Looking in the mirror

It’s been a while since I posted an item in the blog. I thought this one might stimulate some discussion at thePeloton Christmas Lunch on Friday!

Definitely not the Victoria Peloton

It was several years ago at coffee break that I recall Rusty introducing us to MAMILS - at that time it was a new phenomenon.

Today the MAMIL phenomenon is well documented. Indeed it has gone mainstream with a research paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia

If you don’t want to read the whole article, there is a summary on the ABC website.

You might also want to share this item about the challenges we present to our “better halves”

Lanterne Rouge 2018

The Blog has been quiet of late, in part because I haven't done much cycling. However, when I heard about the amazing accomplishment of Lawson Craddock, I thought I should post about the story which did not get much coverage in the media.

Lawson, an American from Houston Texas, wearing jersey #13, was involved in a crash in the opening day of the 2018 Tour de France suffering a deep cut above his left eye and a fractured shoulder blade. Despite the pain from his injuries he managed to claim La Lanterne Rouge. The slowest rider is excluded from the race on a daily basis making Lawson's achievement all the more remarkable.

Next time you are having a tough ride, think about Lawson Craddock.

MAMIL The Movie

While house sitting in Quidnalup in Western Australia, I’m a frequent listener to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which is better than the current CBC Radio I might add.

It was during a program that I don’t normally listen to - “Life Matters”, that I was drawn into an item about men in lycra - the MAMIL syndrome, Middle Aged Men in Lycra - first introduced to us by Rusty.

I think you will find the interview both interesting and enjoyable, even although it is about MAMIL’s in Australia - you can hear by clicking this link.

If you want to see the trailer you can go here

As it turns out the movie is showing one time only an hour’s drive from here on Wednesday, but I can't find any details on Canadian distribution. Maybe it will be available on Netfox or YouTube soon.

We would never cycle 4 abreast, would we?

Merry Christmas

There haven't been many posts to the blog of late - the reasons are varied: shocking weather, I've been out of town, or on the injury list.

Instead of a blog post, I have included two cycling stories. The first a good news cycling story - the formulation of a Bicycle Ambulance Response Team on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Maybe someone should suggest such a service to Lisa - it might be more responsive on Pandora and Fort with those fancy bike lanes!!

Coming to Pandora??

The second story is a déjà vu all over again. First there was Lance Armstrong - he was not the first though, was he? And now there are doping allegations against Chris Froome the English cyclist who has protested his innocence, but the consensus is that he doth protest too much!

He doth protest too much

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends and that we will all be out on our bikes in 2018. If I get rid of a pesky cold before January 17, I look forward to getting back in the saddle. If not, it will be after we get back from Oz at Easter.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Christmas 2017

Many thanks to Norm the Younger for organising the 2017 Peloton Lunch at Swan’s, our traditional HQ.

Unfortunately, not everyone could attend, but those who did had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Indeed, some look forward to the event that they arrived more than half an hour ahead of the scheduled time! You know who you are!

We toasted those who were not in attendance, particularly James J whom we hope to see back in the saddle in 2018.

The talk at the beginning revolved around various ailments that we all have to a greater or lesser degree. We were also unanimous in asserting how important it was for us to contine cycling, even if it is at a slower pace, or shorter distance. And to continue with meetings of the whole group at Swans. 

We managed to get through lunch with almost no reference to DT - quite an achievement.

We shared a pub lunch, a pint and camarederie in buckets.

In cycling news, I think it was Doug M or John C who first drew our attention to the Tour de Rwanda which has just been completed. There is a movie about the event called Rising from the Ashes - worth checking out

Closer to home, there is the bike share program in Victoria that we all knew about, but no one had tried. It was agreed that someone should try and report back. But no one was designated as a volunteer - perhaps one of the members who missed the lunch??

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas with family and friends - and to another year of cycling with great friends.

Wishing everyone all the very best in 2018!

MELB'N CUP RIDE

Martin organised today’s ride with the Melb’n Cup in mind - in Australia it is “the race that stops the nation!” All participants were asked to select the race winner - and whoever won got a free coffee courtesy of Martin!

The horse race had already been run overnight, and the person with the bragging rights, Doug, who picked both the winner and the runner up, was not there to collect the prize!

We assembled at Mile Zero, not sure of our exact destination, except it was in generally a north-westerly direction. The wind along Dallas Road was certainly “noticeable”, we were glad when it came time to turn off to go through the Ross Bay Cemetery. From there it was through Fairfield, lower Oak Bay, Middle Oak Bay and into Uplands as far as Lansdowne, then back south along Beach Drive to the Oak Bay Hotel where we were assured of inside seating on a cold and blustery day.

Over coffee, the conversation focused on sport - it was Race Day after all.  

We talked about fighting in hockey and how it compares with other sports - the consensus was that if the NHL Commissioner wanted to stop fighting, it would happen in an instant. There was also frustration that future franchises would go to Seattle or Portland before Hamilton, Quebec City or Regina! It was agreed that cities should not give dollars to the NHL, that hockey should be played on Olympic size arenas allowing for a more open flowing game. When it came to outdoor stadiums, there was agreement that making stadia smaller [20-30,000] was a move in the right direction. The CFL was losing out to the NFL among millennials; gone are the days when players were integrated into the cities where they played - because they needed the money!

Martin shared his experience of being at the Canada v Maori All Blacks game in Vancouver - the Canadian players lacked the skills and endurance of the Maori All Blacks. Needless to say there was discussion of the Haka - perhaps we could start our bike ride this way?? check out the video.

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Given the Australian theme to the day, Martin kindly provided Classic Tim Tams. As an aside, to burn off 1 Tim Tam would require a 20 minute steep hill climb on the bike check the link if you don't believe me!!

Degrees of Incompetence!

The ride for Hallowe'en Day was set to start at Michel’s Farm - where there is the biggest selection of pumpkins on the Island. The group assembled without the organizer, he called off due to lower back issues. The merry band of cyclists were in fine spirits basking in the magnificent fall sunshine - all with a sense of self-satisfaction at how smart they were to have chosen to move to Victoria in retirement. Unwittingly, they took pity on their friends they had left behind in Edmonton, Prince George, or Kitchener.

All was hunky dory with the plan to go around the airport and check out the Fig, that was till they reached the corner of Beacon Drive and the Pat Bay Highway where Ken T discovered to his horror that his back tyre was flat.  The five cyclists struck a committee [they all had been civil servants for differing lengths of time] which was given the challenge,  "What can we do?"  

Four of the five lads had taken tyre changing lessons - this had been a theoretical session, one where you didn’t get your hands dirty! But this is the real world!  With great gusto and trepidation the brains trust discussed the dilemma.  After much debate and angst, they all started to pull and twist the tyre as well taking the wheel from the bike. Despite the odds, the flat was repaired!

To our surprise when all was said and done, not one of the group had any hands on training in an institution that teaches you what to do with your hands despite massive , collective intellectual heft. That begged the question "How many University/College academic degrees does it take to change a flat tyre?” The answer? 12,TWELVE Wayne alone has 4 degrees including a PhD!

Feeling very proud of themselves, the intellectuals continued on to Sidney by the Sea for coffee!

After some refreshment, the boys rode back to Mitchel’s thinking this might be the last day in 2017 when it could be a “shorts” ride.

Your blogger thanks those who participated for the content and photos.

Victoria Flying Club

The trend of incorporating a theme or another activity to the weekly bike ride was continued this week. Under doubtful skies, five hardy cyclists met at Michel’s Farm for a ride to the airport where Ken S had organized a tour of the facilities at the Victoria Flying Club located right at the base of the YYJ Control Tower on the eastern edge of the airport. At least he claimed he had made arrangements, but when we got there, no one knew anything about our visit. Nonetheless we were given a very informative tour of the Club facilities after which we enjoyed a coffee in the Dakota Cafe. Four of us had coffee, the organizer had a massive piece of apple pie with cream to accompany his coffee. We hoped that there might be 5 forks, but alas that was not to be. However, big kudos to Ken S for organizing the event as well as paying for our coffee! For the ride home Jeff and Norm high tailed back to keep appointments, while Ken S, Ken T and Martin cycled back at their leisure.

Four ultra handsome men

And in cycling news this week, your Blogger is ashamed at the lack of his cycling prowess, given his Scottish heritage. Two Scottish cyclists were in the news this week - first there was Mark Beaumont who cycled around the world in 79 days! You can read the whole story here

And then there is this mad Scot cycling down Ben Nevis!

In news from Brisbane, several cyclists were seriously injured when a car driver was blinded by the sun. It's amazing the damage to the car - but it is only a Mitsubishi!!

Chopper Bike Ride

It was another of those hazy, crazy days of summer - perfect for cycling. There was a big turn out today, no doubt attracted by the special tour of the new training and maintenance facility for the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron on the western side of YYJ. The Peloton assembled at Michell’s Farm departing promptly at 9.30. The pace up Lochside was “leisurely” with little or no head wind.

Today, we took a variation on the usual route, following Weiler Ave. W taking us to the overpass over Pat Bay Hwy and continuing on Weiler Road till we reached the bike trail around the airport where we headed clockwise to Chateau Arundel picking up James and Doug along the way.

Security at the facility asked us to leave all smart phones and watches! Once inside we were met by Capt. John Collins who led us to the briefing room where he provided an excellent summary of the history of the Squadron as well as the history of the Sea King which is soon going to be replaced by the Cyclone. We learned of the aircraft’s capabilities, duties and responsibilities both national and international. Capt Collins did a great job of answering our many questions.

Not for the faint of heart

This baby floats!

Inside the hangar

Is that ken at the end of his rope?

Lesson in packing into a small space

How much did this photo op cost the taxpayer?

Then it was time to proceed to the maintenance facilities where we enjoyed a hands on tour: we got a chance to see and feel the weight of the “uniform” that has to be worn at all times while in the aircraft. We also saw the emergency life raft and the survival supplies. Part of the training for all crew is surviving in this tiny life raft in real conditions for 8 hours. Even hardened sailors get sea sick on this exercise. The planning necessary to successfully design the facility so that it meets current and future needs is impressive. 

We left with a renewed appreciation for the quality of Canada’s Forces, the rigorous training that they must successfully complete and the skills required to be part of the Helicopter Squadron.

A big Thanks to Mike B for organizing such an informative and enjoyable tour. 

After the tour, we headed to the recently expanded Roost for coffee/lunch. Needless to say the antics of DT and family were an item of discussion.  A few left early to get home to other commitments, while the majority relaxed and enjoyed the ambience of the “garden room” of the Roost.

In cycling news, I’ve found three items that will interest you. Since the focus of the day was helicopters, I’ve selected a story where bikes and helicopters intersect - check out the story and video here 

The second story shows an aspect of the Tour de France that doesn’t get much coverage. How do your legs look after the Tuesday bike ride?

How do your legs look after the Peloton ride?

And lastly, did you see this cycling related story in the TC

Sunny, but cool

The ride started at Mile Zero - perhaps there was some symbolism in the choice given that Canada Day is only a few days away! With Olive Olio in Cadboro’ Bay as the destination, the Peloton headed off through Beacon Hill Park, Ross Bay Cemetery past Pemberton Park, the back streets of Oak Bay and Uplands to Cadboro’ Bay. One individual opted to test himself by taking the King George Terrace Route. The conditions were close to ideal for cycling - sunny, but a cool easterly breeze that was not too intense!

Once at Olive Olio’s, we sat outside enjoying the setting, the coffee and the conversation. Some issues, just keep on giving - the proposed sewage works for example. Wayne gave us an early warning of disruption in the “municipality" of James Bay as the pipe is trenched along Dallas; however, James Bay has managed to get improved cycling along Dallas Road as “compensation” for the associated disruption. This may not be enough to satisfy Wayne and James Bay! There was also concern that the proposed plastic pipe to be used from Clover Point was being manufactured in China!

Speaking of cycling issues, naturally brought us to the mayor. According to rumour, there is no one running against the current mayor, so the Peloton is recommending we start a Wayne for Mayor campaign!!

Women in politics seemed to be a theme - CC’s desperate actions to stay in power were ridiculed, Rachael Notley was deemed to have done a good job after presented with a poisoned chalice; had Messrs Jeffery, Heisler, Tatlow and McNeill been present we might have our opinions “altered”! Next it was the premier of Ontario who is expected to lose the next provincial election. The British PM even got a mention in less than glowing terms.

As per usual, there was a “scattered” ride home with some leaving at the get go, while others peeled off along Beach Drive depending on their destination.

In cycling related news this week, the first one is not cycling related, but rather personnel related reflecting the proliferation of Kens in the Peloton. One would have thought that Mattel would have checked with us about the “new Kens” to go with the new Barbies! I don't see any of "our Kens" represented above!! We could talk about this next week!!

There is a concept from South America that I’m surprised our Lisa has not adopted - it is Cyclovía. I recently came across this concept when in Lima where they close several major boulevards on Sunday mornings to vehicular traffic giving free rein to cyclists, skateboarders, inline skaters, joggers etc.

Summer Solstice Ride

On a day when there is over 16 hours of daylight, the Peloton was delighted to experience a sunny day for the ride.

The destination was the Ridge Cafe, with some starting at Fol Epi with others joining at Mann Construction. As per usual, we occupied more than our fair share of the trail as we cycled at a leisurely pace along the Goose, then the Lochside.

At the Ridge, we broke into two groups - those who didn’t want to talk about scheduling our rides, and the others!

In the smaller, more select group we talked about the miracles of oregano oil. Brimmy swears by it - using a few drops in water, then putting a towel over the head and breathing in the "fumes". James wanted to know what the difference was between oregano oil and oil of olay - would they both be effective. What is interesting is that oregano oil is also a natural cure for chlamydia!! I wouldn’t make that up.

A cure for bronchitis and other things

Then the talk turned to some serious velo topics. Brimmy is considering selling his Marinoni - a true officionado’s bike, then Doug talked about his experience of selling his Eddie Mercyx. There are some serious cyclists in this group!

Marinoni with bike #35,728

A hand made Marinoni Bike

The Belgian in full flight

An Eddy Merckx bike

After the refreshment break, there was a scatter ride home.

Our in-house photographer was not present, and your blogger failed to take any.😱

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Is this cycling or sailing?

The first cycling related news item this week is about sailing - the America’s Cup where cycling prowess is as important as sailing! Check out the bikes in the hulls of the Kiwi boat in the race, and for the latest race results you can go here.

The second one is about liability and culpability when there are accidents involving cars and bicycles - and is the risk of injury slowing the growth of cycling?. Although the story is from Down Under, it may well apply here in the GWN.

Raising the Bar

“Blogger Norm” has been MIA over the last few months - spending time in Western Australia and Peru, avoiding the worst Victoria winter in some time. Today's ride was organized by Jeff who has raised the bar - he organized a superb bike ride through historic Esquimalt. The Peloton assembled at Dunsmuir and Esquimalt Road; within 200m we came to our first point of interest a heritage listed home on Wollaston Street - the architect of this home was none other than Francis Rattenbury - it sold for $2999,000 less than 2 years ago!

Next stop was the lookout in front of Swallows Landing affording views over the West Bay Marina, home of the Mayor of Esquimalt and the RV park whose future is uncertain.

The leisurely pace continued as we wound our way through the streets of Work Point stopping to check out the changes being made to the English Inn before arriving at MacAuley Point where Jeff gave us a history lesson on the importance of this location. If you were not on the ride, you can go here for an informative video

One can see why MacAuley Point was chosen - it affords commanding views of the Strait while providing an early warning system to both Esquimalt and Victoria Harbours.

Next stop was Jeff’s home where he and Cathy graciously provided coffee and treats. Because of the interest in the various stops along the way, we were cycling behind schedule.

Some riders headed home at this point, whilst the hardier ones continued on the ride through Esquimalt. Everyone enjoyed the ride, even those who plucked up enough courage to cross the Blue Bridge!

Thanks, Jeff and Cathy too!

PS - if you want to find out more about walks in Esquimalt, you can get brochures to download here.

How far can you cycle in one hour?

I'm afraid the Blog has been a bit quiet of late - that reflects how much cycling I've done in the last 2 months. I had hoped to do some cycling in Oz this year, but that didn't happen - long story.

In today's Globe and Mail here in Canada, this article caught my eye. I can't cycle as fast as the legendary Giuseppe Marinoni, but I hope I'm not grumpy, either!

And in a related vein, I came across other articles about contrasting training methods that may interest you.

First the Tortoise and the Hare - Ed and Earl and if you are interested in slowing aging this will be of interest.

Enjoy - and I hope to be back in the saddle in early June

Round the world in 80 days - by bike

For those who like a challenge, how about trying to cycle around the world in 80 days?

Mark Beaumont, a hardy Scot is going to attempt this feat starting in July - travelling 386km/day.

I'm exhausted thinking about it

Looking for volunteers

Norm Tatlow who is on the Board of Silver Threads, Victoria passed along information about a program, started in Copenhagen, called Cycling without Age. It is an initiative to get elderly people out on bicycles. Volunteers take elderly people on rickshaw rides to get them outside and enjoying nature. It seems like a great way to reduce social isolation and increase connection with people and nature. There is a chapter in Victoria, and they are looking for volunteers.

If anyone is interested, please get in touch with Norm Tatlow -you have his contact details.

This would be an ideal way to combine your interest in cycling and wish to volunteer to the community.

Whatsmore, you might get preferential treatment when it comes time for you to sit up front!

It's all in the handshake

Under a sunny sky, but coolish conditions [but no so cold that Brimmy and Norm showed up in shorts], the Peloton had two starting points - Fol Epi for the downtown crowd and Mann Construction for the uptown crowd. Interesting the Old Cranks were assembling at Mann Construction heading to Canoe Cove by the Swartz Bay Terminal.

Everyone was in a great mood - congratulating ourselves on living in such a wonderful place where the snow drops are peeping through at the end of February while the rest of Canada won’t see snow drops for months yet.

The Lochside north of Mann has benefited from winter maintenance - the surface is in good condition, with a lot of the growth along the edges pruned. Our tax dollars being put to good use.

At the Ridge Café, it was agreed that it would be a Trump free conversation. The road to hell is paved with good intentions - it was no surprise that the Donald found his way into the banter. He certainly sucks the oxygen out of the news and chatter. The “handshake” was dissected - it was agreed that Justin’s ability to outwit the Donald on the handshake stakes, goes down as one of the critical points in Canadian history - ranking with the War of 1812, Confederation, the Last Spike and the Hockey Summit of 1972

The impending Provincial budget was also analyzed - it was the unanimous expert opinion that CC was planning on buying votes with our own money. LNG didn’t rate a mention!

And in cycling related news, the annual Penny Farthing Race has just finished at Evandale in Australia. 

Happiness is

Happiness is being out on our bikes on a sunny day in February. Everyone [Bill, Brimmy, Ken T., Martin, Jeff, Cy, Wayne and Norm] were all feeling happy at being able to get on our bikes under sunny skies - a rare occasion so far in 2017. We assembled at Mile Zero before heading west along Dallas Road to St Charles where we headed north to Richardson and then through sides streets to Beach Drive in Oak Bay. From there it was north to Willows Beach where we stopped for a photo op and to take in the views - Mt Baker was remarkably clear as were the Olympics. From there it was on to Cattle Point for more photos and taking in the views. At this point it was “decided” to loop back to the Oak Bay Marina for coffee rather than going on to Caddie Bay.

Happiness is enjoying a robust conversation with friends over a coffee.

Happiness is when you can announce that you now have two grand kids - good on ya Bill

Happiness is when you learn that it would be possible to have James Bay separate from Victoria - good on ya Wayne.

Happiness is when we can be honorary members of the Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Victoria”

Re: “Councillors lambaste $100,000 boosts for sewage-panel chiefs,” Feb. 9.

The delayed outrage by Victoria councillors Ben Isitt and Geoff Young about the $100,000 boost in pay for sewage-panel chiefs is mystifying, to say the least.

The recorded vote in the Capital Regional District minutes, item 6.9, of Jan. 11, shows that neither director opposed the motion to pay the chair and vice-chair of the CRD’s sewage-treatment project board an additional $100,000 each. In the same motion, neither director opposed bringing an update and information forward after the fact to the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee meeting in February.

So, although this decision was made without a staff report and all the information and facts before them, the CRD board, including Isitt and Young, approved this ill-advised decision.

Is it any wonder that many of the public and Grumpy Taxpayer$ doubt the CRD board will hold the sewage-treatment project to its $765-million budget?

Stan Bartlett, chairperson

Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria

After coffee it was the typical shot gun ride home with everyone chasing their favourite way home.

And in cycling news, this caught my eye - you can recharge your iPhone while exercising on a stationary bike in Brisbane Airport!

For the whole story go here

Back in the Saddle

The blog has been quiet for a while - a number of rides have been cancelled because of gnarly weather, and the blogger has been on the injury list.  Let’s hope that the weather has turned and that the rides will return to the weekly schedule.

The ride on the last day of January saw 5 riders assemble at the eastern end of the E & N bike trail. Brimmy, the organizer, Jeff, Cy, Mike and Norm - the only one brave enough to show up in shorts! We were in high spirits being back in the saddle after the least bike friendly winter in many a year. Under bright sunshine, but cold blustery conditions, the peloton headed west to Esquimalt. The hill in front of the Songhees Wellness Centre seemed to have become steeper since last we rode the trail! Undeterred, we rode on to the Nest Cafe for coffee. Mike, Jeff and Cy had their coffee outside while Brimmy and Norm enjoyed the shelter of indoors.

It might be hard to believe, but "you know who" was not an item for discussion! It was unanimous - we were glad to be back on our bikes and hope that the weather gods will shine positively on us in the coming weeks.  Suitably refreshed, the peloton split in two with Jeff and Mike heading back towards Esquimalt while the others followed the Goose back to the Blue Bridge.

There have been a number of cycling stories worth mentioning.

Thanks to Rob Heisler for this one

Tour de France 1928

A couple of antipodeans decided to relive the Tour de France of 1928, the first tour to have anglophone participants, when contestants relied on steel bikes which had no gears, marginal brakes and weighed twice as much as the modern equivalents. Many of the roads were unpaved and of the more than 160 men who started the journey, only 41 finished — the highest attrition rate of any Tour de France. To read the full story go here.

Age is not a barrier.

How about this story from the BBC about a 105 year old cyclist

Lisa Helps, eat your heart out!

Copenhagen now has more bikes than cars!

Annual Christmas Lunch

The Peloton and Old Cranks got together for the annual lunch at Swans Pub aka as the Club House.

Although there were no "awards" for the most blow outs, flashiest gear nor the price of a barrell of oil, a good time was had by all!

In cycling news this week - if you are looking for a challenge, then you might try to emulate Che Chorley.

and for the cyclist who has everything, try this

A Chilly One

On a beautiful sunny day the Peloton started from Fol Epi at minus 2 degrees C. Over the course of the ride the temperature rose to a balmy plus 1 degreeC. Six hardy cyclists and a blow-in biked and skated across a few icy patches along the lively Colquitz river trail. Coffee at Crumsbys was great and so was the group.

And in Cycling News - 

• first from, New South Wales, the one with a y not an i, the government is thinking about making it mandatory for cyclists to carry ID - how would that go over in Victoria, BC ?

• this has also been a proposal in the UK

Now that I have your attention, here is the latest in parcel delivery - in Portland, of course

See you at Swans on Friday

Christmas 2020

It’s been a while since I have posted anything on the web site - you don’t have to remind me it’s been 4 years, back when we could share a Christmas Lunch at our Club House, aka Swans - and we had Christmas gifts for” select members” Those were the days - but they will come back!

It is too late for this year, but you could order one of these cycling jerseys below for next year. I had no idea such an item was available.

In these pandemic times, I hope you are enjoying Christmas and New Year with those under the same roof, and for those others by FaceTime, Zoom etc.

Whenever I’m asked by friends and family across Canada and around the world what I like about life in VIctoria, there is a very straightforward answer - the friends that we have made, especially those with whom I cycle. Our collective care and concern for one another is what makes this group special. Wishing you and yours all the very best in 2021.