Letters From Siberia

Barnes Lake Winter

2012-01-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

I promised a skating video to the guys that work the ice at Barnes Lake.
All winter Chris, Rob and several of their friends have been cleaning and flooding the ice so people can play shinny and have a ball. Thanks Guys

Isuzu Ice Men

2012-01-14T12:14:00.000-08:00

Dan & Ed messing around on Barnes Lake:

Barnes Lake Winter Sports

2012-01-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

We have spent the past several weekends skating and having fun at Barnes Lake on amazing smooth ice with phenomenal weather.

New Contract - No Strike

2011-09-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

We have been waiting for the past couple of months to see if Teck Resources would ante up a decent contract offer and yes they have. So I went out this morning and took some shots to celebrate.

A.S.S. Class of 81 30 Year Reunion July 1-2, 2011

2011-07-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

A few shots from the reunion.

Trying Out New Lenses

2011-05-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sunset at Maclean's Lake, Cache Creek BC

Photography 101

2011-05-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have started to take photography a little more seriously.

2011 NAHBS is in Austin Texas

2011-02-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

This years North American Hand built Bike Show is in Lance's home town and our old friends Sam & Andrea of Naked Bikes fame will once again be attending. We were checking the show website and noticed that Andrea was showing off pictures of the beautiful Coffee Cruiser that now sits in Meghan's sun room. I thought I should put a couple of pics on the blog.

Ramping Up Last Year

2011-02-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Itching For Spring

2011-02-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

I just received a couple of new bike videos: Follow Me which is filled with BC riders with a good portion of the filming done in BC and Life Cycles which seems to be a video of stunning cinematography with extremely subtle context. It reminds me of a TV commercial that grabs your attention with imagery but leaves you wondering what the product was that they were selling. Once it warms up a bit I think I will throw an outdoor movie night and run them on the projector outside inviting the bike club over for a viewing.

Some pics of what's been happening around here:

It's Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

A Few Pictures From Around The Highland Valley Minesite.

Vancouver Trip

2010-08-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

We spent 4 days in Vancouver wandering around and checking the sights. The last night we watched the Celebration of Light fireworks right from our suite at the Coast Plaza. It was the most spectacular show we have seen to date.

2010 Dog Patch Block Party

2010-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

Several years back our neighbor Tanya thought it would be nice to invite all the locals to a potluck supper so people had a chance to get to know each other and it has been a huge hit ever since.

Bread With Circus - Progressive Yukon Blog

2009-12-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

Bread With Circus - Progressive Yukon Blog

Global warming is a rather poor descriptor of what we are starting to experience around us. Global enviromental catastrophe would probably emphisize the situation a little better in my opinion. Alex is a pirate radio DJ in the Yukon that I have been following for a year or so. I find his info to be easily understandable and to the point on a very consistent level. If you only follow a few information blogs or websites you should make breadwithcircus.com one of them.

Headed North

2009-07-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Since I am on holidays this month we are trying to get out with the kids and show them some of the countryside so this afternoon it was Scottie Creek, Clinton, and The Painted Chasm. Meg dropped the picture off at the village office for the Mayor who was out on errands then we headed for the hills. When we got home there was a thank you message on the answering machine from Mayor Ranta and a quip that they were off to look for more caches. Little does he know today marked # 12 in the series for us and Chase is now dreaming of getting his hands on that gold bar.

Top Of The World

2009-07-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Chase was very concerned that if we waited any longer to find the cache at Cornwall lookout, Mayor Ranta and his daughter would most certainly find their way to the top of the mountain and once again log in ahead of us. So this afternoon we loaded up the 4runner and headed for the hills. Half way up the track to the top we found out that the reserve next to our woodlot was once again on fire only this time the Forestry was throwing lots of resources at the flames unlike two months back when they took a wait and see attitude. By the time we reached the lookout there wasn't even much sign of smoke. So we spent a little time wandering until Rainn found the cache then we carefully perused the log book to make sure the Mayor hadn't hitched a ride on one of the choppers using our airport this afternoon. Luck was on our side and the fact John is into sports cars and not 4x4s.Before leaving the area the crew posed for a photo. Meg will drop the Mayor a copy tomorrow.

Gold Country Geo Tourism

2009-07-13T22:19:00.000-07:00

We finally got some family time to go out and hunt down some local geocaches. If you are interested in geocaching you have to check out: www.goldtrail.com it is a huge hit with cachers from all over BC rushing into the area from the launch last Saturday looking for first finds. We on the other hand weren't that interested in being first to find so we waited a week to start our search and it seems the Mayor and his daughter may have the same thoughts as we keep running into them. I have a hunch we may beat them to Cornwall lookout though cause the Mayor doesn't have a 4x4.

CC PAC Dinner & Auction

2009-04-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last night was the annual Cache Creek Elementary parent advisory counsel dinner and auction. It was a small but appreciative crowd who were treated to a fabulous pasta dinner & dessert before the bidding began. Proceeds are going to pay for the portable stage that is already being put to use in the school gym. A big thank you goes out to all the parents who worked their butts off organizing, cooking, serving, hosting & cleaning up. We tried to do our part by eating and spending, I know it's a tough job but someones got to do it.

Why We Like Living In Cache Creek

2009-04-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I took the boys for a bicycle ride. We usually end up spending half an hour at the park on the other side of town, playing on the swings and slides etc. About 8pm. we headed for home as it was getting dark. At 6am. the next morning I was getting ready to leave for work but I couldn't find my wallet. It took me about 20 minutes to come to the horrifying conclusion that I had left my hydra pack at the park the night before and in it was my wallet[ containing credit cards, driver's license, birth certificate, and money] as well as my cel phone which was turned on. I headed towards the park with an absolute sense of dread and as I approached I could see something sitting on a brick right by the entrance. There was my hydra pack and the top was wide open, inside sat my wallet, cel phone and everything else intact. Underneath the pack were my gloves. Now I know I didn't leave them there so someone picked up all the stuff from the picnic table and sat it there. I assume they thought I would be coming right back when I realized that I had left the pack behind. You might think that I was just the luckiest fool alive but I like to think that we live in a town with a lot of incredibly honest people. Thank you

Fall Bicycle Festival

2009-03-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of going around our community looking for support and help to organize a Bicycle Festival for the fall and I'm amazed at the number of people who love the idea but are loathe to volunteer. My friends in order to grow a community we have to support it and that means not just filling up at the gas station for the weekly trip into Kamloops. Our businesses need us to actually buy locally or soon there will be no community at all. Quite often the very businesses that we enter to ask for help in making an event happen are the same businesses that we pass by on the way into Kamloops to find a better deal.

2009-03-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time up in the Highland Valley. There are a couple of holes in the ground that just seem to keep getting bigger and bigger and they appear to be man made. The landscape up there changes from day to day so if you haven't traveled through the area for a while I thought I would take a couple of pictures. If you are interested in seeing the minesite up close they give tours to the general public but you have to phone ahead and set up a time. The phone # is 250-523-2443

Community Lunch at St.Albans

2009-03-01T21:04:00.000-08:00

The regular Friday lunch at St.Albans church in Ashcroft was ramped up about tenfold on Feb27 when the United Steel Workers local 7619 Culinary Crew slipped into town with one of their now infamous luncheon extravaganzas. Diners in attendance were treated to Chef Maclean's Special Slow Roasted Beef Lunch which included twice baked potatoes, a simmered vegetable medley, sauteed onions, gravy, appetizers and two desserts. I got to hang out in the front welcoming guests as Laura, Tina, The Two Jims and the girls worked their magic in making an afternoon that people will be talking about for a long time to come. A big thankyou to the clean up crew as well and I am looking forward to the next lunch party!!

Whole New World Out Here

2009-03-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

After much cajoling and twisting of arms I finally got Neil to upload a website that doesn't cause permanent eye damage. It's also a charm to update so maybe we will see a little more new content,wouldn't that be nice? Now that we don't need to use this blog as a welcome page I've deciding this will be a good place to showcase local news and such so if your interested in what's happening on the Frontier this is the site for you.

Cheers Ivan

New Website and Blog Spot

2009-02-23T11:07:00.000-08:00

Ivan saved up and bought himself a MAC and we have updated the web site using IWEB I have switched the links on this site to match the new site. We are going to be we have a new blog on the site and will be using it. Here is the blog link, enjoy. CCCP BLOG

20% OFF Christmas Sale

2008-12-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

As winter hits us here in Siberia, its time for a X-mas Sale

So load up the sled team and head on down.....

Covert Covert

2008-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings Comrades

Fall is quickly ushering in winter on the Siberian Frontier but there is still a little time to ride so get out there and make it count.

Our newest Rushin Mob member is getting his bike delivered right to his door so we took a few pics before Neil packed it up. Hope this meets your approval Dr. Nic

Custom build kit:
FSA -XC 300 SL hand built wheels
Hayes Stroker Trail brakes
Rocco 3PL shock
Roxshox Revelation 426 U-turn 140mm fork
X9 group with XT front derailleur
Truvativ Stylo crankset
TBC temple lite stem, stepdown pedals, T-bar, park n ride saddle

RED OCTOBER

2008-10-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well Comrades, Its RED OCTOBER at the shop. So I am selling all in stock TRANSITION Bikes, Frames, Parts & Accessories (they are a Yankee Company) with NO TAX!!!! for the entire month of OCTOBER. Supplies are limited so call (250-457-6610) Email "RED_OCTOBER@cachecreekcycleparts.com" to find out what is left on the shelves.

Don't Wait you might end up in a line like this to get to the shop!!!!

Looking for Good homes

2008-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

A few more bikes have been built up here at the shop. Stop by or call the shop with any questions

Looking for a jump bike . Check out this "Trail Or Park" . White frame, Green Temple lite stem, single speed, 48 spline Device Cranks,White Houndstooth TBC jump saddle, 318 Argyle fork, & Revolution 32 rims w/green hubs. The bike comes with a full sticker kit as well - $1650.00

How about something a little more Cross Country / All Mountain......

This Covert is built up with a Sram 9 drive train, All Mountain 1 fork, TBC Reveloution 32 wheelset, and Juicy Seven brakes - $3000.00

A trip to the market can be done on this little work horse, easy to ride and large rear basket to take your items home from the market. $650

Park your butt

2008-08-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hey we just got in some sweet saddles from Transition, they are going out the door fast, get them while you can. The top row (jump saddles) are $30, the bottom row (AM & FR Saddles) are $40

Going for a long Pedal

2008-08-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

We had a guest for a few days here. Mark Weslock is pedaling from Prudhoe Bay Alaska to Ushuaia Argentina(16,500 miles). After close to 3000 miles from Alaska to Cache Creek Mark's bike need a new drive train. We got him up and on his way after a 3 day delay. Good luck on your trip Mark!!! You can follow his trip at http://weslock.home.att.net

Blinging the bikes

2008-07-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well a couple of the local riders were in the shop last week for a little update on their rides.

A few stickers were added.

As well as a gold TBC chain guide with Temple lite Stem.

A New Comrade

2008-06-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

We have a new Comrade outfitted with a Transition "Dirtbag" Welcome Sterling, to the CCCP team.

Meghan's Garden

2008-06-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

For her birthday my dad built Meg a green house so since April she has been gardening up a storm.
I'm rethinking the bike shop idea and wondering why we didn't open a farm market instead.

Chris & Mike's Excellent Adventure

2008-06-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Chris and Mike arrived at the shop around 7p.m. wondering how there could be a an actual bicycle shop on the Siberian frontier and why it was still open at seven o'clock at night[ Neil forgot to shut off the open sign]. Since we seldom turn away business they had a look around the shop and told us about their trip. [note to would be novice cyclists: The sea to sky hwy. from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler is probably the scariest road in BC. and that is followed up with what many cyclists consider the nastiest climb in BC. the Duffey Lake road]. Chris and Mike decided to begin their trip with this very route as they make their way to New York. The rest of the ride should be a breeze. Check out their blog: www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3Tzut&page_id=79266&v=2l

Its been a busy few days

2008-06-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hey there this is Ivan's brother, Sergi. We have had a run of bicycle comrades traveling through the Gulag. On Sunday Travis Krueger made his way to the shop to fix a broken spoke. He is doing a loop from Glacier national park to Jasper
Check out Travis's tales on the road: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/3454

On Tuesday I had Jake and Mark in For a Shoe cleat fix. They are on their way from Alaska to Mexico.

Can you believe that boy in the back is only 15. They have a myspace site: Alaska To Mexico

Cycle Tourist Pitstop

2008-06-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

Road touring up through the Fraser Canyon is breathtaking and hazardous so it usually puts a smile on a cycle tourist's face to find our little oasis in the desert. Just ask Mr. Gandeski who is riding his way to Ontario. Good luck on the rest of your trip.

New Rushin Mob Riders

2008-06-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

We have a couple of new Rushin Mob riders out on the streets. Tyler Douglas was so excited to get out on his new bike we haven't been able to snap a picture but we'll catch up with him soon.

Matt Lowndes dropped in from Kamloops and picked up a demo Asama Canyon to bomb around on this summer.

Highland Valley Health & Wellness Bike Winner

2008-06-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Our friend Bill French from Logan Lake dropped by to pick up his new Asama Canyon from Neil. Congratulations Bill.

More Rodeo Weekend Stuff

2008-06-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was rather bustling with the bed race and the kid's bike rodeo but Neil also found time to get in a couple woodlot rides as well as sell several bikes and give one away. Chris, one of Neil's old co-workers from Vancouver made the trip up just to take possession of his new custom Iron Rocket which included getting to help build it from the ground up. How many bike shops would let a customer do that? And we didn't even charge much extra. Chris had been planning this task for the past 2 months so he was already to do several special little touches to make the bike truly one off. These included some very special graphics from his favorite band: Iron Maiden check out the pics.

What A Weekend!!!

2008-06-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

This past weekend marked the re-establishment of the Ashcroft Rodeo Parade Bed Race thanks to the incredibly hard work of Cam Tedford and a group of dedicated friends. The event proved to be a smashing success and is already spawning plans from hopeful entrants for next years run. Desert Spokes Cycle Society was able to narrowly surpass the Irly Building Centre team for fastest bed due to the superior leadership and direction our team Captain: El Presidente Steve, the riding skills of our pilot Jesse, and of course the legs of James, Daryl, and Neil. Congratulations Team Desert Spokes!! and to the Irly crew, the Friendship Auto crew, and the gang in the wild outfits for a Fabulous race.
The bicycle rodeo was also a great success with two BMX bikes being given out as prizes. The Hawk went to a young boy from Smithers and the Orbit was won by Sarah Onstine of Cache Creek.

Asama Canyons are In!!!

2008-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

The new Asama Canyons are finally in stock and we are celebrating by giving the first one to Bill French from Highland Valley Copper who was the Health and Wellness Fair bike give away winner on Saturday . Congratulations Bill !!

These bikes are something else, you get front and back hydraulic disc brakes along with a hydro formed aluminum frame and Shimano component package all for $629.00

Desert Spokes Cycle Society

2008-06-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Desert Spokes Cycle Society website is up and running thanks to Roland our digital media guru. He actually is in the business of web hosting so if you are in need give him a call. The web address for the society is www.desertspokes.com and we plan to update the site as frequently as possible to keep everyone informed on cycling stuff in our area.

BMX is alive and well

2008-06-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Neil is headed south today to pickup a special order Bottle Rocket and to take possession of the two custom hand built BMX frames we ordered from Greg Heath at Donkelope Bikes. After seeing the pics he sent us I think Greg has really hit the mark.

Riding the Woodlot

2008-05-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

Neil and I just came down from the woodlot on the bikes. We were scoping out some new trail access with the GPS. There is a lot of ridable terrain, the trick is finding the right lines. As far as XC goes though almost everything is worth checking out. Drop by the shop for details and directions. You might even be able to twist Neil's arm enough to show you the way.

The Boss is Finally Going Green

2008-05-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

After over a year of bugging Neil that he should use his bike to run errands around town and commute the 2.5 blocks from his apartment to the shop, he is now a low carbon emitter . All that it took was a rebuild of the custom bike trailer for hauling the signs and driving away with his truck so he was left with limited alternatives for picking up the signs. So if you see him pedaling around town be sure to give him a wave and hopefully you're also on two wheels.

The Boss Is Back

2008-05-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Alright all of the people who have been patiently waiting for the bike mechanic to return from his little jaunt may now form a queue in front of the shop at about 10 am. Saturday morning and Neil will be happy to work seven days a week for the next four months to fix every bodies broken rigs.

Regards Meghan

Dalton's Vagrant

2008-04-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

Shop rider Dalton Whynacht has decided to hardtail it once again after spending a week bikeless. Saturday him and I swapped out all the needed parts off his old stinky onto a brand new purple Vagrant frame and he headed for the dunes.

Frame Pics

2008-04-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Shop Pics

2008-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

While the boss is away in Colorado good timing it, I've started rearranging the shop.

Tripping Over Transition

2008-04-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

We are literally tripping over frames in the shop. The spring order from TBC has arrived so we now have in stock 3 syren frames, 2 covert frames, 3 vagrant frames, and a second 07 dirt bag frame. Also in the order were the new temple light stems in multiple colours and bar end caps in multiple colours. pictures soon.

Desert Spokes memberships

2008-04-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Just a shout out to all Desert Spokes Cycle Society members and people interested in becoming members if I haven't caught up to you yet to fill out a membership form & waiver, Just drop by the bike shop and Meghan or Neil can supply you with one. Dues are by donation so whatever you see fit to contribute is fine.

CC. PAC spaghetti dinner

2008-04-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the Cache Creek Elementary Parent Advisory Counsel Dinner and auction which by all accounts was a raging success once again. A big thank you to the ladies of PAC for all the hard work and time that you put into the event. And a big thank you to all the people and businesses who donated to the cause. It's nice to know that our little school is so well supported by the community. Thanks once again to Tom Watson for the Fabulous auctioneering

Transition Bike Gear

2008-04-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

If any of you Transition Bike fanatics are looking for some of the bling products that Kevin & Kyle have on their website we actually carry a full line of pedals, bar end caps, stems, seats, wheelsets, pivot bolts, and clothing as well as the frames. Pricing is pretty much the same as the TBC website but if you live in Canada we have already covered the duty and even stuff that TBC shows as back ordered we may have in stock.

FREE RIDING THE CACTUS

2008-04-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Out on the Siberian Frontier there seems to be an overly plentiful supply of tire eating cactus. Neil spends many a day replacing tubes for unlucky riders who have found their epic ride turned into an epic walk. If you ever run into us on the trail though one thing we won't be doing is changing a flat. We discovered that running a Kenda Collossal or a Duro DH/Shore with the heavier body and sidewalls keeps the cacti at bay. So we carry a selection of them in the shop for you to choose from. Drop by and we can throw a set on. If keeping tire weight down is an issue for you there is also a selection of puncture resistant tubes and armor strips.

Desert Spokes Cycle Society

2008-04-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hey gang,
Anyone interested in joining the new Gold Country area bike society is more than welcome. We meet the first Monday of each month to go over ideas for upcoming events and now that the weather is improving maybe even some actual riding. Meetings are 6:30 p.m. at Chums restaurant in Cache Creek. We are hoping to have a website up and running in the next little while to give more details of all our wild and crazy plans for cycling in the area. That will be desertspokes.com [thank you Roland]
Cheers.

Takin It To The Streets

2008-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Josie is our latest Rushin Mob member . She was kickin it at the park this afternoon on her new ride.

Retro Fun

2008-04-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Cruisin town on a retro bike is a blast. We now have several models of men's and women's bikes to choose from. Just drop by the shop and take one out for a spin, you'll be hooked instantly.

New Bikes

2008-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our friends at Asama have sent several of their 2007 bikes to sell at amazing prices while we await the arrival of the 2008 stock. Included are 3 Anvil 17" & 2 Anvil 15" hard tail mountain bikes which are running Shimano drivetrains , alloy frames, and Quad mech front disc brakes. These bikes list at 431.80 and are being blown out at 339.00 while they last.

BMX scene

2008-04-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

Our Buddy Greg Heath at Donkelope Bikes has been busy in his shop custom building us a couple of BMX frames and he sent us pics of the first frame.

Temple Lite Stems

2008-04-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Neil tells me he has ordered the new Temple Lite Stems in all the colours available. Pictures are up on the TBC website.

We Begin Again

2008-04-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings Comrades,
I thought that spring had finally arrived but I may have been mistaken. The wind blows and it is cold out here on the frontier. We have yet to venture up onto the woodlot this year but hopefully within the next month or so the snow will go away and we can start shuttling to the cell tower.