Produced almost every Thursday by Velo Cape Breton. E-mailed without cost or obligation to more than 1000 bicycle advocates around the world.

 

 In this Edition

• "Your President's FIRST Report" - Feedback  
• 52-WBC
• Deby's Dare
• News Flash !!!  It's a Competition !!!
• Errata
• Shake Off Your Hangover from New Year's Eve
• A Bicycle Encyclopedia
• Cyclesmith Expanding
• Simulating Cycling
• Frameworks Cycling and Fitness Gift Card Program for 2010
• Amazingly Simple Home Remedies
• Teachers
• A True Christmas Story

 

 

 

The WEATHER, A HOT TOPIC... 

 

How can it not be with the ups and downs in temperature, the extreme cold in western Canada and reports of melting Arctic sea ice in the north.  

 

How about the Copenhagen climate conference turning into a tragicomedy of sort and a shame for many others.  What we have there is a bunch of puppets who are innocently and absurdly playing the roles of a little selfish and disconnected minority of greedy individuals leading ultimately to a humongous fiasco if this process is allowed to continue.

 

It's once been said that we have the governments we deserve.  It could not be truer with our canadian government.  When only 58.8 percent of registered electors voted at the 2008 general election ( 5.9 percent decrease from the previous election), and worse, the governing party got elected by only 37.7% of the people who voted  No wonder Canada has been ridiculed at this Copenhagen conference when its representatives are only speaking for a mere 22.1% of the registered electors, providing they all share the grim views of their party.  Sooo...  My point is that we, as individuals, should not count on this government to take the proper, sensible and effective measures to combat global warming in our own backyard.

 

The more and more people adopting pragmatic behaviours towards the earth, the faster we will see positive results in returning order on the planet, our home we cannot escape from.  It is really up to us, as individual, to change.

 

Make yourself a treat.  Tune YouTube for 1.5 hours and watch one of the most beautiful and breathtaking film I've ever seen.  The link has been sent to me by Britt Roscoe a committed protector of the environment preaching by example.

 

English:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU

Français:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNGDj9IeAuI&NR=1

 

And speaking of sustainability: from George Monbiot, who wants Canada expelled from the Commonwealth for our Tar Sands projects.

http://www.countercurrents.org/monbiot151209.htm

 

 

PS.  I just joined over 13 million people in the world's largest-ever campaign for the environment.

 

There has never been a more important time to add your name to the Petition started by AVAAZ.  Avaaz.org is a community of global citizens who take action on the major issues facing the world today.   Their message is being delivered to leaders at the Copenhagen climate summit over the next 48 hours. 

 

Please add your voice now at:  http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_copenhagen/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

 

 

 

 

 

"YOUR PRESIDENT'S FIRST REPORT" - FEEDBACK

by: Derek Watts, Wolfville, VCB #236

 

"I find it very interesting how volunteer leadership arises here and there.   Ramblers and Velo CB (especially Velo CB) are satisfying a local need not otherwise provided when the recognised "authority" (ie: BNS) fails to do so.  But Velo CB has risen beyond the purely local and is successfully taking on advocacy and related issues which have the potential of providing solutions province wide.  And I observe you are taking the matter of leadership succession seriously.  You must,

absolutely, manage the organisation to insist on Executive changeover on a regular and relatively short term basis.  Burn out is thus avoided, more members are educated in the club affairs and people do things in this kind of responsible way that they never imagined they could  -  they mature and that is truly wonderful to see. The creation of club Chapters is a very good model, where its clear you do have volunteer resources not available in other parts of your territory (you have called yourselves Velo Cape Breton after all) linked to the centre by regular communication and intentional support.

 

So, from an interested and admiring (non-riding, remote) member, congratulations on the club's achievment.  New Beginnings Means Continuing Success."

 

Cheers"

 

Derek

 

 

ps.  Derek has been a long time and very effective President of Bicycle Nova Scotia.  He's still involved in bicycling as representative of Cycle Touring Club of England (CTC), organizing tours for them; also involved in his community as Chair of the Wolfville Historical Society just for a very short list of his accomplishments.  

 

 

 

 

52WBC

 

The last two weeks were really a challenge for the 15 or so hardy participants.  Luckily, there have been small windows where one could have got the bike out for the 30 minute ride to qualify for the week.

 

If you've already been out this week, there's only one or two weeks left depending on when you started to count your weeks in January '09.

 

Several new entries coming to Shelley.  Want to join?  email blomidonrose(at)yahoo.ca

 

 

 

 

DEBY'S DARE

 

YES, she did it with panache.  Deby ran in the storm on Saturday and finished it off on Monday with great vigour all carried by the amazing support and the generous contributions to her Dare for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

 

 

Friday's Report...

 

                                    TGIFFF & F  

 

Thank God I'm Foolish, Feisty, Fit and Finally have the mountains behind me.  Oh, and Thank God Its Friday too.

My illogical logic is still working with me (sometimes its great to be kinda crazy!)........it's the weekend and I feel like the hardest part is complete.....wait now, am I actually telling myself that four more half-marathons in four days is hardly worth worrying about??????  I am crazy!...thank heavens for that.

 

I can hear the wind blowing steady here at Wreck Cove but after the wind we experienced through Petit Etang, I hope I'll be able to cope with it.   I have lots of warm clothes and lots of enthusiasm and it's the weekend, right?

 

Lots of offers for running this weekend and I hope to take advantage of them...I still feel great but I probablay don't look so good though, windblown, worn looking...rain, wind, snow, sleet......you know what those elements can do!  I'll work on that after Monday - don't even know what my real hair looks like anymore....it didn't always look liks this, did it!!

 

Anyway, Red Barn to C. & J. Rentals today - lots of shoulder on the road only not looking forward to the traffic, especially those big trucks but I'll be back in the peaceful, countryside tomorrow.

 

You guys are great, thanks so much for your feedback, it keeps me upbeat.

 

____________

 

Sunday's Report...

 

Well everyone, I'm still here and running strong despite the weather.  I forgot my computer at work so haven't been able to update you until today.

 

My parents had a plaque in our house at one time that read "All my company pleases me, some by coming; some by going".  That's how I feel about these runs.....some I enjoy during and some I enjoy when they are complete.    Friday's run was very uneventful....my brother, Larry (bless him), met me at the Red Barn and followed me to C & J Rentals.....Alex Fitzgerald of C&J Rentals donated $100!!!  Isn't that something?

 

Saturday (which was supposed to be a nice relaxing run) turned out to be one of the longer half-marathons I talked about.  The weather got progressively worse from morning on.  Ron Gillis and Sheila Profit had suggested meeting me and running with me.  Chris Somerville was going to join us as well but the weather through a wrench in those plans and he agreed to run with me on Sunday.  Ron and Sheila met me at the end of the run in Goose Cove (in an old-fashioned blizzard) so we could leave a car there for the end.  Real logical logic would have told us to get home out of  this weather.....but here is Ron's logic:

"Deby I have a good idea...why don't you run tomorrow's run today and run today's run tomorrow?)"  I said "What????"....he said here's your hat, get going while we find a place to park the car.  There's less traffic here so it will be safer. I think Ron could be a wonderful running coach, you just have to listen very carefully to what he says.....and it does make sense (very good sense I might add).  Sheila ran 14 or 15 km with me.  I don't know if there is a word that combines trudging & running but that is what we did.  The road wasn't ploughed and luckily for us Fred & Margrit (friends from Bay St. Lawrence) came along and cleared a track for us.  

 

It was storming so much that at one point Sheila & I saw the police coming with the lights flashing and I was afraid that we were reported for being a hazard and they were coming for us. But they left us in a cloud of snow and continued on. Ron ran the last 7 km with me...he strikes me as a man who likes to keep both feet planted firmly on the ground....right Ron? 

 

Sheila met us at the North Shore sign with a nice, warm car and Ron got a couple of pictures.  All in all it was one of the most memorable runs and I will be forever grateful to Ron & Sheila for being there for me.  And bonus, psychologically, it felt like I had skipped a run even though I was going to run it on Sunday.  

 

After a long, slow drive home I had a wonderful, satisfying, relaxing evening.  Talk to you all soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

___________

 

Monday's Report

 

Well here I am waiting impatiently to run the last leg of my Dare.  

 

Ran the day before yesterday's run yesterday, right Ron?  (you know I'm just kidding you.)  Beautiful winter day, roads ploughed......after what I've been running in anything short of a blizzard is balmy.   Ran with Chris Somerville today.....wish those vicious boxers were barking at me then.......then we'd see who's afraid of who!!!!   Chris's friend Robin (Robyn) from Englishtown joined us at the halfway mark, and being the gentlemen they are, they slowed their pace so I could keep up with them and finish the leg with dignity; and me, being the lady I am, refrained from jumping up and down, screaming and yelling.....13 done, ONE MORE TO GO!!!  very civilized we were.   I can't promise the same for today!

 

Wish me luck.

 

__________

 

Tuesday's Report....

 

Well its done, I am sooooo glad that I completed it in the 14 days.  The weather couldn't have been better (could have been worse but lucky for me it wasn't).  

 

I know for sure I was running on excitement and adrenaline...got to the finish before I knew it and with lots of company running with me.  And lots of support and screaming at the finish.  

 

When I first told people I was planning to do this and they would respond, I kept saying "wait until I actually do it before you give me any credit"......so now its done, I feel a little more confident, well, maybe a lot more confident; I only hope I'm still not dreaming!!!  

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS    JOYEUX NOEL    NOLLAIG CHRIDHEIL 

 

Together, ordinary people DO achieve extraordinary things!

 

Thanks again for your support. I really appreciate it.

 

__________

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS FLASH !!!!  IT'S A COMPETITION !!!!!

by: Andrée Crépeau, VCB President, Organizer of the VCB Annual Potluck Dinner.

     

We’ve already received 4 nominations for the Velo Awards.  Don’t be left out take, a break from your holiday chores, think cycling, think summer and then nominate someone for a Velo Award in one or both of the following categories. 

 

Most motivating  Member:  Is there someone in the club that got you out cycling, maybe someone who phoned you to ride, someone who challenged you to a time trial,  or someone who beat you at a time trial and made you train harder, or someone who packed a nummy picnic lunch for a morning tour.  We’ve all been there so take a minute to nominate that person.  Send the name and reason to Andrée Crépeau at acrepeau@ns.sympatico.ca

 

Commuter of the Year:  Nominate the person that for you is the ultimate commuter.   It could be the diehard that cycles everyday rain or shine, or the co-worker that started commuting and got a few more to try it out, or maybe it’s the fashionnista that didn’t let cycling stand in the way of her fashion statement.  Forward your nomination to Andrée Crépeau at acrepeau@ns.sympatico.ca 

 

The awards will be handed out at the Velo Cape Breton Potluck Dinner  on Saturday January 16th 6pm to 9pm at the Dobson Yacht Club.   Check up coming newsletters for details.

 

 

 

 

ERRATA

 

Just a little correction there...the note below is about my brother Ian, not myself (Daniel- the VCB North Highlands chapter director).  Just want to clarify before the Cape Breton rumor mill takes flight! 

 

Daniel

 

 

 

SHAKE OFF YOUR HANGOVER FROM NEW YEAR'S EVE...

by:  Chris Milburn,  VCB #1

 

 

On New Year's Day we'll run starting at 10AM from the YMCA.  Those wanting to bike and support the runners are welcome to join the party.

 

There are 2 routes:

 

1) 5.83Km - see http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3366692   From YMCA, down to Esplanade, north around end of Victoria Park, back up George to Dorchester, left to Intercolonial, left to Ferry, left to George, and retrace route back to YMCA.

 

2) 12.1Km - see http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3366697   From YMCA down to Esplanade, north around end of Victoria Park, back up George to Dorchester, left to Intercolonial, right to Prince, short left to Terminal Road, left to Inglis, left to Cape Breton Street, right to Victoria road, left on Victoria Road.  Run to Tim Horton's, turn around and retrace steps.

 

We'll meet afterwards at the George Street Tim Horton's for a debriefing.

 

Hope you all can make it!  Let me know if you have any questions.  

 

-Bighead

 

 

 

A BICYCLE ENCYCLOPEDIA

 

BikeRadar.com is a website that I just discovered.  

 

BikeRadar keeps you up to date with top reviews of the latest bikes and gear for cyclists. Check out the sections on mountain, road or beginner bikes, looking at new models and putting them through rigorous testing. All bikes are properly rated by their experts for price, strengths and weaknesses. They also check out all that’s new with bike parts, clothing, tyres and accessories to keep all informed as to what’s out there. To help all enthusiasts, they'll impart with their years of cyclist knowledge to advise all on bike maintenance, best cycling routes and keeping up with fitness and nutrition. 

 

Check it out at:  http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/fitness/

 

 

 

 

CYCLESMITH EXPANDING

 

We've heard through the rumour mill that Cyclesmith is doubling the size of their current Halifax location this winter to offer better product selection and technical assistance. 

They will be expanding the current Halifax location to 4000sq feet of well stocked retail show room.  They will have all the fantastic products, staff and service you have come to expect from Cyclesmith, under one roof.

 

 

SIMULATING CYCLING

source:  http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/honda-to-launch-bicycle-simulator-24117

 

Are you fed up of cycling to useful places like work, school or the shops? If so, I’ve found you the perfect Christmas present, you can cycle absolutely nowhere, not get in the way of any cars while staring at a screen. 

 

Honda have developed this high-tech bicycle simulator to teach people how to stay safe in traffic.

According to Honda, it will help people "improve their ability to predict risks and increase safety awareness" by letting them experience the possible risks faced by cyclists.  I suspect this simulator could be used to teach motorists the cyclist's point of view.  At close to $10k a pop, it's a small price to pay to save only one life.

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/honda-to-launch-bicycle-simulator-24117

 

 

 

FRAMEWORK CYCLE & FITNESS GIFT CARD AND DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR 2010 

by: Bill Goldston, (HEAL Champion of CBRM, www.frameworkfitness.com

 

New members are signing up for their 2010 Velo Cape Breton membership already.  FrameWork Cycle & Fitness is continuing the gift card program for another season.  We are giving VCB 147 gift cards valued at $10 each. An extra 3 bonus cards, valued at $25, $50 and $75 will be issued. These will be randomly distributed with the other cards. All cards may be used for any item or service we sell for the 2010 season until March 31, 2011.

 

Another benefit to VCB members, is our discount program. In 2010, we will give VCB members 15% off most in-stock parts, accessories and clothing; as well as 5% off any regular priced bike we have in stock. Discounted and sale priced items do not qualify for further discounts.

 

In order for us to clean up some bookkeeping items, we are asking for older cards to be used before the end of March 2010. If you received a paper gift card in 2009, or your card was issued prior to the 2009 season, it will expire on March 31, 2010. If you have been thinking about using your card, now is the perfect opportunity.

 

Shameless promotional blub...

We have lots of gift ideas for Christmas. Most of our 2010 bikes, parts and accessories are now in stock. Some good deals on remaining 2009's. Our snowshoes, cross country skis and fitness equipment are in stock. Check out the Master Lists on our website for some great gift ideas.

 

Happy Trails in the New Year...

 

Bill Goldston

 

 

 

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

 

1. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

2. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.

3. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

4. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.

5. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a three minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins.  Remember to use a timer.

6. Have a bad headache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget about the headache.

 

Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:

You only need two tools:  WD-40 and Duct Tape.  If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.  If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.  When all else fails, toss down a good shot of whiskey and take a nap.

 

 

 

 

TEACHERS

 

These are actual comments made on students' report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded (but, boy, are these funny!)

 

1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.

 

2. I would not allow this student to breed.

 

3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.

 

4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

 

5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

 

6. The student has a 'full six-pack' but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.

 

7. This child has been working with glue too much.

 

8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell.

 

9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.

 

10. If this student were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.

 

11. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others.

 

12. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.

 

 

 

 

 

A TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY

 

An elderly man in Winklespruit calls his son in Cape Town and says, 'I

Hate to ruin your Christmas, but I have to tell you that your mother and

I are divorcing; 35 years of misery is enough.'

 

'Dad, what are you talking about?' the son screams.

 

'We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,' the old man says.

'We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in England and tell her,' and he hangs up.

 

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. 'Like heck they're getting divorced,' she shouts, 'I'll take care of this.'

 

She calls her dad immediately, and screams at the old man, 'You are NOT getting divorced! Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there on Friday. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?' and hangs up.

 

The old man hangs up and turns to his wife.

"O.K." he says, "they're coming for Xmas and paying their own airfares".

 

 

 

________________

Jacques Cote

Editor, Velo Cape Breton eNewsletter