The Good with the Bad

I hope the following is as amusing as it is enlightening.

The Good

At the end of last year, my girlfriend and I got tickets for Cirque Du Soleil. We had seen Alegria some time ago and really enjoyed it and vowed to go to more productions. We bought tickets for some kind of hybrid Cirque Du Soleil Ice show but the pandemic wiped that out. When we bought these tickets, we were worried that this would also be a bust, but we figured that it was a worthwhile gamble. Luckily this one paid off.

The show just opened a few days ago, but thankfully everything went ahead full steam. It was so nice to get out a do something. The show was lots of fun with a number of good acts. It is amazing what the human body can do with zero body fat and great balance. There were moments that were amazing. I will definitely go to more shows like this one. Perhaps, one day, I will be able to afford to be a VIP customer and get to spend time in the VIP booth before the show.

If I had any critiques, it would be with the high price for parking and the rather uncomfortable chairs. None of these things involved the show, so let’s leave them here.

The Bad

Yesterday, I joked about the coffee maker dying. I was planning on going through the whole vinegar routine on Sunday. The area I live in has hard water and regular de-scaling is important. I shouldn’t have joked about it, because I woke up this morning to a non-functioning coffee pot. Easter Sunday, and no coffee. Coffee makers don’t really last a long time, but I have a feeling I jinxed myself.

Suffering from caffeine withdrawal is no time to go shopping. Easter Sunday is no time to go shopping either. As it turns out, a number of stores are open, but I chose the wrong ones and couldn’t find a coffee maker anywhere. Then my girlfriend suggested Canadian Tire. I thought it would be closed and hadn’t even considered it. This surprised her as this is my “go to” store. Usually I consider Home Hardware my go to store, but sadly the size difference and stock quantities don’t really compare. I was surprised that I hadn’t checked the store hours either, and chalked it up to a lack of caffeine.

So, after several stores, I ended up at Canadian Tire and bought a coffee maker–nothing fancy. It used a basked filter whereas my current one uses a cone filter. No problem, I thought. I have a basket filter at home. Actually, what I had was the box for the basket filter, but not the filter itself. So, yes, I had to go back to the store. I blame everything on my lack of caffeine. Although breakfast was delayed, I did eat something. That was good because if I had also been hangry, it wouldn’t have gone well.

The Indifferent

I awoke to snow on the ground. While this was not totally unexpected, I had hoped that I would be on my bike this weekend. It melted and if it hadn’t been for the whole coffee maker issue, I probably would have gotten out on my bike. Then again, I probably would have had to engage in yard work too–so I really can’t grumble about this. I will be on my bike sometime this week.

Tires, Tubes, and Rain

I noticed that one of my tires could no longer hold any air. Luckily, I noticed it well in advance of any riding I was planning on doing. I had a couple of spare tubes, but thought it wise to get some more before I started the change in case I forgot and was forced to go on a group ride (or solo ride) without one. I have patches, but that is for extreme emergencies only.

I called the various bike stores in my area and surprisingly, not all of them had any tubes. The global bike shortage is real, and calling is a must. If you remember the whole cassette drama (which I cannot link to because it disappeared from WP) I went through, you can understand why this is necessary. Those that had tubes were charging marginally higher prices than they used to. I don’t know if this is a reflection of the true cost, or a way to gain some of the money lost due to the shutdown, or just good old-fashioned price gouging.

Visiting the bike store, continues to be a bit surreal. Stores only opened recently, so browsing is discouraged. Not a big deal. In fact, they are probably saving me money. If I can’t browse, I probably won’t buy anything I didn’t specifically go to the bike shop for.

As you might also recall, I am not the most adept mechanic, but I can change a bike tube. I’ve got all the tools. I even went so far as to put my bike on the bike stand–not absolutely necessary for this job, but if you’ve got the tools, you might as well. Actually, I take that back. Putting the bike on the stand let me inspect its running and allowed me to check the wheels (not horribly bent, but not horribly straight either–I don’t have a wheel truing stand and I worry that I wouldn’t be particularly good at this either.) and gears.

Several weeks ago, I bought new tires for my bike. Mine were looking a bit worn and getting a cut tire while out riding would be pretty horrible. I’ve got tire patches from Park Tool, but people have warned me that they don’t really work (if anyone has any experience with them, I would love to hear your opinion). If my tires fail, there isn’t anyone to pick me up and I will have to wait for one of the riders to finish and go back to their car, walk to a bus stop (not that common where we ride) or call an uber.

While I was changing the tube, I decided to mount my new tires (Continental). I felt pretty confident that I could do this, and I was right. Now my bike has new rubber and I am itching to get out there. I suspect the first few metres will be a little slippery on new rubber, but nothing I can’t handle. I also made the move to wider tires (25 instead of 23). People have said that this would be more comfortable, but only time will tell.

Sadly, the past couple of days have seen nothing but rain. My girlfriend called it an Autumn rain because the temperatures also dropped and the air had that damp October feel to it.

So, now I’ve upgraded my tires, what’s next? Only the wallet knows.

Getting Out for a Ride

I didn’t get out on the bike last week. I just wasn’t feeling it. I had a new class to teach with a steep learning curve. I had disappointing hockey playoffs to watch. I had….obviously a bunch of lame excuses.

Yesterday was the longest work day I have had in a while. I doubt that it means a return to normalcy, but it means a few more dollars. When class was finished, and I was definitely tired of looking at the computer screen and listening to correct student grammar or vocabulary or pronunciation, I knew I had to get out of the house and on the road.

I paused to fuel up, but managed to get my stuff together in a decent amount of time (for me; others are much faster at getting themselves ready). I checked my tire pressure, turned on Strava and away I went.

I don’t have the highest of hi tech, but I really can’t justify spending a lot of money on a flashier bike computer….but someday.

My route was not too varied and it doesn’t look visually appealing on Strava, but I got in a good 60 kms before returning home. I passed some beautiful scenes. While I was taking a picture of the pond, another rider stopped to ask if I needed help. When he realized that I was stopping for a photo op, he remarked that he was “stealing my idea” and getting a picture for himself. It was hardly stealing, but he was just trying to be polite.

Later, after I sent my pictures to my girlfriend, she remarked at how beautiful it was and that I should take her there. I had to explain that this was someone’s house, and not a park. In fact, I counted at least ten houses with significant water features. Maybe they get a tax break. Maybe one person started it and the rest of them copied the idea in a “whatever you can do, I can do better” kind of competition. I remember when all it took to be macho was having a loud and fast car. I have since replaced that idea with having a lighter and more expensive bike with best head unit.

I do intend to show my girlfriend the places, but I am going to have to find somewhere to park the car. It isn’t a busy road, but the shoulder isn’t too wide, and very few people seem to worry about the speed limit.

I noticed a number of properties up for sale on my cycling route. Sadly, all of them are beyond the means of this humble ESL teacher. Actually, even if they were not beyond my means, I think the amount of upkeep (in terms of either labour or money) would be too much for me. However, when you’re on the bike and cruising through the countryside, you are allowed to dream.

I didn’t feel like I had set any speed records, but Strava explained that I had done my “Personal Best” on a double digit amount of segments.

Resolution To One Issue

In case I left anyone hanging by not concluding my story about my poorly functioning mouse, I just wanted to clue you in on the resolution.

I was pretty sure I was going to get a replacement, I just didn’t know if I was going to order one online, or go to the store and pick it up. I searched online and found many likely candidates at various price points. I figured I could quickly buy one and maybe even bundle it with some books that have been on my wish list for quite some time. The thing is I realized that I actually wanted to touch the thing as size and comfort level were going to be somewhat important.

After delays due to things beyond my control, I finally had the chance to go out today and pick one up. I chose a store that was convenient to me. Since Covid 19 we haven’t received too many flyers, so I didn’t even know if there was a sale or not. It is “back to school”, or so they believe at this point in time, so I expected things like computers and accessories to be on sale. As it turned out, one of my choices was on sale and I am now the proud owner of a new wireless mouse.

As I indicated would be most likely in the post, I salvaged an older, corded, mouse from the electronic scrap pile awaiting e-waste day. It was okay, but not much more than that. If I didn’t have to teach online, I probably could have put up with it for a while longer. However, the cord dangled and tickled my knees, it clicked loudly, and it scrolled…well, saying it scrolled is pretty much what I can say about it.

There are other things I could have spent money on–my back wheel isn’t true and a new one seems like the best option. I also should think about new, and slightly wider, tires. Also there are walls to paint and tools to buy. I could go on forever.

Now I just have to figure out how to use this new “block editor.

Climbing a Hill

Sometimes responsibilities pile up and I can’t get out on the bike.  Sadly, not getting out on the bike can become a habit like getting out on the bike is.  If you leave it too long, one day you find dust on your bike and wonder what happened.  You also find out your pants no longer fit–but that is another story.

Tonight we went out for a short ride.  Having missed some time in the saddle, I wasn’t particularly great at the start.  However, I found my legs somewhere in the middle and had some nice personal bests on Strava.  Based on how things are going this year, I didn’t really expect that.

It was a rather hot day, but I brought plenty of liquids and I fueled up appropriately for the ride.  The scenery around where I live can be pretty nice and I really should take some film of the ride one day.  We passed by regional forests and skirted a big lake.  Despite the heat, I really enjoyed it.

If you cycle, you know how easy it is to call the moment when you crest a hill and suddenly gravity kicks in and you take off perfect.  However, if you really cycle, you know how great it is to climb that hill with authority.  You know how great it is to really push the speed going up hill to the point that you are spent exactly as you crest the hill, but your legs keep pedaling.  That is Today’s Perfect Moment

Brand New Blacktop

I didn’t manage to get much done off of today’s “To Do” list.  Instead, I played hooky and took my bike out for a ride.  Until the moment I left, I wasn’t even sure I would get out the door, but it was a good thing I did.

I came across a sight which may actually bring tears to a cyclist’s eyes.  I found some brand new paved road.  I came across some pristine blacktop.  I may not have the slickest (you can also read most expensive) tires, but on that surface they felt like a million dollar set.

Roads in this area take a beating and the freezing and thawing that happens from Autumn till the end of Spring do a number on them.  There are so many roads with so many potholes, ruts, and cracks.  One of the best things about club riding is that the people ahead usually point them out before my front wheel finds them on its own.

Other Notes from the road

My girlfriend was surprised at me calling out the cyclists who did not return my wave in a previous post.  Today I passed about 10 different riders and only two failed to meet my etiquette expectations.  I guess we will call that progress.

I cycled through a town called  Lemonville…..I kid you not.

I felt pretty good cycling today and managed a few moderate climbs.  I still miss group rides and the pace setting, but there is no point whining about that.  Hopefully group rides will be allowed in July.  If I am still working from home, and that looks to continue until September, I will have plenty of opportunities to ride.

A little bummed that Strava put some of their data behind a pay wall.  I understand why and were I a little more dedicated, I would probably pay the subscription.  I didn’t look at that data every ride and I am much more likely to get a Garmin with a power meter anyway.

Notes from the Road

Getting out on my bike was great today.  I started out poorly, but finally got my legs before the turnaround.  It was hot and humid, but I am not complaining.  I had been feeling fatigued from work….or lack of sleep….or all that physical distancing.  I thought I was handling the whole “lockdown” thing well, but I can see it is starting to feel like a real burden.  I hadn’t been on my bike lately, and I am glad I finally took the opportunity to get outside.

It would be easy to say riding my bike was Today’s Perfect Moment, but there are a few others–perhaps a little more subtle, and definitely a bit more specific–that more truly deserve the honour.

The first is that I passed a couple going the other way about five kilometres from the turnaround.  That put them about ten kilometres ahead of me.  I caught up to them at about the three quarters mark.  They might have stopped for break, or they might not have.  I shouldn’t have been so competitive, but that’s what they get for not acknowledging my friendly wave on the way out.

The other is getting the bike up to almost 60kms an hour.  It is always fun when the bike is really moving.  It was just after a slight downhill and I used the momentum from the descent and my leg power to get me up to speed.

Other thoughts.

When I finally caught up to the couple I mentioned before, I was in a bit of a quandry.  I knew I was going to overtake them, but I wondered how I could do it and still keep physical distance.  If the road was clear, that wouldn’t be a problem.  However, we were in an area of heavier traffic and I couldn’t count on that.  It is kind of like when I go shopping and don’t want to approach anyone.  Luckily for me they made a left turn as I caught up.  I was going straight and they had taken up residence in the left turn lane.

Only a few of the cyclists I encountered acknowledged my wave.  While this isn’t a big deal, it sort of is.  I consider it politeness, and part of cycling etiquette.  One of the best things about cycling is the camaraderie I feel out there.  When people disregard it, or (giving them the benefit of the doubt) are unaware of it, I feel a bit sad.

I also really miss group rides.  Thanks to liability and insurance issues, the club can’t meet.  Probably groups of riders are getting together anyway, but since I am not in tight with so many people in the group, I don’t want to be a party-crasher.  I just miss the motivation of a group ride.  I also miss drafting behind Big John–but who wouldn’t.

Cold and Windy

Even though I woke up to a snow covered driveway again, I was determined to get outside today.  Even though it was colder than the first day I rode, I was determined to get on my bike and ride.  Even though it was Good Friday and the physical distance affected line up to get fish and chips was probably going to be long, I was determined to ride a greater distance than my first day.

Because that is what I did, I can easily call that Today’s Perfect Moment.  I even remembered to bring my inflation equipment just in case. It was pretty windy and a bit cool to be wearing bike shorts, but you do what you have to do.

I shot the above video today and spent far too long editing it.  It is too long and the cuts are pretty horrible.  Feel free to abandon watching whenever you want.  I just wanted to try out my action camera and start to learn about editing.  I used the rudimentary software that came with the computer and it did an okay job the first time.  I tried to cut most of the scenes down further, but either my mouse wasn’t sensitive enough or I have absolutely no coordination.

I downloaded the software that was recommended by the vlogger Seth’s Bike Hacks (it’s a pretty cool channel and I encourage you to check it out) but I couldn’t seem to import the video footage to the software.  Rather than become frustrated I decided to work with the easier program.  I am sure I will take more video in the future.

Five Continents and Counting…

Long time readers to this blog will know that I often have a tough time deciding on things and then have a tough time committing to the decision I made. This is true with food, clothes, and joining activities.  This is true with travel plans.  I really don’t like to look so far ahead, but these trips have a way of filling up before I am usually ready to commit.

However, with ten months to go, I have committed to cycling around South Africa with Exodus. (I am going to have to make a new addition to my travel section).  At the urging of my British friend, we chose to forgo the typical Asian trips we’ve been on to do something else.  So now we are cycling around the cape and I might finally develop a taste for wine.

When I think back, it is quite interesting how that first cycling trip to Vietnam changed the way I thought about vacations and opened my world up to so much more.  I took that trip after more than a year of thinking about it.  I was inspired by the Lonely Planet/Globe Trekker program and the wonderful episode featuring Justine Shapiro.  She made Vietnam seem so accessible and fifteen or twenty years later, I was there.  Group travel had never seemed appealing, but that trip changed all that.  I met some great people and had a wonderful experience.

Since then I have been to Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam (again) and Costa Rica.  My food options have opened up and travel has become a big part of my life.  Best of all, everywhere I have visited has had some amazing coffee.  This year, I am scheduled to go to Colombia and South Africa.  By the end of the year, I will have visited five continents.  That is amazing.  Who knows what the future will bring?

Monday’s Perfect Moment is definitely all about signing up for more adventures and making my world a smaller place.

Cyclists Spotted

Despite being December, the day was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was shining and the snow was melting.  The birds weren’t singing because they had long ago migrated to warmer climates.  It wasn’t balmy, but it was warmer than it had been in quite some time.  I was out driving on an errand.

It was then that I came face to face with Today’s Perfect Moment. First I caught side of the lead rider, then a pack behind them.  At first, I was looking for identifying clothing to brand them part of my cycling club.  Then I wondered if they should have been riding in better, tighter formation.  Then I wondered what they were doing out in December.  Then I got envious.

My club does not officially ride in the colder months. Members of the club do get together for rides, but these are not officially sanctioned rides as our insurance coverage does not extend to the winter months.  Slushy or icy roads, salt, churned up debris, and frosty temperatures are legitimate hazards.  I have never ridden in winter, but today was one of those days when I really wish I did.

I took a look at the clothes of the riders. They were definitely bundled up against the elements:  long legged bibs, thicker jackets, heavier gloves, shoe covers, scarves, and surely some earmuffs or toques on under those helmets.  It was a great sight to behold and easily worthy of being called Today’s Perfect Moment.

When I was younger, I remember riding on those colder months. My lungs were on fire when I stopped and the amount of heat my body had to generate was astounding.  Painful as it was, I certainly knew I was alive.