So today was a busy day... This morning I biked the river valley. It's a beautiful network of biking trails along the north Saskatchewan river which is located right next to where I am staying in Edmonton with Ross & Linda McBain. The pictures below are from my ride today. These trails run on forever and ever. I rode 35 miles and there was still more to ride.

I was invited to go visit Max Ward at his wood shop. This is the guy that owned Ward Air. He is 91 years old and still going strong. This was a special treat to see all his work and talk with him in person. He was telling me back in the 60's he flew planes to hawaii and they served Lunch or dinner to passangers on china plates and real silverware. I flew Westjet to Edmonton and I got a free cookie and hot tea.. Wow times have changed..

Brian & Brenda Trendel invited us to come over for a BBQ dinner. We had a great dinner and visited for a few hours.

I also got to moutain equipment coop today and got my denatured alcohol for my stove, bear spray and holster, and a new pair of bike gloves because I seemed to have forget mine back on Maui?

Well all my gear and bike arrived with me in one piece. The bike box took on a few dents but nothing damaged on the inside. Special thanks to my buddy Mike for helping me pack the bike. My bike went back together great and my first ride yesterday although short was good. The bike is running great! I rode about 15 miles late yesterday morning into the downtown area of Edmonton. What a nice city it is and the so clean. I also found there baseball field where the Edmonton prospects play. What a beautiful baseball park. I ran into a couple walking so they told me of a trail along the river valley that goes about 18 clicks each way from where I am staying. So today I will ride the river valley! So far I am having a blast and the weather could not be better.. Feels like hawaii just more humid.

Well the day is finally here... Yippie! My bike is all packed and my gear bags in the large luggage.. It's been a busy last few days.. Just need my bike to make to Canada in one piece. Here is my bike all ready to go..

Leaving on Thursday night on the red eye out of Maui and on my way to Edmonton. Went on my second to last ride this morning with my bud Mike. It was a beautiful Maui day for a bike ride.

Well the days are mounting and I still am making changes to my bike.. Just when I think I am ready I decide to make a change. Well no more panniers and back to my ultralight rear bags. I was able to cut out 4 1/2 pounds that is huge. So for those who are wondering just how much weight are you carrying? Well with this setup 60.3 pounds bike and equipment.

This is it ...I think??

With only 16 days until I leave I feel like I need to ride more and more. My training of 30 to 40 miles a day is getting harder and harder to squeeze in with all I have to do before I leave. Soon I can smile from ear to ear when I have my bike all packed up and I am sitting on the plane to Canada.

This is from my ride today..

Here are just a few of the things I saw during all my training mainly in my back yard the trails and dirt roads above the old pineapple fields along the west Maui mountains.. Enjoy!

Well only 20 days until I leave for Edmonton, Canada where I will spend a few days putting my bike back together and visiting with friends. I am so pumped and ready to go.