In the quest to be proactive in following Orthopedic Surgeons instructions for the future. Specifically how eventually will need a Full Susoension frame to manage arthritis as instructed by Dr Bardana the Orthopedic Surgeon.
Was loaned an older FS bike for a few days to see if would work. This is an attempt to be proactive towards future medical needs and to have something in hand waiting for when needed medically. However the 2008 Devinci Frantik frame is shorter then my destroyed 2007 Chromag Samurai just based on top tube measuring.
Why go old and used route? I cannot wait forever for things related to insurance to conclude processes. So the only option is find something for the least cost to follow medical instructions and to be pro-active around those instructions.
And since this is needed to keep both following medical instructions long term in the future as well as manage mental illness. Not waiting to have a future crisis when my knee gets painful arthritis as Dr Bardana warned me will happen. And am tired of the last 5 years of reacting to the BS thrown at me.
On that note have spent a lot of time off and on tinkering with the Marino Bike site and looking at other riders Marino’s built to their specs. It is really an idea of what maybe a possible option.
There is a wee bit more will have to look at and consider. However that is for another entry as there is a few things to consider to come to what would work for future requirements.
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Back in May 2021 had somehow found Norway Lake Road near Tamworth that went to Norway lake in Puzzle Lake Provincial Park. It was only after found out that there was possibly a high point just off the access road. It was for a while forgotten about.
Just before July 1st was sort of coming back to looking at maps and such thinking if should make a go of it. Pretty much the last 2 days of June made a decision to attempt to see if the high point could be reached.
Like any plan it doesn't always go according to plan. As once the adventure or ride starts the plan at any point can become something else for any reason.
It was in the end a different ride and experience than in 2021 with an attempt to seek out the high point. Which for a few reasons didn't come through on that part of the adventure. And to be honest there is a lot more I need to learn about the more technical types of high points and being able to access them.
And more importantly it shows that my brain and the issues from the last 5 years while still there it would seem that at some level have been able to manage them better.
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Since was near Napanee decided to out of curiosity after a say 5 plus years since last visited here with a mtb. Back then there really wasn't much to write home about that was rideable unless had a Quad or Dirt Bike. And to be honest didn't expect much had changed.
I was wrong....
It will be interesting to see how much more gets added in the future. Hopefully with a changing community and what that community likes for recreation activities it will continue. I will return another time in the future.
It would be the first time since March 4th 2019 doing it with a right knee that was better thanks to the work of Dr Bardana. So this would be the first go with things injury wise where they where at. And since it had been over two years also had not clue what the conditions would be on the first half of the unmaintained roads . Went in with no expectation of how the ride would play out.
YouTube video of the ride...
Keeping in mind that this was and is the first year post surgery where things are different than last year. As last year there was still a lot of stuff mentally and body wise sorting out post surgery. It is hard to explain so will leave that for sharing another day.
While no PR's where set and definitely not a fast ride it was still good ride overall after 2 years of not doing it.
Had decided to do something different on November 11th and that morning headed up Highway 38 to bag Arney Mountain again. The first visit to Arney was a month prior at the beginning of October.
For some reason November 11th 2023 didn't feel it with the idea of crowds and felt a need to do things some where quite. Maybe it was the 4 and half years prior of dealing with injuries and the mess since hit by the driver. And it was me still as some call it deloading from 4 years of being stressed, worried, and fearful.
This was the night before on November 19th when made the decision to get up a bit earlier and aim to be at the summit of Arney Mountain before the rough time Remembrance Ceremonies would roughly begin. So that night grabbed and packed kit for the next morning to have gear ready to load. And the next morning of November 11th got up earlier to a dark cloudy and chilly November 11th. Perfect conditions for the day. And after loading up it was up Highway 38 for the turn at Parham to head to the ride start location.
Youtube video of the November 11th ride.
It was after making it to the peak in time and thinking of our fallen. To some this would seem a weird thing to do especially from someone who had served as a Seaforth Highlander of Canada. Here is the thing ... remembrance day is about remembering our fallen, those who fell in battle, fell due to illness, fell due to old age and time. What matters is we pause and think of those no longer with us so they are not forgotten.
After about 11;15 hours it was time to resume the ride as well as to celebrate another year around the sun. The video in the link will share more about the rest of the ride down.
In the end it was a chilly and windy at the peak of Arney Mtn for the second attempt and visit. Ending up with a good ride up and back. Which ended up helping me feel better about the day in the end. Which means going with how I felt ended up being more then if hadn't gone.
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A month or so ago had heard of a little known loop called the Gananoque Perimeter Loop that was rideable on a mountain bike or an All Terrain Bike as some call them instead.
As noted earlier a lot of the posts will now be video shot and uploaded to YouTube to make things easier. A way to better manage TBI caused memory issues. Also note will be potentially turning blog entries especially ones with details about routes and such to subscriber only.
The trail is marked but there are gaps in the trail marking areas. So it is best to have All trails or whatever app available. Or a printed copy of the PDF map. Also note there is only one map on the trail I ever saw the whole loop and it was in the woods in the northern section of the loop.
The trail markers are blue and have both a white arrow pointing in the direction of travel as well as a hiker logo. Be aware that while it shows a hiker the trail can be ridden by one with a mountain biker. Though since the trail has not been given a difficulty rating. It to me would be a Moderate difficulty rating. As specifically in the wooded sections there are roots and rocks that can be challenging. As well as in the wooded section near the 401 a section where one should expect to dismount and carry the bike.
Looking at the map there are many places you can park and ride the trail from. Myself parked at the Starbucks in the east side of Gananoque.
The loop is pretty flat with not a lot of climbing and what little there was was up in the north east part closer to the 401. Though while terrain wise flat with the roots and rocks in areas I would not recommend a gravel bike. It would be best done on a 29er or 27.5 wheel size mountain bike.
In the end it was an easy exploration ride of something new which is not a bad thing. And gives one an option of something to ride if desired. Would I do it again? Yes.
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October 19th 2023 was a milestone. it was 365 days straight of a ride every day since was first able to get on the bike Oct 15th 2022 since the July 28th 2022 major knee surgery. To some it seems insignificant the 3 months of healing and such post surgery.
To be honest if it was due to just a crash while riding some downhill run it would be ok. It would be part of when things go wrong.
However this was not the case here. It was not insignificant what led to this and was done to me. It was the willful choices of an evil doer who will fully maimed me with a vehicle. Add to that 2 plus years of lies, denials, gaslighting, and endless denying me of car while in a vulnerable position.
And to be honest while this day was a year later I had only started to let my guard down to be able to do more. However contrary to the belief that has been put forth onto me that changing ingrained habits after almost 4 years is simple after surgery. It is not.
We shall see where things are in another year as the process of relearning things from behaviour and to how my body functions. As well as how the long term injury affects will be triggered in the future. It will take time. And will write more in the future.
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Earlier this year heard of a mountain north of Depor Lakes. It wasn't till September that had the chance to look closer on the maps and via Google earth Satellite View. So on a October Day it was time to bag a peak.
It was with this trip would steer in a slightly different direction of the blog where would do a bit more view video on YouTube. In a way to simplify the process and a way to better manage TBI caused memory issues. Also note will be potentially turning some blog entries especially ones with details about routes and such to subscriber only.
It had been a few months since had bagged a peak since had been busy for a while between mtb race work and travelling to Antigua. So this would be a adventure.
This would be my first attempt at videoing the effort instead of trying to recall all the details and write them out. So this would be a learning process gear wise as well.
After a good ride including the bagging of Arnie Mountain and a fun descent. Headed back to the Dirtbag Ute with a feeling that should return in future. Had wanted to explore a bit further however it was afternoon and didn't want to risk being to far out near sunset. An recalling a rule about no bad decisions after 2pm while it is mountain related like one's in BC. It is still a good rule especially when not carrying a bar light.
I think a return will be in order some day soon.
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In July had the privilege and opportunity to travel to the island of Antigua. This would be my first major trip in four years since the March 2023 incident that seriously injured me both physically and mentally. While have written about the rides earlier. In this entry am both making it about the riding with links to the posts about the rides. It is also creating a spot to easily share some of the info I know about riding mountain bikes in Antigua.
Please keep in mind this is rough and I don't have all the info about riding in Antigua.
First mountain bike ride in Antigua with Alistair,
The fourth ride was special as headed to 2Six8 Craft Brewery the centre of the Antiguan mountain bike scene at Falmouth Harbour. And would be a two part ride,
The local cycling club is the Road Runners Cycling Club which my guide and friend Alistair is a member and if I recall correctly organizer of the mtb part of it all.
2Six 8 Craft Brewery is the only craft brewery currently in Antigua and Barbuda. And is the centre of the Antiguan mtb community. The owner rides as well as builds mtb trails. And is where Ontario's Team Van Go's Johnny hangs out when in Antigua.
Interestingly riding on Guinea Bush and down to 2Six8 kind of reminded me of those early stories we ready back in the 1990's of the oldest MTB club the Laguna Rads. Who would do rides and then finish at the fire pit for food and a beer.
When riding in Antigua and Barbuda it is important to note there is two fauna to be aware of. The first is the Antiguan version of barbed wire Acacia farnesiana aka Cassia .
However the one to steer clear of is highly toxic. That is the Machineel tree which is poisonous can cause severe skin blistering among other things. Don't touch and stay well clear of when it rains.
Gear wise there is one very important detail one must keep in mind when travelling to Antigua and Barbuda. Anything camouflage is illegal to have or wear in Antigua and Barbuda. the only exception is is you are military and on active duty. This means all camouflage whether it is actual former military issue or some weird pattern some fashion industry designer thought was cool. Leave anything that isn't basic simple designs and solid colours at home.
Gear wise other then your bike and usual gear be aware the only spares will be what you bring with you. So pack that spare UDH Hanger or whatever derailleur hanger you have. Clothing wise bring gear for hot weather. It is a good idea to bring some form of hydration system to help keep fluids up riding in the tropical heat.
It is expensive getting parts and such shipped to Antigua. Any spare parts, clothes, armour, and what not bring some with you. Pass it on to the crew at 2Six8 so they can can pass it on to local riders.
It should be noted there is no trails mapped on line anywhere yet. The best source for the trail info is 2Six8 Brewery in Falmouth. Most of the actual singletrack is around Guinea Bush at least what I rode. There is other areas that one can ride but it is really more like the 1980's where it is old access roads and double track. I only touched a bit of what is rideable off road wise in Antigua. There is from what I could see huge potential for more possibly in the future. It will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future.
While it was shorter time then I had wanted it was enough not only to leave one wanting more. But for me after coming home it helped with moving forward around the long term effects of injuries. And hope one day in the next few years to go back for longer. Who knows, maybe I will end up somehow like my buddy Marshall who disappears to the Caribbean for three months to ride.
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The morning on the 22nd woke up a little bit early as it would be my last ride in Antigua so before tearing down the Stylus for travel. Headed out for an easy spin to Runaway Bay.
Headed to Marina Bay Rd that went to Runaway Bay and of course while spinning that way cut down the the little dirt lane from the earlier ride. To see what it looked like in the morning this time.
This time while the view was kind of the same there was a couple of changes. Of course there was a new ship at the Sea Island Jetty. Spotted a local fishing of the rocks. Very cool to see that.
Backtracked and came back to the thing had came upon on the way in. The first actual puddle in Antigua to ride through. Sure it was really just a pothole with some water in it. However it gave me a moment to get my tires wet before leaving Antigua.
Maybe in the future will back in Antigua and ride the creek in Dreamland after it rains a wee bit.
Headed over to Runaway Beach to stand in the shade for a bit and to look out into Dickenson Bay. And was given a treat to see three ships in the distance. And while in the shade had another little treat for myself. A Lucozade drink. Last time had one was 2001 when was in NSW Australia.
After a bit it was time to start heading back. Riding past McKinnon's Salt Pond heard a huge splash. Looked over and see what looks like something hit the water. Well it was the Brown Pelican's feeding. Dive bombing the pond for their meal.
After being entertained by the Pelican's it was time to head back to the cottages and prep the Stylus for travel. In the end it was a good trip for a first big travel trip since March 4th 2019. And left Antigua feeling a bit better about things injury wise which is a good thing.
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The day after Guinea bush was in the mood for a trail ride and a beer by the water. With that in mind I thought another ride in the Bush Bay Trails was a good idea. So filled up all the water bottles with water including the Original Free Range Hydration system. Pulled the beer had saved for something special and into the pack it went.
Headed out with a rough ride plan that would include a different section of trail to have a look at what was there. As well as what I am calling the Dickenson Bay Lookout. Calling it that because has a great view south over Dickenson Bay as far as The Sleeping Indian.
First headed to the Dickenson Bay Lookout spot to see the view southwestish. From here one could also look out over the bays. As well as see what ship was docked at Sea Island Jetty. I admit I like lookouts like this where you kind of have to put in some effort to get this.
From the Lookout back tracked a bit to the previous intersection and turned left to follow it and see if there was some sort of beach there. And maybe there was a connector trail. You never know till you check it out.
Following the track came to another beach like spot. However it was more a pebbly beach then sand though it gave a different view into the Caribbean Sea. Then backtracked as wanted to go to the leisure spot at Bush Bay with some shade. Especially as the spot was in didn't seem to have a path straight through as whatever path had been there was over grown. And am not fighting Cassia. So back tracked a bit to a trail intersection.
From there connected with the original trail took down to Bush Bay and leisure spot. Mentioned it before that while these where machine built tracks one would need a mountain bike or all terrain bike as some call them to enjoy them best.
Got to the spot and pulled out the Thermarest cushion to sit on in the shade. Didn't want to fry in the tropical sun. Pulled out a can of Cantina and at this point not exactly chilled but hey small problems.
It kinda reminded me of being in Toronto's Don Valley way back in 2006-2007 at the Dirt Jumps and the Dirt Camp. Of little camp fires and such with the Don Rats way back. Of course not the same view but still brought back some memories.
After the previous day's downhill run of Saddlebash and laps of the lower Guinea Bush trails. A ride and chill was good.
After the beer was done and watching a speedboat go by it was time to head out. As I back tracked towards the trail area entrance. Looked back and got to see a push tug go by. Unfortunately was out of sight before could get a photo.
Got back to the Weatherall's Road and headed back to Dickenson Cottages for a bit to eat and to cool off a bit in the pool again after a nice trail ride and beer by the be
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After a bit of a chill loaded the Chromag in the back of Alistair's truck to get to the to[ of Guinea Bush. Due to still recovering from injuries Alistair would be be the shuttle river while the owner of 2Six8 would play the role of guide.
This time with the downhill in mind put the Bell Super DH in full face mode and wore full knee armour. While it would help with the PTSD overthinking let's also keep in mind will be chasing a local who has spent hours digging and riding these trails. Also this would be a test of things almost a year post major knee surgery though maybe less physical and more of a test of mental.
Is has been almost 30 years since last sat in a 4x4 truck heading up sketchy worn 4x4 tracks. Last did this kind of thing was back in the early 1990's with the Reserves. Another first as this time was the passenger as before now I was the infantryman behind the wheel steering it.
Once at the top of course had to look at the view and take pictures of the view. And to see Antigua in a way that most who visit won't see it. It is something that is hard to explain but for me it is places like this that mean more then what most think is what matters when you come to places like this. Looking down into Falmouth Harbour could see Nelson's Dockyard and English Harbour.
And looked inland to what if my rough map reading on a smartphone suggests as the right direction. Looking north towards All Saints and further inland.
However with the sun soon to begin setting had to prepare for the task at hand the Saddlebash DH run. Keep in mind it has been a while since actually downhill ridden like this. And would be chasing a local.
Saddlebash was combination of bits of singletrack and double track. With the locals having dug sections of singletrack to help connect everything together in ways that where fun. Even had a nice challenging rollable drop part way down. And now am really wishing had decided to try to video rides before going to Antigua as this would have been fun to see the whole ride.
Lower down we went into the Dreamland part and hit the creek bed section. This would be my third time though and did it slightly smoother this time. However would have to be there a few months to really get the feel like the locals have and ride it well.
Exiting the creek bed and this time not giving a blood donation to the Cassia. Headed along Potworks Dam Rd that connects with Matthews Rd to take us back to 2Six8 and a cold recovery beverage. As well as an Antiguan BBQ Burger.
Funnily the ride down Saddlebash to 2Six8 kind of reminded me of those early stories we ready back in the 1990's of the oldest MTB club the Laguna Rads. Who would do rides and then finish at the fire pit for food and a beer.
While didn't think I rode well down Saddlebash when I got home and looked at the GPS data and Strava data. I discovered had the seventh fastest time on Saddlebash. Considering where have been for three years injury wise it was a bonus surprise that was obviously unexpected. And I will take it.
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A few days after riding Seaforth Beach and Mount McNish had the opportunity to head to Falmouth Harbour area. Which is kind of the center of the Antiguan Mountain Bike fraternity.
Alistair picked me up and we headed to Falmouth Harbour on the south coast and 2Six8 Craft Brewery which is owned by a member of the Antiguan MTB community.
After a couple of stops so Alistair could take care of a couple of work related errands. When you run a business that does things like A/C it is understandable. On the way drove past the location where Antiguan Carnivale takes place.
After a last stop at English Harbour we headed to 2Six8 where we head up to the lower section of Guinea Bush hill where Dreamland was. Guinea Bush is where some of the Antiguan built singletrack exists.
The trails on the lower part of Guinea Bush's Dreamland area where Dam Triangle, Big Chat, and Richie's. Unfortunately in July hadn't got to the point of figuring out how to video with a cell phone and edit nor had the mounts yet to do it. So don't have much in the way of images of the trails as was too busy riding. However this was in the end part of the motivation to change that later.
Part of the trails here are in a creekbed which during hurricane season has running water. Though the rest of the year it is a fun trail with lots of nice rock. One rock even got tagged by my bashguard.
Near the exit of the creek bed one could see the challenge of keeping some trails open as the Cassie, Antigua's natural barbed wire grows fast.
As I learned next to nothing on the trails is build of wood as the ants and wood worms native to Antigua will quickly destroy them The whole trip only saw one wooden feature made from logs.
Thanks to Alistair got a brief video of riding one section of the Dam Triangle trail which is of me riding the dam itself.
After a bit of playing around in this trails area we headed back to 2Six8 for a break and to prep for part two of the day. The descent from the peak of Guinea Bush.
Chilling at 2Six8 could see up in the distance Guinea Bush peak and where we would head up in a 4x4 to get in the descent. And while waiting got a surprise when I saw local rider Gareth with a Team Van Go shirt.
If you ride in Ontario near Mansfield you would have heard of Team Van Go. And through that got to meet local rider Gareth who when you look at the Strava times for Guinea Bush is a fast rider. It was only a month later that I found out Johnny of Team Van Go comes down to Antigua in the winter to enjoy the sun and ride,
