Bikepacking the Colorado Trail

On October 12, 2020October 9, 2020 By Rick McIn best bike rides, cycling, travelLeave a comment

I’m adding this to my #BucketList.

I’ve hiked big sections of the Colorado Trail in the past. It’s TOUGH !

UBeesize 54-inch Selfie Stick Tripod

On September 28, 2020September 27, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, hiking, photos, product endorsements, videoLeave a comment

For hiking I’m not often going to be carrying a full tripod. Too big. Too heavy.

But for cycling, I’ll often bring this one along.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours videotaping from tripods. But — until now — have never used one as an extended selfie stick.

Of many similar options, I got the Selfie Stick Tripod, UBeesize 51″ Extendable Tripod Stand with Bluetooth Remote for iPhone & Android Phone. I won’t be using the Bluetooth Remote.

CAD $33
610 Grams
suggested max weight is about 2.2 lbs/1Kg.
1/4” screw thread (fits my GoPro, Sony camera, OM 4 gimbal)

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch some of my tests on YouTube.

Cycling Whistler B.C.

On August 31, 2020September 2, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, travelLeave a comment

Whistler is one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world.

There are a LOT OF TRAILS.

I like singletrack, twisty forested green trails best. Last week I cycled mostly around Lost Lake.

The easy trails are free. You do probably need to pay for parking.

This video gives you an idea of the terrain.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

CanaDream 4 days Calgary → Vancouver CAD $618

On August 29, 2020August 29, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, product endorsements, travelLeave a comment

For the first time I rented a CanaDream camper van to get me and my bike back to the left coast.

My cost for up to 4 days, 3000 km is CAD $618 (US $466) including insurance. Plus about $340 for fuel. About $960 total.

That would be a great price for two people as flying cost over CAD $550 right now with bike. COVID prices. I should have flown or taken the bus for about $140.

That price is cheaper than usual from CANADREAM because more people rent Vancouver to Calgary than the other way around. It’s called a relocation sale.

I departed Calgary Friday August 21. Dropped the vehicle in Vancouver Tuesday August 25th.

Did some adventuring en route. But not as much as I had hoped. I was behind the wheel for 2000 km.

Wild camped one night. Stayed in inexpensive campgrounds the other three. If you don’t plug in to electricity and water, cost is only $15 – $25 at B.C. Recreation sites.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

cycling with Rocco

On August 21, 2020August 27, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, friendsLeave a comment

Rockin’ Rocco has some favourite quiet roads south and west of Calgary that he enjoys cycling.

We had a lovely morning in perfect August Calgary weather. No bugs.

MAP – driving Calgary to Vancouver

On August 18, 2020August 27, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, hiking, travelLeave a comment

Update. I ended up driving only about 2000 km. in 4 days. The plan below was WAY TOO MANY HOURS behind the wheel.

I skipped the backtracking to Jumbo Pass.

I have 4 days, up to 3000 km in my rented CanaDream Camper Van.

Short hikes and bike rides along the way.

Here’s my itinerary, so far. Of course I’ll change this on a whim once on the road starting Friday August 21.

Eco-Challenge Fiji – now on Amazon Prime

On August 17, 2020August 17, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, TVLeave a comment

Intense. Emotional.

If you’ve never watched an Adventure Race, this is the one.

I binged the 10 episodes over the weekend.

Click PLAY or watch the trailer on YouTube.

Eco-Challenge Fiji had 66 teams racing non-stop, 24 hours a day, across hundreds of miles of rugged backcountry terrain complete with mountains, jungles and oceans.

Each race team is comprised of four competitors, including at least one member of the opposite sex, and one assistant crewmember that will be helping their team from base camp.

A variety of non-motorized forms of transportation and other various challenges including outrigger paddling, mountain biking, rappelling, climbing, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, and canyoneering ….

Navigation must be done with a map and compass only and teams will be required to use expedition problem-solving skills in their quest to the finish line.

If any team member quits or is unable to complete the race, the entire team will be disqualified. Only teams that can work together under extreme stress and fatigue have any hope of reaching the finish.

Sound like the TV show is renewed. Next edition will be hosted in Patagonia.

Bikepacking South Korea

On August 5, 2020July 30, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, travel2 Comments

This sounds ideal to me.

The Four Rivers Trail, launched 2012, runs from the N.W. corner of South Korea to the S.E. corner spanning almost 600 km. Some claim Korea has the most advanced bike-touring infrastructure on Earth.

You can start from either Incheon or Seoul.

It’s mostly a flat paved route dedicated to cycling.

Read a 2013 trip report.

There are many other excellent long distance cycling paths in South Korea, as well.

Dreaming of Senja, Norway

On August 3, 2020July 30, 2020 By Rick McIn cycling, hiking, travelLeave a comment

I loved my trip to Lofoten, Norway in 2018.

What’s next?

Senja, even further north of the Arctic Circle.

Norway’s second-largest island, rivals Lofoten and Vesterålen for natural beauty yet attracts a fraction of the visitors.

Norway is the most expensive place I’ve ever been.

So I’d fly in with a bike and camping gear. Sleep most nights outdoors. Norway has a freedom to roam law so you can tent almost anywhere for free.

The weather is frightful, of course.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.