It started 30 years ago this Fall and has brought me joy, pain and accomplishment.  It has taken me on wonderful vacations, built great friendships and opened doors.

When I started running for fitness I had a few acquaintances that ran, but mostly I was on my own because I was quite unfit.  Everyone that I knew ran faster, was stronger and going much longer distances than I was. I didn’t really like running.  Not for a whole year – but I kept at it because I loved what I got from running.  Unfortunately, a rather Continue reading →

As I rode along the course at the Highline100 bike event in Fernie, BC – I had plenty of time to myself to reflect on many topics.  In the past when people have asked what one thinks about for all that time out there on the marathon, Ironman or Fondo course – my answer has always been “everything”.  This remains the truth.

On fresh legs and what was supposed to be a 40km loop covering the first of 100miles (160kms) – we found ourselves back at the transition point at 32km.  Disappointed, no.  Ok, maybe a Continue reading →

Is it just me or is there a war on cycling helmets at the moment? Actually, I know it’s not just me, because I’ve run into a few people who have had the same thoughts lately.  What’s with that?

Whether I’m riding on the bike paths of YYC or on the roads in the countryside – I keep running into riders that are helmet-less… lid-less… cask-less.  It doesn’t matter what you call the helmet, but in the end, it could be the difference between a slight concussion (which is bad enough) and a catastrophic head injury.

From a Continue reading →

I was in a local sport-related establishment recently when I overheard one of the staff members tell a patron that magnesium, and not sodium is the electrolyte to pay close attention to in a sport supplement.  I stopped in my tracks thinking – no, that’s not correct.  What is she saying?  Then I thought, have I missed something in some recent literature?  So, I went back to the literature and reviewed the information available.

Before I attempt tackling electrolytes, I want first to note that it comes as no surprise that athletes are confused by nutrition Continue reading →

This week’s Princess Pedal Clinic was threatened with some pretty crazy weather.  Each afternoon there were ominous clouds followed by either showers, full on rain or hail.  By 6pm, we had sunshine, no real wind to speak of and clear sailing for some Princess riding.  Awesome.

As always in the first session, we did some bike skills on the grass which is always a bit of fun – and sometimes surprisingly challenging.  The grab and stab drill always presents a bit of a challenge for even the most accomplished rider – and this time was no Continue reading →

We came, we rode, we conquered.  The Badlands Gran Fondo’s tagline is “are you BAD enough?” and clearly, we were.

A few days ago – the weather was supposed to be thus.  35km/h winds.  Thunder storms and 23mm rain.  This morning, the forecast was for showers and high winds – which is what we got.  Driving to Drumheller in Alberta’s badlands region was a bit scary.  The sky didn’t look particularly encouraging and we could see the flags on flagpoles – standing straight out.  It was going to be a challenging day.

Princesses Continue reading →

This weekend I had the pleasure of getting to know some really terrific Princesses.

The Princess Pedal Clinic started on Friday evening and as usual, a small group of quiet, slightly apprehensive cyclists arrived.  By Sunday noon, after Saturday’s hill climbing and Sunday’s pace lining – we had a relatively raucous group of confident riders depart for home.

There was Princess “Crash” – who demonstrated some absolutely SPECTACULAR spills (on the soft grass) – breaking the ice for everyone and winning the Princess Pedal – “this Princess wears cleats” cap for her efforts.

There was Princess Spin-Sister – Continue reading →

Wow.  It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks and we can all hardly believe it’s over.  The second week of Princesses has departed for home and are hopefully enjoying a safe drive back to Calgary.

Yesterday was very wet but we managed to sneak in a quick 40km ride down to OK Falls.  Up and over McLean Creek Rd – both ways thanks to a suggestion by Princess Barb from week #1, made it a challenging but very do-able ride.  The skies moved in on us on the way back and the Princesses were fortunate to Continue reading →

Thursday was a day off for the Princesses.  They had their sights on two things: a hike on the KVR and a little wine touring.  What they also HAD to do was have three of four bikes serviced for minor issues.  Freedom Bike Shop staff was very helpful – but they were going to take most of the day to work on these bikes – so the Princesses took advantage of that and spent the better part of the day on a) the hike and b) the wineries.

What they ACTUALLY experienced included watching a bald eagle Continue reading →

It’s not a new drinking game.  It’s not about sharing water bottles.  It’s also not about what one does at Scout camp while winter camping.

When you’re cycling for a week with Princesses over a certain age – it’s about passing the bottle of Advil.  We love pushing hard.  We love feeling a little sore after a workout.  What is sometimes hard is getting going in the morning without a little chemistry.  That was the topic this morning sometime around breakfast.  How many riders partook in the contents of the bottle – I Continue reading →