the.rad.cyclist

People powered movement photos

2011-11-18T18:36:00.001-08:00

The People Powered Movement... please vote for my photos on this website: There are some great entries and great prizes. Help make my photos shine by voting.Get out and vote in the municipal election tomorrow, make a difference for cyclists by voting for council "that gives a bike bell" whether we have safe passage or not on Victoria's city streets.

Rapha Continental Vancouver British Columbia on Vimeo by RAPHA

2011-11-13T21:27:00.001-08:00

Rapha Continental Vancouver British Columbia on Vimeo by RAPHA, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Being a bit sentimental for summer rides at the moment, this Rapha Triple Crown film makes up for the cold, wet winter on the west coast!
That lake looks devine....

First Trail a bike ride

2011-10-02T19:31:00.001-07:00

First Trail a bike ride, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Ah, fall is in the air... the times they are a'changing. We are entering the world of trail a bikes now that our daughter is older and able to break out the pedal strokes. The Bakfiets is taking a break while we go for some more spritely rides around town.

team pedal power

2011-08-15T22:15:00.001-07:00

team pedal power, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

A great weekend riding in the Rona MS Cowichan Valley Grape Escape. Touring and wine tasting, what's not to love?

Parked on the beach

2011-08-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

Parked on the beach, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Lovely Bicycle!: Adventures with Padded Cycling Shorts

2011-08-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Lovely Bicycle!: Adventures with Padded Cycling Shorts: "'Should I wear padded bicycle shorts?' is one question I get asked a lot by women, especially since photos occasionally reveal my wearing th..."

I am always looking for a better cycling short, above is a good article from Lovely Bicycle. I especially like NAU and IBEX for their wool cycle friendly garments. Shebeest makes a good padded capri that is sleek and works well under skirts.

2011-07-19T22:09:00.001-07:00

Thor de France brought to you by Ryder Hesjedal

2011-07-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying watching the Tour this year. I actually am interested in following it thanks to our local boy, Ryder Hesjedal.

I was excited to watch the final climb and descent of today's stage (16). I had to leave for work just minutes after the finish! The team dynamics of putting other riders before yourself and serving a supporting role amazes. Ryder could have claimed the stage victory. Ryder, I hope that the "weight of a nation" has lifted and you are riding on a cloud (in the alps) from here on out.

Bike Ride 2011 Theatre Skam

2011-07-10T22:12:00.001-07:00

Bike Ride 2011 Theatre Skam, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

...on again next weekend July 16/17 at Cecila Ravine Park, Galloping Goose Trail, 3:30-6:30pm. Yeah!

Let the bike tour begin!

2011-07-10T22:10:00.001-07:00

Let the bike tour begin!, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

A plethora of options

2011-07-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

A plethora of options, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Get out and see the varied and fabulous at Bike Ride, Theatre Skam on the Galloping Goose.

Launch

2011-06-11T18:49:00.001-07:00

Launch, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Jump Ship and Balls in the City this weekend. Head to the inner harbour for some wheel action.

Family Bike Festival 2011

2011-06-07T21:35:00.001-07:00

Family Bike Festival 2011, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Another great weekend on the island for cycling! Warm weather and blue skies brought out families of all descriptions for some two wheeled fun.
Custom choppers mingled with Townies, Trikes, Bakfiets and Longtails... oh my!

The other Bakfiets family are organizing a Kidical Mass June 25th in Fernwood and there's talk of a cargo bike ride in July...
Seems to me there is no time to drive about in a car...Sigh, such a pity :)

Tweed ride family

2011-05-08T20:56:00.001-07:00

Tweed ride family, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Ride the handlebars

2011-05-08T20:54:00.001-07:00

Ride the handlebars, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

We enjoyed attending the beginning of tweed ride Victoria today. Alas we had to leave as it got started for another function. I am sure that it was a success and love forward to another ride soon!

Victoria cycling is "spring"ing into action

2011-03-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Some local cycling events for the next few months to look forward to...Victoria Populaire...Tweed Ride Victoria....Tour de Victoria...
So now I have to Randonneur in Tweed alongside Ryder Hesjedal...no problem!

N"ice" to meet ya!

2011-02-23T19:08:00.001-08:00

N"ice" to meet ya!, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

When cycling home from work just isn't an option, its nice to know you can meet some friendly folk in the neighbourhood...

Pedal under the tree

2011-02-19T19:50:00.001-08:00

Pedal under the tree, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

I enjoyed a sunny winter day, cycling to Seedy Saturday today. Yeah for all the seed collectors out there! I hope to try some interesting veggies this year such as Romanesco Cauliflower and Tuscan Kale.

So much to look forward to!
Speaking of spring, the Victoria Populaire is coming up March 27th. Get those chains greased...

Tower of XC Power

2011-02-17T21:52:00.001-08:00

Tower of XC Power, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Spent last week sliding on the white stuff and had a blast. Cross country skiing can give you the freedom that cycling gives...plus the lycra outfits!

Escargot Bike

2011-02-03T21:11:00.001-08:00

Escargot Bike, originally uploaded by wittco.gmbh.

Yeah to slow cycling...except when you are really late for work!

2011-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Interesting links: Capital Bike and Walk Society - I must join - how could I not know about this?
Lovely cargo bike art on this blog - Bike, Noun, Verb - I like Grover... if he can do it anyone can!
I am trying to "train" for a xc ski race next weekend - wish me luck!
Looking forward to lighter days ahead and more rides around town with my wee daughter in brown betty (our steadfast Bakfiets...of course)

Lamp on two wheels

2011-01-14T18:35:00.001-08:00

Lamp on two wheels, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Shopping on two wheels never felt so good!

Merry Christmas Cycles

2010-12-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Been a while since I have logged onto my page. I have been a bit distracted with a move and a few months of winter weather.

Looking forward to cycling again and perhaps will take up a populaire on New Years Day.

I will be skiing in the Cariboo Marathon in February. If you need an excuse to partake in a great event, head to 100 Mile House February 12 2011.

Saw some local music these past few weeks, including Jon and Roy and Said the Whale at Fairfield United Church, no doubt it will be a youtube favorite!

Clarijs bakfiets cover

2010-10-20T21:37:00.001-07:00

Clarijis bakfiets cover, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

We are excited to finally have a cover for bakfiets betty. My daughter loves to tuck herself in and we head out into the cooler mornings and off to daycare.
The cover is already coming in handy for shopping and keeping rain and dirt out of the box. We will certainly extend our winter riding with this handy item. Seattle Dutch Bike Co. is the place to go for this and other smashing bikes and good coffee!

Fall Cycle Style

2010-10-20T21:32:00.001-07:00

Fall Cycle Style, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

A beautiful day cycling in October. Just cool enough to break out the wool scarf and Outlier riding pants.

the.rad.cyclist on Lochside

2010-10-02T16:40:00.001-07:00

the.rad.cyclist on Lochside, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Spectacular day...
We cycled from home in search of some pumpkins.
A great way to spend an October morning is to take the Galloping Goose up to Lochside Trail and end at Michell Farms to pick out your favorite pumpkin. Lots of great spots to stop for a snack or beverage. Fol epi, Caffe Fantastico, Matticks Farm...

Sunny Shiny Fall

2010-09-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

First off, much thanks to a successful Rifflandia 3. I was in a 100 mile music diet wonderland of local talent. Great Canadian talent to behold such as The Zolas, Brasstronaut, Grand Analog, Wooden Sky, Great Lake Swimmers, Aidan Knight...the list goes on and on. Check out my profile - theradcyclist- on CBC Radio 3, an excellent website with free access to loads of bands.

I feel like I should say Aloha, as we have had some fantastic weather this week. I can't decide if I should carry two wardrobes for commuting. I start with MEC winter gloves and full length bike tights and a merino hoodie, but by the afternoon I am wishing for capris and a breezy tank top. Ah, the dilemma of a cyclist! Thank goodness for the large Timbuktu bag I schlep around!

I am feeling the cycle commuter love with these recent posts from favorites NAU and Saio and Kyo.

Cycling was never more fashionable or considered the "in" thing.

Are you jumping onto the saddle?

Happy Park(ing) Day!

2010-09-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

I hear that Victoria BC will have its inaugural Park(ing) Day tomorrow. I do hope to see some spots around town. A great idea! I hope the weather gets sorted out...

Back in the saddle after my weekend of riding in the rain, but giving my copenhagen a tune up before any great distance!
Ciao

My 200km brevet: I got the pin to prove it!

2010-09-13T20:24:00.001-07:00

I got the pin to prove it!, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

I took on another cycling challenge this weekend. My first 200km brevet with the Victoria Randonneurs Club.

One of my colleagues has completed rides of up to 1000km and I often ask him how he does it. I was interested to see if I could top my distance in one day of 130km to the 200km mark.

I surpassed a "century" of 100 miles and that is something I never thought I could do.

I dealt with rain and grey skies nearly the entire day and I don't think my glasses were ever dry for more than a minute... fun when you need to read an odometer and a checkpoint list. I didn't miss a turn and I persevered.

I passed through a thousand puddles, swore under my breathe as I climbed yet another hill, saw amazing views, took roads I never knew existed, passed old haunts, and marveled at the place I call home.

I had time to think and appreciate what I have,
my first 200km cycle...priceless.

200km on paper

2010-09-13T20:15:00.003-07:00

200km on paper, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

first 200km brevet

2010-09-13T20:15:00.001-07:00

first 200km brevet, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Last checkpoint

2010-09-13T20:14:00.001-07:00

Last checkpoint, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

victoria at secret checkpoint

2010-09-13T20:13:00.003-07:00

victoria at secret checkpoint, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

victoria 200km1

2010-09-13T20:13:00.001-07:00

victoria 200km1, originally uploaded by the.rad.cyclist.

Bakfiets or bakfietsen?

2010-09-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, the shame... how could I spell our dear bike incorrectly? Sorry sweet bakfiets, I will make it up to you one day!
Please see the following link: bakfiets en meer.
Thanks Henry!

the.rad.cyclist does... the Victoria Fringe

2010-08-29T22:17:00.001-07:00

Victoria Fringe, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

I have been busy with back to work and back to everyday things, but, the Victoria Fringe has beckoned me this week.

I am happy to see there are improvements for cyclists wishing to Fringe this year. More racks are being placed out front of venues and more people seem to be arriving via two wheels.

So far I recommend seeing:

Smalltown - a musical
A History of the Lost and Found
Miss Hiccup
Ginger Ninjas

There are many more venues this year, as well. You may get to more shows if you employ the two wheel method...

We are rolling in the right direction, enjoy the fringe!

Johnson street fest

2010-08-29T22:06:00.001-07:00

Johnstone street fest, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

What a happy circumstance to see no cars and tons of pedestrians and cyclists along LoJo this past Saturday. We had a blast walking on the street admiring the store fronts and the music and mayhem.
Hope to see the fest return next year... or maybe sooner?

canadian music

2010-08-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

I will be taking in some music at Roots and Blues Fest next weekend, and this blog, earbuds and ticketstubs is full of useful canadian music links and interviews. Now I will be sad that I will be missing great bands in Cumberland, thanks to the Big Time Out being scheduled at the same time .. Shucks. There is always Rifflandia to look forward to, and Fringe Victoria!

babyccino

2010-08-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

I saw this blog, babyccino kids when my pic was featured on Nau's collective last month.
It is very cool and did I mention I want everything on it? ...Including traveling with wee ones to exotic locales?

dance dance

2010-08-01T22:47:00.001-07:00

dance dance, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Grooving to the Victoria Electronic Music Festival during a weekend bike ride. You are never too young to appreciate a beat!

Cruisers at VEMF

2010-08-01T22:42:00.001-07:00

Cruisers at VEMF , originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

My daughter has a fisher price digital camera... check out her handiwork from the bench of our bakfiets. We scoped out the Victoria Electronic Music Festival this weekend and saw these cool cruisers, spare tire included.

Tour de Fat

2010-07-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Can you spell fun? See New Belgium Beer's Tour de Fat and see for yourself what you are missing in Chicago. Watch the video via the above link.

2010-07-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love entering to win a new bike and see some great bands! Capital City Cycles will have a draw for a Felt Cafe 8 Deluxe if you attend Rifflandia this September. Rock and Roll... on a new bike!

2010-07-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Reading about cycling with kids on TotCycle I think it is time for a fiets of parenthood Victoria BC edition. Read about the Portland and Seattle editions here.

We could round up all the Bakfietsen, Chariots, Weerides, Trailer Bikes in town and give it the what for!

Riding a bike with your child(ren) is a simple summer pleasure. I would love to see more families out with their little ones. It will help instil an active lifestyle at an early age.

black and white bakfiets

2010-07-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Tour de bakfiets

2010-07-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
Since the Tour de France came to a close today, we thought we would take the bakfiets out for a tour of our own. I cycled with my daughter and husband on the local greenway, the Galloping Goose. We went up to Matticks Farm and then down Lochside trail and over to UVic and back home with some stops along the way.

All I can say is, eat your heart out Ryder Hesjedal, when it comes to pedaling a fully loaded bakfiets with 3 yr old up hill through Gordon Head it takes almost all you have to do it!

I commend all the cyclists who completed the Tour this week. It is an awesome challenge to get up everyday, ride a few hundred or more kilometres up and down mountains and still push ahead the next day.
I recommend watching the 1910 challenge posted on Rapha (ohh Rapha!). Gorgeous photography and cycling through France's mountains...

bubbles

2010-07-22T22:20:00.001-07:00

bubble blower, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Simple summer pleasures... enjoyed celebrating my daughter's birthday.
Our next cycle adventure will be a bakfiet picnic party this weekend. Looking forward to see how much picnic gear will fit on our bikes.

Happy trails...

Bike Ride 2010

2010-07-18T21:56:00.001-07:00

Bike Ride 2010, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Theatre Skam's delightful bike friendly extravaganza for all ages!

We cycled along the Galloping Goose to underutilized green spaces, (thank you Matthew Payne!), where you could watch and listen to storytellers, musicians, army nuts perfoming a segment of Blackadder, dancing feuding Vikings, and even have a spot of tea with the Queen and her guards.

Join a tour, pedal off to the next destination, take in some interactive and fun entertainment.

Consequently, I have no photos of the actual performances, as I was soaking it up - sans camera. You will have to take my word for it, but if Bike Ride wheels into town in 2011, give it a try.

Break from the commute

2010-07-15T19:19:00.001-07:00

Break from the commute, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Can't beat the weather this week! LGRAB entry, taking the long way home. I avoided riding through downtown and took the ocean route, with a mighty headwind I might add!

Just another fabulous day

2010-07-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Just another fabulous day, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Nau Collective Shots July 2010

2010-07-14T20:01:00.001-07:00

2010-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Its the last few days of LGRAB summer games... I have cycled our local greenway, the Galloping Goose Trail and have been enjoying some extended rides home from work along Dallas Dr. We have had some crazy weather, anything between 15-30 degrees over the span of a few days, and the headwind... Don't you love riding into a headwind?!

I am spreading more bike love via NAU
I submitted a few photos of us wearing NAU clothing we find useful for cycling. Merino wool hoodie and fleece lined windbreaker. We are featured with our bakfiets in the above link. I do love my family being paired alongside a hardcore road cyclist and his mechanic. I don't think you will catch me changing a wheel on the fly like that!
Viva la bicycletta!

on the galloping goose

2010-07-10T21:58:00.001-07:00

on the galloping goose, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Malahat Revue

2010-07-10T21:57:00.001-07:00

Malahat Revue, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Hannah Georgas and Said the Whale

2010-07-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

Hannah Georgas and Said the Whale, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

2010-07-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Greetings, for my next installment of bicycle adventures I toured up to Glendale Gardens for Organic Islands Festival. I mainly wanted to go so I could listen to music by Hannah Georgas and Jeremy Fisher's the Malahat Revue.
First I listened to the green transportation forum (speakers included Elizabeth May, Green Party and John Luton, City Council). This was well worth cycling out for but it made me realize that there are plenty of obstacles to achieving greener transport for Victoria. There are increased cycle lanes in the city, but there are many roads that even I will not cycle (Shelbourne, hello?!).
Discussion on seniors and their predicament when faced with limited mobility and limited access to safe pedestrianized areas were particularly thought provoking.
I am young and mobile, have easy access to bike facilities at work and feel relatively safe on the roads, but there are many people that will not or cannot join the two wheel revolution. There has to be other avenues, or electric trikes...

2010-07-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Musicians making sweet music via bicycle....
See Malahat Revue at Sugar tomorrow night.

bike snob

2010-07-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

bike snob, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

I finished Bike Snob this week. I feel guilty as charged in many regards to being a cyclist. Yes, I try to make my bike look cool and try to look cool while riding it...I should be more utilitarian.
I see from the book that bike "culture" is really a myth, but I can't help feel a distinct connection to other cyclists on the road as if we are all in a secret club. It's like we know something everyone else driving around in cars has no clue about... that riding is amazing!

Fun book to read, I will add bike snob nyc to my hit list.

The Ride Journal

2010-07-06T21:04:00.001-07:00

The Ride Journal, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Great publication from the UK. Love to get more. Layout is well thought out and inspiring stories that make you want to ride!

fossil fuelish

2010-07-03T21:31:00.001-07:00

fossil fuelish, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Don't go the way of the dinosaurs,
put your feet on pedals instead of pedal to the metal.

2010-07-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Summer! Welcome back, please stay and keep us entertained....

Check out Theatre Skam's Bike Ride the next few weekends. I always enjoy novel ways to experience the arts. Sounds like fun rolling down the Galloping Goose with fellow theatre goers.

Also, Organic Islands at Glendale Gardens will be on my list. I enjoyed the valet cycle parking service last year!

Enjoy tank top season!

V

tinker

2010-06-26T23:10:00.001-07:00

tinker, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

Helene and I readying the steeds...

thee finish!

2010-06-26T23:09:00.001-07:00

thee finish!, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

slightly tired, wet, and gripping my toddler. Horray for 255km!

ready to go

2010-06-26T23:08:00.001-07:00

ready to go, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

last saturday morning, fresh as a daisy

2010-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have now returned from Seattle after completing The Ride to Conquer Cancer. 255km, 12 hours in the saddle. I was sponsored by many family and friends and raised over 3000$ for cancer research and care via the BC Cancer Foundation!

After being fed,(waffles were a hit!) watered (every kind of Gatorade), and relieved (Honey Bucket!!) at the pit stops and enjoying beer and portable showers at camp, I managed to make my way from Guildford Mall in Surrey to Marymoor Park in Redmond.

I am quite fatigued, but no sore muscles! I had no technical difficulties, thanks to my trusty Devinci Copenhagen and a tune up from Capital City Cycles!

Hmmm, STP is looking more interesting now - perhaps in 2011?

2010-06-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Only three more days to go before I head to Vancouver for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Looking forward to the experience of riding with a few thousand fellow cyclists...

Picked up a copy of Bike Snob for some light reading if I get a chance this weekend. Will give a review at a later date. Bon Voyage!

2010-06-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

2010-06-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by the bike to work day in Seattle when I saw photos of Hub and Bespoke decorating bikes with daisies. I liked the recycled inner tubes a la alchemy goods, so I decided to devise my own with a length of inner tube and two elastic bands. Voila! Instant herb bouquet!

2010-06-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

grocery trip

2010-06-13T14:47:00.001-07:00

grocery trip, originally uploaded by vlevesque13.

A small trip to the butchers and the local grocer for tonight's dinner

2010-06-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have added some reflective stickers to my Devinci, can you spot the octopus? I even have a "bumper sticker" proclaiming my love of biking! The flower power on my bike is reflected (!) on my helmet as well. Can't get caught in the dark riding at night any more!

2010-06-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

2010-06-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

2010-06-07T21:42:00.002-07:00

On to the next leg of the games. I have been decorating my lovely Devinci Copenhagen with reflective stickers and "chopsticks". Stay tuned for pictures!

In other news I have less than two weeks till the Ride to Conquer Cancer. I am cycling 260km and am not at all worried. Well maybe a little... Do I have to change my own tubes? I suppose I will work on it for one of the Games challenges.
Support the ride at www.conquercancer.ca

2010-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

The weather is improving and I am looking forward to riding this weekend. I am part of the Ride to Conquer Cancer June 19-20th from Vancouver to Seattle.
Picked up an Icebreaker Merino tank for riding - perfect for all weather and doesn't stink! Thank goodness.

I have to balance some training rides with more relaxed outings with my family. Can't wait to take the Bakfiet to the beach with all the gear and a picnic.
Thought about looking into a Bakfiet club in Victoria. Hey Simon, want to join?!

Oak Bay tea party is on this weekend and hope for warm weather.
Ciao!

2010-06-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

Cycling with the wee one in our new bakfiets.

My husband and I are taking the kidlet to daycare via two wheels instead of four these days.
Its much more fun than burning petrol and a great way to sneak in a workout during a busy day.

Plus, you get longing stares from passers-by! Sigh!

2010-06-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first post. I am excited to start chronicling my experiences as a cyclist in its many forms: commuter, cycle-ista, speed demon... etc.
I look forward to sharing cycle info and experiences cycling with a small child and foodie velo trips!
May the pedaling begin... and happy bike to work week!!!