Just TREKking along...on my new BICYCLE!!

OK, I have been riding more and more these past few months, mainly to work, but also a few other rides. I thought it would be nice to treat myself to a new bike!

Don't get me wrong, my existing bike is not bad, it is a Raleigh from Canadian Tire about 6 years ago - but it has been into the shop a few times this year. I guess I am hard on the bike - and it is a heavy one!

I finally started looking and doing some research - reading forums, etc. I figured for what I wanted to ride, I would be looking for a hybrid, or cyclo-cross, or fitness bike. After having some less than stellar experiences at a couple of the shops in town - the best one, in which I have had mostly good experiences, is Radical Edge.

I thought it was down to the Trek 7.1 FX and the Cannondale Quick 6 (both entry level in their class but still over $500) when it was suggested I look at the Trek 8.1 DS. All of these are hybrid between mountain bike and road bike (but with the upright riding style of the mountain bike - same handlebars) The Trek 8.1 leaned toward more of a true hybrid between street and trail, while the others were more street bikes.

After trying an 8.1 DS and  7.4 FX (same as 7.1 but higher up the quality ladder) I felt the 8.1 was the best fit. It seemed like I had more bike under me - I felt more secure on gravel and going over bumps.

The new bike does not have shocks, which is kind of what I was looking for to keep the weight down - I don't really do any mountain biking. I did an informal test between my old and new bikes - the Raleigh is about 25 lbs. and the Trek is about 19 lbs.

Here is a stock photo of my new baby - I rode it home from the shop - about 3 km or so - can't wait to take it to work tomorrow!

 

-André

Alex is 9–yes I said 9!

Some soccer, some pizza, some presents, some ice cream cake, and some glitter tattoos! Great birthday party!

Trip to southern NB

Look, photos!

A collection of photos from our camping trip to New River Beach, and then St. Andrews for a whale watching tour. Just our family and Adam's. Lots-o-fun!

http://lightofday.photoshelter.com/gallery/Trip-to-southern-NB-07-08-13/G0000xg0867tFEDo/

-André

End of another school year.

Last day of school today for both kids. Hope and Alex had great years, both in their first year of French immersion.

Alex had a great report card, did well in school, and made some new friends, but is looking forward to the summer. He is not as enamored with school as his big sister.

Hope also did well, but she is a little sad that school is ending. I presume she will be missing friends, teachers and all the activities. I took the day off today to help out in a general way at home because Larissa has two overnight  Henna gigs for the ‘Safe Grad’ activities for the two high schools, the first was last night, the second is tonight.

I was able to head over to Hope’s school to see their Awards assembly this morning. Since Hope has been bringing home great marks, I figured, and hoped, she would get something.

Larissa and I were proud to see her get 3 awards this morning. In addition to the Athletic award from last week. The certificates are below, but the first 2 awards also have a ‘statue’ component. I will see about getting a photo of Hope with them up soon.

Congratulations to Hope and Alex for a great year!

Kids Update

Just a quick update about the kids. They have finished their YMCA programs for the season.
Alex moved up a step in his Karate, from Orange belt with 5 stripes to 4 stripes (the lower the better).
Hope's final competitive swimming class ran as a mini swim meet. She came in first in her 50 metre front and back crawl races. Her flips turns were great!
They are in soccer for the summer, which should be fun. It will be nice to have less hectic weekday evenings as we scale back on organized activities, going from 4 nights to 1!

 



Hope and Alex are also in Flag Rugby (which is just about to end),

 and Hope celebrated her 12th birthday early with a gathering of friends.

-André