside, as long as it's above -15 Celsius. I've been running outside as well; I really enjoy the fresh air.

This afternoon I had dim sum with friends I've met through the local cycling community. It's great to escape the cold with great company and tasty food. I first met Karen and Marilyn at Critical Lass last summer.

And lovely Deb from Loop Frame Love. I am insanely jealous of her upcoming trip to Japan!!

Karen's little guy is growing fast! Isn't he too cute in his snowsuit?!

I've included a short video that Bruce took from his helmet-cam. He's riding home on the Pugsley. Just to give you an idea of winter riding in Edmonton.

Have a great week!!

Truly, Completely Pugsley!

2011-01-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!

Winter is here to stay but Bruce has found the ultimate all-terrain bicycle.

Introducing the Pugsley Complete:

I've never seen Bruce so delighted about a bicycle. This baby is like a monster truck; it is the premiere all-terrain bike. To quote the Surly web-site:

"The floatation and traction afforded by large-volume, low-pressure tires can get you over and through otherwise unrideable terrain, such as sand, mud, wet rocks and roots, ice, and many kinds of snow. Wide, low-pressure tires are easier than standard tires on whatever terrain you pass over because they don’t dig in as easily".

Can it perform, with the right rider? Oh yeah. Down stairs:

Bruce taking a pause before tackling another flight:

He & Pugsley have been on a few night rides, ploughing through with ease.

Pugsley's wide, low-pressure tires allow the rider to traverse snow, wet roots and sand without getting stuck in the terrain.

Unlike previous seasons, the Pugsley is now available as a "Complete" bike option. In the past it was only available as a frameset. Winter riding has never seemed more conquerable, no?

Check out the video I just posted previously. Bruce took it while riding home on the Pugsley.

Have a great week!

Surly Pugsley Video Clip

2011-01-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

A video clip that Bruce took while riding home after a Sunday group-ride. It's about -23 Celsius and the streets hadn't been cleared yet and there were no pedestrians in sight. Bruce & Pugsley seem unstoppable, don't they? Bring on the snowy terrain!

NuVinci Technology Demonstration

2010-12-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

So here's a video about the NuVinci hub!

Keep warm!

Tricked Out & Snow-where To Go

2010-12-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

As you know, I've been waiting for Bruce to build a winter bike for me. Finally it's finished and it's beautiful. Check out my tricked-out ride!

It's a mix of classic (my frame is a Team Chance) with the new technology. Bruce worked hard on my bike, even on his day off. He built this bike with some sweet parts! The Wald basket will be very useful to carry my bags!

Team Chance frame with a funky decal on the tube:

I believe this frame was built in Japan, although the original Fat Chance line originated with Mr.Chris Carter. He is an American frame builder who hand-built the original line.

Orange magnesium pedals:

Matching orange chain-ring bolts too:

My tires have a lotta grip. The treads help minimize chances of falling on ice, but I never ride fast enough to get any serious injuries.

The NuVinci internal hub system is revolutionary. Instead of clicking my gears to change my speed, I simply twist my handlebar grip to adjust my speed. It's hard to fully describe, but it's like driving a luxury car. You don't feel a sudden power surge when adjusting your speed. Instead it's a seamless transition.

Here is how the cables are attached to the hub.

The inside of the hub:

I apologize for my lack of technical language. Bruce knows exactly how it works technically. After watching a few Youtube videos, I now understand how the NuVinci hub works. It's absolutely amazing. I will post one of the YouTube video that I watched, in case you're interested.

I'm going to ride it tomorrow, during part of my commute to work. I'll let you know how it goes! Now I've gotta go and pick out a few layers for the morning ride!

The Descent

2010-12-06T21:24:00.001-07:00

Here's Part Two of the Redbike Interclub ride from last Sunday. A few riders tackled this tricky descent, with mixed (and funny) results!! Enjoy!

Dust It Off

2010-12-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

For dyed-in-the-wool riders like Bruce, it's almost time to dust off the ol' indoor trainer!

The dog is extremely excited about this.....

Edmonton is famous for our hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers. But in winter there are lots of indoor sports to enjoy here, like soccer and track & field! I am excited that the indoor track season has begun.

Isaac dusted off his indoor spikes and competed in the Last Chance meet at the University of Alberta. Our university pavilion has been resurfaced with a Mondo track. It's green & gold to match the UA's colours!

There were plenty of stylish moms cheering on their kids, including this one. I'm down with her leopard heels and pink bag!

Isaac competed in the 1200m race. That's six times around our track. His goal was to beat his PB (personal best) of 3 minutes and 25 seconds.

There are plenty of excellent athletes in his age group. He even had two team-mates competing with him. It was a very deep field! Isaac is second from the right.

Isaac placed second with a PB of 3 minutes, 2.98 seconds. He worked so hard that he threw up in the bins afterwards! A seasoned parent told me not to worry because it was only the post-lactic acid build-up coming out. She was right; he felt fine after a few hours!

It's always interesting to look at everyone's performance times after they're posted on the results wall:

In other completely un-related news, I am an Auntie again!!

Welcome to the world, beautiful Sebastien!!

OK, so it's Winter. Bring Out the Mountain Bikes!

2010-12-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy weekend and I've been hustling around! Indoor track & field season officially began in Edmonton with the Last Chance meet at the Butterdome. Isaac competed in the 1200m and placed second with a personal best of 3.24.98! I will write up a post soon, but now it's time to get ready for another work week. Bruce lead the weekly Redbike Sunday ride and he managed to take a few videos. Ever wonder what winter riding is like up here? Check out Bruce's video below. It was a gloriously sunny and "warm" day (minus 13, no wind-chill). I didn't ride but I went out for a 40 minutes run and enjoyed the sunshine. See you soon!

Studs & Saddles

2010-11-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

It has mercifully warmed up to seasonal temperatures here! I've seen a number of cyclists with these Barr Mitts attached to their bicycles. This is Bruce's Surly, his commuting bike lately. Check out the tread on those tires!

Redbike's got plenty of snazzy and essential studded tires in stock. I know that some people prefer to stud their own tires, but these babies will save you time and also frustration. They may not come cheaply, but they are worth every penny:

Brooks products have arrived! The guys are working on a Brooks display. There are a lot of goodies to check out in-store and on the Redbike on-line store. The pictures don't do this stuff justice.

That tote-bag that Bruce is holding is made of water-resistant canvas. It's designed to fit into the "Hoxton" wire basket.

Now these Brick Lane roll-up panniers are incredible. Water-resistant canvas & leather trimmings. They've got self-closing magnetized flaps and elastic cords on top to strap on bulkier items.They would be useful in any kind of weather, and they look so good!

They also roll-up into very small packets.

This Barbican bag is the ultimate cross between urban utility, comfort and cycle chic:

This bag begged to be shown off, so Bruce kindly modelled it for me:

It's easily fastened around the waist:

It looks so comfortable too!

It's made of water-resistant cotton and vegetable-tanned leather. So awesome.

There are also lots of saddles in different colours!

I like this colour, kinda like grainy mustard:

Violet!

Apple green:

Leather grips too:

All these photos to say that Redbike's got a lot of awesome Brooks stuff lately. And winter stuff like studded tires. More new stuff to come in the new year, too! Keep on ridin'!

De Rigueur

2010-11-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

Winter arrived abruptly this week. There's snow and wind-chill, so it's time to suit up for the cold weather. Today I walked my dog rather than going to the gym. The wind froze my face a bit but otherwise it was fine. I wore my earmuffs, which I wear often when it's colder than -15 Celsius. They're definitely required outerwear for me!

Bruce has begun to lead the Redbike mountain bike rides every Sunday. Sometimes he has the urge to go on a night ride, even though it was -20!

Bruce rode across the newly opened Fort Edmonton suspension bridge. It's the only suspension bridge in E-town that crosses the North Saskatchewan River. I can't wait to check it out myself!

Bruce managed to take a few photos, but his phone was in danger of freezing up! I guarantee that once the weather warms up this week, there will be lots of people checking out our new bridge.

Bruce rides all the time, even when no-one else wants to ride. Keeping warm is a priority! One piece of Bruce's regular winter "uniform" are Bar Mitts:

These mitts vary in price, but I know several cyclists who use them all the time.

When Bruce goes on long training rides, he uses his Lake boots:

They're made of leather and have Thinsulate lining and insoles. The leather ones are quite pricey, but Lake also makes footwear made of synthetic fabrics. He's had these boots for a few years and are still in great shape.

It gets dark sooner now; dusk begins at 4:30pm. Isaac rides to school and uses his lights on the morning and on his way home. His tiny BLT lights are super bright!

Of course, Isaac has fenders in front and in the back:

I promise not to complain about the weather until perhaps mid-January. Right now we're embracing the beauty of the powdery snow. And I get the chance to wear cozy parkas with crazy fur trim!

It gets as cold as -30 (that's including wind chill) in Edmonton. How cold does it get where you live? What are your "de rigueur" pieces to wear?

What's On Your Legs?

2010-11-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

With not a trace of snow yet, it's been an unexpected treat to continue riding my Pashley. Bruce is building a "winter" bike, which I will write about once it's finished. From what I've heard, my mountain bike will be superb! Because there's no snow and still above -5 Celsius, my long underwear is still in its drawer. My winter boots are also waiting in the wings. Instead, I've been wearing mostly leggings or tights with light boots, like these ones ( paired with jeggings):

There were many well-shod feet and legs at our local Critical Lass in September. Fellow cyclist and new mom Karen wore these gorgeous crochet tights and Fluevog boots:

Monie wore stylish ensemble with her boots, too. I really like this photo of her, complete with bike and helmet!

We live in a prairie city, but who says we don't know how to look gorgeous? I admired these tights and purple dress on another CL rider:

Remember Fiona of Girl Can Bike? We meet up regularly. During a bus-trip to West Edmonton Mall, I snapped a few photos of her. She also has another blog dedicated to following a healthy lifestyle. Check it out here!

She loves her stretchy riding boots. They fit really well and are totally comfortable!

In the winter I often wear my Uggs when riding. They're so warm and the soles are thin enough that I can pedal with ease and comfort. I rarely ride with heels; I guess I've always been a girl who wants to feel unrestricted and comfortable in everything I wear. By the way, these tights are the same as Karen's (above) only in a different colour. I highly recommend them, they are so softly snug.

On the weekend I am even more casual. Mostly leggings and socks over them. And my kicks! I've always found Keds the perfect mix of comfort and style.

I know I've posted this photo of Critical Lass before, but I just love it. It makes me smile. I think it captures the camaderie of the cycling community in Edmonton. And we can ride with panache!

P.S. See my sneakers?

Pride And Joy

2010-11-11T21:06:00.001-07:00

Today was Remembrance Day in Canada. We were fortunate to have the day off. It's a day that I think about our valiant solders and the sacrifice they make for us.

In the morning we watched the Remembrance Day ceremony held in Ottawa. I am always moved by the sight of our WWII veterans. I try to appreciate my life in Canada every day but Remembrance Day I feel a deeper sense of pride and joy.

In the afternoon, Bruce went on a mountain-bike ride with friends. He's been riding an Everti lately, and he loves it:

Of course, he wore his poppy with pride! Note: he also had his helmet but didn't wear it for the photo.

I wore my poppy with pride, too! Today I wore a coat that I bought at Zara a few years ago. The faux fur feels wonderfully soft. The best parts are the bell-sleeves (see the last photo in this post). I might as well wear this coat before it gets colder!

I am proud to live in Edmonton. It gets cold like the Arctic, but it also has a rugged, fresh beauty.

I spent part of my day waiting for Isaac. He had running practice at a nearby track, so I just hung out and took some silly photos of myself.

Foote Field is home to our varsity football team, as well as other local track clubs, field hockey and soccer teams. It's situated near a train station too.

Alberta pride!

In the summer we spend a lot of time here. It feels kinda homey to me. By the way, I'm wearing jeggings (denim leggings). Can you tell they're leggings or do they look like jeans? They are incredible comfy and don't require any hemming for my short legs. Yeah!

At the end of Isaac's track practice, he and his teammates barrelled down the ski hills. This is actually man-made snow. We don't have the real stuff yet, but it is coming soon!

Ah, the joy of being a kid!

It's still warm enough to ride with a thin coat and light boots. I often wear mittens and my earmuffs when I ride. No snow means i can keep riding my Pashley! Bruce is building a winter bike for me. It's gonna be awesome, a mix of old-school mountain bike with newer technology. So excited! There's also a lot of changes afoot at Redbike. I will keep you "posted"!

Last of the Cyclocross

2010-11-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross season ended with a flurry of races. Below are photos of the PedalHead Super Prestige and the Alberta Provincial races. This was the first year that Isaac has competed in several races, so I was there to cheer for him and take photos. Although Isaac enjoys CX, I think that running will always be his passion!

I really admired the conditioning it takes for cyclists to compete in back-to-back races in one weekend. Isaac was incredibly tired after his first "double-header". The mud splatter on his face shows you how mucky the courses can become after a little bit of rain!

One fun part of XC is watching racers fight with the sandy parts of the course. Some pick up their bikes and run across and some try to ride through it:

Obstacles are great opportunities for some cool action shots:

Bruce performed very well at the provincials.

A cyclist hopping on his bike is like a rider mounting his horse. Kind of?

There was a toasty fire to keep everyone warm. I stayed near it for most of the afternoon!

There were hot dogs and other goodies for sale,too!

Isaac managed to place third in the province for Under 17 year olds!

It was a great season, it seemed like a blur! My only critique of the local races is the lack of food for the athletes. Entry fees for each race costs $30-$40. You would think that race organizers would provide better post-race snacks and beverages but most of them don't provide much of it. Nor should the food be "first come, first served". Local race organizers should really provide a better race experience for their supporters. That's my two cents worth. Rest assured, Redbike races will always have tasty and plentiful refreshments, because we are awesome!

Las Vegas Interbike!

2010-10-24T20:06:00.002-06:00

Last month the Redbike guys went to Las Vegas Interbike!

This year's convention started with two days at Bootleg Canyon. Everyone grabbed next season's bikes and headed out for some sweet trail rides. Bike shops from Canada, the USA and all over the globe came to Interbike to check out the latest and greatest of next season's bikes and products.

Derek met the founder of Moots bicycles. Their titanium frames are hand-built in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Derek is a big fan; he currently rides a Moots road RSL and Psychlo X bike.

Bruce said it was gloriously hot! No complaints though; this was great single-track country.

Bruce test-rode one of DeVinci's new mountain bikes. Two thumbs up!

Day three was all about touring the booths.What to buy for the store? What's new? What's good?

Of course, Pashley is always super fine. I love the classic style of their frames and the quality of their hand-built bikes. Below is the Clubman men's bike:

Wonderful Britannia, modelled on the popular Princess-style Pashley. It's available in blue, white or white!

Lots os child carriers were on display. This Gazelle Caddy, for example:

Double Dutch bikes had a few models, including the Taylor:

And the Dillon:

Redbike customers really like Moots!

RB's also picking up Ellsworth hand-crafted bikes.

Happiness is the Brompton booth! Check out this yellow-pink frame!

You can get your Brompton custom-built with the colours that you choose:

The Brompton wall!

And a very super cool front-carry bag:

There were Nantucket baskets of various sizes:

Even Nantucket pet carriers!

And Basil was there. Their bags are fantastic. I use my Mirte pannier all the time!

This whole wall is lines with Basil products:

I'm partial to this Shopping Memories version, made of recycled canvas. The print is so cute:

There were lots of carrying options to peruse and choose.

These Detours bike bags are made of recycled material, including used juice packs:

Made-in-Chicago Po Campo bags were in the house!

Bruce also met Phil Keoghan, the host of The Amazing Race! I love that guy and that show!

The annual trip to Interbike is always fun for the guys. They work hard during the year, so this trip allows them to ride the new bikes and check out new products for the store. For a bike dude, what could be better?

Montreal ExpoCycle Trip

2010-10-17T19:37:00.001-06:00

Last month Bruce and the other Redbike boys attend ExpoCycle tradeshow in Montréal. Ever year they attend it to check out the new products and to make more connections to their current suppliers and potential ones, too. It's definitely one of the perks of working in the bicycle industry!

Masi bikes were there with their Spring 2011 bicycles. I like this orange one!

Another fast-looking Masi bike. Masi frames were originally built in the 19502 in Milan by Faliero Masi. Mr.Masi was a professional racer.Now the Masi name and logo are owned by USA-based Haro bicycles.

The guys stopped at the Brooks booth. Their leather bags are so very nice! Like this shoulder bag:

This knapsack looks sturdy and urban chic:

Luxurious red saddle!

Brooks also sells the Oxford Raincape. If only they made winter capes made of fleece or even shearling. That would be handy for our harsh winters!

A lovely Pashley kitted out in Brooks apparel, including leather grips and saddle. I LOVE the creamy color of the Pashley, don't you? That colour just goes with everything!

Of course a guy's gotta eat! And a dinner break at Schwartz's deli is essential. They're famous for the Montréal smoked meat.

There was time for touring around the streets with the Brompton!

Another essential food-stop is the Fairmount Bagel shop. I think that's Brent leaving the store.

Aw,man....a carb lover's bliss!! They make the bagels right there. Wowza.

Racks of fresh bagels ready for shipment!

Bixi public rental bikes are everywhere in the city. Did you know that Bixis are built by Montreal's DeVinci bikes? All Bixis are currently only made in Canada. The Bixi program is so successful that it's been established in London and soon will be used in Washington D.C.

The guys were lucky to arrive there during the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal. It's an international road race series, so most of the top teams were competing there. Like Team Lampré!

And Team Rabobank:

Allez allez!

I hope to accompany Bruce one year. I've never been to Montréal so I'd love to visit!

Next post will be about Las Vegas Interbike, if I can get some photos from the RB boys. Until next time!

Thanksgiving at the Redbike Cross

2010-10-11T20:11:00.000-06:00

We spent the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend at two races. It was idyllic weather for cyclocross, which was great because we were hosting the first annual Redbike cyclocross on Sunday. On Saturday Bruce and Isaac competed in the Jim Horner cross, which is hosted by the Juventus cycling club. Their facilities are top-notch! In addition to their club-house, they are located next to the Argyll velodrome. A lot of elite track cyclists have trained at that velodrome.

Juventus is home to very successful cycling and soccer teams. Their clubhouse is decorated with cool jerseys and trophies.

They even have a cozy lounge and a weight-room.

Juventus graciously agreed to allow us to use their facilities and grounds for the Redbike race. The race courses themselves were similar but tweaked to provide additional challenges and surprises.

On Sunday morning some of us arrived at Argyll field to set up. Gotta have bevvies on ice:

Shantel, who rides for Redbike, brought the food. We had three kinds of scones from Cobb's Bread! Jars of Nutella, peanut butter and jam were available so everyone could make their own sandwiches.

And i made ginger snaps with fresh and candied ginger. Drool.

Redbike supporterand friend Antonio Bilotta came out to provide espresso and lattes. He made me an awesome latte!

We borrowed the DeVinci tent and trailer for the Redbike team to hang out. But most of the time we were all working or racing!

Isaac's best buddy Brendon came with us to watch Isaac rip it up! Brendon's family is from South Africa. They moved to our neighborhood when Isaac was 4 years old. He and Brendon have been best friends ever since!

The other side of the very rad DeVinci trailer.

Many cyclists rode Salsa cross bikes. I saw two Salsa "Chile Con Quesos". A green one:

And this red one:

Several people admired this Moots bike:

Bruce was the race director. He planned, organized and directed it all. He was very tired on Sunday night! Here he is taking a break with Spokes, Redbike "Beagle At Large"!

I didn't have time to take photos of Isaac on Sunday, but I took lots of him on Saturday. Unfortunately, he had to race with the women because he was the only youth to sign up for the U15 category. Still, he placed a very respectable fifth place!

I really enjoy watching cyclocross races. I like the obstacles that challenge riders to either jump over, push their bikes uphill, or just carry their bikes. What a workout!!

It's also a great event to bring your kids and just watch the racing. The courses generally loop around so that people can hang out in one area and watch the action as the cyclists complete their loops.

Here are some photos of Redbike riders from Sunday.

The bubbly and affable Mark Jung! He is truly one of a kind.

And Darcy, our Dutch wunderkind!

We brought our dog to the Redbike race. Every time Isaac made a lap, Shepp wanted to run with him. Instead he settled for barking in encouragement.

The boss, Cliff Valentgoed! Seriously one of the kindest guys you will ever meet. And he knows a LOT about jazz!

Rob supervised the bouncy castle!

Mark had a friend who owns a jumpy castle business. It was a huge hit with the kids (and some adults)!

Once the race was over, Cliff signed the cheques for the cash prizes. Ever thought of racing cyclocross? You could win cash, baby!

I think this is the Elite men! There were cash prizes for first to fifth places.

And pumpkin pie for every 11th place finisher!

Some very enthusiastic spectators, below:

All in all, a GREAT weekend. Today we had our traditional Thanksgiving dinner: ham (I don't like turkey), yams, bean sprouts, and rice. Pumpkin pie for dessert.

Tonight I finally get to rest. I am so thankful for the many blessings in my life; family, friends, jobs, great bosses, and health. And thanks to you too...for reading! Until next time!

Critical Lass 3

2010-10-02T23:24:00.029-06:00

We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather for the Autumn Critical Lass. Although we are all busy during the Fall, we had a great turn-out this Saturday. I think the final count was eleven awesome girls on bicycles! It was great to see some new and some familiar faces.

Say "bike grease"!

We met at South Campus train station. It's both a train and a bus station so it's busy during the weekdays but quiet during weekends. There are several multi-use paths near this station, so it was a convenient place to meet and to start our ride.

Laura, Monie and Deb

It was hot! Almost like summer. None of us wore jackets and there were many cute outfits and dresses worn by our group. Here we are kinda hanging out before heading off to the trail.

Monie's H&M polka-dot dress and slouchy bag. Very chic!

I also admired both pairs of boots. Laura (right) got her boots at Value Village for under $20!!

I met new totally rad girls!! Elise's purple strapless dress is sweet, no? Micah's sundress was perfect for the warm weather.

I coveted Elise's tights:

While we were waiting for friends to arrive, we admired each other's stuff. Selene tried on my Yakkay helmet:

I checked out her ladybug bell and tried out the cool rotary bell on the right. She has really fun, whimsical stuff on her bike.

Check out the patch in Micah's bag:

We met up with Karen later down the trail. Her darling baby is already 6 weeks old and so cute!

We admired her Fleuvog boots. Actually I think my mouth gaped open. I gasped audibly at their fabulosity (I know that's not a word but I don't care)! She wore her crochet tights from Sock Dreams, which is a shop based in Portland,Oregon.

Lovely Coreen! Purple tights are awesome. Check out her blog for photos of the September Tweed Ride!

Laura enjoyed our ride and didn't crash once!

Waiting to cross along Saskatchewan Drive! Micah also had plans to play bike polo later that afternoon.

We stopped for photos in from of the Faculty Club.

I took some continous action shots of us playing with leaves. Someone came up with this awesome idea!

Deborah! Deb, you picked the best day for our ride! Lots more pictures of CL3 on her blog, Loop Frame Love. I admired the chain necklace that she was wearing. She made it herself!

Laura striking a pose in her cute outfit.

A couple of guys graciously agreed to snap our photos. Thanks, guys!

We ended our ride at the Garneau block. Time for Redbike browsing and Sugarbowl treats!

Bruce persuaded Celine to try on the Yakkay Paris Herringbone. Looking good!

Monie tried the Yakkay blue denim. Cuteness!

We had an awesome time. Everyone was in a festive mood to match the weather. Can't wait to see everyone again!

Girl of Birthday

2010-08-21T21:49:00.000-06:00

August 18th was my forty-first birthday! I had a wonderful week of celebration with family and friends. I also received some gifts. One of them isn't just mine, although I have been asking for one of these for a long time. In fact, virtually every time I went to Redbike, I'd ask Bruce or Clif about the Bromptons waiting for owners. Bruce seized the occasion of my birthday to cave into my annoying pleas. He came home riding this lovely Brompton:

Our family Brompton is a "P" type with two positions afforded by the handlebars. The lower grips are comfortable and designed with the touring cyclist in mind. They're good for longer stretches of road and for speed. Bruce models this need for speed below:

It also has three speeds and a handy rear luggage rack.

Isaac gave Brompton a spin too. I apologize for the ridiculous look on his face, but these days Isaac would rather look goofy than handsome in photos!

Our neighbour came out and expressed interest in our foldy bike. It certainly turned heads in our neighborhood!

Shepp is accustomed to our two-wheeled shenanigans. He'd much rather chew on sticks:

Last week my friends from work treated me to dinner at Boualouang Thai & Laos restaurant.

Steph pokes herself with a fork as she skims through a Chinese fashion mag. Our waiter (background) was amiable, funny and gave us prompt service.

The food was superb. We had Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, red curry beef, a very hot mussels dish (below) and heaps of coconut rice.

We were even given a delicious scallop appetizer, complements of the chef!

Diggin' in !

Afterward dinner we walked back to Jasper Avenue. My friend Christine and I took the LRT homewards.

Bruce met me at South Campus station and waited by my Pashley. We decided to ride around together in the dusky light. I took these photos while coasting on my Pashley.

The Shimano hub dynamo lighting is great. When we pedal it's easy to generate lights in the front & back. I was surprised at their intensity and brightness.

Did I mention it also came with a handy-dandy carrying case? So awesome! I look forward to taking more Brompton photos. Here I am with Miss Pashley & my birthday gift from Bruce, a Cambridge Gold Yakkay helmet!

I am a blessed lady to have amazing family and friends. Hope you are all enjoying the last weeks of summer!

Basils and Bagskets

2010-08-16T19:42:00.000-06:00

Whenever I'm at Redbike (which is often), I wander around the displays in search of new products. These Axiom bagskets drew my eye:

The Axiom covered handlebar Basket! Aren't the straps nostalgic and cute?

There's a lot of room in the handlebar bagsket. It also seems really sturdy and has a good weight to it.

Below is the Bagsket pannier. It's quite large and roomy, as you can see!

There are also some Basil bags in-store. This Jada-Mirte bag has a lovely retro-flower print.

Darcy showed me one of his favorites. This blueberry Basil already belongs to someone with great taste!

Darcy showed me this favorite Basil bag that was still in-store. He personally chose it for sale in the store. One of the reasons that he likes this Dutch-Blue shopper is that it comes with a shoulder strap. He asked me why it hadn't sold yet. I told him that it was waiting for the right owner. In the spirit of fun, he was willing to pose for this photo. Darcy is always so affable and sweet! Doesn't the bag look fabulous?

By the way, if you haven't checked out Sarah's story and photos of Critical Lass 3, go to Sarah Chan's wonderful blog, here. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this time. I'm looking forward to CL3 in the Fall. Enjoy!

New Friends & Vintage Bikes

2010-08-08T10:39:00.008-06:00

This weekend started off well with a visit to the downtown market. I planned to meet Fiona to indulge in our recent cravings for Eva Sweet Waffles. It was early in the morning, so the line-up moved quickly. I had the cinnamon waffle and Fiona had the maple one.

It was ideal Saturday breakfast food! Next time I'm trying the maple. Fiona and I originally met after I posted some comments on her blog, Girl Can Bike. A few months later, we met at Redbike where she took her Pashley for a trial ride. Now we hang out and it's great. She always makes me laugh and she has interesting stories to tell about life in the USA. Here's Fiona enjoying her maple waffle:

My favorite local designer Cinder+Smoke was there, too. I chatted with designer Jenna for a while and talked about her Fall/Winter collection. She gave me a glossy catalogue of her upcoming collection. I was thrilled, since I love her workmanship and vintage fabrics. I really like this "Mia" floral print top that she had in her tent:

After our produce purchases, we headed back to our usual lock-up:

Fiona got some gorgeous beets:

I bought peaches and put them in my Basil Mirte. Also got some carrots and a type of squash that Fiona recommended! She does wonders with veggies and knows how to prepare them with flair.

This is the Brooks saddle on Fi's Raleigh Tourist. Wonderful:

We talked about the changes she plans for her Raleigh. I am looking forward to her posts about the transformation!

We parted ways and i headed across the bridge to Redbike. They were under-staffed that day so I got him some lunch so he could stay fortified throughout the day.

I know it's summer, but I love scarves This one is so lightweight, perfect for the warmer weather!

I went to Upper Crust cafe, which is close to Redbike. I ordered sandwiches; roast beef for Bruce and shrimp salad for me.

I didn't know that Upper Crust also made and sold their own bread!

Mouth-watering desserts:

These coconut cupcakes looked particularly tasty:

Yellow Dahon parked in front:

I headed off to RB, sandwiches in tow. I immediately recognized my friend Karen's bike from this sign:

She had brought her vintage Sparta for repairs. I had never heard of Spartas before meeting Karen. They are made in Holland, so hers is an authentic Dutch bike! I think the front rack is cool:

A close-up of Sparta:

Karen is a new friend that i met during Critical Lass in June. She has recently moved here with her hubby from Vancouver. Last week we met up with Fiona and hung out on Whyte Ave. We had an awesome time!

This is Karen w/ Sparta. Can you believe that her baby is due this month? I admire her energy and enthusiasm!

And Fiona on her vintage Raleigh, checking for traffic, below.

We were all wearing Nutcase helmets!

After hanging out at RB, I headed home. I needed to stop for a water break along the way:

I feel fortunate that I've made friends who share my enjoyment of bikes and fashion. Friends with similar interests creates community and definitely makes living in the Prairies (or anywhere) more enjoyable, all year-round!

Follow the Boys

2010-07-31T19:11:00.002-06:00

Last Friday we all had the day off. This is rare because I work during the week, but I had the day off because we had planned to go camping this weekend. At the last minute we decided against it because Isaac wanted to rest before his upcoming trip. Next week he's going to Ottawa for the Youth T&F Championships. It's sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion and there is no cost for the week-long competition. He'll be competing in the Midget age group with Team Alberta. It is a real honour for Isaac to be chosen for the Legion team, especially since he is one of the youngest to compete in its history. Here's a photo of him in his Team Alberta gear with his team-mate Mitch.

Anyways, I'm gonna miss him. And I'm also excited for him because he has the opportunity to visit our nation's capital. Ottawa is a beautiful city and so rich in history. He'll make new friends and enjoy the camaderie of his team-mates. So awesome!

Anyhow, back to last Friday.

We rode to Redbike. While the boys were tinkering with their bikes, I waited at nearby Transcend. I enjoyed a latte and an Eva Sweet waffle. It's my favourite new snack combo!

Meanwhile, Isaac was taking off his fenders. He's working more often and learning a lot. His ultimate goal at Redbike is to become a mechanic. Currently Bruce is teaching him how to build bikes.

Here,Bruce was showed him how to put on a new chain. I love it when they have father & son time; they have a special relationship. It makes me happy to watch them enjoy each other's company.

This gorgeous red and cream Pashley was waiting for a tune-up. So pretty!

Once they were done at the store, Bruce suggested that we ride across the bridge. We ended up at the Legislature grounds.

I didn't realize until now that they were both riding Surly fixies. Bruce's is a Steamroller; Isaac's is a "1x1". Those bikes look really cool, and are super light. But they don't have any brakes; the only way to stop is by pedalling backwards. Not really my thing. I'm seriously too clumsy and easily distracted.

"The Dome" was turned on. It was the perfect day for a splash in the smaller pools surrounding it. There were lots of kids around, as well as moms with running-strollers.

We stopped there to have a quickie lunch at Fat Franks! By the way, notice Isaac's blue shoes? We got 'em at Gravity Pope's "Buy 1 Bet 1 Free" sneaker event. We got 2 pairs of kicks for $70. The shoes he's wearing are Grams, made in Sweden. Funny story: Bruce's initial reaction to the shoes was "Those are butt-ugly". Then a friend who works at DaCapo caffe complimented Isaac on his "cool shoes"! Meh. To each his own! I think they're unique, functional yet stylish.Very Isaac.

We kinda rode around dowtown, then stopped at the park to refresh. It was a great afternoon together. I usually brought up the rear in my Pashley, but I don't mind. The important part was spending time together and riding at my own pace so I could enjoy the scenery too.

Vancouver Delights

2010-07-28T21:02:00.000-06:00

While we weren't occupied with wedding-related matters (the reason we were in Van,of course), we stuffed as much activity into our weekend. Unfortunately Bruce and Isaac didn't come with me; Isaac had to prepare for his road trips to the Alberta Summer Games and also the Western Championships in Winnipeg. I stayed with my parents in a spacious hotel downtown. Anyways, it was gloriously sunny and I walked a lot and ate my share of gelato!

My fashionable (and pregnant) sister Claire wanted to shop in the Kitsilano area. We arrived there early and searched for brunch. After passing a few rather unpromising places, we immediately felt drawn to the kitschy storefront of Sophie's Cosmic Cafe.

We stepped inside and saw customers who were clearly enjoying their food. The atmosphere was animated and bright; people were clearly enjoying themselves. The decor was kitschy and fun, as you can see in the photo below. We knew we had made the right choice for brunch!

Claire's choice of waffles and bacon. She gave me one of her waffles. Man, was it good! Crunchy on the outside and fluffy and buttery on the inside.

My choice was the meditteranean cold cereal. I wish I remembered the name! Anyhow, the cereal was comprised of whole grains mixed with honey,cinnamon and walnuts. Greek-style yoghurt and fruit on the side. The cereal was delicious and very filling. And the yoghurt was rich and delicious. I love full-fat yoghurt!

Sister in-law's mixed plate. Mmmmm.

I didn't try a Japadog, although I've heard they are something special! Maybe next time we're in Van.

Vancouver is an extremely pedestrian and bike-friendly city. There are bicycle lanes all over downtown, with cyclists from every demographic and style using those lanes. I noticed bike parking everywhere:

Some buildings offered couriers their own parking:

I took a photo of this girl who was going to yoga on Sunday morning. To me, this is one aspect of Vancouver style: functional, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. I love it!

Our hunt for Van's best cupcake ended at the Original Cupcake shop.

Lemme tell you that they were the best cupcakes I've had, period. The cake itself was light yet satisfying. Other cupcakes I've tasted are often too dense and rich, but these seemed a perfect balance of both richness and texture. I will definitely return to this place!

Mom and cousin Francis enjoying their treats:

Danny (Claire's hubby), Claire, mom-in-law Olinda (I called her mom), and Johnny.

We also ventured to the night market one night.

Lots of interesting food here. I've tried takoyaki in Japan, but never again for me. i don't like the mixed texture of the rubbery squid and creamy dough.

On the other hand, these potato tornadoes were more to my palate. But it was late and I decided not to try them. I noticed that the line-up was long, so it must be good!

These are flavoured waffles! I thought they looked like tentacles...not too appetizing for me.

So that's my synopsis of the Vancouver trip. I can't wait to go back! Next time I hope to check out Rain City bikes with Bruce & Isaac and do all-you-can-eat sushi/Korean BBQ at Shabu-Sen!

A final photo of Grace, Claire and me at the wedding:

Have a wonderful week!

West Coast Wedding

2010-07-28T14:50:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I attended a wedding in Vancouver. My parents came too, and my four siblings. It was a relaxing and fun weekend. I always love it when my entire family gathers together because there's lots of good-natured teasing and spontaneous hilarity.

We arrived early for the wedding ceremony, so we wandered around the grounds at Hycroft Manor. My brother Joey and his lovely family:

Brother Nick w/nephew Benja:

Dad tickling the ivories. We all had piano lessons when we were kids.

There were a lot of stylish guests. This is my friend Myrna and my dad.

My lovely Auntie Nelly, wearing a gorgeous lace shawl from the Philippines.

A couple with style:

My brothers share a joke as we prepare for the entrance of the wedding couple:

After the ceremony itself, the guests were encourage to hang out and mingle and eat. There was lots to do, like photo-booth!

And dancing to the five piece band:

Grace and Joey took salsa lessons. I love watching them dance!

Croquet, anyone?

I decided to stay in the shade and have a cocktails instead. Here I'm with my cousin!

Who will catch the bouquet?

It's always special when I can spend time with my whole family. And Vancouver itself is so beautiful; no wonder people want to live there. It was a great weekend!

The Messenger

2010-07-24T22:12:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning I raced out of the house and pedalled to the City Market downtown. I planned to meet darling Fiona from Girl Can Bike. I was a tad late but Fiona was still there waiting for me. Hooray!

I forgot my camera battery at home (curses!) so I don't have any photos of our market stroll. One highlight is sampling Eva Sweet Waffles for the first time. Boy, were they ever delicious. My cinnamon waffle was crispy outside but substantial and chewy inside. The perfect Saturday breakfast!

When I arrived home, I grabbed my camera to take a photo of my fresh bounty:

A generous bag of spinach and some strawberries. That evening I made a light spinach & strawberry salad with black sesame seed dressing.

I also borrowed Isaac's Chrome messenger bag in case I bought more than I planned.

Isaac is in Winnipeg competing in the Western Canadian Track & Field Championships. Today he called to announce that he won a gold medal for Midget 1500m Steeplechase.He must be particularly happy about this victory because he usually doesn't call me when he is competing out of town. I was as pleased as punch!

Here's a closeup of Chrome's trademark buckle:

The bag itself:

Admittedly, it was quite warm outside and my back was sweaty. Otherwise it was very comfy on my shoulder; the strap didn't cut into my shoulder, nor was it too wide.

After Fiona and i said our good-byes, I rode to Redbike.

I checked out some new Basil bags:

And guess what someone had just bought?

An older lady had ordered her custom Brompton from Redbike. We chatted while Bruce was fine-tuning her new wheels. She was so excited to take it for a ride. I was a wee bit envious!

Bromptons have tiny air pumps. So cute!

I also learned that today was mechanic Craig's last day at Redbike!

Craig just completed his degree at UA and has already found employment that is closer to his field of study. Craig will still be around as he also updates Redbike's website with fantastic photos.

Thanks for your hard work, Craig. We will see you around!

Take Five

2010-07-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

This weekend was the finale of two things that have engulfed my life since June; outdoor track season and the World Cup. I am already feeling post-soccer nostalgia; many lunch breaks were spent watching the day's match at the CBC studios downtown. I miss the camaderie that comes with watching soccer with other fanatics. In another four years I'll joyfully dive into World Cup mania. Hopefully Team Canada will earn a spot by 2014 in Brasil. Although that is a slim-to-nil possibility, I still dare to dream.

On Sunday Isaac competed in the last local track meet of the summer. No more track races until September, which means less driving around for me, and more travelling for him. As mentioned in my earlier post, he was chosen to be a member of the 2010 provincial T&F team. Which means he'll be competing in national track meets. Friends + travel = a special summer for Isaac. It also means more downtime for me and Bruce! I really need it. More time for an impromptu ride for iced coffee:

More hiking around the Rockies:

Did I mention my brief soujorn to Vancouver? I'm planning to visit Rain City Bikes! They stock Bakfiets, Pashleys, Bromptons, other finely built bikes.

Isaac hasn't been lounging in front of the computer this summer. At least, not ALL the time. This kid works for his pocket money. Under Bruce's tutelage, Isaac is learning to build bikes. The master and his apprentice! Pretty nice set-up compared to my first job at the Agricom concession stand pushing fries and hot dogs.

I had to bribe isaac with gelato for these photos, but it was worth it. Normally he recoils at the sight of my camera.

Bruce has written a post about last weekend's Canada Cup race on his blog. If you're interested, check it out here. He has more racing photos too. Below is intrepid RB rider, Mark Jung. Fierce!!

I will have more time and motivation to take photos during this brief summer respite.

Happy trails!

Wild Earth Bakery & Cafe

2010-07-04T21:22:00.000-06:00

Several months ago, a friend recommended Wild Earth Bakery & Cafe to me. I've intended to check it out ever since, but the final inducement was reading Maurice Tougas' article in See magazine. I had some free time on Sunday, so I impulsively decided to ride over for a coffee. Bruce was engrossed in the Tour de France and Isaac was still waking up, so I would be riding solo.

I took the scenic route to the cafe via the King Edward Park neighborhood. As I approached my destination, I noticed that poeple were dining outside the cafe. Others were enjoying brunch at Culina which is next door to Wild Earth Cafe. The parking lot was full at the Route 99 Diner. This area was really busy! There were bicycles lining the streets as well as cars and motorcycles. There were people from the neighborhood who dropped by for their morning coffee. There were a lot of cyclists with baby trailers, too. Definitely a place that welcomed the community.

In front of the entrance there is a bike rack with room for plenty of bikes:

I immediately felt at ease when I walked into the cafe. There is ample seating there; dark wooden tables and roomy chairs. Chairs also facing the windows for maximum people-watching. So comfortable and inviting. I had a hard time deciding on a snack. Their baked goods are made from scratch and they offer something for everyone; vegan muffins, gluten-free snacks and rich pastries and tarts.

I decided on a latte and a vegan pumpkin spice muffin.

The latte was delicious. the muffin was tasty too. It was quite moist for a vegan muffin.

I also bought a loaf of rye bread and a lemon raspberry loaf!

I sat at a chair by a window. It was a fantastic location for people-watching. Lots of older couples holding hands, young hipsters, older dads on skateboards dropping by for a loaf of their daily bread. . I even saw a young Michael Stipe look-alike (from R.E.M)! I saw a lot of cyclists of every age and type; roadies en route to training, moms riding with trailers, and quite a few couples riding together:

He has a recumbent bike which he parked near the entrance of the cafe.

I will definitely return to Wild Earth Bakery, next time with someone to enjoy a cup of coffee with me. The food was great (they also sell light lunch fare), the atmosphere is relaxing, and the bicycle-watching is first-rate! Perhaps I'll run into you there?

Canada Day in Jasper

2010-07-02T22:45:00.001-06:00

June was an incredibly hectic month for us. Earlier this year we had made vague plans to go camping and decided to start off the summer with a short hiking trip to Jasper. It was refreshing to escape the city and revel in the beauty of the Rocky mountains.

En route to Jasper we passed elk and mountain goats. Of course we didn't get out of the car to take this photo, but we drove very slowly.

Before heading out for our hike we dropped by the main street in Jasper. Since it was Canada Day there were tourists who were shopping and waiting for the parade.

There are several bike shops in Jasper. Freewheel Cycle offers bike rentals in addition to selling them. Riding a bike around of this charming town in the perfect way to get some fresh air and drop by for a little shopping. I saw a lot of people on cruiser-style bikes and mountain bikes too.

While we were checking out Freewheel, Bruce ran into a colleague/fellow bike guy, Barry.

While Bruce & Barry talked shop, I admired all the cute bikes lining the streets. This Giant cruiser looks so fun to ride:

Another bike shop sold these cruisers:

After lunch we headed to our hiking spot,the Valley of the Five Lakes:

It was a bit cool and partly cloudy and sunny. Good for hiking because it wasn't too hot!

Here's the route in light blue. We only hiked for a few hours, so we only did a portion of the entire route. This summer we will return to do the whole circuit:

Father & son shenanigans:

I haven't hiked in a while, but I found the climbs enjoyable. In any case, Bruce and Isaac had no problems with any of the terrain, whereas I usually lagged behind them.

The Alberta Wild Rose:

Lots of thick, living moss covered the ground and fallen trees:

Isaac wanted to go for a swim but we vetoed the idea. He didn't have any extra clothing and the water was freezing cold. We promised that he could swim next time when we are prepared.

One of the five lakes. Stunning!

Day-dreaming:

It was a great day. Hope yours was special too!