Thursday, October 2, 2008

October 1, 2008 - A Short Ride

Another wonderful October day at 25c or more. I didn't have much time, as I had to meet Louise at 7:00. I headed East on Hwy 13, then south on Hwy 56 to the top of the hill and back. My average speed was 29km/hr (including a couple of short stops). That's my best yet.
It was a short ride - only 25km. (I forgot to start my timer until the Tims corner on 39 street...)
Total today 25km
Total this year 836km
Bike ride to Ross's flats. Made it up the hill but it was quite a struggle. Weather was very nice with very little wind. I was late getting back - shadow was about 100m long at times....
This ride 34km.
Total = 811km

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Sept 20, 2008 - The Big Loop...






Since I started riding, I thought it would be good to ride the Edberg, New Norway, Camrose, Home loop. Saturday was to be one of the last nice days of the year so I thought I would try it...
I drove from home to Hwy 56 and then south to the info pullout. I parked the van and headed South from there. There was a 20-30km wind from the SouthEast, so I started off into wind.
The first hill was not problem. I turned the corner after the Weir and headed up to Edberg. I had to stop once on the hill to catch my breath.
Edberg Hill looking West into the Hill.
Once on "top" the riding was fairly easy (and a lot warmer) because I was going with the wind. I stopped at Edberg, and Duhamel to phone home to give Louise an update, and me a break. The last leg through Camrose, and then up 56 to the van was killer. The wind had picked up more and if felt like it was straight into wind. I stopped at the COOP for an oatmeal bar and chocolate milk - then headed home. My legs started to cramp, but I was too close to quite. Finally made it back to the van. About 4 hours total ride - 85km, 1500ft vertical.

Total to date 786km

Sept 17, 2008 - Ross's Flats New Sprocket



I wanted to try Ross's Flats again with my new rear sprocket. I figured it would be a piece of cake. Wednesday was a really nice day, so I headed out after work. Unfortunately I didn't get started until after 6:00.


The ride was fine. I turned around at the entry to the campground and noted my GPS at 19km. Strangely when I got back to town m y total was only 35km???





Anyway, I got 3/4 of the way up the hill in bottom gear and started to struggle. Then I noticed that I had forgotten to put the front sprocket on the small ring... dummy....



This is a shot of the hill after I climbed it - looking back...

Anyway - good ride. Going East back into Camrose, my shadow was about 200m long. Good thing I was going away from the sun and not into it or drivers would not have been able to see me....



Total today 35km - total to date 701km.




Wednesday, September 10, 2008

2008-09-10 Half of 7 Mile Hill...


Today was a no wind day in Hood River. As usual, it took a long time for everyone to decide what they were doing. Andreas headed to the coast, and was very disapointed that none of us went with him. Ross did a 110km Lost Lake ride. Jim S. and Gerry stayed behind for a relaxing day. The rest of us (Jim C, Brad, Blaine, Harold, Greg, and I took off towards the Rowena Lookout. My new rear gears made the work a lot easier. My Heart rate stayed below 180, and I didn't have any trouble on the first hills. At Moiser, insteaded of continuing east, we headed up "7 Mile Hill". It is a killer with an 11% grade. I had to stop twice on the steepest parts...

1/2 way up, Greg and I took the "Marsh Road Cut-Off, which took us to the Rowena Lookout. The rest of the gang, continued up the hill, and ended up in the Dalles. Our route totalled 46km, theirs was 72km (and more hills).



All in all it was a great day for a ride. It was a little cooler than it has been, although it was very hot in the sun. There was almost no wind, so headwind everywhere we went...

It looks like we are planning Chineese for supper....


Total to date 666km

Saturday, September 6, 2008

2008-09-06 - Rowena Lookout

We had a no wind day at the Gorge. After sitting at the Hatchery for a few hours we decided to go for a bike ride. I cleaned and re-oiled my chain. Kent, Brad, Harold, Jim S, and I headed off, first to Moiser, and then to the Rowena lookout. 42km and a total of 1800' vertical. Some killer hills for me. Kent and Harold did another hill into Rowena and back. Wow!!
Brad bought ice cream on the way back at the Moiser Ice Cream Shop.
Good ride.


Total distance 41km 1800' total vertical.
Total to date = 620km

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

2008-09-02-Ross's Flats - the BIG HILL

The day was warm, with a slight breeze from the South West. I started at the Edgeworth Center so I could have a shower when I was done. I headed to Junction, and then South towards New Norway. My goal was to try the Big Hill. After about 15km, I got to the top of the valley. The shoulder was quite rough, so I road the edge of the travel lane down the hill. I took it pretty easy. I'm sure I could have been much faster if I had peddled (and not braked). I turned around at the Campground entrance to Ross's Flats - and headed back to the big hill. I ended up in my lowest gear about 1/3 of the way up. It was a big push, and I was quite winded when I got to the top. I almost stopped at one point, but it looked like the grade was flattening off, so I kept going. It took quite a while to catch my breath, so I just kept it slow and easy. The hill is about 50m vertical - there was about 70m vertical over the trip. It was a good ride, and a perfect temperature - not to warm and not to cold. I enjoyed going downwind on the way home for a change. Good Ride.. I had a long hot shower at Edgeworth before heading home. Didn't get home until almost 8:00pm..

35km - Total to Date 578

Saturday, August 30, 2008

August 29, 2008 - Bittern Lake


It was a nice day after work - 20c and light wind from the east. I headed to Bittern Lake from work. I tried to keep my cadence up (advice from David Samm). I probably worked too hard on my way there - as I sort of ran out of steam part way back. Nice ride - averaged about 28kph on the way there (sightly downwind), and 23 on the way back.

32km for a total of 543km

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

August 21, 2008 - Gwynn


I got my stuff back. It arrived by priority post from Red Deer while I was on holidays!! Nice to have my Helmet and gloves. Thanks very much to Ryan from Red Deer, who saw my name on my GPS and gave me a call!! Nice to know there are good people out there.

I started out after work to head for Bittern Lake again. There was a West wind so I was headed into wind. There were storm clouds around, but it appeared to be clear over BL. As I got to Bittern Lake, I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to carry on Gynn. I worried for a bit about my tire, as I passed the famous slough where I forgot my helmet. As I approached Gwynn, the storm cloud passed behind me and dumped some rain on Camrose. With the Storm cloud to the North, the wind switched, and I had to ride upwind all the way home. It was a long hard ride. Everything in Camrose was wet, but I missed the rain. Most of my ride was in sunshine.

53km

Total 511km this year

Friday, August 8, 2008

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - Bittern Lake

A quick trip after work to Bittern Lake and back. Temperature was around 30, so it was a very warm ride - used lots of water. I forgot my cell phone - but had no problems.
32 km. Total to date 458km.

Monday, August 4, 2008

August 3, 2008 - Camrose and Back

I had a few hours Sunday before Louise's folks arrived, so I decided to ride to Camrose and back. It was very windy from the north west (not enough for windsurfing, but enough to really make a difference on my bike. I parked on Hwy 56 in a pullout about 1 mile South of the Haul Road. I rode North past Hwy 13 to Hwy 26, then West to Camrose, then South to Camrose Drive/29 Street. All this way was battling the headwind - very slow going. Then East on Camrose Drive past the Big Valley Jamboree, to Hwy 13. Then East on Hwy 13 to Hwy 56, then back to my van. The ride back was very fast - particularly Hwy 13 - straight down wind. It took over an hour to get to Camrose and less than 1/2 hour to get back.
37km round trip.

Total to date = 426km

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

July 29, 2008 - Bittern Lake + 2

Tuesday night was quite hot - 27c. I loaded up with water and headed West. Hwy 13 was very busy. I got a bit of a scare from one transport truck that didn't give me much room on the narrow shoulder by the merge lane just West of Camrose. I went 2km past Bittern Lake to where I left my helmet. I though maybe someone would leave a sign or something - just dreaming. I thought I was going upwind on the way there, but it turned out to be just as hard back. Upwind and Uphill both directions...... Anyway not a bad ride. No bike problems. 37km in 1.5 hours - no record..

Total to date = 389 km

Monday, July 28, 2008

July 26, 2008 What a dummy!!!

Decided to go for a ride. Lou had picked up some new tubes and two new tires at United Cycle earlier in the week, so I had repaired the flat and was ready to go. I loaded my stuff in the Van... where is my Helmet? where are my Gloves? WHERE IS MY GARMIN WATCH???
The thought struck me like a blow to the stomach...... I had left them on the shoulder of the road, when Louise had picked me up at Bittern Lake..... the more I thought about it, the more sure I was. I had had to walk 20 yards or so to the Van, Loaded the bike, changed my shoes, and drove off.... WHAT A DUMMY!!!

After I cooled down - and later in the day, I went for a short ride - 25km. From the Fitness Centre (Edgeworth) East on 26, then South to Legacy, then back to Edgeworth on Hwy 13.
Temp hot - 27c. Wind about 15km from East, so the first leg was a bit slow. Did my workout (less the leg exercises) when I got back to the fitness center. Nice ride, but.......


Total to date 352 km

Monday, July 21, 2008

July 19, 2008 - 1/2 a Bike Ride

I set off Saturday Morning to do about 50k. Thought I would go to Gwynn and back.
I left from the Edgeworth Center (so I could have a shower on my return), and had a good ride, although into wind, to Bittern Lake. About 6km after bittern lake I heard a SHHHHHHHH. My rear tire was flat. Furtunately I had a spare tube and CO2 inflation device. Unfortunately I must have pinched the tube when putting the tire on, so I couldn't inflate it.
I ended up having to call Louise to come and get me. Sat on the road for about 1/2 hour while waiting. One family stopped, but by that time Lou was on the way.....

18km for total of 327km

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

July 8, 2008 - 29km

July 8, 2008. I left after work - a bit of a late start 5:30. I headed for Bittern Lake, but storm clouds to the West made me turn North onto 21. The ride North was quite good with wide clean shoulders. I road out past Rogers house. The ride back was ok until near junction. Then a combination of mud on the shoulders and narrow shoulders made it a bit uncomfortable. Next time I will switch sides and ride against traffic for the last bit. Overall a good ride, I averaged almost 30kph once out of the City.

Total to date 309km.




Saturday, July 5, 2008

2008-07-05 - Bittern Lake

Saturday July 5. After helping Louise with the grass, I headed in to Camrose around 11:00.
Road from City Hall to Bittern Lake and back. 32km. I had about a 25km headwind, so my speed increased quite a bit on the way back. Nice ride. My new gloves helped quite a bit - my hands didn't get as numb as they did previously. Bernie, Carmen, Pierre and Lynne were at the house when I got back. Nice visit.


Total to date 280km

Thursday, July 3, 2008

July 2, 2008 - The County Line...

After work today, I headed West on Hwy 13, intending to go to Bittern Lake. There was a 20km head on cross wind, which made my cycling slow. As I approaced Bittern Lake, I could see the sign for Gwynn, so I decided to see how far it would be. Turned out to be another 11km. I decided I could go to the County Line (Camrose/Wetaskiwin), but didn't have time/energy/water to add 22km to my route.

As I approaced the County Line, I noticed a car pulled over ahead of me, with a Sailplane trailer attached. I road up to see if I could help.
He turned out to be the manager of the Alberta Soaring Council, and he was on his way back from a successful soaring competition in North Battleford. We had a good chat. He had made a temporary repair to his car so was ready to be on his way. His name was Phil Stade, and he is based out of Calgary. He took the position with the ASC after he retired. Nice fellow. http://www.soaring.ab.ca/.

The trip home was easier (downwind). Hit a high speed of 51kph on the Grand Drive hill - I guess I was speeding.... Round trip was about 40km.

Total to date 248km

Saturday, June 28, 2008

June 28, 2008 - Longest Ride Yet

I met Jim K at his house at 9:00am. I thought we would just do 30k or so. We agreed on a 60k route. North on 833, East on the Kingman road, then North to Roundhill. Keep going North to Hwy 26, and then back to Camrose. The wind was about 20-30k from the SouthWest so the first half of the ride was easy - averaged over 30kph. The last half seemed to be all up hill, and all against the wind. At times were were down to 15km. Jim and I took turns drafting the other - made quite a difference. Stopped twice for a short break, and once to help out a guy whose trailer had come off his trailer ball, and was dragging on the road. 72km in all. The last 20 were very hard. I managed to get myself dehyrated. Next time for a long ride, I need to bring my cammel back. Must remember to get gloves - to help with my hands going numb....



All in all - great ride.

Total to Date 208km

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

June 25, 2008 - Bittern Lake

Beautiful evening after work. I road West to Ohaton and back. Was riding into storm clouds, but got there and back before the storm hit. Road into and around Ohaton. The chain fell off on a hill in Ohaton, and I must have bent it putting it back on. The chain rubbed intermittently and the rear sprocket kept trying to change gears all the way back. The Shoulders were nice and wide for the whole trip, but there was lots of traffic, including big double trailer trucks. Overall a nice ride - gentle slopes. 33km

Total 136km.

June 21, 2008 - Home from Office

Worked at the office most of the day. Spencer came by and took the van home, so I could ride my bike home. Spencer met me at Gravel Pit Road. About 16km.

Total now 103km

June 20, 2008 - Back to Biking

Quite a break. First the 6 week flue...., then a trip to the Gorge windsurfing every day - I guess that lots of exersize of a different kind.... http://www.2008springgorgetrip.blogspot.com/
Anyway, beautiful day after work. I road from the office to Ohaton, then back west on 13 to Hwy 56. North on 56 to 26, then back to the office. I road around the block a few times to cool off and to make sure I hit 30k. The shoulders are quite narrow on Hwy 13 East of Hwy 56, but still doable. The traffic was fairly polite...

This trip 30km Total for year 57km

May 3, 2008 - A Loop

Louise dropped me off in Town at the Information Sign on Hwy 13. I road to the Hwy 26 junction, then East to 56, South to 13, and back to the office. It took me about an hour. Their was a fair West wind, so the trip home was a bit slow. 22km.

Total 57km

May 1, 2008 - Ride Home

After work, I road home. East to Junction, and then South on 56 to Gravel Pit Road. Louise met me there and drove me home. The hill at the end, just before Gravel Pit Road was quite a workout. 19km

Total 35km

April 27, 2008 - Frist Ride

First Road Bike Ride. Louise dropped me off at the bottom of the his at the lake, and I road to the office. About 16km. The hill right at the start almost killed me.....
Our road is quite rough - probably to rough for a road bike. I will use Hwy 56 from now on - or at least until they repave...