Life without industry is guilt, industry without art is brutality. -John Ruskin, author, art critic, and social reformer (1819-1900)
P,
See you at Maple Fudge station at 9:15 – in my orange skidoo suit. W
Hi Patrice, I will see if I can book an earlier time and will let you know today, Either way I will call Whirlygig (as I know he is one with the 21st century and has mobile communications at his disposal) ,see where you guys are and try and slip in en route. Cheers, Al
Hi Pat,
Re reading you email I see you are talking about a Thursday ride not Friday as I was thinking, Is that the case? If so let me know asap. Thanks, Al
Goodmorning,
Happy birthday Cora Lee. We hope you will have a wonderful day with your family. We're now on our way back to Vancouver, at the ferry. We've spotted some wonderful killer whales yesterday. A visit to the parliament building in Victoria was nice.
A very big hugh from all of us. Met vriendelijke groet, Karin Harkema
Hi Famiglia Harkema!
Delighted to learn that all went so well with ferry, Butchart Gardens, hotel and whale watching arrangements for domani! For our part, we certainly enjoyed your visit. Flamin' and Sarge send their regards as well. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this evening. I drove them downtown after we had drinks and appetizers on their deck.
Just waiting for Chloe to bring Ayn from the airport. Cora Lee sends best wishes to everyone. We both hope that the rest of your Canadian holiday goes smoothly and is all you hope it will be. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!
PS: I plan to roast aardappelen tomorrow so we have plenty of overlefts!
Hi Pseudo-Cyclist in Chains and Backyard Gardener!
Mr Potatoe Head knows some of this but I thought I'd fill you, Giggster, in on some of the ride and non-ride related details. This evening, Big Al's son, Jesse, is playing at The Backstage Lounge. Aviator Glasses is the band. Coleen and Al will come over to the Islay Inn, probably after 8:00pm, to have a bit of a visit before we head for venue. Ayn is absolutely delighted to be able to see them. She will be out at her Uncle Eric's earlier but will probably be home by 10:00am and will walk over to GI if we have left already. You folk are more than welcome to join us if you would like to do so. I imagine I will only stay for one set. Bring your earplugs if you decide to attend!
Mr Potatoe Head knows some of this but I thought I'd fill you, Giggster, in on some of the ride and non-ride related details. This evening, Big Al's son, Jesse, is playing at The Backstage Lounge. Aviator Glasses is the band. Coleen and Al will come over to the Islay Inn, probably after 8:00pm, to have a bit of a visit before we head for venue. Ayn is absolutely delighted to be able to see them. She will be out at her Uncle Eric's earlier but will probably be home by 10:00am and will walk over to GI if we have left already. You folk are more than welcome to join us if you would like to do so. I imagine I will only stay for one set. Bring your earplugs if you decide to attend!
Terrific that Big Al could hook up, surreptitiously, on the CSTB, for the ride out to Iona, especially since we didn't have Robo Man half-wheeling us and picking up Lycra Babes! After the Richmond Loop and the Cypress Grind, Welder Man went east on 37th and Whirlygig defected on Maple, I made for UBC. Felt pretty good and really enjoyed some extended dipsy-doodles around campus to head down UBC Hill with 71K on the clock. Was able to hit 56kph on descent, given recently resurfaced road. This figures as when I was back at The Heartbreak Terrace, (81.33K, 4.5 hours), I noticed that my rear wheel was dragging as I walked under the parkade door. At first I thought the brake pad was stuck but when I jostled the wheel it wobbled a good 2-4" from side to side! I didn't have time to investigate as I had a dental appointment in about 45 minutes and needed a quick shower.
After cleaning up I was going to ride my other bike to MacDonald and Broadway but the rear tire was so low, (Not surprising, as it hadn't been ridden in ages.), I didn't want to risk damaging the tire. I also didn't know if it was a slow leak and really didn't want to be stranded along the way, with no Domestiques, (In case you, Dear Reader, are not following the Tour de France, a "domestique" is a road bicycle racer who works for the benefit of his team and leader.), to come to my aid! Instead, I popped the other bike on the rack, noting, once again, Big AL's superlative re-positioning of the illuminated license plate, (I still don't have a court date!), and made for Reckless. Dropped it off, telling Larcenator that I'd be back with special anti-theft key, (In my haste, I'd forgotten to bring it along. Meant to prevent someone from stealing your wheels or saddle. Last October someone stole my saddle from in front of Pacific Cinémathèque while I was doing my volunteer shift at the VIFF! Had to ride home, over the Granville Bridge, standing up, worried, all the while, in case I forgot about the potentially emasculating stem below my cajones, entire way back!), after my dental appointment.
Before all this kerfuffle over flat tire, etc., transpired, I'd called Sara at WestPoint and she told me that latest reconfiguration, (shortened grip extension on drop handlebars as well as second pair of brakes on bar so that one doesn't have to lean over as far), on Madone 6 had been done and it was ready for a test ride. Cleaning finished, I drove, flashing my pearly whites, at one and all, all and sundry, to Highbury and 10th, to park just around the corner from WPC. Sara wasn't in, (In fact, she had gone for a run along Jericho/Spanish Banks), but other staff knew about bike so seat height was adjusted a tad and I took off.
Made for 4th and headed towards Jericho myself as I wanted to try new positioning on flat stretch paralleling the water. Brake activation was far, far more comfortable BUT I still felt that the drop bars are not for me. I only went as far as the first food kiosk as I didn't really feel like "attacking" the UBC Hill with the earlier ride still in my legs, so to speak. Turned around and Sara was in the store when I returned. (We wondered if we'd passed each other at some point.)
Told her about my feeling of comfort and she understood so she booked me in for a fitting. (I went at 1:00pm today). According to notes on fitting form it was to configure the road bike in question to my hybrid style handlebar positioning, etc. Was quite curious to experience this process, as, by chance, my dental hygienist recently underwent same for her new steel, commuter bike, ($2,000), and she told me a bit about what went on as she was scraping and chiseling the plaque. I thanked Sara and made my way home. Pumped up my rear tire and rode to Reckless with key. When I arrived, Lars told me that there was no nut on the axel shaft, just a nutcase riding the bike. I shudder to think what might have happened had the wheel dislodged itself, anywhere on the earlier ride, let alone while hurtling down the UBC Hill! Look what happened to Lee Bachus after his front fork disintegrated. Of course, I don't know if the wheel would have "fallen" off, given the right set of circumstances or the rest of the hardware, motion, etc, would have kept it in place while riding. Will have to quiz Lars when I pick up bike. Nevertheless, I don't think it was a good thing, Dear Reader! One summersault over the handlebars is more than quite enough!!!
That evening we toasted Cora Lee with a bottle of Sandhill Pinot Blanc, (I had put a bottle of Champagne in fridge when I came back from test ride and then into the freezer, after my shower, in to make sure it was cold enough. Chloë didn't know about the bubbly so she opened the aforementioned PB and I completely forgot about the bottle in the freezer with all the commotion surrounding birthday toasts and the opening of the gifts. It finally struck me this morning when I was composing part of this message and I rushed to the freezer to find a shattered bottle with Champagne ice-cream sprayed all over the shelf the bottle had rested upon! Had to be quite careful cleaning up as there were shards of glass everywhere.), and she opened her gifts before Sarge dropped us off at Vij's.
There was a long waiting list so after Chloë out her name on the list we went for a stroll to visit her friend Katie who lives behind the Toys R Us store on Broadway, only three or four blocks away. It was a most pleasant evening and so walk was lovely. Funnily enough, just as we turned the corner on 12th and Granville and moved past the window of what used to Star Anise who should we see sitting inside but Cheryl Cowan. We got to know her through Dave when he played at VRC. They divorced some time ago and, sad to say, I don't think she has ever recovered. Don't know any of the details but to all of us, (At different stages, Ayn and Chloë both used to babysit their boys.), she certainly gives no evidence, whenever we've bumped into her, of the vibrant personality she once possessed. We had a brief visit and then continued on to Katie's. Her young daughter, Emma, was just finishing her bath, and she and Brian, her husband, brought Emma into the courtyard and we visited there. There place is quite small and it was baking inside, apparently.) We had a brief visit. Ayn had never met Emma or Brian before so she was pleased at the opportunity to do so. Auntie Chloë let Emma use her fan, (a gift from Toshi, in Japan), and then we waved goodbye and returned to Vij's.
Had to wait on the patio outside but it was delightful. We sipped on a Laughing Stock Pinot Gris and snacked on the delish, complimentary appetizers brought around. Were seated at around 9:30pm and proceeded to confirm our meal selections. We'd all had time to peruse menu while waiting and as soon as a few questions we asked, our choices were made known to the kitchen. Ayn and I shared the Samosas filled with lamb and beef sauteed in fennel, cloves and sumac, Cora Lee and Chloë the Curried chickpeas and sweet potatoe-ricotta "cookies". For mains, Cora Lee chose the Wine marinated lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry on tumeric and spinach potatoes; Ayn decided upon the Beef shortribs braised in yogurt, tomatoe and cumin curry; Chloë ordered the Sang-paneer with Punjabi daal and chapati and I was set to have the Rajasthani style goat meat with mildly spiced vegetables.
Ordered another bottle of the Laughing Stock PG while Ayn continued with trying different cocktails. She had an Indian mojito and a Bombay sake on the patio and wanted the Dark Army with dinner. I had a sip of each and liked them all! During the course of the meal, I toasted the new BC Gold Card Holder and we sang a very, very muted version of For She's a Jolly Good Fellow, much to the relief of the Birthday Goil! Food was truly delicious and we declined dessert, content to let our tummies settle on walk home. We were at Granville, just before bridge, at 11:30pm and I asked group if they still wanted to see The Dark Knight Rises at the midnight screening! (While I was in the shower, Chloë had shouted to ask me if I wanted to go to this showing and even then I knew it was far too much activity piled on top of everything, especially after the ride, (Not Whirlygig's 100.33K but still a good push for me.), and what I imagined the alcohol intake might be that evening!) All I received, for my trouble, were nasty glares from The SIsterhood! At least from this point on, they couldn't complain about sore feet! Back home to wish Coriandre Happy Birthday again and then goodnight to all as everyone made straight for bed. All in all quite a 65th Birthday Day!
At any rate, weather permitting, hope to ride out to Horseshoe Bay tomorrow afternoon. Cora Lee will meet me, with my vehicle, there and I'll put bike on the rack for trip to Squamish. Will spend night with friends, Ruth and Rick, as it is their annual summer bbq. Again, hope to ride back home, from HB, on Sunday, probably around noon. Let me know if you are interested or able to join one or the other or both proposed rides. Cheers, Il Conduttore!
Hi Patrick. I must apologise for not replying sooner. For some reason your email ended up in my spam folder. Very odd - it's never done that before. Normally I don't bother looking in the spam folder and just delete the contents every so often. For some reason I decided to have a look before deleting!
Your ride to the Island sounded very interesting. You had the patience of Job regarding the bike key episodes! Glad everything worked out in the end! I'm quite jealous of your future acquisition of a carbon fibre bike. Every time I go into town I head to the cycle dealer and drool over the Specialised S Works on display but cannot justify a purchase at my age! Maybe if I win the lottery I will treat myself! Gayle will be cycling with me to Trelissick gardens tomorrow. This is a National Trust property located on the river Fal. Will stop for a cream tea at the cafe there and then head down to Point and Devoran along the river and back via the Bissoe bike trail. Looks as though it will be a sunny day and temperatures not too high (high teens) so perfect for cycling.
I have been watching the Tour de France over the last couple of weeks. It's been a good tour so far for Great Briton and, fingers crossed, Wiggans can win it. He has been in the sadle for over 74 hours so far and has kept the yellow jersey for most of it. This would be a great start to the Olympics if he can pull it off. Your wine selections made me salivate! I will make a note to see if any are available over here.
Marnie, Antony and our little grandson spent last week with us. Oh and Whistler the dog! Had a lovely visit with them Tristan is 7 months old and is a dear little chap. Pretty full-on week so Gayle and I were shattered by the time they left! Just trying to keep the dog and cats seperated was a chore! Few pictures attached.
Yes we will be over on Aug 26th. Krissy wore me down with her constant pestering! Mind you it didn't take much persuading. It will be nice to be able to help them out a bit with dog sitting, cooking and cleaning! We must get together while we are there. We will bring you over a couple of circular walk books and maybe indicate which ones we feel you would enjoy doing. Tell Cora Lee we are about 5 miles from Truro. This is the town I was born and brought up in.
Incidentally, both Gayle and I did the Grouse Grind about three year ago. Now you know I am not one to brag Patrick since it is not in my nature but I have to tell you that I did it in 1 hour 10 minutes - Krissy can vouch! Damn near killed me! In the same week the kids got us to do the Chief which I actually found more challenging since there was no cable car to take back down not to mention the fact there is no beer and nachos waiting at the top of the climb. I'm convinced they were trying to kill us off!
We are now off to walk to my sisters allotment to see if there are any vegetables we can pinch to have with our dinner!
Best wishes to you all (will check my spam folder in future!)
HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY CORA LEE FOR THE COMING WEEK. Hope your foot is healing and that Patrick will spoil you on the day!!
Look forward to seeing you next month. Best Wishes, Gayle and Derek
No comments:
Post a Comment