De-Nesting Diaries: Friday, April 12th

 A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books. -Walt Whitman, poet (1819-1892) 




Hi Patrick and Corinne

Just celebrated another birthday yesterday, meeting Laura and William in Hartlepool making the best of the weather with museum visit, coffee and then lunch overlooking the Tees Bay in unseasonable weather. Another day today only suitable for exercise bike unless one was more hardy than me- still trying to shake off colds too.

Just a random thought on cycling when you are over here.  We , that is Patrick and Jim, could do the route of the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride( somewhere between 60 and 70 miles) , hopefully with a prevailing westerly behind. One or two nasty hills but avoiding most of the really hilly country and ending up on the coast at the small Victorian Seaside resort of Filey. I did it on my road bike for charity several years ago. Personally I would have to up my training levels for that distance. We would bring the bikes back on our supporters' car maybe after having a peke at Scarborough say. I shall arrange a suitable handicap for you if you fancy this Patrick.

We are due to go down to London next week-end to support our son Richard who is attempting his first and probably only marathon. Ed our son-in-law did it three years ago and found the last couple of miles tough on what was a very warm day. Rich is having physio on a knee injury to start with.

I understand the Banks have been busy gardening recently. Sounded quite an ambitious project to me. We are looking forward to hosting Sylvia in late May. There is some talk of them coming over in 2014 when Yorkshire is hosting two days of the Tour de France. Not being Tykes we take all the Yorkshire boasting with a bit of salt including their claim to have been 10th in the Olympics Medal table.

Anyway here is a link to the route of the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride. http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Wetherby_to_Filey-Cycle-Route-987.html.

The title reminds me of driving on the "Rim of the World " route in California and the "World Series "baseball. What a cynic? Best wishes Jim and Christine

Hi Chris and Jim!

I actually started this missive last evening, before Sarge came up to collect me for curling, so I was chuffed when I opened my mail this morning to find your message! I'll just relate the game, before on to more weighty matters, as it finished with a bit of a strange twist. Everyone on our squad played very well and we were ahead 7/3 going into the 7th, (penultimate), end. Generally speaking, such a lead is well nigh impossible to overcome, so it looked like we had everything sewn up, so to to speak. On her last rock our third made a very nice touch shot to lodge between two of our opposition's rocks so they were only counting one at that time. However, the other team had a total of five rocks in the house and Sarge, inadvertently removed one of our guards on his first delivery.

Then, their skip made a beautiful touch shot to remove our sole counter to lie five after all the dust had settled! Sarge had the opportunity to return to a protected position and if successful, limit their count to three. Unfortunately he was very light on his last rock, (In spite of saying to himself, before his delivery, "Don't be light!), and although his stone was just biting the rings it didn't out count any of the opposition's stones or prevent a draw as it was completely exposed. On his last rock their skip was now shooting for six!. If he made his shot they would win by 2!

The gods were smiling on us, however, as his last rock took out two of their stones and re-arranged the rest to allow them to count but 3. Sadly, for his rink, he had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory! Sarge was, in his own words, "Some glad!" at the outcome as he was already fuming and fussing, internally, over his egregious delivery. The other team were literally stunned, in shock, in disbelief as they had been given a glimpse at a win that seemed but wishful thinking and then the impossible dream was cruelly shattered! 

Quite interesting how things can change so quickly, turn around in the twinkling of an eye. Never fails to remind me that one has always to remain focused. I have seen other, seemingly insurmountable leads, for my part, particularly in squash, slip away and turn to bitter ashes. Still, a most enjoyable evening of reasonably competitive curling and everyone was still smiling, winners and losers alike, at the end.

Anyway, had begun: "Trust that you are both well and that all the snow is gone, spring flowers everywhere and everyone wearing shorts and short-sleeves!" Sorry to learn that you are fighting colds and weather remains unseasonable. Nevertheless, Sincere Congratulations and Belated Happy Birthday, Jim! For He's  a Jolly Good Fellow..Hip Hip Hooray!!! We'll certainly have to celebrate when we visit. Cora Lee remarked that you are an incredibly young 39! Must be the stationary exercise bike and the lattes!

Regarding our upcoming visit, just had final confirmation from our travel agent for our flight to London. Leave on July 10th and actually arrive on July 11th, at Gatwick. We plan to spend four or five nights with our friend, Penny, in Mill Hill, North London, before taking the train to York. This would put us on your doorstep, so to speak, around July 15th/16th, depending on your schedule. If we are welcome and you think you can abide having us for a week or so we'd be on our way around July 22nd/23rd. These are just tentative dates so please suggest alternatives as we don't wish to impose or outstay our welcome. We are reasonably flexible so can stay longer in London and environs and leave earlier from Yorkshire for Bath, Somerset, Stonehenge, just some of the places we'd like to try to visit before arriving in Cornwall on August 1st.
 

I'd like to try to book seats on the train, as soon as possible, (now having flights confirmed), as I gather, from Raymond, that it is cheaper, well-in-advance. If you could let us know what you think about our stay with you at your earliest convenience, that would be grand. We are keen to do all or many of the outings you suggested earlier, time on your part, for the most part, allowing, of course, whether The Lake District, per esempio, visiting your relatives or simply staying at home, exploring your neighbourhood. I was certainly delighted to learn about the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride and am more than interested to do it if at all possible, especially with a support vehicle and a bevy of beauties to be waiting at each latte stop!

With respect to this very matter, I have discovered, through the Web, something called a Montague Navigator, a foldable road bike. Made in the US, they run about $1,500 here in Canada. However, I found a distributor in the UK, Evans Cycles, (I assume you might know the name.), with an outlet in York:

Unit 3., Julia Avenue, Monks Crossing Shopping park, Huntington, York, Yo32 9JR, +44(0) 1904-629-473. The 2102 model is listed for £666.66=$1,036.65! I suppose it is one sale to clear out old stock. Whether it will still be availbale wen I arrive is another matter, of course. However, I'd like to look at this type of bike as I think it would make travel much easier and then no need for a car rack. Furthermore, there is a "soft" carry bag which looks perfect for either car storage, (Even a video of bike folding up, as if by magic, and being stored in boot!), or train travel. 

If you happen to be in York, (Or elsewhere, for that matter. I haven't had time to search exhaustively for other dealers with the same model.), and are curious to take a look, I'd be interested to hear what you think. Anyway, this is line of thinking I'm pursuing at the moment. With many saved, (I had thought I'd budget around $2,000 +/-, as an initial starting point, hoping I could find something that would meet most of my "elite" requirements! Of course, I'd love a full carbon fibre steed but can't really justify expense and probably don't need one, given likely sort of riding/time, etc. Anyway, I'm pleased to find such a possibility. Much more developed sense of what I might find and purchase now than when I first began to think about having a bike overseas.

Speaking of riding, had a simply grand yesterday. Left 1t 10:11am to meet Robo Ray, (His first outing with us since he was laid low by nasty flu bug/infection. Entre nous, Giggage and I think he may well have over-taxed his system with the landscaping, lovely as it turned out to be. Talk about a man driven!!!), and Whirlygig at 25th and Maple. We followed our normal route, along Cypress all the way to Marine Drive and then over Arthur Laing to Iona. 

We knew we were going to be in for a buffeting as wind was trying to knock us sideways, over the railing, into the Fraser, as we crossed the bridge. As soon as we looped back under Grant McConachie Way were were literally riding in  a sandstorm! There is a large tract of land that is obviously being prepared for development and over the last few months work has been on-going with endless trucks dumping huge amounts of sand on the site. "Loading" is, I believe, the technical term and the weight of the sand compacts the soil below, rendering it a fit foundation. At any rate, the "hurricane" sand-blasted us until we rounded the corner on Airport Rd to Grauer Rd.

From there onto Ferguson Rd which takes one all the way to the Iona Island Causeway which terminates at Iona Beach Park. Let me tell you, the wind was ferocious, in the extreme! Given the gales we had to endure we "draft" behind one another, gaining a bit of respite from blasts from, somewhat sheltered by the rider ahead. Every 300 metres or so we'd change positions, rotating from 3rd to 1st, etc., all the way to the parking lot at the end of the road. We probably averaged between 15-17 KPH on the outward bound leg but with the wind behind us on the return we averaged about 35/36 KPH, almost 20 KPH difference! In fact, I wanted to try to make up for the slow headway so zipped along at between 38-40 KPH for short stretches. Quite remarkable how seemingly effortless it was to pedal when being pushed from behind!
 

Back over Bridgeport Rd and then past River Rock Casino to the Cambie Sky Train Bridge and then across MD up Heather. Sad to report that the relentless wind had blown all the cherry blossoms off the trees lining Heather. We made for 37th, heading west. I waved goodbye to the lads at Pine Crescent as they were both going home while I continued on out to UBC. Once I was back on Marine Drive, just past Camosun, I was bombarded, once again, by the, by this time, maddeningly unrelenting head wind. This time, however, i didn't have anyone to draft behind so I simply had to shift down and grit my teeth.

By this time I was determined not to let the wind best me so I mentally mapped out a route around UBC and Wesbrook Village, (One of my regular routes so I know most of the distances between various points along the way.), and proceeded to chalk up the necessary kilometres to give me 90 K by the time I was finished with major dipsy-doodling loops of one sort or another, (Along 16th to Imperial Drive and past St George's and then down Camosun and back along SWMD, per esempio.), and making for the Foreshore Hill. Had 94 K on the odometer at this point so I knew I was in good shape to break 100 K as it is almost exactly 10 K from there to our parking lot.
 

With the wind coming from behind on this last leg I could actually enjoy the wonderful, clear blue sky and the freighters dotting English Bay, as well as the ice-cream cone North Shore mountain peaks. Temperature was more than gorgeous, as well, of course. Sunshine on my face, what more could one ask for? Thus exhilarated, I decided I'd try to push the distance a bit so when I arrived at Kits Point I made two loops there to give me 109 K by the time I was finally making for home, dipsy-doodles finally finished! Rolled up to our garage gate with 112.3 K over 5:45:15, AVG 19.5 KPH, MAX 54.8 KPH. Must say I was pleased with both the distance and the AVG as I really didn't push things when facing the wind, head on. Just too, too exhausting, for me at least. Given this, I didn't expect the number I managed. Suppose the extra tail wind propellant helped quite a bit.

Anyway, my legs felt pretty good so I hoped I wouldn't collapse later that evening. You already know that I was curling with Sarge at 9:00pm, late draw. Flamin' is in Mexico with a number of her girlfriends so I was filling in for her. Cora Lee was downtown as she is volunteering for Matt Toner's campaign, (NDP), making phone calls. I admire her as I can't even imagine doing this.
 


Thanks again, truly, for the suggestion regarding the Wetherby to Filey Cycle Route. If it breaks me I'll simply stay with you for two months, recuperating, swilling your expensive single malt and watching Coronation Street/Spooks! Anyway, lots for you to wade through and mull over so let me know what you think about much of the above and we'll plan accordingly. Again, please don't feel beholden about length of stay, etc. Once more, many Happy Returns from Cora Lee. Fondestos to Chris. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pic: Friends Rosemary and Andre, over for dinner last Thursday. We will stay with them in Chabeuil, just southeast of Valence, some time this coming September/October. Probably leave my bike there as they have plenty of storage space.

Pat, Don’t let Ray know it was really his accelerated pace that gave you your good numbers -- in spite of ill winds. Hope we can get out again soon. W

Hi Lads!

Don't apologize for your pace Raymond. Giggster and I hope it never improves so we won't have to be chasing you down all the time! Almost glad that it is raining! Unfortunately, not too, too bad for short jaunt over Burrard to Aquatic Centre so will head out after a few more messagios! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hello all,  The final communique:

April 7 – arrived in the late afternoon at Gare de Lyon. Walked across the bridge  and caught the Metro to Place d”Italie, from where we had a short walk to our  hotel. After a bit of time devoted to cleaning up, etc., we went out for a walk.  Found a nice café in the area, and stopped for dinner. Had canard a l’orange, some wine, tiramisu, coffee and cognac. When we got back to the hotel, we met up with Bob. After doing some e-mail, went to get ready for bed.

April 8 – hit the ground running. Had to pack up and more rooms (an upgrade) because our tub/shower would not drain (big plumbing job). Then it was on to the Paris Opera – what a magnificent building! After that, we walked to the Madeline, a church that was designed to look like the Parthenon. Originally commissioned by Napoleon as a monument to the troops – until 1814, when work ceased. Then it was on to the Palais Royal, which was built for the Paris Exposition some 120 years ago. We walked across the Seine to Les Invalides and the Musee d’Orsay. Took the Metro back towards Notre Dame to look for Quasimodo. Actually, we just wanted to look around Ile Saint-Louis, behind Notre Dame. We then walked towards the Latin Quarter and found a place to get some French onion soup. After the brief respite, we caught the #69 bus to the Champs du Mars, where we looked at the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Then on towards the Metro and back to Place d”Italie.
 

April 9 – headed to the Jardin desTulieres, then Rue de Rivoli to Rue Royale towards Galerie Lafayette – supposedly the world’s first department store – and definitely one of the grandest and most elegant. Paris truly is a shopper’s paradise. Then went back down Rue Royale to the Hotel Lotti for a cheese plate and a glass of wine. From there, wandered along the shops of St. Honore and Fauberg to Haussmann and finally to the Champs Elysees. Of course, we had to walk up to the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs Elysees was packed with people, even late in the day. Finally, back to the hotel.

April 10 – Bob left for CDG early thin morning. Will be in Edmonton later today – will be a culture shock. We headed to the Catacombs – weird!!!!! Strange job – arranging bones in orderly stacks – gives new meaning to the term “graveyard shift”. Then took the Metro to Madeline and walked over to the Orangerie, another Paris gallery, this one featuring Impressionists. It was very nice. Had some enormous Monet’s. 

Then went down to the river and caught the Batobus – an aquatic version of the Hop-on, Hop-off tour buses. Went down one side of the Seine and up the other. Stops included Champs Eylsees, Tour Eiffel, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes, Cite, and the Louvre. Did the whole circuit, and got off at Eiffel to take the Metro back to the hotel. Had some wine (another Margaux) and sustenance, and then headed back to the Batobus to do the Tour Eiffel to Cite section in the dark. Fantastic views!!! Then hotel and bed, as tomorrow we leave for Montreal.

Hello Parigians or perhaps Montrealers!

Your wonderful gastronomic adventures and sightseeing exploits brought back endless fond memories of our time in the fabulous City of Light in October 2012. We visited many of the same venues, obviously, but don' think we managed to see the city and some of its remarkable sights, by night, they way you seemed to have done. Makes me desperate to plan our coming trip to allow for some time there again. Welcome back to Canada when you touch down! Cheers, Patizzio!

Hi, Patrick.

Splendid - Monday the 22nd is great.   Let's say . . . 6:30 p.m.?  Will that give you enough time for dinner?  

No, I won't construct a huge cake and frosting edifice or bake 10 different kinds of pie.  But I will pick up something non-gluten, like gourmet ice cream - will check labels.  (There is a certain amount of self-interest in this plan, needless to say.)

Wow - you must have put as much on your bike in a week as I have in the whole time that I've owned mine.   I have been out to UBC a few times.  Also, I did go out to Iona once  - a  very short and unambitious cycling endeavour compared to your daily outings.  Following a route outlined in Easy Cycling Around Vancouver, I took my bike out to Richmond by bus and Canada Line (part of my purpose was to "practise" bolting it to a bus, which was no problem.)    I then cycled to Iona.  It was a bit hair-raising, as what seemed like dozens of transports were rushing past, to a construction site at the south side of the airport.  Once I got to the park, I rode down to the end of the spit (4 km each way) which was a bit wobbly, as it is a gravel path (beside the walkway).

Anyhow, I was totally daunted by the prospect of cycling back with all those transports whizzing around, so I cycled the bucolic part on the return trip -- but called my friend Dan, who took the knight-in-shining-armour role and brought his pickup out to collect me and the bike.  Which is sort of embarrassing to admit, especially to an accomplished cyclist like you - but that's what happened.

I'm sure there's hope yet, though.  Your daily messages are inspiring!  Are they from your blog? 

See you on the 22nd - I'm really looking forward to it.  Meanwhile, I'm getting exciting about my 3rd trip in India.   Just this morning,  I got the latest version of my itinerary from the operator in India.  It's quite an endeavour putting it together - reading guidebooks, checking maps, deciding where I want to go and what I want to see.  But planning is half the fun and it's fantastic to be able to customize it to my interests and needs.  Worked out wonderfully in January 2012. Janet

Hi Janet!

Terrific that we have finally been able to settle on a date! We'll see you at 6:30pm, on the Monday, the 22nd. Thanks for wondering about time for dinner but I'm sure we won't need much, if anything. As I mentioned, Corinne will be attending a luncheon herself and I usually eat a late lunch after cycling or swimming so "gourmet" ice-ream seems like a wonderful idea!!!

Speaking of planning trips, funnily enough, with you mentioning your own India itinerary, I was composing a message to Jim Brownlee, friends near York, we plan to visit in July.

I know exactly what you are talking about with respect to trucks, on the Iona route, believe me, as we've ridden in the thick of them, over last two years or so! However, most of the construction seems to be finished, at least on the new Canad Post Terminal and so there are very few, if any, large construction vehicles now. At least this has been or experience of late. I assume this will change, unfortunately for cyclists, at some point as there is obviously a fair bit of undeveloped land that is being prepared or already prepared, to a certain degree, for more development. Had this brought home, in spades, on yesterday's ride. 

You are too, too kind to say my messages are inspiring but I do hope they will help you to start riding again. Furthermore, I do think you were quite right in asking for help from your friend. No sense at all in being uncomfortable. Accidents are far more likely to occur when that is the case, I'm sure.

With respect to my blog, such as it is, I use my correspondence as the basis for my journal entries. Consequently, I "inflict" upon my friends and relatives with details that they probably care not a fig to hear about! Still, only a delete key away!

Almost glad that it is raining now! Fortunately, heavily enough to dissuade me form taking the short jaunt over Burrard to the Aquatic Centre. Rationalize not going out as I have to do a host, nay a plethora, of other things related to trip and household. Not to mention starting income tax returns! Take care of your foot. See you a week Monday. Cheers, Patizzio!

Patrick

We'll check out the York shop but in the meantime this site:

 http://montaguebikes.co.uk/

appears to have the best selection of Montague/Swiss bikes( a brand name of Montague). Prices seem to vary from say £500 to £2500 depending on road/off road etc. Halfords also have them but only by on line ordering.

Your dates are fine by us although Chris might just have an occasional half day teaching commitment at Pool Primary School that week which I think we could work round anyway.

I have to say, until I looked in a Harrogate bike shop window just the other day I hadn't seen a macho folding bike( I exclude Moulton bikes) since khaki ones with a big thumb screw appeared ex army in the late 50s. I didn't try and lift one or assemble one so can't comment on their efficacy but I am sure our paratroopers managed somehow whilst carrying 100lbs and a rifle.

I hope I made it clear that we would do the GYBR route but not the event which is in June.

So please go ahead and book your trains based on around these days- i say around in case you find price differences when you come to book according to the exact day. Typically the cheapest fares demand you travel on  particular trains and one normally books two separate singles rather than a return ticket - ie with flexibility comes cost. It is  about 2 hours to York from Kings Cross. Find time to pop into the adjacent St Pancras station where the Euro trains run from since it is a very impressive renovation- after it was almost knocked down- with a giant statue of John Betjeman who helped to save it.. Kings Cross itself is much improved with an impressive glazed roof.

 I shall have your temporary bike ready on arrival weather permitting unless of course we have your folded bike there for you already to assemble.

Which model do you favour, on or off road?

Quite a turn around in your curling match. The only memory I have of anything similar was during my extremely short competitive squash career when I  was two sets up  comfortably and hardly won another point. I was obviously completely predictable or he had just finished eating.

I await to hear further of your plans and assume the bike purchase can wait a week or two? Regards Jim

Pat,

    Viewed the Montague Navigator road bike and it looks good with an excellent  folding capacity of 36" x 28" x 12". At 27 lbs, I think it's about the weight of the Rocky Mountain I rode on Friday so it should be good for longer rides also. The Yorkshire ride to Filey should be a decent scenic ride and, as I mentioned, that coastline is certainly worth a look. Ray

David Kessler

Happiness is....tuning in on the TV to the first Tigers-Athletics game of the year while a gorgeous sunset begins off the balcony, and knowing that I'm heading to the Coliseum tomorrow to see the teams play in person!!! Friday night! And only 11 Mondays to go before I retire!

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  Wayne Sutherland What are you going to do with no one to make lunches for. Come to Vancouver