tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505927553727489472024-02-02T02:26:53.917-05:00One Old Wrideroneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.comBlogger1061125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-26934068400480424802020-09-26T12:14:00.001-04:002020-09-26T12:14:34.421-04:00Bike Project 1020(Eyowen2).1<p>I watched Kijiji for about a month before seeing much that was interesting and not too expensive. I just wanted something in decent condition that I could work on over the winter.</p><p>Some were too big or too small or just too much money to even go look at. Then a GT Tequesta from the '90s showed up, in Nipigon of all places. Always loved the distinct GT frames. So the last Friday of my vacation we set off for a nice drive on a beautiful sunny day. I sure wish that you could see Lake Superior more on that drive. You know it's right there but you only get brief glimpses of the water and shoreline. </p><p>The bike was in average condition and maybe I paid a bit much but not full asking as I normally do. I did a quick once over and changed the tires. A couple quick trips around the block and she was ready to ride. I rode back and forth to work a couple times with no issues. </p><p>I have some parts ordered to turn her from an old mountain bike into a single speed drop bar monster cross. It's a very light chromoly frame and with the gears and shifters removed it will be very light with huge tires. I've named her Eyowen II, after the first bike I rebuilt years ago. Stay tuned as parts arrive. </p><p> Eyowen II<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iKylGP-kADrB1IaV5uxej2lnVpPlYd3l4kB_EejjlTwTy8SdIsVg0VjBc5E2nc1xEi0QpC03I5aX4rPBywlrKxDlFcdxIq78rKpRQGWwyawFBVNoZ2YwmUL5uB2GTvqGzPev2MPeH9cU/s3648/IMG_20200911_205505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iKylGP-kADrB1IaV5uxej2lnVpPlYd3l4kB_EejjlTwTy8SdIsVg0VjBc5E2nc1xEi0QpC03I5aX4rPBywlrKxDlFcdxIq78rKpRQGWwyawFBVNoZ2YwmUL5uB2GTvqGzPev2MPeH9cU/s320/IMG_20200911_205505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eyowen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZwRsLP15vy_FIXAeVbdKWqjECe69fDcdFlqSDi6s_AbWcOwzGnnyxkv0NR7BdFtrEZG311vVImE0-EOSCBwA-q0TDboFeAOBlt62gqhHM0hRRyjZq7abjazKO4Gwo4VC1PBIx8iuUxPb/s1241/e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZwRsLP15vy_FIXAeVbdKWqjECe69fDcdFlqSDi6s_AbWcOwzGnnyxkv0NR7BdFtrEZG311vVImE0-EOSCBwA-q0TDboFeAOBlt62gqhHM0hRRyjZq7abjazKO4Gwo4VC1PBIx8iuUxPb/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-61490255021159295972020-09-26T11:56:00.003-04:002020-09-26T11:56:22.563-04:00Bike Project 920 (Lael 1x10).2<p> Well that project ended with a disappointing finish. Removing the cassette revealed a freehub that was about 5mm too narrow for a 10 speed cassette. :(</p><p>Next.... </p>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-84952251682791788622020-09-26T11:54:00.000-04:002020-09-26T11:54:00.051-04:00Bike Project 920 (Lael 1x10).1<p>First step was some research on the Microshift Advent system, a very affordable drivetrain option. That done and the decision to run 1x10 Advent X made, I stopped in the basement while doing laundry to check out the crankset on a parts bike sitting in a corner to see if it could be disassembled and reconfigured into a single ring crank for the project. </p><p>Next job was to remove the square taper crank from the frame which requires a crank puller and some muscle. I have a puller but haven't used it in 5 years. All the lessons Farzam taught me continue to come into play when I work on old bikes. The crank came off with little trouble. I removed the pedals and the big chain ring and then tested the 39 tooth small ring in the outside position. It's not new or shiny (yet) but it should do the job. </p>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-81414771211905314662020-09-05T18:04:00.001-04:002020-09-05T18:04:59.243-04:00Yeah I know...<p>it's been more than a year since I've entered anything on this blog, closer to two years in fact. Lots has changed. Much remains the same. I'm not going to spend any time making excuses for not putting any words here, just pick it up and move on.</p><p>I guess the biggest news has been the arrival of AJ and Jess' first child, Blakely May. She arrived last October and after a very rough 6 weeks and a month in hospital she is a very healthy 11 months old. She's been walking for over two months and is very entertaining. We got to spend some time with her when they visited in July. She even slept over which was a thrill. The grandsons are all good but missing their friends and sports. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClbI4SippoHMfsYOoSmPyms759WM1ArH5mRSeAwrEnK4VYscIApkb-YGpsJYhZ0qGBOPWNnbzd_4SL0gAV8pjNpyRZ6l-66RNMxdVfAxFl-L2iQDwtK8zPhw1KonBTAZBc5eFs7IZiL5h/s1024/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClbI4SippoHMfsYOoSmPyms759WM1ArH5mRSeAwrEnK4VYscIApkb-YGpsJYhZ0qGBOPWNnbzd_4SL0gAV8pjNpyRZ6l-66RNMxdVfAxFl-L2iQDwtK8zPhw1KonBTAZBc5eFs7IZiL5h/w240-h320/image.jpg" title="Blakely May Kresack" width="240" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Since the long weekend in July when we spent three nights at Mink Mountain we've both been dieting. Not the soul crushing kind of diet where you starve yourself and try to pretend you don't miss certain meals. Simply cutting down portions and getting back on a bike has done wonders. I made every excuse in the book for not riding to work, but finally with this new effort just decided to do it. The first few days were tough. It meant wearing bike shorts into an environment where ridicule was very likely. My butt was just not ready for riding in jeans or shorts. It means leaving about 15 minutes earlier than by car. It also means I still have a full tank of gas purchased in late June. </p><p>I found a new way to get there with minimal time on the busy streets. Now on the way home if the sun is out I'm going home the long way. Riding has always been a way to think things through and destress after a work day. I've definitely missed pedalling.</p><p>My basement bike parking/shop had been left in a state of disarray. When I stopped riding I also stopped working on the bikes. When I cleaned up and tuned the bikes I would commute on I found that I also missed time spent with tools in my hands and grease on them. I'm aching for a bike project. As of this moment my plan is to convert Lael (an already heavily modified Trek Multitrack) from a 3x7 drivetrain to a 1x10. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF2pEQOcezDK1TGoIBHun8It6YKSpLvzaSzku1UcTAOK_u0QgIuZ9L0dxoc-gJqJxZvLozMG8X7w1pCKFazWqMvmuw1MQihD5cqqrIh1KjAhpfghDMHVwKxw96jSmFlBj4QieVc3tkkgi/s3648/IMG_20200823_123440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lael" border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzF2pEQOcezDK1TGoIBHun8It6YKSpLvzaSzku1UcTAOK_u0QgIuZ9L0dxoc-gJqJxZvLozMG8X7w1pCKFazWqMvmuw1MQihD5cqqrIh1KjAhpfghDMHVwKxw96jSmFlBj4QieVc3tkkgi/w320-h240/IMG_20200823_123440.jpg" title="Lael" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSodMtugYQRkLRpDQ_8sqWUIU7RKO0vlW6K4twCdh8IumhD73GeJo24Vn3S2QJDgYwA0o4itgDG_LpERcGUlDKSBmNkza1LJKGrCBhXJlD0U5taVb-pjBt2YsUhdw99r9cVMh33Y9z_MpG/s3648/IMG_20200827_063359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSodMtugYQRkLRpDQ_8sqWUIU7RKO0vlW6K4twCdh8IumhD73GeJo24Vn3S2QJDgYwA0o4itgDG_LpERcGUlDKSBmNkza1LJKGrCBhXJlD0U5taVb-pjBt2YsUhdw99r9cVMh33Y9z_MpG/w320-h240/IMG_20200827_063359.jpg" title="View from May St." width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Work has me busy all day ordering, returning and dealing with issues in the warehouse that now has 11 people running around. There are definite challenges and frustrations but I can't wait to get there and get started every morning.</p><p>Hockey is another post all on it's own. With the Covid situation and the restrictions the city has placed on activity in the arenas, I'm aiming at taking a season off until this all hopefully goes away.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-38434728364828656112019-03-25T11:04:00.001-04:002019-03-25T11:04:45.671-04:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Saturday was much more relaxed. We saw two hockey games, one with a hat trick from Cullen. We took it easy between games with reading and naps. For supper we went to downtown Canmore to Graze Restaurant, a tiny place on the main street.<br />
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We had reservations but arrived early. The owner was apologetic that we had to wait a few minutes. We got our table and ordered drinks. When it came to ordering food our selection was fine but the owner told AJ, "no you don't want that." We thought he was joking but he said "it's too sweet." He suggested another dish. When the food came he apologized for the wait again. We had not even noticed, it was out quickly in our minds. Once we were done it did take a bit before AJ went up to ask for the bill. Another apology and he took the drinks off the bill. When we got outside and added things up he had removed one<span style="font-size: 19.36px;"> of the meals as well. The food was great and the service was as well. We all felt bad for the guy, stressing so much over something that only he could see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19.36px;">Sunday was another relaxing day, Cullen's last game of the season and the drive back to foggy Calgary. Somewhere in there was our 4oth anniversary. Sal decided to make everyone supper and cheesecake. I know, I know. In the kitchen on our anniversary. But cooking for her family makes her happy. I know better than to go there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19.36px;">Cullen kicked Mike and AJ's butts on the Nintendo Switch and Campbell entertained. The plan for Monday is to take the boys shopping for their birthday presents. Campbell decided he was sleeping over, "you can text them to pick us up, I'll tell you when, after we get the toys." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19.36px;">We got settled into AJ and Jess' new home. It's a true reflection of them. Lot of personal little touches that turn a new house into a home. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackfoot BOMBERS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post game talk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen in his 'office'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyes on the biscuit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone is happy it's the last game</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_DobXAuSo3iLT5SS9wGS-QRlMq_NvaoJvgNcJQhNn6c3j9uJX-E8FYpopdHdrpV5QuNkS7MBbNCKyuipbiGhtoZ0pSUDVqHF-xTkC_b1cJo5I8YC0LwVPO9DwfxIK71q9ZmShFeUBV3C/s1600/DSC_0108+-+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_DobXAuSo3iLT5SS9wGS-QRlMq_NvaoJvgNcJQhNn6c3j9uJX-E8FYpopdHdrpV5QuNkS7MBbNCKyuipbiGhtoZ0pSUDVqHF-xTkC_b1cJo5I8YC0LwVPO9DwfxIK71q9ZmShFeUBV3C/s320/DSC_0108+-+Edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head up, this one finds the back of the net</td></tr>
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<br /><span style="font-size: 19.36px;"><br /></span>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-790399565450702412019-03-23T10:33:00.001-04:002019-03-23T10:33:32.581-04:00What A DayWe were up at 3:45 and in the air by 5:30. To say that the Bombardier DH3 was noisy is a major understatement. I can't imagine the level of noise and vibration of a military plane where the comfort of the passengers is not a priority. My head is still buzzing from resting it on the cabin wall. But the flight under a full moon was very smooth, no bouncing around at all. We arrived in Winnipeg right on time, sat for 30 minutes and then boarded another Bombardier aircraft, the CRJ900. Very thankful for jet engines at this point.<br />
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I left the entertainment system on the map that showed our progress and it was comical to see all the small western towns I have driven through for the past 7 years go zooming by as we flew over them at 500 mph. As the sun started to appear I could make out the vast partially snow covered prairie below. Some of the colours and patterns in the earth as we approached Calgary were beautiful. And from about 100 km out I could see the Rockies, still sitting right there where we left them.<br />
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We arrived in Calgary just before 8:30. AJ and Jess were waiting, our bag showed up in minutes and we were off to Banff. We hadn't eaten anything so a stop at our favourite breakfast spot, Melissa's Misteak solved our hunger issues. The Huevos Rancheros was better than I remember it. On to Lake Louise for a walk on the still frozen lake. Unfortunately I only brought my long zoom lens for hockey games so my pictures were limited. We wandered around the Fairmont hotel then drove back to the town of Banff then Canmore for some browsing in the shops. I found it hard to believe the number of tourists at this time of year.<br />
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We made contact with Mike and Mel and hatched a plan to surprise the boys. We picked up a pizza for them and then went to their room to deliver it. Cullen opened the door and waved. I don't think I would describe his reaction as surprised.<br />
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Off to the arena for game 1. The rink was divided in two by a set of portable boards and the game was 5 on 5, a little crowded but the kids were doing what they should be at that age, just having fun. It was so great to watch Cullen zip around live. I asked him before we left if his stick had any goals left and he assured me it did. I caught his goal and celebration in a video.<br />
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We went back to the hotel after picking up some refreshments and ordered pizza and wings. The rooms we have are awesome, more like small apartments with a full kitchen, living room, dining room, small deck and underground parking. Plus the mountains look like they are in the backyard.<br />
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We finally went to bed at about 1:00 am Thunder Bay time. A long but very satisfying first day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockies on the horizon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie landscape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campbell and his desert hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen 66</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq68uxCzqo2I69h7QRwB3OFryUpWOMPDxSjYgnjKdz-qjv2uDWIHNyuhJpTmWmmYVAUqEwQx3PgPn-Htl7oo38t02f1PaCoFzt3sPYGww8DzLSivGQ0yO0S94M3eNLc2F28I5Os7bWfjyj/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq68uxCzqo2I69h7QRwB3OFryUpWOMPDxSjYgnjKdz-qjv2uDWIHNyuhJpTmWmmYVAUqEwQx3PgPn-Htl7oo38t02f1PaCoFzt3sPYGww8DzLSivGQ0yO0S94M3eNLc2F28I5Os7bWfjyj/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Lake Louise and glacier</td></tr>
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-88013403066071258252019-03-20T21:00:00.001-04:002019-03-21T19:26:52.503-04:00Same Destination, Different Season<font size="3">Early Friday morning, we head to the airport for a flight west. I'm not a fan of flying when I could be driving but with less time to work with I'll get on board. Our return flight has already been changed by the good folks at Air Canada but so far the important one has stayed as booked. We'll arrive at 8:30am Calgary time, tired but with an entire day to get the vacation started, he said with his fingers crossed.</font><p><span style="font-size: 1.1em;"><br></span></p>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-71845816003937041912018-07-14T08:42:00.000-04:002018-07-14T08:42:03.631-04:00Wedding WeekendAfter two long years of anticipation, AJ and Jess' big day seems to have come out of nowhere and landed on the calendar.<br />
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Thursday was the rehearsal and everything went well. Cullen and Campbell behaved unbelievably throughout the time at the church. They will definitely steal the show, at least until Jess makes her entrance. The party at Chanterelle was excellent, the food and lounge were perfect. A very classy place for smaller group events.<br />
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This is the first time in several years that all three kids have been in town at the same time. We had Cullen sleep over Tuesday. Sal was getting her nails done so I had some time with him and then she spent her time the following morning. He never fails to put a smile on my face. We watched some video of him playing baseball and we were both laughing. <br />
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Saturday was a perfect day weather wise and in pretty much every other way. Cullen and Campbell came over early in the morning and then we all went to the church together. We helped them get dressed for the ceremony and then waited for things to get started. They remained very will behaved and when I saw them heading down the aisle something got in my eyes. There were a few times my eyes gave my feelings away during the day. It was great to see Sal's mom at the ceremony, I know that made her very happy.<br />
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The ceremony was surprisingly quick, smooth and beautiful. Off to Vickers Park for family pictures and then to the hotel for a short rest. The dinner, speeches and party after were all excellent. The wedding party had a ton of fun all day. I'm fairly sure that the day Jess and AJ envisioned was the day we all got to experience.<br />
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Some of the fantastic pictures in Maria Maria Photo's sneak peek.....<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-49555737544880592642018-07-02T16:40:00.000-04:002018-07-02T16:40:28.857-04:00Canada Day RideWell it wasn't in Banff or even particularly long, heck it wasn't even on Canada Day but it was an eye opener.<br />
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I haven't done anything longer than 20km all year. The long layoff has admittedly taken away some of the motivation to go for a ride. I planned to at least take a longish ride on Cananda Day but the weather was less than ideal. When today started off sunny my mind was made up. With my normal long distance ride (Sophia) up for sale, I decided on Lisbeth. Initially I thought an hour and 20km would be more than enough and have me back home before the day heated up.<br />
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Big tires make things more comfy for all of your contact points. Feet, hands and especially butt enjoy the time on the road a whole lot more. I got up through the college and university campuses and then deviated from the plan and headed west on Oliver Road. Things got a little tough as my calves started threatening to cramp and my hands were tingling. Uphill and into the wind on a 30+ pound bike didn't help. <br />
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I turned off on Mapleward and after climbing a small hill enjoyed a couple of kms of gliding downhill. That seemed to rejuvenate me. When I got to Arthur St., Lisbeth made another right turn and then kept going on 20th Side Road. I came back on Rosslyn Road with a beautiful tailwind. It's not often I can get Lisbeth into top gear but she flew in with only a few cars to deal with. All told 40km under the tires.<br />
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I've been tired on a bike. Exhausted, winded, sore and even bleeding. Hot, sweaty, cold and shivering. But I don't feel fat and I don't feel old on a bike. That's worth suffering through all the rest. oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-53585042055221095232018-06-12T21:27:00.000-04:002018-06-12T21:27:25.738-04:00MissingI miss the long drive across the heart of Canada, getting up in the middle of the night in search of an 18 wheeler to lead me through the darkness.<br />
I miss sunrise on the prairie, the way you can see 20 miles in any direction from bright yellow fields to the bruised sky of an approaching storm.<br />
I miss holding hands and talking for hours as much as the gentle quiet hours shared.<br />
I miss looking out the rear mirror and seeing a bike I know I will get to explore with.<br />
I miss stopping at Timmy's for a cup in Regina or Medicine Hat or Winnipeg or Dryden. All honestly, those 'ors' should all be 'ands'.<br />
I miss Calgary. It's big city feel and the old west all wrapped in one.<br />
I miss knowing the Rockies are right there waiting on the horizon.<br />
I miss the drive through the foothills, watching the mountains steadily grow in the windshield.<br />
I miss Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks where I could just sit and watch years pass by.<br />
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I miss the shrieks of 'papa!' from two little boys that make every mile of the long drive worthwhile.</div>
I miss walks and bike rides to the park, red, green or purple. I miss pushing two giggling boys on the swings and listening to their laughter.<br />
I miss the pitter patter of the giants who live in the house above us.<br />
I miss nights around the fire with family close by.<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-60330467383703501752018-06-09T00:44:00.001-04:002018-06-09T18:58:34.174-04:00First Time at the Plate<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
He stood at the plate for the first time that mattered, the first time it wasn’t just him and dad in the backyard where failure was a secret between them. His little fingers squeezed the bat with the strength of his nervous energy. All around him was a fuzzy haze filled with players of the opposing team, coaches and parents. All just a blur. His focus was narrow and aimed at the hand that held the ball he wanted desperately to hit.<br />
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The first pitch dropped out of the sky and landed on the plate, unhittable. But he swung anyway. His eyes had closed as the ball got close.<br />
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He checked his feet and got set again. Another lobbed pitch. He lunged forward to try and reach as he took another big swing, missing by a foot. He just wanted to see one like dad threw, over the plate not on it. But he didn’t have the experience to know he didn’t have to swing every time. </div>
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“Watch the ball all the way, wait for one you like” he heard his dad say over the din of the crowded diamond. He fought off the urge to swing at the next one as it bounced at his feet again. Adults met on the mound and talked a bit, then laughed. He was sure they were talking about him and his fingers gripped the bat just a little tighter. He was fighting back tears now.</div>
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And then he saw what he wanted, a ball that flew flatter than the others. He pulled his hands back and swung the bat hard. As the ball met aluminum he felt and heard the ‘plink’ as the ball flew back the way it had come.</div>
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“Run, run, run,” the crowd started yelling. He froze for a second not remembering what came after hitting the ball, he never ran in the backyard, just hit ball after ball. Then it came to him in a flash as everyone around him got louder. He bent over and gently placed the bat on the ground and started running to the base as fast as his six year old legs would carry him. His tiny strides carried him safely to the bag for the first time. He stopped on the base and looked for dad with a big smile. The tears had lost this time. </div>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/ujRwXvDcYKHsAaU57" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre;">video inspiration</a><br />
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Wish I could be there to cheer you on Cullen.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: I've been waiting for some big mythical inspiration to hit me and launch into a major writing project for far too long. A good friend told me just to write so when I taste even the smallest morsel of inspiration I'm going to put down some words. And here it begins.</span></i></div>
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-14961953593762432832018-06-09T00:10:00.002-04:002019-03-21T19:32:41.040-04:00ChangesChanges, there have been a few since I last dropped any words into this blog. In truth a lot of them. There was no time to wait for a dream job to come along. I was lucky to get on board with the biggest and most aggressive parts store when they weren't hiring. A complete dizzying 180 spin from what I experienced for 38 years but after 7 months I'm starting to get comfortable. More customers, more product lines, more co-workers, more of everything. Some days it was all too much but things are getting better.<br>
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Sleep has been a precious commodity for those 7 months. I still wake up very early and start thinking and worrying about a variety of things. Some of that is work related, more of it is worrying about the future. Retirement would be great in another 5 years but I just don't think it will be possible. Time will tell I guess.<br>
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An old friend told me working with a young crew would make me feel younger and I do...until I get home and start napping at 7pm. Getting back on a bike after 5 plus months with maybe two rides has been a joy. I was sure it would hurt a lot more and that maybe I had lost the drive to get up at 6 and then ride to work but once I got started it was all good. I feel more normal now, the long cool ride in is a pleasure and the ride home is a good time to unwind.<br>
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After resigning from scheduling for Lakehead Minor at the end of the season I decided to finish my term, one more year. I was unsharing spreadsheets, started tinkering with them and realized I had created some fairly sophisticated scheduling schemes and didn't want to stop learning and applying. I haven't totally given up trying to find more work with the expanding knowledge.<br>
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Parents are already starting to call for registration into Northwood. I'm trying to lay low and hold off until the already announced opening of another season in mid July. We have one more season with our current format and then the new half ice policy will be adopted or we will have to leave the Hockey Canada umbrella.<br>
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Not travelling to Calgary has been hard. Good old facebook sends those near daily reminders of pictures posted from the trips of the last 6 years and they are nice to see, but I don't need the constant reminder. Videos of Cullen playing baseball have been fun but we would be there if not for all the changes. Man can he smack that ball around.<br>
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/EibTWMnaotzNUVdB9" target="_blank">click for a hit</a><br>
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Thunder Bay probably did the right thing by not voting PC. Right as long as they didn't win that is. Why does it feel like we are infected by the Trump virus.<br>
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RIP Anthony Bourdain, will miss his shows a great deal.<br>
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New music this week, <b>Dave Matthews Band - Come Tomorrow.</b> First listen as I write this and I'm really liking what I hear so far.<br>
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That's it for now. No promises but I hope to be adding more words soon.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU26eSXpTYBFXmGXSuob1d2asH3rUoDQ0JbbzK6GB-vBNVxCzpk0T6ZtbFmZBQvg72k_WIEeFLmcQcusLB95ThgwWCYV6vo-x2AgqSBf8tTQzS70nnqW4Vlg36GCy9ebsUTuzQCA59ZjhN/s1600/received_10160350593845332.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU26eSXpTYBFXmGXSuob1d2asH3rUoDQ0JbbzK6GB-vBNVxCzpk0T6ZtbFmZBQvg72k_WIEeFLmcQcusLB95ThgwWCYV6vo-x2AgqSBf8tTQzS70nnqW4Vlg36GCy9ebsUTuzQCA59ZjhN/s320/received_10160350593845332.jpeg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodger Cullen Kresack</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reluctant Dodger fan Campbell </td></tr>
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<br>oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-88845841947913266322017-09-12T18:39:00.000-04:002017-09-12T18:39:08.771-04:00Pushing the Plan ForwardI took on an a rather intense project with nothing but negatives if I failed. The AA draft database and manual for Lakehead Minor.<br />
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Gathering registration info for 2 divisions from 6 organizations and then assembling them into books with sorted lists and groups was relativley easy. Creating emails to advise parents of their two tryout times and confirm jersey numbers was more complex, mostly because many emails included transposed letters.<br />
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The night of the draft was where the nerves got a good testing. One spreadsheet was used to display the picks. 180 players in each division. Tracking all of the chips and goalies and warning of duplicates picked. Another spreadsheet contained all the contact info for the players and as the draft ended it needed to print out a list for each team and then another for each association to let them know who was going where. I struggled to keep up in the first one as it started before I had entered the coaches kids and I played catchup throughout. The second went smoother.<br />
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2 entire drafts were completed in less than 2 hours. My work helped but coaches were basically well behaved which made all the difference. Handshakes came from many coaches who endured a long wait for lists after the draft last year. Any email exchanges today came with thanks for all the work. <br />
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Best of all I was asked to help run another large draft and get paid to do so. Maybe Kresack Consulting won't be a full time thing but this is a start.<br />
oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-10509003281814625082017-08-31T18:19:00.000-04:002017-08-31T18:19:01.165-04:00Another BirthdayTurning 60 seemed a bigger deal to everyone around me. I was given a day off work and gift certificate for supper at El Tres from FCD. The kids got together and bought me a bottle of 12 year old single malt scotch, but not just any bottle.<br />
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Balvenie 12 year old single barrel comes in a numbered bottle, one of 300 from the single barrel. I've only tasted about 1/2 an ounce but it is so different from the others I've tried. Smoother with a hint of vanilla and spice. Having seen a short video on the traditional process almost, and I say almost, makes me want to save it and not enjoy it.<br />
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On top of that Sal got tickets to see Joe Bonamassa later this month. I've been listening to him for just over a year but his music dominates my choices.<br />
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Thanks one and all. I almost can't wait to get to 70. Again I must emphasize, almost.<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-77915879353500248292017-08-09T18:12:00.000-04:002017-08-09T18:12:01.907-04:00Call 911...They're Lighting the Candles60, It's just another number, or that's what I keep saying when asked. But it's a number that says another decade has passed. Approaching 50 had me looking back with regret over things undone, or done with less than a 100% effort.<br />
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I'm sure most people would admit that there are things left on their bucket list. I still want to write a book. I'd love to start camping. If I have to work, I want to work for myself. I want a comfortable retirement for Sal and myself. And I have no idea how any of these things will come to fruition. But now's the time to start figuring it out, looking ahead instead of back.<br />
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-53275507549806665482017-07-26T18:30:00.000-04:002017-07-26T18:30:04.688-04:00Summertime EntertainmentSummer tv is bad, for the most part very bad. Yes we have streaming services and a few shows we watch that air in the warmer months. And the Blue Jays, at least until they sell the farm in hopes of future success. But sometimes you just want to put something different on and be entertained.<br />
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Enter the <a href="http://explore.org/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls" target="_blank">grizzly bears at Katmai National Park</a>...<br />
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Over the last month we have tuned in to the live cameras that explore.net has at Brooks Falls and the river below the falls to watch the annual event. I have watched online for maybe the last 5 years but now I'm casting the live youtube action to our tv from my phone.<br />
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We have seen one mother with her 3 cubs return almost daily. She is the most skilled salmon hunter I've ever seen. Whether standing in the knee deep water at the far bank or on the lip of the falls, she has a wiggling fish in her mouth within minutes of finishing off the last one or passing it off to one of her cubs. Last night she stood on the lip and we watched as at least 6 fish jumped right into her waiting jaws in less than an hour. From 9-11pm there were up to 8 bears at the falls as we watched, including one huge male that sat above the falls staring into the frigid water. Never saw him eat or even try to catch anything. Other than his head and neck, he never moved.<br />
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Maybe we're just starved for entertainment but we both find the bears fascinating as we try to understand their behavior. Check it out at the link above.<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-65391801069302117332017-07-25T18:30:00.000-04:002017-07-25T18:31:03.766-04:00Evening WalksAfter spending most of a beautiful Sunday indoors with a headache we had a great supper of roast and veggies. I suggested going for a drive and we went to the Marina for a walk.<br />
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Despite all of the controversy, the place is a very nice spot for a relaxing stroll. We walked along the pier, sat at the furthest point watching sail boats and then returned back to the car the long way. It was unfortunate that the lone security guard we saw was sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot rather than dealing with the 6 obviously inebriated folks in the center of the park. We gave them a wide berth.<br />
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Monday evening we decided to repeat and went to Mission Marsh. The water in Lake Superior is much higher than normal, judging by the walkway that now goes out into the lake. Mosquitos chased us back to the car. On the way back we went through the few homes where deer are always lounging. In one yard there were 10 of them grazing. A few other cars stopped to watch as the family in the lead vehicle fed one of the largest adults some carrots.<br />
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Sal suggested for Tuesday we walk over to Intercity to check out the 360 video being shown in the red inflatable igloo as part of Canada150. I drove over to check the size of the crowd and we were shocked to see only a handful of people waiting. We decided to take in the event rather than face a crowd later.<br />
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The dome handles about 80 people for each run that lasts about 25 minutes. We watched with maybe 50 others. It's a shame that more people aren't taking it in. Hopefully as the week goes on and more hear about it, they'll get some crowds. The experience is definitely worth it.<br />
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-1845539314615849612017-07-23T00:10:00.000-04:002017-07-23T00:21:49.950-04:00My Selfie StickHere's my new selfie stick. It doesn't take pictures but pity anyone that sticks theirs in my viewfinder. Snip snip.<br />
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<b>Features</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Blades rotate 360 degrees for easy trimming at any angle</li>
<li>91.4 cm handle eliminates stretching to cut interfering obstacles</li>
<li>Sharp, precision-ground blade edge</li>
<li>Hardened steel blades hold sharp edge longer</li>
<li>Water based rust preventative resists corrosion</li>
<li>Strong lightweight aluminum handle</li>
<li>11.4 cm. cutting length</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiskar's 'Rockpile' Selfie Stick Trimmer</td></tr>
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-79275656273449924112017-07-22T12:45:00.000-04:002017-07-22T12:45:08.228-04:00Something To Look Forward ToMel sent some pictures yesterday of the boys hiking in the mountains at Kananaskis. Nothing could have warmed my heart more. I'd never really thought of future trips west beyond their 'little kid' years. But now thoughts of getting out with them in their big, beautiful backyard excites me. <br />
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Mind you Campbell wanted to turn off the falls because they were too loud and Cullen just wanted to ride a bear. Clearly they need some seasoning.<br />
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I know it's only July but hockey season is in full swing. Northwood registration has been live for a week and we have 44 players registered. It's going to be a busy start to the season. I'm neck deep in the Lakehead Minor AA draft this year as my spreadsheeting skills that were used for payroll have been recruited to manage the registration and draft. I'm sure I'll have some late nights when I'll wonder why I didn't keep my big mouth shut. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike, Cullen and Campbell at Troll Falls</td></tr>
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-13516699844024442212017-07-19T18:00:00.000-04:002017-07-19T18:00:00.174-04:00Dedicated To LetdownThe Blue Jays managed to lose another game last night, or rather this morning. When they got their young closer in the game with a 1 run lead in the 9th I though they had sealed the deal, nope. His streak of 22 straight saves ended when the Bosox tied the game with a fluky bunt over the head of Donaldson and a couple of singles. At somewhere around 1AM, they lost to a walk off homer. <br />
<br />
In all honesty I would sooner watch a good baseball game, whether pros or kids, than any other sport. The pace is slow at times but the twists and turns that take place during a tight battle and the skill of the players keep me dedicated. <br />
<br />
I can't imagine being a Leafs fan through all of their tough years, the Jays are killing me. They remind me of golfing, they never seem to have all facets of the game working. When you are putting like Jack, you can't find the fairway. When they get a good start from their pitching staff, they can't buy a hit. I think it's time to face the music and look to the future, this year is lost.<br />
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Just one more request, if you have to lose, please do it in 9 innings.<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-65423704732157600172017-07-17T18:05:00.000-04:002017-07-17T18:05:09.760-04:00One For DadAfter more than a week at home I finally got the 500+ pictures from my DLSR to my pc. Now the fun begins with saving, editing and if something really stands out, printing.<br />
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<div>
Digital photography means a lot of things. Freedom to damn the torpedos and snap away without worrying about the cost, ever improving technical advantages and literally a mountain of post-processing software. Even my phone has software that can change images drastically or subtly depending on the intent. </div>
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This shot from Moraine Lake was taken with my phone and then converted to black and white. Dad is already thinking about a trip to Banff and the mountains, will a b+w shot be the tipping point?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moraine Lake, June 2017</td></tr>
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-13150035962188586602017-07-17T18:00:00.000-04:002017-07-17T18:00:29.375-04:00Catching UpSince my last post was more than a year ago I won't bore you with trying to explain why I haven't been posting. I really have no idea but when I started writing for <a href="https://quest2thewest.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Quest2theWest</a> every morning in Calgary, I found I was enjoying the process again. Adding a picture or a sidestory with some research was a fun way to spend the early morning before everyone was awake.<br />
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Who knows, maybe I'll even start plunking some words here again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Sisters, Canmore Alberta<br />
LG G5, procsessed with Perfectly Clear & Prisma</td></tr>
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-81286849495777270102016-06-30T16:58:00.003-04:002016-06-30T16:58:47.097-04:00Quiet TimeMike and Mel have gone shopping and the boys are napping. The house is quiet which is rare. It's a very active gang that lives here. Here in the basement every footstep can be heard from Mike's to Campbell's. Even after an 80km ride no alarm clock is required, no complaint here as I can't wait to get up and see the boys every morning but don't want to be the reason they wake.<br />
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I finished up the Cycling Challenge yesterday with 80km. I'm pretty sure that is my longest ride of the year. Normally I don't stop. Yesterday I rode 35km and stopped for about 20 minutes fro coffee and a brownie in the middle of Fish Creek Park. Rejuvenated I did another 25km before stopping for a banana and the last of one water bottle. I switched out my bottles and headed for home.<br />
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As I crossed the floor of the valley for the third time I suddenly felt stronger as I thought of the long ride not only this day but the whole month. 1000km may not seem like much, I've done more in a month before, but work, weather, and two days driving sucked up a lot of time. For something that started as just "well I ride anyway I might as well throw my name in the hat too" it became a focus. I'm glad to be done and can ride without having to worry about keeping up an average of 35km a day. My appreciation for better tires has never been higher. I remember back to the Conquer Cancer rides and hearing of people that flatted four times in a day over 100km so I guess 4 flats in 1000km is not all that bad and I can now say I've added changing out a flat on the side of the trail to my list of cycling resume.<br />
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After all the talk of a grizzly blocking the trail, riding the Legacy Trail from Canmore to Banff and back was a highlight. I don't think I could ever get used to the closeness of the mountains in Canmore. No matter the direction you look, they are right there. My simple five minute trip to pick up pizza was amazing. I had to cross the Trans Canada to the north side of town and saw an amazing light show as the sun set between the peaks and through the clouds. I pulled up in front of the pizza place and stepped out into the street and the Three Sisters were right there just over the crest of the road.<br />
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Moraine Lake was busy as usual. The Rockpile was crowded and I've never seen more selfie sticks. Another fellow and I traded cameras and took pictures of each other but they aren't much to look at. You wait about 5 minutes for your turn and then somebody climbs into your shot from the restricted area below the rock wall. I tried to load the Nikon on my tripod but the wind was fierce and everything was shaking so my planned longer exposure shots were ditched. I always feel rushed. Next time I think the camera will stay in the car and I'll just sit there and let it all soak in.<br />
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Jess was still under the weather so we headed down the Bow Valley Parkway and managed to see a small black bear rooting around in a field just off the road. He was totally oblivious to the half dozen cars that stopped to rubber neck.<br />
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It's been a hectic ten days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rest stop on the Legacy Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lael in Canmore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEsHIfL6VVjeSuYKhz_MAh_yFAsyRxTRQB-yKhk3SO-Nw1lT4z2XJ7bi1I5pHYCMEU4YsJdSY_EDWQVliQ7uFfq5QsLlxWMBEBU9STFinpwhaXoL_rikncc6c3y8Pk0GOJy8s3cweeZ-E/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEsHIfL6VVjeSuYKhz_MAh_yFAsyRxTRQB-yKhk3SO-Nw1lT4z2XJ7bi1I5pHYCMEU4YsJdSY_EDWQVliQ7uFfq5QsLlxWMBEBU9STFinpwhaXoL_rikncc6c3y8Pk0GOJy8s3cweeZ-E/s320/DSC_0396.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moraine Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIk73-dG1blAZhW61W4rkDBACjkBAf6AHJFSFSv50KEtav3eIgDGYP5MAW7nixlcQo5VAIeCxfHfvHm1-HAFzP9KCzQzhp37uAJisooqEutmpaMjzfliXOLZnLGKOdrNwhsttXDJPm4f6/s1600/20160625_203831_PerfectlyClear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIk73-dG1blAZhW61W4rkDBACjkBAf6AHJFSFSv50KEtav3eIgDGYP5MAW7nixlcQo5VAIeCxfHfvHm1-HAFzP9KCzQzhp37uAJisooqEutmpaMjzfliXOLZnLGKOdrNwhsttXDJPm4f6/s320/20160625_203831_PerfectlyClear.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Sisters overlooking Canmore</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">setting sun in Canmore, good thing I only had my phone<br />or there would have been some hungry folks waiting for supper</td></tr>
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oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-16454488824519554742016-06-19T17:27:00.001-04:002016-06-19T17:33:41.491-04:00Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My second day on the road started so early I won't even share the time. I arrived at Mike's door at 12:30pm. It was a perfect day, uneventful and clear weather all the way.<br />
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I pulled up and could hear both Cullen and Campbell yelling Papa, Papa! Nothing else will erase the weariness of a long drive so quickly. The last item unloaded out of the car was the bike I had picked up for Cullen, a 12" Norco Ninja. He was very excited for his new bike. Minutes later had pedalled about 12 feet with just a push to get moving. Then a little farther and faster so we headed for the open space that a nearby park provided.<br />
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In no time he was doing laps around the entire park. You can see a short video <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skresack/videos/10153514892562821/" target="_blank">here</a>. After supper Uncle AJ and Aunt Jess came to the park to check it out and he proceeded to learn how to get rolling from a standing start.<br />
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This morning Mike and I took him over to Fish Creek Provincial Park about ten minutes from the front door. There are miles and miles of paved and gravel paths to ride. He managed a 5.1 km ride and then another which included stopping for a drink and a brownie. He got tired on the return and walked his bike in. But he learned how to work the coaster brake (pedalling backwards) and soon created his first skidmark. He picked up coasting downhill easily and only gets mad if he doesn't beat you to the end of the section. He loves ringing he bell when approaching anyone walking on the path. It was probably one of the slowest rides I've ever been on but one I'll never forget.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen on 'Jillian', Fish Creek Provincial</td></tr>
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<br /><br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250592755372748947.post-33383130193906536762016-06-17T19:20:00.003-04:002016-06-17T19:20:54.738-04:00Anything ButAfter making this drive 5? times I was expecting just another boring two days on the road. I was up at 3:15 and on the road by 4:30. Not to self: check the loading of the bikes to be transported in the light of day. First time in the dark is not all that easy.<br />
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The last forecast I checked said sun across the prairies for both Friday and Saturday. Well that was 100% correct until I got to Dryden and saw nothing but purple in the western sky. The first drops hit the windshield just outside Vermillion Bay. It continued to get more intense as I moved west. Shortly after crossing into Manitoba the clouds were literally on the road in the distance and I was alone on the highway thinking I should have checked the radio for warnings instead of toe tapping to my playlist. It poured cats, dogs and a few small ponies. Even at 70 kmph and the wipers flapping away like hummingbird wings, it was tough to see. If not on a divided highway I would have been waiting it out on the shoulder. I had passed all my normal lunch spots and finally stopped at a rest stop about 75km from Winnipeg. I checked the radar pages and saw the purple mass of clouds I had just driven through. Parts of <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/rain-storm-weather-winnipeg-1.3639989" target="_blank">Winnipeg saw 41mm of rain in a less than an hour</a>.<br />
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As I moved around Winnipeg on the Perimeter highway I got in the middle of a traffic jam. 100 yards to a set of traffic lights saw three cycles pass before I even moved and then another three to get through only to find I had a few intersections to get through before I would clear the logjam. An accident involving a pickup pulling a horse trailer collided with something carrying bags of white powder. I was thinking of the poor horses when I saw the trailer and then the cab of the truck came into view. I'm not sure there were horses in the trailer but there was definitely someone in the driver's and he just has to be hurt. There were a dozen people from an environmental cleanup crew brushing up the powder but they had nothing but orange jump suits as safety gear so the powder must not have been harmful. A good kilometre of the opposing two lanes were blocked off. The entire 4 lane road had been closed earlier so I was lucky to hit the sang when I did.<br />
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The only other high/low lights were a scrawny young moose and about 75 kilometres of construction on the divided highway between Brandon and Winnipeg. Surprisingly other than the construction zones time went by very quickly and even those were mostly at 90kmph without any actual stops so not all that bad.<br />
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I'm showered and fed, all set to catch as much of the Jays game as I can before getting some sleep. Another full day on the road tomorrow, one entry in the pool in Calgary says I'll be there at noon. Not likely. I'm guessing 3pm Calgary time but we'll see what the day brings, I'm hoping for a little less excitement.<br />
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<br />oneoldwriderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00034145528380020394noreply@blogger.com0