Thursday July 23 ride post

[Hardisty George]

Very good outing this past Sunday with 'ole Milky leading the way on a fat bike with full pants and his signature red and black heavy shirt in the warm sun...bright enough guy but that clever some days....the Nipika trails are very fun with the north trails very flowy without much up and down but super tight and fun as you cruise way above the Kootenai River (do not look left when going fast or your mangled corpse will be fished out miles downstream)....amazing views and around 14 km on the Kootenay Krusher loop from the Nipika Mountain Resort parking lot. 

The south trails were much hillier with tons of options to create a one to three hour set of loops. Much more climbing and a lot of it in the trees. Also great fun. Downside is that it is a 2.5 hr drive from Lakeview area to the resort parking lot (you need to turn left on Settlers Road as the resort is not marked on the highway). Great trails for beginners to expert.

This Thursday, we are obviously limited to trail selection due to the crazy amount of rain...options are basically the Elbow Valley Trail from Ing's Mine up to Powderface and back around OR a couple of loops on Prospector in Exshaw. Thinking the former as some of the work done in Exshaw is still pretty new and trashing the work of the local volunteers would not be cool.

Let's meet at 6:15 at Ing's Mine and hit up Elbow Valley for some exercise. I can certainly go earlier if that is the preference. Just a heads up that our rides are very sparsely attended this year due to injuries, out of town summer long vacations by rich, retired oil and gas dudes and the wet weather. We need to pick it up to keep this group alive notwithstanding that everyone is busy.....we have some new riders but they have other rides for different nights as well. We can look at different days than Thurs and Sunday and we are always open to ride suggestions. If the general pace is too slow in this group (or too fast) for you, no hard feelings. I want to keep this going as I am sure you do. 

Alternatively, given that I go out almost all Thursdays and Sunday (as does Scotty when he is in town), we can forego sending out ride notes and rely on people to check in when they want to ride. We are all ears on suggestions. 25 years and counting on this group so let's not let it die.

DD

403.560.6886

[Grayson Witcher]

Count me in for tomorrow, George.

Thanks for continuing to organize these rides - much appreciated!

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mike's Epic Bike Rides" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to mikes-epic-bike-...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/de86bbbc-0467-46fc-ba96-045427d144e2n%40googlegroups.com.

[Scott Darling]

That was such a great email that I feel really bad saying I can't make it tonight. Of course I want the list to stay around. I will have my schedule back to normal soon and for sure on Sunday morning. Thanks for all the work Geo 

Sent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada’s largest network.

SCOTT DARLING CEO C:  403‑540‑9207​ E:  sdar...@performanceenergy.ca CALGARY ‑ HEAD OFFICE 1050, 635‑8 AVE SW Calgary , ALBERTA  T2P3M3 T:  403.264.4582 www.performanceenergy.ca

    

---

From: mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com <mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Hardisty George <george.h...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:58:51 PM
To: Mike's Epic Bike Rides <mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: (Mikes Epic Bike Rides) Thursday July 23 ride post

 

--

[Jamie Irvine]

Geo!

What kind of bike did you ride 25years ago? Wooden wheels?

I had really hoped my day would work out. My life Has sucked.. i’m sorry. I should be good for Sunday as long as houses don’t keep floating away. I feel fat!

You are a champ. I don’t care what anyone else says. Thank you for doing what you do.

Irv

On Jul 24, 2025, at 2:49 PM, Scott Darling <sdar...@performanceenergy.ca> wrote:



That was such a great email that I feel really bad saying I can't make it tonight. Of course I want the list to stay around. I will have my schedule back to normal soon and for sure on Sunday morning. Thanks for all the work Geo 

Sent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada’s largest network.

<image916914.png> <image894321.png> <image499957.png> <image333485.png>

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/MN2PR16MB3440F681F4BFD5386ECFBE71A45EA%40MN2PR16MB3440.namprd16.prod.outlook.com.

[Laughy, Gordon H]

We have been bad biking friends George and I promise to buy salt & vinegar chips next time out!

Don't give up on us yet pal...been a tough summer for the bike and hope to return to full action soon.

I echo Scotty and Irv...thanks for all you do!

Gord 

K-C Internal Only

---

From: mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com <mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jamie Irvine <ja...@williamblakehomes.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2025 3:12 PM
To: sdar...@performanceenergy.ca <sdar...@performanceenergy.ca>
Cc: george.h...@gmail.com <george.h...@gmail.com>; mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com <mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: (Mikes Epic Bike Rides) Thursday July 23 ride post

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organization.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/FAD203D0-2399-44FA-A712-BB26D753142B%40williamblakehomes.com.

[Scott Darling]

Early sept? 

Sent from my Bell Samsung device over Canada's largest network.

SCOTT DARLING CEO C:  403‑540‑9207​ E:  sdar...@performanceenergy.ca CALGARY ‑ HEAD OFFICE 1050, 635‑8 AVE SW Calgary , ALBERTA  T2P3M3 T:  403.264.4582 www.performanceenergy.ca

    

-------- Original message --------

From: James Bentley <jamesbe...@gmail.com>

Date: 2025-07-24 3:56 p.m. (GMT-07:00)

To: gord....@kcc.com

Cc: Scott Darling <sdar...@performanceenergy.ca>, ja...@williamblakehomes.com, george.h...@gmail.com, mikes-epic...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: (Mikes Epic Bike Rides) Thursday July 23 ride post

Geo,

You are the Man.  I only hope that one day i can grow up to be just like you.  

In the meantime, i echo the rest of the boys in the desire to keep this ride group alive.  I will be back to ride in the fall.

Remember you are always invited to come for a visit in Penticton.

Jimmy

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 24, 2025, at 2:16 PM, Laughy, Gordon H <Gord....@kcc.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/SA6PR06MB106141CC1551894FE78D4D29AE05EA%40SA6PR06MB10614.namprd06.prod.outlook.com.

[Gavin C]

Hey George 

I can’t make tomorrow despite best intentions but really appreciate the group and you sending out rides. Please keep them coming if you’re up for it. And recycle ideas from one ride to the next depending on attendance if that helps.

I’m getting back to it now kiddos are allowing for the time.

The Thursday, Sundays are good in my mind.

25 yrs eh! Wow 

I’ve been around to one degree or another for 14yrs of it, hard to believe. Definitely like to keep it going.

Thanks

Gavin

On Jul 23, 2025, at 1:58 PM, Hardisty George <george.h...@gmail.com> wrote:

Very good outing this past Sunday with 'ole Milky leading the way on a fat bike with full pants and his signature red and black heavy shirt in the warm sun...bright enough guy but that clever some days....the Nipika trails are very fun with the north trails very flowy without much up and down but super tight and fun as you cruise way above the Kootenai River (do not look left when going fast or your mangled corpse will be fished out miles downstream)....amazing views and around 14 km on the Kootenay Krusher loop from the Nipika Mountain Resort parking lot. 

--

[J Heim]

Hi George, 

can't make tonight's ride but wanted to thank you for organizing the rides - it's an effort to keep this going!

I wanted to thank you for keeping on posting and organizing the group. Very much appreciated!

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/CAGi%3DOpv%3DJMaSoKws5itP0djhXavTgjrq9S%2BtLHnX%3DxK41QRBMw%40mail.gmail.com.

[James Bentley]

Geo,

You are the Man.  I only hope that one day i can grow up to be just like you.  

In the meantime, i echo the rest of the boys in the desire to keep this ride group alive.  I will be back to ride in the fall.

Remember you are always invited to come for a visit in Penticton.

Jimmy

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 24, 2025, at 2:16 PM, Laughy, Gordon H <Gord....@kcc.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/SA6PR06MB106141CC1551894FE78D4D29AE05EA%40SA6PR06MB10614.namprd06.prod.outlook.com.

[Joel Mayer]

Geo

I’ll echo Jim, you are the man. Thank you for all your efforts and I’d hope the ride group continues. 

For myself, I’m on injury reserve (again). But one day soon …

Take care 

Joel 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 25, 2025, at 6:32 AM, James Bentley <jamesbe...@gmail.com> wrote:

Geo,

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/A631805F-E2BA-4A76-9414-90C6D776EDBF%40gmail.com.

[Dave Steadman]

It’s been some time since I’ve had the privilege of riding with the group.I hope to ride with you later this summer. Not sure we will recognize each other. I hope to not only ride at the same time as you but also with you. I always feel I have the most fun because I’m on my bike for the longer than all. 

Thanks very much for the ride posts; especially the entertaining post ride reviews. 

Cheers!

On Jul 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM, Joel Mayer <j1m...@shaw.ca> wrote:

Geo

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/11C50519-CD87-49B1-B342-27F55492DD80%40shaw.ca.

[Kai Muenzer]

 To make organizing and participating in our rides smoother and more enjoyable for everyone  - maybe, a suggestion for an online portal for event registration. Here are a few good reasons why:

• It helps avoid the frustration of planning a ride—especially for Geo and other dedicated organizers—only to have no one show up or commit.
• Riders can easily see who’s coming and register their own attendance within the app.
• No more long chains of "reply all" emails—communication stays clear, simple, and organized.
• An easy-to-use platform might appeal to new faces and bring fresh energy :) to the group.
• Allow automatic reminders, last-minute changes, and mobile access—keeping everyone in the loop.

As a workable example attached are pics of pseudo Mikes Epic Ride Club meetings within the free app 'spond' (https://spond.com). Other experiences, better apps?

A small change could make a big difference in how we stay connected and keep our club running smoothly. K

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/MN2PR16MB3440F681F4BFD5386ECFBE71A45EA%40MN2PR16MB3440.namprd16.prod.outlook.com.

[Michael Stiles]

Kai,

I like your idea.  Seems like a useful app

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/CACznO3%2BnbkJqXuNjEz00DnPYogt7z3RJ-d_b8U_BK0o%2BQ1Z%3D5w%40mail.gmail.com.

[J Heim]

George, 

First of all - thanks again for organizing rides and keeping the group alive! 

to add to this discussion - I have a mixed experience with 'team apps' - using 4 different ones for my soccer addiction. 

Lots of ads and continuous reminders to 'go pro'.

How about using a mainstream messaging service instead if that's what people want to do. 

Google chat and whatsapp have options to send out polls and provide a platform to chat about plans. Ad free (for now).

getting ready to hit the the trails on a brand new bike - as soon as it stops raining. 

See you on the trails!

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mikes-epic-bike-rides/CADCt3uubUmT40f8xqZBHb2sbZwLZ%2BcWf-XW77H2Qt2CwNK4JpQ%40mail.gmail.com.