It was nice to be back in Penticton, British Columbia for Ironman Canada. I haven’t had this race on my schedule for about 3 years and it's one of my favorite places to explore. The views are amazing and the area has a unique climate well suited to fruit growing and wine production. It was also rewarding for the team to have some solids results. Viktor Zyemstev won the Pro Men’s race with 4 of the 5 athletes getting on the podium as well. Kyle and Janelle were also the best-placed Canadian Pros, eh!

This trip was particularly fun for me because I fell into a routine that many would consider a vacation, except for me its what I get to do for work. I think I figured out that the less social activities the better for my well being as it lets me explore the places I get to visit.

Essentially, I concerned myself with a daily schedule that looked like this. Up early with a leisurely breakfast on the deck of the restaurant to read the paper (The salmon run was the best its been for 100 years was the big news). A couple of times I went for a morning spin too. After that, it was off to the expo to work on our athlete’s bikes and generally hang around the truck. It often got extremely windy in the afternoons so it seemed like a constant job to make sure tents and awnings were securely staked down or put away. Once “work” was done I took advantage of the amazing riding in the area for 2-3 hours. This year I had my mountain bike too so it was nice to ride the road one day and then switch to the trails the next. I hope the pictures convey how nice it is to ride around there. Nice climbs and good scenery around every bend. I would have like a few more rides on the mountain bike trails. The area I was directed to is a maze of forest roads and singletrack but very little signage or anything so it was trial and error finding my way around. You could tell some trails were meant for downhill only but I wouldn’t realize that until I tried going “up” them. Throw in the fact that its open range for cattle and you never know what’s up ahead. One morning I had to do some backtracking since the herd I came across didn’t appear as though they wanted to move out of my way. I wasn’t too sure how well behaved those things are so I played it safe as I felt out numbered.

I often was just finishing the ride as the sun was going down and after a quick shower it was off to dinner and a nice glass of wine (I’m in wine country after all) with a book as my companion. I probably got a few looks as the lonely guy eating by himself but really I like it that way. In bed by eleven o’clock and I was ready to start again the next day.

I’m back in Milwaukee for Labor Day weekend then off to Madison, WI for Ironman Wisconsin. After that it’s off to Vegas for the annual bike industry convention (looking to see if I really need to go. I really don’t want to). Before I have time to be at home again in Milwaukee for much time, it will be time to pack for Hawaii for Ironman World Championships. Man, where did summer go?




Great shack for a burger the way you want it called Burger 55.


Nice roads to ride.


The KVR rail trail was a nice 3 mile warm up to get to the trailhead.






Okonagon Lake.


Saw this old Trek with Scott Drop-In bars on the rack. Back in the day that was a...unique bike.




Skaha lake.


Vineyards all around.


View of Penticton, BC.