My Mea Culpa (aka Day 6 ride report)

Trev, we have failed you. You left the STC Penticton Camp in the hands of some of your most trusted club veterans and it has deteriorated into something akin to "Lord of the Flies".

Don't get me wrong, we are all motivated and want to do right by you, but the combination of many hard rides at the beginning of the week, minimal leadership (currently, well due to Harley being sick & Ryan taking the day off) and too many really good vineyards have lead to what was once a "throw down" hard ride, "hang on your finger nails" tough guy week has turned into the movie Sideways on a bike.

Don't get me wrong it is really, really good and one hell of a lot of fun, just different.

To give you an example of how far and how quickly things have fallen apart, the long ride plan for today was Apex (a crazy hard climb) followed by the Ironman loop in revervse (Ed. -- in the interest of full disclaimer, I am not a fan of the Ironman loop: proper direction, in reverse, half way forwards half way reverse it doesn't matter -- in my humble opinion there is no redeeming value in this route, but that's just me. On a side note Trev found a sweet 50K side road packed dirt (not gravel) that eliminates the need to do much of the Ironman loop next year, saaawheat, but I digress).

The orignal plan was that route I mentioned above. Over many beers at Salty's last night a complete mutiny was hatched and it seems I was inadvertently an instigator. Instead of that henious, but stupendous, route starting as 7am, I was somehow able to convince otherwise movitated athletes to start at 9am ride up Green Mountain Road, then up Apex back to Penticton, straight to Hillside Vineyard (see previous post, it will make sense). Now this was just my personal plan for the day, it seemed like a good idea, I didn't mean to reduce the long ride numbers down to 2 (Mike Healey and Tomo, we are all so proud of you, but about when you were in the hell of the rollers we were are the Bench having coffee).

So off we went from Denny's around 9:30ish with a large mostly happy, some nervous contingent. Not even the appearance of Royalty in the form of Jared and Tanya (they met us at the gas station Darcy has been banned from, another story for another day) could salvage a day that will not be remembered as one of our finest (maybe one of the more fun days, but not an epic in terms of riding Trev stop reading right now.... our average time start to finish 11.2 kph, elevation gain 1886 metres, distance 96.3). The ride to the Ranch was uneventful, some of the group decided to only do the Ranch then regroup at The Bench.

Any of you who have done Apex, in good weather, bad weather, good form, bad form and well anyone other than Don King (if you have to ask you aren't ready to know), will agree with me that is one MOFO hard ride, Alpe D'Huez, Galibier ain't any harder. The only thing harder than Apex is Apex with a brutal head wind... no kidding it! It didn't rain or snow, but damn I lost my will to live about 10 times. Looking up the road I could see my buddy Darcy (who btw did Apex yesterday as well and Giants Head 3 times the day before and could barely walk downstairs for breakfast) weaving all over the road, it was said, depressing, he was struggling so hard the only thing sadder was I wasn't catching up to him.

We finally scratched and clawed our way up. Jared and Tanya were the fastest up, Jarred was riding 39 x 23 smiling and chatting all the way. Brad W (he of fresh legs) dragged Derek all the way only to be outsprinted in the last 50 metres after give or take 50 minutes of a HUGE draft (and he thinks a coffee makes up for that, oh Derek flatted something like 4 times today. I guess Karma is a bitch).

We all made our way down to the Ranch, totally frozen and headed up to the Bench to join those that rode the new and improved really short ride.

At this point things were still pretty much under control... Then we went Hillside... Let me start with this, anyone who knows, me, Simon and Shelley might think that each of us ordering a glass of wine with lunch was asking for trouble, we ordered 2 bottles... Then my buddy Brad showed up... by last count, when they closed the place and we had knocked down about 8 bottles, we decided on a new really short ride for tomorrow.

If one ever needed an indication of just how far off track things have gotten, Darcy, yes Darcy set the plan, tomorrow we ride toward Chute Lake, ride some of the gravel then on the way back, one glass of wine at every vineyard we come to... we will see how it goes...

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

My Name is Michael, I really like to ride my bike, I also really like vineyards in the Okanagan, I don't ever want this week to end, I need someone to get me back on track... I have said it before, I will say it again, DO PENTICTON next year, best time, best rides, many new friends, you have no idea what you are missing (when it was snowing in Calgary, it was plus 27 here)

It looked so civilized at the start

As Ron Burgundy once said "That got out of hand really quickly"

Day 3 Penticton Camp

Big news of the day our Rock Star Women continue to amaze. Their "easy day" consisted of The Wall, Area 51 and APEX!! Sarah, Marcy, Shelley, Andrea & Simon all completed the ride. Absolutely amazing, Apex is a crazy hard climb and they all made it up. A big shout out to Simon for his expertise and support.

The US ride was terrific, biggest group ever, some flats, some crazy hard efforts and a lot of fun.

There was, however, some unpleasantry at the border. We are not sure what set off our less than friendly border lady. It might have been Harley with his jersey undone (apparently disrepectful), it might have been Charles not knowing where we were going (one should understand when in a foreign country one should know where one is going), maybe it was that it didn't make sense to her that we would drive all the way from Calgary to ride our bikes (don't we have roads in Calgary?), or maybe it was me not lining up properly and apparently I put a truck driver "at risk" of hitting me.

Regardless, the good news is I saved a trip to the Proctologist. Customs didn't find anything, but it wasn't for lack of looking... and it would appear that my prostate is in very good health! More fun coming tomorrow!

Day 3 - Short Ride directions

Hey Folks,

I rode up to the White Lake turn-off today from Oliver. There is no sign that says "White Lake Road". There are two blue signs that tell you to turn right for a B&B and a horse stable of sorts. Take that right.

While on Fairview Road and riding uphill from Oliver, if you pass Old Golf Course Rd. on your left, you've gone too far. If you hit gravel, you've gone too far. On Google Maps there is a house with a pool out front. You can see that house from the road. If you see that house, you've gone too far. 

Have fun out there.  

Hillside Bistro

I apologize I have been having trouble with my login for OKWineSnobQuarterly.org. I have to trust that this has posted correctly.
Fellow readers, as you know we are in the Okanagan now and our stop today was the Hillside Bistro. This charming little restaurant has been recognized as the "Best Restaurant Associated with a Winery" in BC.

Hillside Vineyard was originally an Apricot Orchard circa 1900. The Cherry trees that line the front of the property were planted in 1926. The Apricot Orchard was removed in 1984, and in 1989 the current owners were instrumental in enacting the Farmgate Winery policy that has transformed the wine industry in British Columbia.
That brings us to today. We had the opportunity to enjoy their bistro for lunch. The lower level patio is sunsoaked and while lacking a view, the setting is perfect for a sunny lunch. When the upper level opens a bit later in the year, it will likely the spot for sunset dining.

Our party ordered the daily special and the risotto (pictured below). The daily special was a delightful mix of Humbolt Squid, Yellow Perch & Clams. The meal was fabulous, as a side note the ingredients are all invasive species. So not only do they form a delicious meal when prepared by Executive Chef Rob, the removal of these invasive species helps restore the natural balance for our ingenious wildlife. When paired with Hillsides 1st year Pinot Noir offering, well the day was that much more memorable. If you have the chance to spend some time at Hillside we would highly recommend it. And make sure you try their cheesecake desert.

On another note there was something about another group doing some bicycle touring to the south. We are lead to believe that they ventured off the beaten path. Not sure why, but someone named Trevor will be reviewing (of all places) the Tim Horton's in Osoyoos.

PS the weather is amazing, wish you were here

PPS a huge shout out to the women's contingent, they have been stone cold, nails Rock Stars. Not to get all new agey, but they have all been digging deep and extending themselves. It is inspiring to see people pushing themselves inspite of nerves and taking on rides bigger and harder than anything they have ever done

PPPS if it has ever even crossed your mind to do the Penticton camp, book the time off NOW, it will be the week before the May long weekend.
 

Penticton Update

Just a quick update to let everyone know we are alive and well. Sunday morning turnot was 21 people and most, if not all, did the ironman route, about 175 km. Beautiful day in Penticton, clear sunny skies, no rain, highs in the upper 20's.

Monday was equally epic, 21 people again, some new faces to replace the dudes who could not get up out of bed after one day of training camp. All of us headed to Oliver, Osoyoos area again, Baldy, Baldy gravel, Anarchist, back side of Anarchist, fast paceline were on the menu today. 100 to 200 km. 30 degrees today with favourable winds.

Tuesday is USA ride, should be fun.

Hopefully someone will post up some photos here.

 

BIKES ON BROADWAY ANYONE??

Anyone heading to BOB this weekend. I have a room booked if anyone wants a roomie. If you are coming put your name and Cat# in comments.

Go Ryder !!

First Canadian ever to wear the Pink Jersey !!

Go Go Go !!

Trev

Clothing is Available for Pickup at Speed Theory

Our clothing order is now available for pickup at Speed Theory.

Please be careful when rummaging through the boxes. If the labels come off the bags, it will be quite difficult to figure out whose bag is whose. If a label is accidentally removed please ask Darcy for a stapler to reattach it.

CLARIFICATION:  This is the FIRST ROUND clothing order only. If you got in on the second round, that is coming early June.

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Penticton Week Update - One more thing....

Bring. Your. PASSPORT.

Temperatures in Penticton for next week range from 24-29 degrees. See you on Sunday, 9 a.m. at the Sandman Hotel/Denny's parking lot.

UFC 149

It looks like I might be going to this on July 21. Anybody else going? There is no ABA road race scheduled for that weekend.

I know this club has a surprisingly large UFC fan base. Send me a private message if you are interested in friday pre-sales.

Dennis

First Round Clothing update

Our clothes have left Yuen Long, China, picked up some culture and cycling mojo in Paris, France, made a quick stop in Memphis, Tennessee to ensure we know how to get in a groove, and have just left Winnipeg bound for here. (For real)

Simon and Shelley are planning to sort all Thursday night and will have them at Speed Theory (the store) by Friday afternoon. DON'T GO TO THE STORE until I post HERE that they are there!

Thank you very much to Simon and Shelley, this is a big job!


Trev
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Penticton Week Update – Day 6 and 7 rides

Let’s assume this will be the last post before Day 1 in Penticton. Just a reminder, Day 1 is Sunday, May 13, and we begin at 9 a.m. The ride will be approx. 160km as we’re kicking off the week with the Ironman Loop (minus the out and back). We meet at the Denny’s and Sandman Hotel parking lot for each ride. You’ll probably find a few of us meeting an hour before each ride to have breakfast at Denny’s. When deciding what riding clothes to bring, expect the weather to range from 10-25 degrees with a combination of dry and wet (just bring everything).

Day 6, Friday, May 18, Start time 7 a.m. for the long ride and the short ride can start whenever they want

• Long ride- Reverse Ironman, plus Apex Mountain: 180km
• Short ride- Apex Mountain: 60-70km
• Regardless if you are doing the long ride or the short ride, we are all going to ride up Green Mountain Road from Hwy 97 in Penticton. It's a much nicer and quieter ride. 
• Once we get to the Apex Junction, you have some choices. Climb up to Apex and call it a day, climb up to Apex and then continue with the Ironman Course in reverse, or just stick to the Ironman Course and save Apex for another day (see next Day 7 rides). Your call.  

Day 7, Saturday, May 19, Start time: 9 a.m.

• Long/Gravel ride: Chute Lake Resort and Lost Moose Lodge
• This one's a doozey. Last year, eight of us climbed 8km of steep gravel to Chute Lake Resort. It was fun, but it's one of the harder climbs you'll do this week. I added a new climb on Carmi Avenue up to Lost Moose Lodge. So, you do the Chute Lake climb first, come back into town, maybe have a nap or some lunch, and then hit Carmi Avenue up to Lost Moose. 
• Short ride: Naramata Bench to the gravel and Lost Moose Lodge
• We all leave and ride the Naramata Bench together until the gravel. You still get in both climbs with the short ride, but without the gravel climb to Chute Lake. 
• Mine's-Bigger-Than-Your's ride: Chute Lake Resort, Lost Moose Lodge, Apex
• Last year's Mine's-Bigger-Than-Your's ride consisted of Anarchist, Ironman Loop and Apex. This year's  Mine's-Bigger-Than-Your's ride stays closer to home, but will be equally as tough with three short, but intense climbs. Good luck with that.

WNS tonight. It's on!!

Who's in tonight? Can't wait to race!

Trev

STers clean up in Moose Jaw

Obviously too humble to post themselves, Brent and Benn (AKA Big Benn...new ST guy) did some cleaning up in Moose Jaw this weekend. 1st and 2nd in the GC and effectively crushng it in all events. Well done! Results are here: