DAY 1: SX4, Dash 8, Surly Long Haul Trucker...

Tues. July 19, 2016

Drive to YVR (25 km), Fly to YXC (535km by crow), bike to Lazy Bear Lodge (15 km)

Well, I must say that this morning didn't start out as I would have liked. I stayed up super late the night before and woke up tired as hell and somewhat hung over. My friend (and driver) Tanya and I were chatting, eating pizza and having some "wobbly pops" as time ticked the night away...

Even though we were both toast, it was really great to have help getting set up at the airport. Of coarse there was the usual "rigumroll" associated with bike box protocol. Despite my efforts to become an expert on the Air Canada baggage specifications, I found myself angry and confused yet again. After paying extra fees that didn't add up to me, it was time to see my favourite people in the airport. The BST, (Baggage Security Trolls). These humanoids are good at what they do. Unfortunately, they lack the synapses required to access the common sense area of the noodle. Having a home made bicycle crate designed to allow easy inspection was lost on these life forms.

Anyway, after almost losing my passport in the security check line up, I found my way to gate 38.
It was a very long trek. I have never been to this wing of YVR. It was a strange feeling to board my "Dash 8" aircraft from the tarmac. A 737 it wasn't.
I was excited about the flight as I took my window seat. 
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end... 
BOOM!! A large female human plopped into the seat next to me. Like "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind" I would have gladly accepted a "Seat Encroachment Fee". (maybe 20%)

Anyway, the airport was small and quiet which I enjoyed. Also had tons of space to set up Shirley and gear but had problems filling my water bottles. Weird. Anyway, the 15 km ride to the town of Cranbrook was a bit scary. The access road from the airport was nice, but a downhill section of the 95 S. was a bit crazy. Just bad timing.

The Lazy Bear Motel was OK.
Cool owner. I wondered why I had so much extra time. I assumed that I was on Mountain time. My friend Kerry texted me in confirmation of this. I used the extra hour to drink more beer. Ha ha.

Sketch of my uncomfortable flight to Cranbrook

Landing in Cranbrook BC

Shirley on the move

Ready to roll...

HWC approved signage

Home Base Lazy Bear

"Staycation tour" Overview

Sat. July 16, 2016

This years trip is a simple one;
*Get a ride from North Vancouver to the Vancouver airport (YVR)
*Fly to Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies Int. Airport (YXC) 
*Bike back to North Vancouver using a not so direct route.

Originally I had planned on a trip and tour of Northern Ireland.  I over thought the whole thing, got discouraged and wimped out.
HWC is so disappointed in me.
Ireland isn't going anywhere.   

Here is a link to my staycation route:
https://goo.gl/maps/9NzuyNoi4bs

I have 2 weeks for this ride, which at 1200km, gives me tons of time. I can do 120/day for 10 days 

Shirley gets her nails done

I haven't ridden Shirley very much since the Alaska / Whitehorse trip and was unsure about her health since then. After a test ride and a quick gander at her chain and cogs, it was clear that the end was near. She was certainly rideable but there was a lot of wear and the chain was very stretched.

I bit the bullet and tracked down a new set of teeth. On short notice, it wasn't easy finding 9 spd. parts but since I live in the land of bike shops, it was possible, although I had to drive to Port Coquitlam "Caps Bike Shop" for the insanely small "Granny Gear"

I also got new Schwable Marathon tires in the 700 by 32 size. I love new tires. A good investment. I also replaced the front derailleur cable as it was a bit damaged.

A flat free zone will be dialled in with these tough guys.

Cheaper than the "Marathon Plus" which I am replacing, but should be the cat's ass on this little spin.

"This looks nothing like my poo box..."

9 spd, 110 mm BCD is old school apparently...This purchase (MEC and Caps Bikes) was under $250.00 

I didn't really feel like spending $1200.00 on a whole new crank. Bike parts are such a rip off. Anyway, this should last a while as I have 4 other bikes to ride after this HWC trip.

11/34 Shimano cassette

Can climb an 18 percent with 4 cases of 24 

Or with HWC after a big lunch stop during a headwind

Kizz is clearly excited about Shirley's upgrades.

SHIRLEY'S CRATE

Summer 2016 is here!
Me, Highwaycat and Shirley will be hitting the road soon. YAY!  It won't be a glamorous epic journey, but it should be fun nontheless.

We will be flying out to the Kootenays of British Columbia and will ride back through some familiar and some not so familiar roads back to North Vancouver. Approximately 1200 km over 2 weeks. An easy pull.

To make things super easy, I decided to build my own bike box for shipping. I came across a post on https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/  where the concept came from. I basically copied the plan using Shirley's measurements. The skeleton is 1" by 2" pine screwed together with cardboard from 2 bike boxes glued and stapled. This box will allow me to ship Shirley without removing her handlebars and rack and will keep her safe. It's overkill, but I thought that it would be fun and would make departing super easy. The box is a "one and done" scenerio, at $12.00,  I'm cool with that.

Anyway, here are a few pics of said bike box...

Screwing 1 by 2 pine together

Kizzmitt is the project manager

The skeleton with HWC and Grasshopper cat

Checking bike placement.  All is good (the rack will be lowered) The wheels and forks are supported and everything will be easily scanned by security staff. 

Adding the skin. Grasshopper cat inspects...

Skin is glued and stapled (except top)

Kizzmitt displays the stare of approval.

Anyway, the box comes to about 109 linear inches. The Air Canada allowance is 115". Also, it comes in at well below the 70lb. limit. Even if HWC was a stowaway.