tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9064606768120751382024-03-14T02:35:19.886-07:00Roadwarriors 7; Out Of AlaskaAnother year, another adventure... This time we are riding our mountain bikes from Anchorage, AK, up to Fairbanks, then down through Alaska, into Canada, through Whitehorse, Canmore and beyond, heading to our finish point of Minneapolis... Follow us on our journey here.
Updates will be as often as wifi and/or 3G allows!rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-66650781581190875412013-09-02T09:22:00.001-07:002013-09-02T09:24:55.955-07:00Done, finished, completed... Oh yeah! Roadwarriors 7; Out of Alaska, is COMPLETE!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/938.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_938.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/939.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_939.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We all made it back, injury free and feeling good having covered 4107 miles since leaving Anchorage, Alaska, 65 days earlier. <br />We spend 58 of those days riding... The other 7 days were rest days. <br />Our average mileage was 70.8 miles per day, and the total time spent actually in the saddle, pedaling the bikes, was 313 hours... Or 13 days of ASS TIME. <br />Back at Toms, we had a big pile of laundry first on the list of things to get done..! (And a semi-naked Will in the background..!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/940.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_940.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After a couple of days resting, cleaning and sorting gear out, we hit the road south to see our good friends Margie and Phil in Mankato, where we again cooked and eat up a storm! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/941.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_941.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I was Margie's kitchen bitch once more...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/942.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_942.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Home made apple pie, with home grown apples! AWESOME!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/943.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_943.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also went out wake surfing with Phil, and after a few face-plants each (more than a few for me..!) we all got the knack for getting upright on the board. Then it was time to get some cool shots! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/944.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_944.jpg' border='0' width='185' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Me, up and loving it! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/945.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_945.jpg' border='0' width='183' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Will, carving up the wave...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/946.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_946.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tom, the fastest to get up, showing his style...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/947.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_947.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='186' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was a great weekend down in Mankato, and we were sorry to have to leave, but whilst he was in Minneapolis, Will had to see the enormous Mall of America, so we bid a fond goodbye (for now!) to Margie & Phil and hit the road north. <br />We spent a fun few hours wandering and checking out all the sights and sounds at the MOA, as well as the indoor theme park.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/948.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_948.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/949.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_949.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Again, all good things have to come to an end though, and we had to bid a fond farewell to Will, as he had to get back to the Lone Star State and get back to earning some green...But not before we bestowed the great and much coveted honor of official Roadwarrior status upon our biking buddy.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/950.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_950.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/956.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_956.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Will at MSP, ready to head back down to Texas. <br />So now, Tom and I are hitting the road around the USA, visiting some of the best natural wonders there are to be seen and photographed..! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/09/02/957.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/09/02/s_957.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This will be the end if this years adventure journal... Facebook seems to be the more preferred way that people follow us, so I'll be posting pix and updates there from now on.<br />Cheers y'all. <br />RWK. <br />OUT. <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Columbia%20Heights,%20MN.%20&z=10'>Columbia Heights, MN. </a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-31301320190109236622013-08-17T09:55:00.001-07:002013-08-17T09:55:59.536-07:00Well THERE'S ya problem..!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/903.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_903.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Spotted the issue here yet? Yes, that'd be an instant flat tyre, thanks very much..! <br /><br />So that was my third flat of the trip (so far... It ain't over yet!) but nothing compared to Will, who's leading at at least 7...<br /><br /><br />Flat aside, it was a good day. We'd bush camped the night before, and for once, things weren't too dew covered & wet when we packed up, so we started the days roll pretty well. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/904.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_904.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As the day wore on though, the many up and down roller-coaster style hills began to add up, and the constant gusting headwinds started to tire us out sooner than usual, so at around 75 miles, finding a diner in the small village of Finland was very welcome. <br /><br />After a great burger each, we all opted for one of the amazing home baked desserts that were on offer... Tom had his favorite, the chocolate cake, Will chose the Butter Tart, and I had to go for the awesome blueberry pie & ice cream... Oh yeah!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/909.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_909.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/910.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_910.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fueled up, we knocked out the last 18 miles of the day to Emo, just inside the Canadian border, where the town Fair was in full swing with fairground rides, cotton candy, drag cars and horse riding... Quite the bright and noisy sights and sounds! <br /><br />We got the all-OK from the local police to camp at the back of the fairgrounds where there were other RVs set up, so we plonked ourselves at the far corner of the field and made camp. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/911.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_911.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />This morning, we have rolled over the river, and back into the good old Yoo-Ess-of-Ayy...<br />And back into a solid 20 mph headwind! So we have stopped at the Hardee's just south of town to grab a feed, review the map and get out of the wind for a bit...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/912.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_912.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/17/913.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/17/s_913.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />More to come soon...<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />RWK<br />OUT!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Emo%20Rd,Fort%20Frances,Canada%4048.602579%2C-93.437834&z=10'>Emo Rd,Fort Frances,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-67886500711546732812013-08-15T10:58:00.001-07:002013-08-15T11:00:31.043-07:00Riding the thin white line...The chosen campground was a great place to stop for the night, being a mile or so off the highway, and therefore devoid of traffic noise. <br /><br />Getting there, we opted for the path-less-taken again, turning off the main highway earlier than riding to a more main junction, and taking the alleged 'road' Google Maps offered us... It was a fun 2 miles of dirt, sand and trees to bash through and over, but we made it ok. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/15/1032.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/15/s_1032.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Whilst setting up the tents, we saw many a small frog hopping around, so I got up close and personal with one for a moment... The iPhone 5 does a pretty decent macro shot..!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/15/1034.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/15/s_1034.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Leaving the campground this morning, we were hoping the road shoulder was going to return sooner rather than later, but for the first 12 miles, we were still having to ride the thin white line... So I took up the rear-gunner position and set both my tail lights to strobe mode... It really makes a big difference, making us much more visible from a long way back, and meaning we were mostly given a good wide berth. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/15/1036.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/15/s_1036.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Above, Will, riding ahead of me into the rising sun, skimming along the edge of the road along the thin white line. <br />After 35 more miles of Manitoba, we made it across to our last province... Ontario. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/15/1038.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/15/s_1038.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And after another 20 miles or so, we are at a great little Shell station, with a very well stocked store and café where I'm about to sink my teeth into a very well stuffed, freshly made, roast beef sanger... Oh yeah!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/15/1040.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/15/s_1040.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />More soon...<br />RWK. <br />OUT! <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Voyageur%20Route,,Canada%4049.715882%2C-94.795384&z=10'>Voyageur Route,,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-16642696478063428312013-08-14T12:51:00.001-07:002013-08-14T12:51:52.597-07:00A rest break amongst the Aspens...It's hard to take pictures whilst riding... Especially along the past 17 miles which have had only a deep gravel shoulder, so we've had to ride on the edge of the right lane...<br /><br />Big-rigs, motor-homes, cars, caravans and motorbikes have all blown past us, but most with the common sense and forward vision to move into the left hand lane... It's only the odd prat that has buzzed us a bit, but luckily they were vastly in the minority. <br /><br />So now we are taking another rest, or ASS-BREAK! at a small roadside rest area, where I'm reclined in comfort on a picnic bench, typing this, and enjoying the blue sky framed Aspens as they sway gently in the welcome westerly breeze that's been assisting us on our ride east today...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/14/1356.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/14/s_1356.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />More later from the campground... 10 short last miles away. <br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />OUT!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=TC-1,,Canada%4049.658590%2C-96.056964&z=10'>TC-1,,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-40609869734421346092013-08-14T11:10:00.001-07:002013-08-14T11:10:51.364-07:00A sunny lunch break..! Aaaaaah yeah!<br />Just had a nice tin of stew & a naughty Cherry Dr Pepper from the gas station... And now a little snooze in the perfect-temperature, not-too-hot sunshine on the grass...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/14/1079.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/14/s_1079.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We will roll on shortly... About another 50 kms/30 miles to our planned campsite for the night...<br /><br />More soon...<br /><br />Aaaaaaaaah!<br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />OUT! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Therrien%20Dr,,Canada%4049.662300%2C-96.456184&z=10'>Therrien Dr,,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-14285865346263795552013-08-14T09:14:00.001-07:002013-08-14T09:14:19.031-07:00Another roadside rest break...20 miles outside of Winnipeg, it is time to give the butt a break from the saddle and take a rest break... Oh yeah! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/14/829.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/14/s_829.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/14/830.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/14/s_830.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Municipal%20Road%20No%2029%20E,Tach%C3%A9,Canada%4049.762714%2C-96.799193&z=10'>Municipal Road No 29 E,Taché,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-57982375824003686792013-08-13T09:30:00.001-07:002013-08-13T09:30:39.248-07:00Welcome to Winnipeg...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/13/1171.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/13/s_1171.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's been 5 years, but I'm back in the PEG!<br /><br />We did a short 45 mile day to get into town, but it was a a bit of a tough push, riding against a stiff easterly headwind. <br /><br />Fortunately, we were riding after a great solid cooked breakfast... We met Dwayne at the campground the night before, and as the owner of a nearby diner, he offered to give us a ride to breakfast and back to the campsite after... And boy what a brekky!! A generous feed at a great price, we were feeling very satisfied and fueled up as we started the days ride. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/13/1172.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/13/s_1172.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/13/1173.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/13/s_1173.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/13/1174.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/13/s_1174.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Dwayne, Tom, Will and me... Full and fueled! <br /><br />We were in town by lunch, and near-o'd into the Holiday Inn, where we are resting up for a full zero today... We've already re-supplied this morning, and are now doing emails and updates, as well as getting our craving feed on... Mmmmmm, Ravioli..! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/13/1175.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/13/s_1175.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tomorrow, we ride out eastwards again, and will be taking about 3 to 4 days to get into Ontario and down to International Falls, where we'll cross into the US.<br /><br />For now,<br /><br />RWK,<br /><br />Out! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Colony%20St,Winnipeg,Canada%4049.891227%2C-97.151292&z=10'>Colony St,Winnipeg,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-58054491446015680162013-08-10T10:45:00.000-07:002013-08-11T13:51:35.286-07:00Brandon bound...Leaving Sinclair was an easy affair as we packed up dry, the night having been quite mild, and the cover of the trees preventing any morning dew forming on the tents. <br /><br />The morning ride was a breeze... Literally. A nice tailwind gently assisted us along towards the still rising sun as some morning mist began to evaporate from the surrounding fields. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1531.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1531.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1532.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1532.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1535.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1535.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Will was a bit later leaving, and Tom was a bit earlier than me, but once I caught Tom up at a crossroads where he was taking a break, we waited a while together for Will and pondered on trail messages... <br /><br />Finding a discarded apple, I tried leaving a message for Will on the road... It actually worked! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1536.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1536.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Not that we ended up needing it, as it wasn't long before Will appeared on the horizon and caught us up. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1537.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1537.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A quick roadside snack break, and we began to roll again, making our way east and north towards the town of Brandon. <br /><br />As we reached town, some 79 miles from the start of the day, the darkening skies finally broke and the rain came down, so it was time for an early dinner at the co-joined KFC and Taco Bell. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1538.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1538.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1539.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1539.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once the rain had mostly done and was just drizzling, we rolled north 5 miles to the main Trans Canada route 1 and the campsite there, where we set up for the night...<br /><br />Unfortunately, the mozzies nailed my forehead before I could get my cap on... Bastards! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1540.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1540.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Having a light supper at the nearby Maccas, I had to snap a pic of a truck towing a truck towing a truck towing a truck..! Seriously! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/11/1541.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/11/s_1541.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tomorrow, we push on towards Winnipeg...<br /><br />More soon!<br /><br />Cheers. <br /><br />RWK<br /><br />OUT!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-20420482348666366132013-08-09T19:50:00.000-07:002013-08-10T20:13:56.294-07:00Sunset from Sinclair...Our first night in Manitoba... We lost an hour crossing the border, but finally gained back my Rogers cellphone signal and 3G..! Eastern Saskatchewan SUCKED for Rogers coverage, hence the silence got the past week...<br /><br />After a solid days ride, with pretty damn good weather, winds and road conditions, we stopped at the tiny village of Sinclair, a few miles inside the border, and made camp at the free village campsite there. <br /><br />After dinner, we took a short walk to enjoy the setting sun and snap a few pix, whilst swatting away the billions of mozzies that were there to join us...<br /><br />The rarely-used rail tracks were a nice path to wander along as the sun gave the horizon a crimson glow...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1981.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1981.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='173' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-32768969230560716392013-08-09T14:00:00.000-07:002013-08-10T19:46:45.636-07:00Seeya Saskatchewan..! And Hello Manitoba..!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1872.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1872.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-22791730721487047422013-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:002013-08-10T19:44:58.066-07:00Saskatchewan Sunset...A fine day to ride... Some clouds, but no rain, and by the time we were in camp, the sky was totally clear and the stars were beginning to show...<br /><br />The sunset was a pretty sight to see...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1835.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1835.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-8044737124203059942013-08-06T14:00:00.000-07:002013-08-10T19:40:12.746-07:0080 miles of misery...Rain. Torrential rain... <br /><br />We got away from camp ok, but not for long as the black clouds that quickly built all around us soon let loose...<br /><br />No pictures were taken, as we bowed out heads to the downpour and squelched our way 80 long miles to Moosejaw. <br /><br />The spray and blast from passing vehicles got us soaked just as much as from the falling rain, so by the time we reached the town we were more than ready to pay just about anything for a motel to dry out and warm up in... The Days Inn was one of the first we spotted, and with free breakfast and a hot tub, plus a large room for all 3 of us, it was just fine. <br /><br />My cold, wet hands were in full zombie mode by the time we rolled the unfortunately filthy bikes into the room (they don't seem to kind that here..!). <br />No mess was made tho... We keep it clean..!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1823.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1823.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Typically, about 2 hours after checking in and stringing up a make-shift clothes line from lamp fitting to door hinge to curtain rail and hanging everything that was wet on it, the clouds broke and within 30 minutes, there was a blue blue sky and beaming sunshine!<br /><br />We used that sunshine wisely and dried out the tents in the parking lot before heading over the road to the DQ for a burger and a naughty blizzard. <br /><br />Once full and satisfied, we did a quick food and snack top-up at the supermarket where I spotted the amusing sign below; <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1824.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1824.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I don't know about icy conditions... I thought it looked more like "No 'Saturday Night Fever, Travolta-style' moves!"...<br /><br />A rule that Will was only too happy to rage against..!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1825.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1825.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-45275254871017896852013-08-05T12:00:00.000-07:002013-08-10T19:07:13.085-07:00Sunbeams through the stormsA dark cloud hung over us most of the afternoon, but there was the occasional isolated sunbeam that would punch through and light up small patches of the crop fields... <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1712.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1712.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='208' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-50649283778048140692013-08-05T11:23:00.001-07:002013-08-05T11:23:12.601-07:00Riding through the big sky...Second breakfast time, resting up against a fence whilst... <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1336.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1336.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1337.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1337.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1338.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1338.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-12139007533344110142013-08-05T11:20:00.001-07:002013-08-05T11:20:02.798-07:00Rolling through The SASK! Another 'state' down... (Yes, I know it's a province, but Yukon is a territory, so... )<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1329.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1329.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We've had some pretty decent weather for the past few days, as well as mostly tailwinds too, so things have been rolling well. <br /><br />We've also seen some fun roadside signs and sights...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1330.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1330.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mr Pinto MacBean, the official Bow Island (it's a town, not an island, and no, we don't know why it's called 'island') mascot...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1331.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1331.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Burdett. Laying claim to being the home to the first irrigation pivot in Canada... Holy moly.!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1332.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1332.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />AAAAAAH, McCain... I'm guessing this is a big corn plant...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1333.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1333.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A pretty cool and strange inverted cone forming in the clouds...<br /><br /><br />More from the road soon...<br /><br />RWK,<br /><br />OUT! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=South%20Service%20Rd%20E,Swift%20Current,Canada%4050.298513%2C-107.792870&z=10'>South Service Rd E,Swift Current,Canada</a></p>rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-80764553717583637042013-08-05T11:07:00.001-07:002013-08-05T11:07:53.043-07:00Lovin' the Luge..! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/05/1311.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/05/s_1311.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a kick-ass super cool track! <br />Tom, Will and I got to race like demons down the brand new Calgary Skyline Luge track, courtesy of my crazy, cool lovely friend Sarah, who's over from the Singapore Luge to kick butt, take names, and help set up the new one in Calgary. <br /><br />Sorry to be leaving, we bid farewell (for now) to Kat, Mike and Zion, and hit the road. We made it a short day out of Canmore, covering the 60 miles to west Calgary pretty quickly, and were set up in the slightly expensive but nice West Calgary CG, right next door to Olympic Park, by mid afternoon. <br /><br />It was great to see Sarah again, and after catching up, having multiple blasts down the luge, and a quick round of mini-golf, Sarah had finished work and took us out to her favorite "shady" bar... Within 1 minute of being in there, a 6-guy brawl broke out with tables and chairs being knocked over everywhere, before it all went out into the street. Shady indeed! <br />Brawl aside, it was fun to have a beer and a yarn though, but by 2330, we were all ready to sleep... Except Sarah of course! She was just getting warmed up! So we made out goodbyes and took a taxi back to the CG.<br /><br />Thanks again to Sarah for the fantastic time we had in Calgary!<br /><br />More soon...<br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />OUT! <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-68784893607252766032013-08-05T09:45:00.000-07:002013-08-10T19:06:38.226-07:00Shopping & sweatbands...A trip to Safeway called again, so we swung off the highway to do a quick mini stock up on snacks and some more instant spuds...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1704.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1704.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/10/1705.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/10/s_1705.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Will had been using his GoPro on his helmet, so had his helmet strapped on tight... So tight he'd branded his forehead with the logo from his sweatband..! Can you make it out?<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-52575986275055413972013-08-02T20:36:00.001-07:002013-08-02T20:36:31.278-07:00Alberta!Yeah! Our third 'state' in Canada... (Yukon is a territory, and BC & Alberta are provinces...) <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2380.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2380.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Entering Alberta, on our way to Jasper. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2381.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2381.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Leaving our CG just outside of Jasper in the early morning sun as we headed further up into the mountains along the Icefield Highway.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-14634407578136658132013-07-30T13:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T21:30:50.892-07:00Poutine. LOVE THAT STUFF! It's so damn good. Will and I are hooked. <br />Plain, it's good. With meat sauce it's great. With assorted smoked meats... OH. MY. GAWD!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2544.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2544.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2545.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2545.jpg' border='0' width='261' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Love it..! <br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />BURP!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-69613320407617265182013-07-29T20:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T21:23:34.897-07:00Kicking back in Canmore. What a great few days!<br />We got to meet up with my lovely wonderful friends Katrina and Mike, and their cool little man, Zion, the best-behaved baby EVER! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2498.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2498.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />ZION! (And 2nd cousin Sydney's hands..!) <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2499.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2499.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Tom, Kat, Zion (hiding) and Will. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2501.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2501.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me and my main man Mike. <br /><br /><br />Kat, Mike, Zion and their friend Tracey came out to the Icefields Parkway to meet us, and we camped out at Lake Louise, which is absolutely stunning. The next morning, Mike took us up to the lake, and the equally beautiful Lake Moraine to take some pix and enjoy it before riding back to Canmore with us. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2502.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2502.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mike and Kat took turns to ride with us, whilst Tracey smashed out the whole 50 miles back to Canmore with us... The headwind was a real bitch though! <br /><br />We got to see the amazing hotel Mike helps maintain, as well as have a soak in the thermal pools nearby. The views from their condo, as well as from all around town were amazing... The town is in a valley between 2 huge rugged mountain ranges... Stunning scenery wherever you look... We loved it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2503.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2503.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a view from the condo balcony..! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2504.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2504.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The thermal pools... Aaaaaaah!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2506.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2506.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mountain tops peeking over the morning mist.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2507.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2507.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The huge rubble field left by the floods... <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2508.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2508.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mike & his hotel...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2509.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2509.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Inside the hotel. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2511.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2511.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lord Tom, awaiting his minions...<br />(the cat ran away before I took the picture)... Hahaha. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2512.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2512.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The view from the 8th floor.<br /><br />It was great to catch up with Kat & Mike, and to meet Zion for the first time, as well as meeting Tracey and Kat's cousins Jennifer and Sydney. <br /><br />I look forward to the next adventure where we get to meet up again..! (Sydney may well be joining in on Riverwarriors 2: The Paddle North, beginning 2015..!)<br /><br />RWK<br /><br />OUT! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-65482040633022105882013-07-27T20:38:00.000-07:002013-08-02T20:56:24.757-07:00Steep climbs, scary chasms & storms a-comin'...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2421.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2421.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lungs burning, hearts pounding and thighs screaming for mercy... We granny-geared our way up a 12% grade for around 3 miles, as we made out way towards the amazing glaciers in the middle of the Icefield Parkway... The headwind had already been kicking our asses, but the climb pretty much finished us off..! The views were spectacular though. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2422.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2422.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The water flowing down and disappearing from view into a chasm was impressive and terrifying at the same time... Not something you'd want to slip into, as that'd be likely the last thing you ever did. <br /><br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5FYAgHHjhM" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m5FYAgHHjhM" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5FYAgHHjhM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/m5FYAgHHjhM/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br />After being both impressed and scared by the raging water, the storm that had been sat behind the mountain jumped over and started to bear down on us, so we made a run for it, barely getting into the shelter of a rest area toilet in time before the rain, hail, thunder and lightening came crashing down around us. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2423.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2423.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2424.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2424.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2425.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2425.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Being cold and a bit wet, sheltering in a smelly pit toilet wasn't the most fun we'd ever had..! But it was better than being hailed upon...<br /><br />Fortunately, by the afternoon, the weather had improved tremendously, and we were treated to stunning views of turquoise mountain lakes and also got to complete the last and highest climb of the trip, Bow Summit. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2426.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2426.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2427.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2427.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Now we just have to find my friends Katrina and Mike, who are going to ride and camp with us for a day or two before we stay with them to rest up and hang out for a few more days...<br /><br />Can't wait!<br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />OUT!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-90356164815672450782013-07-25T14:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T20:30:54.478-07:00Making our way into the mountains. Up... More up... And yet more up again..! <br /><br />Luckily, the road is pretty well graded and there are only a few really steep lung-burning, thigh busting sections. <br />But the scenery is well worth plenty of photo breaks and general standing-there-and-enjoying-it moments...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2363.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2363.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2364.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2364.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2365.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2365.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2367.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2367.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Onwards we climb... Jasper, in the province of Alberta... Here we come! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-87768364078681620692013-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:002013-08-02T20:25:23.612-07:00Prince George. Our rest break in PG was a good one... Soaking in the spa, shopping, eating, and even a trip to the cinema... <br />Will and I also got our bikes tuned up at the local bike shop, so the gears and brakes are performing much better now...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2352.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2352.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Blockbuster Video is now a liquor store..! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2353.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2353.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Jelly beans galore..!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2354.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2354.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Downtown PG sunset. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/02/2355.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/02/s_2355.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The soaking session..! <br /><br /><br />Now we face the steep climb back out of town as we head towards the mountain and Jasper...<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br /><br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-60292852173957327542013-07-19T22:30:00.000-07:002013-07-21T12:00:25.821-07:00Steep slogs and stunning sunsets. The day started out with an (unfortunately) appropriately named hill... Six Mile Hill. It wasn't quite that long, but close enough. <br />That's the elevation spike you can see to the left in my watch: <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/21/1897.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/21/s_1897.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We'd kinda planned for it though, as we stopped for the night previously at the tiny town of Topley, where we refreshed ourselves with Gatorade at the wonderful Grizzly Jim's General Store, and then with a great proper hot meal (on a plate!) at the café next door. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/21/1898.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/21/s_1898.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The night was spent at Mark Zagwyz's place, a local photographer, who has a camping area for travelers. I spent a good hour talking about photography and gear with Mark, and it was great to see some if his stunning wildlife images. <br /><br />Knowing the hill was around 3 miles away, meant we could warm up a bit before hitting it, and it was just as well we did, as it was a thigh-busting, lung-burning steep 7 to 9% grade. <br /><br />It was currently being re-paved too, so whilst we were battling up it, we were also quite pleased with how gloriously SMOOOOOTH the surface was... And as always, the effort was rewarded with some KILLER-SWEET-SWEET-SMOOOOOOOOOTH DOWNHILL..! Yes, we flew down the other side alright! <br /><br />We ended the day, after around 75 miles, at the slightly larger town of Fraser Lake. <br />One big fat Subway Sammie later, we rolled down to the lakeside for some free city-rec-park camping. Complete with running water & flushing toilet bathrooms. Fraser Lake certainly made the grade in our book. <br /><br />The sunset was late (after 10pm) but wonderful, with most of the camp-folk and RV-ers out a taking pix. Tom and I both shot a bunch with our Nikon DSLRs, but I also put the excellent Hitech Filters Camera app on my iPhone to good use, using a digital graduated ND filter setting to help the colours show better...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/21/1899.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/21/s_1899.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />As always, I'm a sucker for a sunset...<br /><br />More soon. <br /><br />RWK. <br /><br />OUT! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-906460676812075138.post-23843815135559815242013-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:002013-07-21T11:58:32.999-07:00The tale of Hungry Hill. Damn. We have to ride up that..! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/21/1868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/21/s_1868.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />When we rounded the bend and saw this hill, we thought it might have been the worryingly named Six Mile Hill... But that was still a joy for another day.<br /><br />No, this monster was named Hungry Hill. The locals we've met say it's named because the pioneers often had to feed their horses half-way up as it was so long and steep, a straight-shot to the top wasn't possible. When we reached the much needed rest area at the top, there was a sign that had another story from more recent times, and one that possibly was an even more apt reason for the name...<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/07/21/1888.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/07/21/s_1888.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />RWK<br />OUT. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my amazing iPhone 5. <br />rwkobiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04373557295473135837noreply@blogger.com0