Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

Stone the crows …

Deception Bay

Deception Bay, QLD
Typically, my furthest point on my rides up the Moreton Bay Cycleway is the village of Deception Bay (60km) – just visible on the shoreline beyond and to the right of the pink catamaran. This photo was taken from the breakwater protecting Scarborough Boat Harbour (45km) from wild weather that clearly was not present when I rode past.

Just how a crow came to be flying past at the moment I pressed the shutter is a mystery. Next time, pelicans, herons or gulls, please! I didn't notice the crow or the moon until I got home.

Deception Bay
 
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My Eye-Opening Initiation to Pre-spring Trail Conditions

I’ve condensed the footage from last Sunday’s ride featuring single track sections commencing at The Pines Area and ending at a point near an industrial park in the north end of the city. As usual, my riding partner, Kelvin was off to a hare-like start as I struggled to keep up to his blistering pace. It took all of my energy to keep from straying off the trail which was doing a decent job of kicking my sorry a$$.
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Kelvin's a seasoned veteran who is familiar with the local trails and I can't thank him enough for having me along on rides. As for the Trance, it's proven itself to be a worthy performer and was up to the task along some pretty adverse trail conditions and on this day, in particular, they were far from mint. Recent periods of freeze and thaw created a mish mash of impediments both visible and hidden and I lost track of times when the Trance’s torquey motor kicked in where I needed it the most.

I’ll have to somehow manage my time between trail riding with the Trance and road trips on the Creo this summer. Not a bad predicament to find oneself in. ;)
 
A fabulous early Spring day after a long covid winter. Most of the snow gone, roads dry except for some slushy shaded areas. That's the Mississippi still half frozen and those are Canada geese with their butts in the air.
So love my Vado. Of course once I got on the trail, it's TURBO BABY!

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EBR Small Group Ride - Red Deer Alberta

Today, @LouLouLePew "Louis" and I drove north from Calgary (COVID = separate vehicles) to Red Deer to join @Prairie Dog "Art" and his e-MTB buddy "Kelvin", for some riding around on his city's beautiful terrain.

We started out about 10am as we didn't want the conditions to get too warm as we wanted firm conditions for our studded steeds.

Kelvin was on a Levo, I was on my Fathom, Art was on his Trance and Louis was on his Explore. So 3 Giants on PW-X2 Pro motors, and one Specialized w/Brose.

STRAVA Details:
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The stats say we did almost an hour and a half of standing around - but I think I may have started the recording early and we were on pause, but that doesn't matter.

Here's the route:
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We did indeed stop for a while somewhere in that loop up top, as a couple of Pine trees had toppled over and blocked a pathway.
We stopped and did the community thing and cleared the trail.

Here's a picture of Art and Louis followed by me wondering how I lost their attention! o_O
Once again, my helmet is truth in advertising...

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We rode a number of trails that Art has documented before, and with his GoPro on today, will be topping up our adventure later after his bout of editing.
It was all fun, but especially the cross country ski club area at the top of the map. Climbs were just about right for length and pitch, and the downhills were a blast.
Super area to ride in!!

There were a few mechanical/electrical issues today as Kelvin was having chain issues on his Levo, and on the return leg of the ride, Louis had electrical issues on his Explore and he had to ride most of the last 8 KMs without battery. It was cutting in and out over some bumps - unfortunately mostly "out".

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Left to right, Kelvin, Louis (still smiling whilst in Analog mode) and Art, and of course "me and my shadow".

Excellent day for riding as it was sunny and the right temperature for riding on snow and ice.
More than one slope we climbed or descended would likely be very tricky had it been warmer.

I can't wait to play the host on Nose Hill sometime soon, but it's been too warm and the conditions are becoming a little tough.
Stay tuned for Art's version of today - looking forward to seeing it!
 
It was a true pleasure hooking up with you and Louis today and it was fortuitous that the conditions at The Ring were still pretty decent as the ambient temperature was still reasonably cool throughout the ride. We’ll have to do it again soon.

BTW, I did record sparse footage of that log jam as I rounded the bend in addition to a few images of the maintenance crew responsible for clearing it. I actually skidded to a stop and fell off the bike. Didn’t even realize that I still had the camera rolling.
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The forestry crew's rides. ;)
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Will do my best in getting the video edited and uploaded over the next couple of days. Stay tuned. 👍
 
I have been absent on this thread and much of the 2020 edition due to two Cs, covid and cancer. I get my second vaccine this coming Thursday so no further worries there. The sarcoma that was found in my left quad, shrank under chemo last spring, was radiated in July and removed in August in a 5.5 hour surgery that sidelined me for almost three months and left me with a 10" zipper down my thigh. Then in December "nodules" were found in my lungs r and more chemo which is still ongoing. They are shrinking thus far with infusions every two weeks followed by five very low energy days and 9 days on which I can ride.

Two weeks ago, after learning that the chemo is working and I will likely live beyond the rather grim average future of people with soft tissue sarcomas, I sprang for a new ebike, a Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. It is 39 lb. carbon gravel bike with a Bosch speed motor, lefty front suspension, kingpin rear suspension and a real joy to ride. I can ride this bike in Eco/Tour at the speed that requires Tour/Sport assist on my Delite and Allant.

Today, after installing a new Nyon and larger tires, Nancy and I did a wonderful ride in the Skagit valley, checking out then snow geese and trumpeter swans that frequent this area each winter. We stopped for a nice lunch in the waterside town of LaConner and just has a wonderful day together.

I am so grateful to be alive and still have the stuff to ride. Today was a good day, tomorrow looks like it will be as well. Life is good!

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I have been absent on this thread and much of the 2020 edition due to two Cs, covid and cancer. I get my second vaccine this coming Thursday so no further worries there. The sarcoma that was found in my left quad, shrank under chemo last spring, was radiated in July and removed in August in a 5.5 hour surgery that sidelined me for almost three months and left me with a 10" zipper down my thigh. Then in December "nodules" were found in my lungs r and more chemo which is still ongoing. They are shrinking thus far with infusions every two weeks followed by five very low energy days and 9 days on which I can ride.

Two weeks ago, after learning that the chemo is working and I will likely live beyond the rather grim average future of people with soft tissue sarcomas, I sprang for a new ebike, a Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. It is 39 lb. carbon gravel bike with a Bosch speed motor, lefty front suspension, kingpin rear suspension and a real joy to ride. I can ride this bike in Eco/Tour at the speed that requires Tour/Sport assist on my Delite and Allant.

Today, after installing a new Nyon and larger tires, Nancy and I did a wonderful ride in the Skagit valley, checking out then snow geese and trumpeter swans that frequent this area each winter. We stopped for a nice lunch in the waterside town of LaConner and just has a wonderful day together.

I am so grateful to be alive and still have the stuff to ride. Today was a good day, tomorrow looks like it will be as well. Life is good!
You have been through some serious stuff! Glad you had such a wonderful ride today!

Drove Fir Island last week, and the birds were incredible - the cars pulling willy-nilly on and off the road and people dashing back and forth across... Not so much 😱.
 
I am so grateful to be alive and still have the stuff to ride. Today was a good day, tomorrow looks like it will be as well. Life is good!
It's so good to have you here, Richard! Stay well!
Tell us more how your Topstone felt and handled please.

Today, @LouLouLePew "Louis" and I drove north from Calgary (COVID = separate vehicles) to Red Deer to join @Prairie Dog "Art" and his e-MTB buddy "Kelvin", for some riding around on his city's beautiful terrain.
At last! So exciting to hear of a group of EBR friends riding together!
I actually skidded to a stop and fell off the bike.
Darn good brakes, aren't they. (I have been able to fell off my Trance twice due to sudden braking).

Excellent, Marci Jo! Colour match perfect for a lady's e-bike!

I think @Stefan Mikes has pedals that match yours...🤔
Nay, not anymore. After I got the burst of laughter because of those pink pedals, I sent them to a female MTBer down there in Wrocław as a gift :)
 
I have been absent on this thread and much of the 2020 edition due to two Cs, covid and cancer. I get my second vaccine this coming Thursday so no further worries there. The sarcoma that was found in my left quad, shrank under chemo last spring, was radiated in July and removed in August in a 5.5 hour surgery that sidelined me for almost three months and left me with a 10" zipper down my thigh. Then in December "nodules" were found in my lungs r and more chemo which is still ongoing. They are shrinking thus far with infusions every two weeks followed by five very low energy days and 9 days on which I can ride.

Two weeks ago, after learning that the chemo is working and I will likely live beyond the rather grim average future of people with soft tissue sarcomas, I sprang for a new ebike, a Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. It is 39 lb. carbon gravel bike with a Bosch speed motor, lefty front suspension, kingpin rear suspension and a real joy to ride. I can ride this bike in Eco/Tour at the speed that requires Tour/Sport assist on my Delite and Allant.

Today, after installing a new Nyon and larger tires, Nancy and I did a wonderful ride in the Skagit valley, checking out then snow geese and trumpeter swans that frequent this area each winter. We stopped for a nice lunch in the waterside town of LaConner and just has a wonderful day together.

I am so grateful to be alive and still have the stuff to ride. Today was a good day, tomorrow looks like it will be as well. Life is good!

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I was thinking about how you were getting on yesterday. Missed you, and your lovely wife.

Hope to share more for of your adventures for years to come! 😎
 
You have been through some serious stuff! Glad you had such a wonderful ride today!

Drove Fir Island last week, and the birds were incredible - the cars pulling willy-nilly on and off the road and people dashing back and forth across... Not so much 😱.
You’re very strong Richard and I have no doubt that you will beat C. I’m very happy the prognosis is good and you will beat the odds for sure.

The positive energy all your posts emit on these forums always puts a smile on my face and I’m glad that you’re out their enjoying all life has to offer made all the more pleasant by our e-bikes.

I’ve never met you in person but it’s easy to see for anyone you’re quite a noble person who has and continues to shine light on our society and you will continue to do so for many, many more years.

Wonderful photos as usual and ride on!


edit: obviously meant to reply to Richard but accidentally replied to Patricias. My apologies.
 
I have been absent on this thread and much of the 2020 edition due to two Cs, covid and cancer. I get my second vaccine this coming Thursday so no further worries there. The sarcoma that was found in my left quad, shrank under chemo last spring, was radiated in July and removed in August in a 5.5 hour surgery that sidelined me for almost three months and left me with a 10" zipper down my thigh. Then in December "nodules" were found in my lungs r and more chemo which is still ongoing. They are shrinking thus far with infusions every two weeks followed by five very low energy days and 9 days on which I can ride.

Two weeks ago, after learning that the chemo is working and I will likely live beyond the rather grim average future of people with soft tissue sarcomas, I sprang for a new ebike, a Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3. It is 39 lb. carbon gravel bike with a Bosch speed motor, lefty front suspension, kingpin rear suspension and a real joy to ride. I can ride this bike in Eco/Tour at the speed that requires Tour/Sport assist on my Delite and Allant.

Today, after installing a new Nyon and larger tires, Nancy and I did a wonderful ride in the Skagit valley, checking out then snow geese and trumpeter swans that frequent this area each winter. We stopped for a nice lunch in the waterside town of LaConner and just has a wonderful day together.

I am so grateful to be alive and still have the stuff to ride. Today was a good day, tomorrow looks like it will be as well. Life is good!

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Carpe Diem Alaskan!!!!! Blessings to you and the missus 😍
 
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