THOUGHT I'D CHECK OUT A NEW TRAIL

In the local park by me (Earl Bale) I decided to check out the old trails the winter has exposed. The soil is too muddy to ride but I thought I'd ride over for a look/see. Need a week of warmer, dryer weather. There are trails and even an area of tricks....need a little work but the result could be awesome for riding. Cant help but notice all the garbage in the gulley. Makes you wonder.

ICEBREAKER IN A WEEK.......

The Uxbridge Icebreaker Mtb race...the 1st of the season is April 01 and I thought I'd check out the conditions at Durham Forest. Very tough riding. Icy with a few cm of ice coarse slush on top. I had new tires....like ski-doo treads and yet I had a tough time. Not sure if I will be racing next week...have to see how the week goes...

XC SKIING AT HARDWOOD HILLS

Today was a great sunny day....went to Hardwood Hills to ski with the TBN gang. Had to apply tons of klister to stick to the trails. There is no doubt that this was the last ski day of the season for me....the temps will go up this week and maybe we will have another snow fall like fridays' but I feel the skiis will go to the back of the closet and the bikes come out to enjoy the day.
Is Hardwood Hills up for sale? That is the question on my mind....a few For Sale signs on the lower south property. That is not the mtn biking area but I hope the main ski area is not lost to mtb's

SPRING SKIING

One of the special activities that I enjoy is spring skiing. Out west it's downhill in our shorts and t-shirts. Here in Ontario its XC skiing. Went with TBN (Toronto Bike Network) to the Mansfield Outdoor Centre and the sun was glorious. I enjoy Mansfield because the trails are serpentine thru the forest with just enough hills to keep a smile on your face.

Sadly, Mansfield is the location of one of Canadas two IMBA Cross Country Mountain Bike Trails. The other is the 7 Summits in Rossland. Sadly...because Mansfield is closed to mountain biking 'cept for special races.

Makes you appreciate the area more on days like today!

COUNCILLOR BOB FORD SPEAKS!

Yesterday in the Toronto Star, Councillor Bob Ford was quoted;

"I can't support bike lanes. Roads are built for buses, cars, and trucks. My heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it's their own fault at the end of the day."

Obviously we know someone who didnt get his little red bike when he was young. I urge anyone and everyone to email this cat. If you're a cyclist stand up for your right to be on the road. As a human stand up because the people voted in to office shouldnt be so superior to those they serve.

This is his email;
councillor_ford@toronto.ca

This is his Ward;
http://www.toronto.ca/wards2000/ward2.htm

I'm getting pissed listening to the politicians talk about going green but not building bike lanes and the Conservation Authorities banning mountain bikes from green space without any input from the various cycle organizations. If we all work together everyone would be happy ('cept for Councillor Ford) and perhaps the solutions for one problem would contribute to solving a greater array of problems. Just a thought.

2007 TORONTO BIKE SHOW

A cool day outside but the deals were hot inside. A great day spent with friends. Good deals on much needed equipment. I spent way too much money!

THE GANG!

Each of us had a differnet reason to be at the show which meant that we all visited each booth and looked hard for the deals that each of us were looking for. And there were great deals to be found.

THE SHOW!

MY DREAM BIKE

Stopped at the Rocky Mtn booth to have a look at the bike I am thinking of buying at the end of this year....the ETSX 70. Was surprised how heavy it was....that may be the only stumble. I am looking for a lighter faster able to climb wicked hills bike.

THE START OF A NEW BIKE!

I paid a visit to Peter at Misfitpsycles and walked out with a frame. The start of my new single speed mtn bike! Need to figure out what components to install. Any ideas?

CRANK BROS EGGBEATER

I was trying to find these in the full stainless steel models and luckily at Northern Cycles I found what I needed...bought some new shoes (Specialized MTN Comp) so there is one last item on my list for 2007; a new full suspension mtn bike.

ITS THE SWAG!