my new CHEAP bike

On March 16, 2009March 16, 2009 By Rick McIn cycling, product endorsements4 Comments

I already have a “good” bike. But want to dedicate it to Adventure Race training.

For commuting around Calgary I went shoppig for a “cheap” bike.

The only feature I really wanted was disk brakes. After much searching in places like Walmart, Canadian Tire and the like, I finally decided on this discount bike, the K2 Zed 2.0.

Disk brakes, 24 speeds, an aluminum frame.

k2-bike1

K2 Bikes – Mountain > Hardtail Mountain > Zed 2.0

CAD$219 (US$172) – SportChek

One year warranty. One time only full service within the first year. One year free minor servicing.

I only use combination locks, to save time. I bought a basic lock. Nothing more than a deterrent. My last commuter bike was stolen despite having a very strong lock.

Having a bike stolen definitely influenced me to buy a cheap bike this time. If it is stolen again, I’m not out all that much cash.

what are you doing in June?

On February 13, 2009February 11, 2009 By Rick McIn cycling, health & fitness, kayaking, product endorsements2 Comments

I’ll be Adventure Racing and part of the organizing committee at Adventure Week 2009 in Idaho.

adventureweek2009

Our official website – AdventureWeek2009.com

Let me know if you want to join in the fun.

Peter and Joyce Long

On December 14, 2008 By Rick McIn cycling, photosLeave a comment

Peter posted Christmas greetings and a photo diary of their adventures over the past year.

Ho HO HO.

… We are still slowing down, with normal wear and tear on our 77 and 76 year old bodies, but fortunately, nothing serious. These are the highlights of our year.

peter-joyce

more photos

Lysebotn Road in Lysefjord, Norway

On December 3, 2008January 31, 2010 By Rick McIn cycling, travel16 Comments

one of the world’s most dramatic roadways:

Lysebotn — click for larger image on Wikipedia

From my hiking blog: hairy, scary road in Norway

Adventure Week 2009 in Idaho

On November 21, 2008November 20, 2008 By Rick McIn blogs, cycling, health & fitness, kayaking, travel2 Comments

Dave Adlard, master organizer of big events, is boldly planning June 5-14th in North Idaho one of the biggest Adventure Racing events anywhere.

Our Adventure Racing Team — the Fast Farts — are part of his support team.

I’m editor of the official website:

North Idaho will play host to “adventure week 2009,” a series of “outdoor” races and events at Farragut State Park near Coeur d’Alene. (Of the famed Ironman competition.)

introducing-adventure-week1

Click through if you know anyone who might be interested in coming down for the Adventure Week 2009.

I’m recommending to Dave that he include a surprise high speed kayak challenge, like this one …

U.S. Bicycle Route System planned

On October 29, 2008 By Rick McIn cyclingLeave a comment

Adventure Cycling Association is part of an initiative to develop a national bike route system called the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). …

details

This initiative is somewhat inspired by EuroVelo, the European cycle route network.

who stole my bike?

On October 25, 2008 By Rick McIn cycling5 Comments

I locked up my Kona Blast in front of the downtown public library this afternoon.

About 90min later, it was gone. The lock cut away.

That bike cost C$674 and served me well for 30 months.

I can’t complain. I got tremendous value out of the Kona, especially with the included 2-yr service package.

A bus driver told me that street is under video surveillance. I’ll follow-up with security at the library.

Needless to say, I have no household insurance. Happily I’ve had very few items stolen over the years. This is the most valuable item yet.

MEC expands cycling shop

On October 22, 2008 By Rick McIn cyclingLeave a comment

My favourite gear shop is opening bike repair shops. And plans to start selling MEC branded bikes in 2009.

Today I picked up some inexpensive parts and had a tune-up while I waited.

This is the best news cyclists have had in Canada in a long time. The vaunted MEC value and quality control will put pressure on the boutique bike shops to compete.