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Exploring Vernon, BC – by bike.

The week came and went and with even more wet weather than we’d hoped. We managed however, to explore a fair bit of the Vernon area by bike. What we discovered were some really nice country roads through an incredibly lush agricultural area. Between crops and cows – we were pleasantly surprised with what we found.

I’m told on a regular basis that my estimation of distances could use a little work, and now it’s clear that my ability to estimate the amount of vertical on a ride needs a little attention, too. Thankfully my trusty assistant and I drove Continue reading →

June 27, 2022

Princesses take Vernon by storm

Well actually, that’s not entirely true. It seems that the storm took Vernon and the Princesses. Day 1 on the much anticipated cycling exploration of the Vernon area was met with wet. We have nothing to complain about because just on the other side of the mountains in the Banff, Kananaskis and Calgary region it seems the storm was many times worse.

So, when it’s raining and you’d rather be on your bicycles – what do you do? Well you go for a warm-up hike and then go shopping, of course. Visit Our Farm – Planet Bee Honey Farm

The Continue reading →

June 14, 2022

Comox Valley 2021. We came, we rode, we conquered.

We finished the week with a truly spectacular day. It wasn’t just the route, but the weather, the general mood of the group and I believe, the friendships that were solidified. The route took us on some familiar roads with some new options introduced. A short visit to Williams Beach, a tour through Seal Bay, and a little coffee at the Comox Grind. S’s knee was causing him some grief, so he was on beer and snack duty for the end of the ride festivities. An honorable and important role to be in. He Continue reading →

September 26, 2021

This is how you do Fanny Bay.

Thursday was Day 4 and we had options. We always have options but we decided that we would give everyone a chance to do a distance that suited them. So we had an early group who did an add-on loop to Cumberland and another group that rode pretty much directly to Fanny Bay. As it happens, another option appeared so that K and J joined Gord to Ships Point for a few extra kms. As they explored, S found a nice bench in the sun and caught a 12min nap. You see – everyone got Continue reading →

September 26, 2021

Hump day re-imagined.

Hump Day.

Usually the middle of any week can seem a bit of a drag. Not today however. The LiveSplendidly Cycle, Hike and Kayak Tour managed to check all of the boxes.

Part of the group went hiking in the woods or in the mountains and part of the group did a little sea-kayaking. Everyone had a great day and we all met for a delicious dinner at Atlas Cafe to rehash the day.

I can only speak directly to the kayaking but by all accounts, the hikers had a terrific day, checking their own boxes. Continue reading →

September 23, 2021

Calm-Chaos-Calm Sandwiches.

Sometimes days are like that. Calm then chaos, then calm again.

The morning started with the usual quiet calm, followed by a flurry of activity and chaos, followed by the calming effect of two wheels. I marvel at how there always seems to be a rush to get out the door on time when just minutes before, one sipped coffee and chatted at the breakfast table.

I spent the night fussing about where to buy new brake pads for my bike. Mechanical issues when all local bike stores are closed on Monday’s leaves one to fret at Continue reading →

September 22, 2021

20/09/21 – A new Comox tour begins.

Day 1, Group 2 – double trouble.

So. to be clear – things actually got started last night but today was the first ride of the week. There were 4 veterans of this tour, and 4 newcomers. Two of whom, were unknowns. Within seconds of meeting – we had a group of 10. I thought – we will indeed, have a good week!

We awoke to grey skies and looming wetness. No one blinked. No one asked – should we ride? We just got organized, pumped tires, re-layerd and got out of the parking Continue reading →

September 20, 2021

Another Two-fer Day to finish the week.

Day 4 had a cool start, but a spectacular day for a big ride. Given the weather forecast for Day 5 and fitness of our cadre, we combined two rides into one. We headed out into the countryside north of Courtenay for a loop before heading up the hill to Cumberland for coffee. Only two wrong turns, so the overall distance was only slightly more than we had planned. Note to self: have on last look at the map before heading out.

Coffee at the Cumberland Grind was refreshing and the time off the saddle, welcome. Continue reading →

September 17, 2021

When the laws of physics translate perfectly.

Day 3. And what a day it was. After yesterday’s rainy skies we awoke to clear blue this morning. Albeit a little chilly. We drove to Comox Lake to meet our guide from Comox Valley Kayak and Canoes, Brenda – for a little paddle on the lake. The winds were calm to start, so we were very comfortable paddling along the shore, exploring the lake from the kayaks. Brenda filled us in on the details of the area including some local lore about how the Comox Glacier came to be. She guided us into Continue reading →

September 15, 2021

When it’s unpredictable, take a ferry.

Day 2. We awoke to rain, then mist, then rain, then… a decision to go somewhere by car. I know. I know. If we’d just waited one more hour – we might have had a semi-dry ride. Instead, we hopped a ferry and then another to tour Denman and Hornby Islands. We stood on wind-swept beaches and walked through lush wet forests. We explored the Co-Op General Store on Hornby, had some mediocre coffee and shared a monster cookie en-route to our ferry-ride back to the Island of origin. All good.