After months of training and preparation a certain group of Princesses (avec Prince’s) embarked on the focus of the training for 2015 – the Gran Fondo Banff.  If you are unaware of this event, it is a 150km bike ride amid the wonderful surroundings of Banff National Park.  This particular event is in its infancy but Gran Fondo events have been happening all over the world for many years.  They seem to have really taken off in Canada in the past few years as evidenced by both the number of events and the exponential increase in Continue reading →

Princesses were scattered far and wide this weekend with all manners of events, official or not.  Some in Morinville at the Tour de l’Alberta doing a 100km in the flatlands east of St. Albert, AB.  Some doing 150km on the rolling hills of the townships of Cochrane to Madden to Didsbury and… one on the cardiac hill known as Edworthy Rd… EIGHT times and one doing a two 100+km day Ride to Conquer Cancer.  EPIC for everyone.

There was much learning that went on this fine weekend.  Here is a summary:

• Pacing is King- even for Continue reading →

We woke up to thunder and lightening on Sunday morning.  The town of Chestermere was under water with 100’s of residents affected by basement flooding.  In Calgary though – we were reasonably dry but with threatening skies.  The plan was to meet for a long ride west of Calgary at 8:30am.  I got a couple of bail out emails and texts (one real bail out…like basement bailing) which was completely reasonable given the morning – but – I had to go just in case anyone showed up.  I mean – I did schedule the ride Continue reading →

I had the pleasure of working with 5 new Princesses this week while they got accustomed to their bikes, the city’s pathways and roadways.  This was the inaugural Princess Pedal Townie Clinic and I’d say that based on the feedback – it went pretty well.  I discovered some delightful, refreshing things.

Not everyone interested in getting on a bike is looking for a “workout”.  Some riders are interested in getting out for some fresh air and a chance to explore the city.  The fitness is the bonus offer.

Not everyone interested in getting on a bike Continue reading →

So tonight was the first night of the Road Princess Pedal Clinic for 2015.

Four delightful Princesses including one very recent retiree (though her husband says she doesn’t officially retire until September), three phys-ed-type grads,  two road bikes and two hybrids – four senses of humor and a sense of fun among all.  We did skills.  We fell off bikes.  We had equipment misfires and – we had fun.

Can women have more fun than to challenge themselves, fall down, get dirty, drink bubbly wine and eat cheese, crackers and fruit?  What is balance?   Continue reading →

Last I checked, I was 25 years old, kissing a real cowboy on my birthday.  He wasn’t anybody I really knew but happened to be in a situation where the idea – seemed like a good idea.  Well, my life span has more than doubled and that cowboy is a distant memory.  Where did the time go?  The Olympics.  The events.  The career and the career changes.  The miles under my feet and my tires.  The laps swum.  I could swear I was still that 25 year old… until last night. Continue reading →

Falling asleep hasn’t been a problem this week.  Yesterday morning began with my bookmark stuck to my arm having slept on it all night the night before.  Day off or not, the heat and activity has certainly had all Princesses and their support staff feeling quite exhausted but happy by the end of the day.  The result: coma-like sleep-states most nights.  I think the bed time record this week was 8:35pm but some held in there – tonight of all nights, until 9pm.  Not bad after a very long day in the heat.

A glorious Continue reading →

The Princesses had a nearly perfect day for the Apex Crossover ride yesterday with temps at about 25C, winds reasonably light and beautifully clear skies.  The 21km of uphill is rewarded with a 15km downhill on really nice road.  We were reminded that we were in the mountains when a car coming the opposite direction stopped to let us know that there was a bear on the road – so while still enjoying the downhill – our Spidey-senses were on high alert.  We didn’t see the bear – but then Wendy S was way out in front Continue reading →

Oh, what a day we had today! I’m so excited to tell you about our day.

We started the morning with a fair bit of rain before breakfast which had the Princesses a little concerned.  I mean.  We KNOW that Princesses don’t melt but what to wear, what to wear?  As it happened, the morning skies cleared and we had mostly sun and temperatures reaching 29C.

Today’s challenge?  The Wall and Willowbrook.  Piece of cake.  Sort of.

We picked up Princess Judy (from Camp 2014) at her place and headed out on Judy’s recommendation Continue reading →

I am happy to report that the Princess Camp 2 is underway and doing just fine.  All Princesses arrived in their respective chariots – navigated by – as you would guess – Princess Power… in time for dinner and a chance to get acquainted.

After breakfast today we dove into some bike maintenance followed by a skills clinic and a ride to Naramata.  I was thinking I might be in trouble when these Princesses nailed the skills from the start. No skills-issues here!  Our ride to Naramata started with a fairly relaxed pace… lead by me for Continue reading →