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 →

As the week winds to a close, there is much to appreciate and reflect upon.  The final ride yesterday was really terrific. An easy ride south along Skaha, through OK Falls and on to Oliver with a little diversion south of Oliver through vineyards and orchards.  The day was stunning.  

The total day’s accomplishment was 93kms.  The headwind on the return trip made for a bit of a challenge, but the newly acquired pace line skills made for an easier trip for everyone.  A little stop at Tickleberry’s for ice cream provided a boost as Continue reading →

We were promised cooler and overcast and got cooler and cloudless.  Cooler meant 30C rather than 32C.  The Princesses were a little tired this morning heading out on our Apex adventure but looking forward to it nonetheless.  Princess Sandy had new brake pads.  Princess Jane had flashy new blue kinetic-tape on her knee.  Princess MC had songs ready to belt out when inspired. Princess Zenny – well, she had a date with a chiropractor.  Princess riders had with them frozen water bottles, sunscreen and CanDo attitudes.  It was going Continue reading →

I had trouble finding the right title for today’s entry.  You’ll see why.

Today we logged 70km.

More than that though, we made headway. 

In short:

• Princess I can’t becomes Princess I-can-do-anything
• The Lipstick Princess becomes Ace Princess Mechanic
• Princess scared-to-go-downhill shows her true colors.  We now refer to her as Princess big-ring-songbird-uphill master.

The day was going to be hot and the Princesses were nervous.  Ahead of us was the famous ‘Wall’ which involves an easy 20km ride to Okanagan Falls followed by a 3km ride on a lovely quiet road… followed by Continue reading →

As I sit here on the deck with the Princesses (Jane, Sandy, MC and Zenny), we are happily staring at our electronic devices, quiet but contented after our first day at Camp.  We had a wonderful time at the park today doing our skills and gaining some confidence.  Only one crash – so not at all a bad day.  Our maintenance clinic had us changing tires like an Indie pit crew.

The post lunch ride to Naramata was beautiful with the temperature about 27C.  Princess Jane, who has cycled in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys Continue reading →

We are settling in nicely to our stay in Penticton, BC.  The weather is a little warmer than usual here so the cherries are about a month early – which is fine with us.  We have a cherry tree right out our front door.  The vineyards are full and green and the grapes are miniscule – but developing.

Managed to get out for a ride yesterday with Princess Judy from 2014 and a few friends including someone that I knew a very long time ago.   A lovely day for sure.  I’m slowly recovering from Continue reading →

The Princess Pedal Camps are just under a week away as we prepare for the first Princesses to arrive.  Our journey west from Calgary over the weekend included an absolutely beautiful drive.  As we approached Penticton and we saw more cyclists along the way – I got more and more excited about a couple of weeks with some newly minted Princesses.  The sun is shining, the roads are in good shape and the time is ripe for riding!

The house that we stay in has seen a number if improvements over the past year.  It’s looking Continue reading →