Seasonal Paradise

Shiny Canadian Carbon Bike

We're in Victoria, Canada for a couple of months. My mother, brother and girlfriend (and a member of the Courtland Brooks team) and two nephews are here. Rather than rent a car we decided to cycle and bus around town. I've bought a completely inappropriate bike for the occasion. An all carbon Canadian made Norco CRD, reduced from $2150 CDN to $1500. That's a hell of deal for an all-carbon bike. Its as fast as a bus, and I can usually meet Irena within a few minutes of the end of her cushy bus rides. I'm losing weight nicely because the extra exercise, and Irena is swimming at the local rec center while I look after our babies. 

Irenas First Hill

At the top of Irenas first hill, in the Wolds, on her first bike ride in England, on her first ride on her new bike, the first bike she's ever owned.

Dawn Ride

I've not sat on a road bike in 16 years. This morning I took a trek through Prague and through to the Czech countryside at dawn. I rode South from the Charles bridge, past the yacht club and down to the golf club. Great! Nothing hurts. Then I discovered my limits by hanging a left and going up an extended 1 in 7 climb that kicked my ass. I had to stop three times on the hill, no less. Pitiful. I've got a lot of work to do. Last time I was riding a road bike I was a teenager, 40 lbs lighter. That's like hauling an extra bike and a half around.  ~19km with my detour.  Map it.

Taking The Rough With The Smooth

The cycle path on the way in to Prague is quite precarious. The lines are smooth, the rest is cobblestones, which are amplified by superhard 23c tires. Off in the distance, in the middle of the shot sits Prague Castle.

Dump The Car, Ride a Bike

Prague is a great walking city but it would be nice to bike around and through to the Czech countryside. I treated myself to a bike today. I wonder if I'll ever get the legs to be able to do the California Death Ride. 129 miles over 5 mountain passes. I put my cycling buddy, from my years cycling as  a teen in England, up to training for the Death Ride and he surprised me by handing his car over to his girlfriend and committing to cycle 12 miles to work and 12 miles home each day.  He'll be 'fit as a butchers dog' in no time. Gulp! I'd better get with the program.

Sasha's First Sit On a Bicycle

Bicycle Oops

Bicycle Oops
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Poor Irena. We were cycling out to our favorite coffee shop and work hangout and the crank fell off her bicycle. Perhaps it's an omen that we shouldn't be working on Memorial Day.

Lindsey Roads Cycling Club

I'm on the far left. My friends Dave Bunn and Neil Bunn are on my right. We would race on these training rollers and train on them in the winter.