June Riding

[shootingstar]

So have been riding on new saddle after my 10 yr. old saddle got busted after a lot of use.
My distances this year has been under 50km. so far, which is ok so far, since half of the time, I'm riding with weight of my commuter business clothing /groceries. More physical effort Yesterday, we rode to our favourite Italian store where there is a terrific deli-café onsite. They are major distributor of Italian groceries for Western Canada also. Italian-Canadians hang out there plus locals in the know and workers from industrial parks nearby. Place is near the airport..which you can appreciate those areas in North American cities, tend to be surburban/industrial areas. Strangely by bike through 50% of route is only on road, it's only 12 km. one way from home downtown. It's a strange sensation that the cycling route is actually shorter than by car because we are cycling through valley park pathways that bypass circuitous road areas, intersections and....some traffic lights.

Then went did a detour to a local building materials and hardware store where of course, they don't have bike racks. At least the place is only 10 metres away from park pathway route. Same for 2 other places in town where I've bought small hardware, plumbing items to fix things around home.

Today, we will do the same type of cycling, destination visits to check pricing, plus a stop at an Asian supermarket that serves the suburbs. I have to buy some tougher bed sheets which again only the suburbs seem to have the widest choices. It will be a different route but still over 70% through park pathways. As soon as we get out of the downtown area....these areas are under-utilized and quiet. Methinks everyone heads out to the mountains...which are 120+ km. away. There are several national parks within 1-3 hr. drive.

Though prairie, we are 1,000+ above sea level (Vancouver is at sea level, if you don't count local mountains) which helps marathoners, triathletes and cross-country skiers train in our area who compete at national and international level.

Just to give a flavour where I live....stark prairie (which can be sometimes boring rides to me. I miss British Columbia and Ontario) vs. in a distance, but not far, stunning snow-capped mountains, wilderness, large wildlife.