Friday Trail Report

So what do these loggers and the trail that I rode today have in common?? Nothing...and that's the problem! I rode Telephone Loop with a friend from work today and it looked like a twister had touched down and demolished the forest. The trail is in some serious need of log clearing.

Now, Telephone Loop is known for being muddy and sloppy for most of the season -- and most people don't ride it until late-July or August for that reason. But when conditions are good it's a great 16km loop on a mix of single track and 4x4 trails.

But with the amount of downfall covering the paths, it really broke up the flow of the ride and was a two-hour hike-a-bike session. Typically, I can bunny hop small logs on trails, but these trees were 2.5 feet off the ground -- making it the imperfect height to either go over or under while on your bike.
So instead we got a full body workout by jumping on and off the bike...lots! As for the rest of the trail report -- still wet and muddy - the low end of the loop is mega marsh land. Hope someone is gonna be out int he next 6-8 weeks with a chainsaw and doing some trail upkeep -- it would be fun to go out again and try the loop this season.

A bike ride with Lance Armstrong took place in Calgary this morning, with funds being raised going to his charity. Tickets for this opportunity will cost you $1500/person. We didn't do this (surprise!?) But we did ride on the same road as Lance did!! His ride takes people on Highway 22X -- right in our backyard. We ride this almost on a weekly basis and, today, we shared it with Lance Armstrong. Since Lance has a little more pull with the City planning people than we do - he actually closed down a full lane of the highway for his group (must be nice!)

However, we did lots of biking on our own this weekend! We rode on our road bikes on Saturday morning out to Priddis on Highway 22X (just like Lance!) It's a nice quick trip 30km out and back in about an hour.

On Sunday we hooked-up with Mark & Alicia on our Mountain Bikes and rode Powder Face/Prairie Creek Trail Loop. You think last week was muddy - oh my! Way more mud to plow through this week, but we had lots of fun. It's not really our favorite style of riding, but being out on our bikes was the main part. And riding with great friends is a fantastic way to spend the day!

Been out riding this summer? Be sure to tell us about it!!

Mud Bog Biking!

On Saturday morning we ventured out for a bike ride with our friends Mark & Alicia. The weather forecast wasn't promising, but we took the opportunity to ride anyway! It continued to rain in Calgary, but once we made it to the West of the city, we escaped the rain zone and had a very decent day for a ride. The trails however, were a little muddy -- but what fun!! After the ride, we had packed a lunch and ate @ Station Flats and then had hot chocolate in Bragg Creek.

Here's a post-ride photo of our group. Mud cover legs, bums, backs and faces made for some great memories. As a matter of documenting a trail report for other bikers -- we rode Sulphur Springs. The trail ride up (and I mean up!) to Moose Mountain Fire Road is in good condition with several large mud/water puddles and the creek crossing is higher than normal, but still rideable. The trail ride down is in good+ condition. No pooling water. But with the amount of rain overnight and Sunday, it's tough to say...

A little dirt line comparison for you!

Wet shoes, socks and legs.

We're not supposed to post this picture. But we couldn't resist! (Sorry, Alicia!)

Biking Toys!

A good friend (Schwartzee) just bought a helmet camera -- so we could have some very exciting video and photos to share with our blog readers this summer!

We raced the Trans Rockies as a team together and continue to push each other as riders -- as a result, most accidents happen when we're together too. Knocking out my teeth - breaking his arm - numerous flips over the handle bars and the list goes on....

We will now be able to document these experiences on streaming video! It's water proof (as we've also had our share of water spills...lost sun glasses, cell phones...hahaha!) And it's impact resistant -- I'm sure we'll discover what exactly that means!

You may remember last year Schwartzee and I did a boys bike trip to Spokane (Biking, Bears and Beers) -- we're currently planning this year's adventure for August while Katie is in Mexico for work (but now she can experience the trail too..sort of! xo) -- and I'm sure this new gadget will be used to its full potential!

Boys & Their Toys!

Estadio Azteca

Last night I went to my first Mexican soccer game at Estadio Azteca (one of the worlds largest soccer stadiums - full capacity of 129,300 seats). The Mexican National Team was playing Paraguay and although the stadium wasn't full there were still about 80,000 people there.

Even though the game didn't begin until 9pm our evening started at 5:30pm when we left work and drove to the stadium. Leaving at 5:30pm turned out to be a good idea given that our commute to the stadium took 2.5 hours!!! Christian (the guy I work with who took us to the game) also wanted to make sure we got parking right at the stadium because he didn't want to be walking through the dark streets after the game with 3 gringos…a sentiment we all appreciated!

When we arrived at the stadium we were all starving, but Christian warned us about the 10 step tacos (once you eat then you can only make it about 10 steps before you need the bathroom) and suggested pizza instead! Pizza and beer…how authentically Mexican?

I know most of you have probably been to a professional game of sorts (basketball, hockey, football, etc.) and are likely aware of the types of items available at the concession stand…hotdogs, hamburgers, fries, popcorn, etc. Well at a Mexican soccer game things are a little different! In Mexico they sell tacos (of the 10 step variety), chips (but only spicy ones...even the Doritos only come is spicy and extra spicy), soup, doughnuts, and my favorite, pig skin…and I don't mean pork rinds! They actually sell boiled pig skin that is steeped in some questionable sauce. I'm guessing you all now know why Christian suggested pizza!

Although I was the only one from our group who was actually interested in watching the game as well as taking in the atmosphere we all still had a great time learning the songs, chants and cheers…all of which I either now don't remember or should not be posting on the blog! The good time was probably helped along by the quick friendship we established with Marta, our friendly neighborhood beer lady. Whenever I ordered "una cervesa pequeña" (a small beer) she always came back with "una cerveza grande" (a large beer)…which is probably why my head hurts a little today.

After the game it was pure madness! I have never seen such as crazy state in a parking lot…not only were cars all over the place, but they were all going in different directions creating mass chaos. Eventually we made it to the exit, but still encountered traffic the entire way back to the hotel…we were lucky though, the ride home was only 1.5 hours!!!

Oh yeah, Mexico lost 1-0.

Game Night

It's been a few weeks since my work schedule has allowed me to play a Tuesday night ball game, but I made it out tonight and it felt good to be back on the diamond!

My coach must have thought I had hit the batting cage while I was away, since he put me in the top of the batting order. Lucky for me, I did not disappoint. I went 2 for 3 with a double and a single. I hit in two RBIs in our loosing effort of 12-5. We had heavy rain which cause the game to end an inning early -- I'd like to think that we could have mounted a comeback, but the truth hurts.

In the field, my highlight of the night was helping turn a double play in the third inning. I was playing SS, took a hard grounder, tossed it to the second baseman, who threw it to first base. Nice.

Tonight is also game night in Mexico! Katie is at a Men's National Soccer Game in Mexico City. She called during the half and it sounds very cool -- she's gonna blog about it tomorrow -- so stay tuned!

Sunday Ride . . .

Katie, unfortunately, missed this weekend's ride in Fish Creek Park. She's still away on work, but will be home later this week and we'll have fun next weekend exploring the trails!

I hooked up with Mark and Alicia and Schwartzee and Lindsay -- the five of us hit some trails in Fish Creek. Everyone had a quick spin on the new Brodie and I think enjoyed the experience -- I know I really did when I finally got my turn ; ) haha!

We kris-krossed our way to Sicome Lake and found some stairs to play around on. Alicia had never ridden down stairs before, but was eager to try and with a few pointers from Mr. B1, Mr. B2 and Schwartzee -- she made it look easy -- yeah, nice work Alicia!! The boyz showed off and rode up the stairs too - but that's another lesson for another day...

Everyone seemed to work on their skills in the off-season, because the group made some tricky roots, slick mud and decent climbs and downhill look easy. The warm sun made for a great day, as we shared some stories and enjoyed the exercise! Hope your weekend felt as good -- biking season rocks!

And, Katie -- we missed you and look forward to seeing you and the Giant Trance come and play next weekend. xo