Latest news with #biking
CTV News
22-07-2025
- CTV News
‘Freedom': High River retirees reconnect with community through bike rides
An Alberta retirement centre is offering residents the chance to feel the wind in their hair on an assisted bike ride. Seasons High River Retirement Community began participating in the Cycling Without Age program back in 2017. Originally founded in Denmark in 2012, the program gives community members who might not otherwise have access to biking a chance to experience it. In High River, seniors at Seasons are paired with volunteer 'pilots' who pedal trishaw e-bikes from behind while they sit up front and enjoy the ride. Officials say residents at the retirement centre scramble to get their name on the list for a ride along town trails, which can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour. Caitland Asmundson from the Town of High River says the goal is to help participants reconnect with the community. 'That's the beauty of having the passengers be up front,' she said. 'When they're meeting people on the trails, they're connecting with their community members, they're saying 'hello,' they're making connections.' Chrystal Maud, Season's 'fun manager,' says the program is help making High River more inclusive. 'Everybody loves it, even residents that are able to walk around in the community, they want to ride the bike,' she said. 'They just think it's so awesome, and they always go around the nature paths in High River, so it's wonderful for everybody -- it's very special.' Volunteer pilot Claude Laflamme says he enjoys taking people for rides. 'We give an opportunity for people who lack the mobility to [ride] again, and we just take them out and we hear their stories, and we talk to them. It's wonderful,' he said. 'High River is wonderful for cycling; it's flat and it's a small town, there's a wonderful downtown, and we can stop for a coffee, stop for ice cream. We have a wonderful time.' Seasons resident Dolores Rayburn says she enjoys getting out for a spin. 'I can't walk too well anymore, and I have to use a walker, so I have to have somebody help me,' she said. 'We need the fresh air, and being able to get around in the outside -- it's great because you're inside all the time.' Edie Simanton uses a wheelchair to get around, but says sitting on the trishaw is exhilarating. 'It's nice to be able to go and do something that I wouldn't be able to do otherwise,' she said. 'What does it feel like? Freedom, yeah, like you're doing it yourself.'
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Forbes
The Best European Cities For Cycling, According To New Analysis
Young woman in green dress riding a bicycle on a street of Paris, near the Eiffel tower getty Cycling while traveling abroad isn't just a budget-friendly alternative — it's a great way to get a feel for a new city while taking in the landmarks and historic neighborhoods on two wheels. Biking as a form of transportation is more common than ever in many cities, but there are still certain destinations that are more bike-friendly than others. The ferry and cruise operator DFDS looked at a number of popular European cities, looking at factors like cycling infrastructure and designated bike trails, flatness, rain and wind, and social media searches, to best understand the cities that stand out for cyclists while traveling abroad. Here are the best European cities for cycling, according to the new analysis: Young romantic couple of tourists using bicycles near the Eiffel tower in Paris, France getty Is there anything more romantic than a bike ride through the winding streets of Paris? The capital of France earned first spot due to its comprehensive network of over a thousand kilometers of cycling lanes throughout the city, which makes it easy to get to the biggest tourist spots and landmarks via bicycle. It also boasts a flatness score of 9.2, which makes cycling more pleasurable than exerting. Munich earned second place on the list thanks to its network of bike trails in and out of the city center. There are plenty of bike routes that start in the center of town and lead directly out of the city, including the Isar Cycle Path on the River Isar and the M-Wasserweg to Lake Tegernsee. Helsinki HELSINKI, FINLAND: Bicycles for rent in Helsinki, Finland. There are 1400 Alepa bikes in the city. getty The extensive cycle network in Helsinki makes this Finnish city another appealing option for cyclists. The city is easy to get around by bike but also has marked routes in parks and natural landmarks that allow cyclists to enjoy a more leisurely bike ride through its forests rather than just cycling for transportation purposes. Amsterdam Amsterdam might be one of the most famous cycling destinations in the world — and it's easy to see why. There are more than 400 kilometers of cycling paths throughout the city and cycling is one of the main modes of transportation in Holland, which means drivers and pedestrians are used to cyclists and make it easy to get into the flow of cycling culture without necessarily disrupting traffic or local life. Strasbourg Street with cyclists at sunset in Strasbourg, France getty The second French city on the list, Strasbourg boasts more than 600 kilometers of cycling paths throughout the city. In recent years the city has seen a shift from cars to public transportation and cycling as the main form of transportation, which makes cycling through the city pleasant and easy. Frankfurt Frankfurt is the second German city on the list and boasts both cycling lanes for transportation and paths in nature for more pleasant and leisurely bike rides. It boasts 10 kilometers of bike lanes per 10,000 people, which is the third highest on the list. Lyon Bikers passing through Place des Jacobins, Lyon, France getty The third French city on the list, Lyon boasts an impressive 870 kilometers of cycling lanes all over the city. The cycling routes are designed for commuters but can easily get travelers to all the biggest landmarks and historic neighborhoods in the city. Stockholm Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities to get lost in while cycling, the water views juxtaposed against historic buildings and more than a thousand kilometers of bike lanes makes cycling through this city an activity in and of itself even if you're just getting from point A to point B. Ghent Sunrise view on the water channel with beautiful old buildings with woman standing near the bicycles in Ghent city getty The only Belgian city to make the list, it's very common for locals in Ghent to opt to cycle as their main form of transportation over driving. The city has the largest low-traffic pedestrian zone in Europe, which makes it a much more relaxing destination for amateur cyclists. Lille Lille is the fourth French city on the list and earned its spot thanks to the abundance of cycling routes and trails that lead from the city center into the countryside. It has also been accredited with the Accueil Vélo label, affirming even further its status as a cyclist-friendly city.
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Forbes
Epic RV Road Trip Through Canada Includes Creative Campground Cooking
An ambitious itinerary through British Columbia covered nearly 1,200 miles in 10 days, a journey filled with astonishing scenery, excellent hiking and biking and some fun meals cooked at the campground. Here are a few suggestions on how to make outdoor dinners extra special this summer. Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia offers an excellent place to camp with electrical ... More hookups available in the new Skyview campground. Smart provisioning When prepping for a big trip, it's nearly impossible to hit that perfect target of 'just right', avoiding bringing too much or not enough. I'm fortunate to have a well-stocked pantry in my 23-foot Thor Gemini, so I could throw together a last-minute meal that doesn't come off as a punt. But when it comes to packing up perishables, that's a little trickier. Especially when the fridge goes on the fritz on Day 2. Yup, since buying a 23-foot motorhome at Camping World nearly seven years ago, the motorhome has been in the shop countless times. That's one thing you rarely hear about when contemplating #vanlife. Stuff breaks, especially if the rig gets regular use, and we recently hit 70,000 miles. But we've also become pretty adept at rolling with it, so the fridge turned into a cooler, restocked daily with ice. No big deal, though it also added a sense of urgency to using any ingredients that might go bad. First up, smash burgers. Pimento cheese adds a lot of gooey flavor to a smash burger cooked at a scenic campground in British ... More Columbia. Essential tools Over the years on the road, there have been many attempts to cook over a campfire. In the beginning, there was some success with the Lodge Cast Iron Cook It All – mmm, bacon – but it was just too bulky for the tight quarters. We then shifted to a George Foreman Smokeless Grill and that was a champ for a long time, even worked to make pizza. But eventually it fizzled out and they're not making them anymore, so… the outdoor kitchen has now embraced a two-burner hot plate. It's not glam, but it works. And a big part of the success can be credited to an upgrade in the cooking equipment. Last summer, I upgraded to a Scanpan skillet I found on sale at Sur La Table and it's been a game changer. A few more important outdoor kitchen tools: Now, let's get after those burgers. Meal prep There's been much written about the trendiest burgers on the planet, but did you know those now famous sandwiches have a humble origin story? Created in Oklahoma during the Great Depression, the first smash burgers included loads of thinly sliced onions used to stretch the ground beef. My method is to season the ground beef – I picked up some organic ground beef at Costco and froze it – before shaping it into balls, slightly smaller than a tennis ball. The go-to flavor maker on the road is a mix of the basics that taste Next Level. I'm a huge fan of Nick's Salt + Pepper from Rendezvous in Memphis, a tribute to the late Nick Vergos, who was known for his homemade version of this straightforward seasoning. Simple and very satisfying. Crank up the heat and set those meaty softballs in the skillet, letting them sizzle for a minute before smashing. Turn the patty a few times to build that brown crust, known as the Maillard reaction. For this round of smash burgers at the beautiful Manning Provincial Park, I took a decidedly Southern turn by smearing pimento cheese on top of the patty in the final minutes of cooking. So good. The only other topping I added was a few Grillo's hot pickle chips. On the side, we had a potato chip tasting and the Old Dutch Masala Chips were a clear winner, the Ridgies style delivering extra crunch. Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia offers many scenic hiking trails including a 5-mile loop ... More around Lightening Lake. Leftovers anyone? The bit of ground beef that didn't go into the burgers was turned into a Bolognese with a small 'b', sauteed and finished with a jar of pizza sauce. Yes, of course, slow-simmered San Marzano tomatoes cooked Marcella Hazan-style is best. But this is bare-bones campground cooking and the thicker pizza sauce works just fine, especially if you serve it with some interesting pasta. (I brought Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe ravioli and that proved to be a good match.) While we camped at the City Park in Nelson – close to the historic downtown and a short walk from the massive Kootenay Lake, there was a picnic table that served as a platform for the best kind of casual cookout. Seafood boils are typically a group activity, but it's also cool for just two. I simmered wild-caught prawns with Zatarain's seasoning mix, corn and tiny new potatoes and, as Emeril used to say: Bam! Dinner is served, please pass the pepper sauce. The classic shrimp boil is a surprisingly easy meal to prepare while camping. Looking locally for inspiration Our travels took us through some verdant ag-producing country and the mission is always to stop at as many farm stands as possible. Bonus points if it's got a parking lot big enough to accommodate an RV. This trip, we gorged on Rainier cherries, sweet apricots and tender green beans. Also picked up some oyster mushrooms that were the foundation of one of the best dinners of the journey. Those meaty 'shrooms partnered nicely with a grass-fed ribeye from Alberta, a sprinkle of Knorr demi-glace mix creating a sauce that was surprisingly sophisticated. I'm not the kind of cook that typically goes for the packets, but in this case, it was proved to be an excellent short cut. Leftover smash burgers morphed into a quick-fix Bolognese, served with Trader Joe's Cacio e Pepe ... More ravioli. Not your typical campground cooking, but very satisfying. The big finish By the time we reached Revelstoke, road fatigue had started to set in after seven hours behind the wheel, it was time for something easy. Plus, it was hot and who wants to cook, so let's use the rest of that farm-fresh produce haul for a salad. And, yes, there's a new wooden salad bowl in the cupboard to class up our tiny home on wheels. When it comes to delivering some quality protein to the greens, canned wild salmon gets a quick pickle treatment with the addition of seasoned shallots and plays well with the sweet summer tomatoes and crunchy cukes, which was enjoyed under a canopy of towering evergreens in the busy RV park where we were staying. The Lamplighter was a short ride from the town center and after eating, we headed into Revy to catch the nightly summer concert in the town center. Peak experience, especially the thrilling portion of that two-wheel trip over a bridge high above the Columbia River. On the final few days of the epic road trip, I skipped cooking and used the well-deserved break to take a deep dive into the outstanding culinary landscape of Whistler Blackcomb Resort. You can read my report here. If you go… Before we took the plunge into RV ownership, we rented various rigs including a deluxe motorhome from CanaDream. There are other options for giving van life a test drive including Peace Vans based in Seattle and Outdoorsy, which is considered the Airbnb equivalent of the RV rental world. Before signing up, it's always good to ask what kind of cooking gear is included.
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Forbes
Pedal Prep: Must-Have Gear For Road Biking Rookies
Merge your love of cycling with travel on a trip to Puglia, Italy. getty If you're someone who loves to ride on two wheels, and you want to evolve your passion into something a bit deeper, consider joining a cycling tour and merge your adoration of biking with travel. You'll likely grow your skillset, meet a friend or two, and see a cherished destination in a newfangled way. But where should you go and what tour company stands out above the rest? And, once you've nailed down the goal, what do you need to bring? Enter: A'qto, a boutique cycling tour operator that takes care of all of logistics so you can simply enjoy the ride while vacationing in Italy, one of the best destinations for road cyclists. With founders and cycling aficionados Damian Hancock and Nancy De Losa at the helm, you'll be well taken care of on your guided cycling holiday. But what if you have a partner that doesn't share your passion for speed in the outdoors? A'qto has a robust off-the-bike program for non-cyclists as well, highlighting immersive cultural tours and outdoor activities that are sure to round out the experience. The Puglia Bike Tour, for example, features seven days of riding through some of Italy's most beautiful terrain. Ideal for cultural mavens, sunshine seekers, and outdoorsy nature chasers, this tour is a stellar entry point for cyclists who are serious about upping their game on the bike, yet want to experience Italy in an immersive way as well. Who wouldn't want to explore luminous coastal roads, riding past fields of olive trees, on an Italian sojourn like no other? Be prepared for a cycling adventure with essential gear items. getty But first, you'll need to practice and build up your stamina and strength. And, if you plan on logging some serious training miles, you'll need some gear to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Cycling Shoes for Powerful Rides For road cycling, it's ideal to get outfitted with a proper cleat-compatible shoe, which will allow you to get the most out of your ride. To maximize your power while biking, the high-quality PRO Road Shoes from PEARL iZUMi are a smart choice. These kicks are lightweight, with a stiff PRO carbon power plate, and the fit is specific to your foot with its matchless dial lace system. Surprisingly comfortable to wear, these shoes will protect your feet throughout the entire duration of your ride, allowing you to challenge yourself and put forth a great effort. Pair with the mid-rise Transfer 4' Socks, made from moisture-wicking materials, and your feet are good to go. Padded Shorts to Keep You Comfortable One thing that could make your ride miserable, is not having padded shorts. This is an essential investment if you plan on kickstarting your road cycling journey in a maintainable way. The highly reviewed and rated PRO Bib Shorts, which come in different colors, fit snugly and have minimal seams for optimal comfort. For the women's fit, there's a helpful drop-tail design, making bathroom trips super easy. Couple with the Attack Air Jersey, made with UPF 50+ fabric, which comes in flashy colors that are not only fun, but also, highly visible for road safety. And, with extended sleeves that sit just above the elbow, and plenty of rear pockets, this jersey is the wheel deal. Adventure awaits, on and off the bike, in Italy. getty An Extra Layer for Inclement Weather For longer rides, be prepared for wind and weather with an extra layer. The Attack Hybrid Jacket is perfect for a variety of forecasts due to its breathability, durability, and lightweight stretchy materials. This performance-driven water-resistant cycling jacket is a must-have for every road cyclist starter kit. Gloves for the Win If your hands tend to get numb on longer rides, or if you'd like added sun protection to this delicate area, the fingerless Elite Gel Gloves are a top choice. With multiple shades to choose from, including the highly visible Screaming Yellow, you'll add a bit of protection as well as joy to your ride with these stretchy and breathable hand-heroes. The Cap of All Caps Designed to be worn under your biking helmet, the Transfer Cycling Cap, made with UPF 50+ fabric, is the gear item that you didn't know you really needed. This hat will draw the moisture away from your face and keep sweat from dripping in your eyes—perfect for those rides in the Italian sunshine. The shorter cycling-specific bill keeps harmful rays out of your eyes yet doesn't hinder visibility.
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Forbes
Summer At Whistler Blackcomb Can Be Action-Packed Or Super Chill
The coolest ski town in Canada is transformed into a different kind of playground during warm weather months, when hiking and biking offer big thrills. There's also plenty of options for serious relaxing and sensational dining. Let's hit a few highlights at this world-class destination north of Vancouver, B.C. Whistler Blackcomb Resort offers outdoor thrills year-round. The Cloudraker Skybridge high on the ... More mountain is a big draw during summer months, offering stunning views of the Coast Mountain range. All the vertical without the climb Start the day by boarding a high speed gondola to the top of one of the peaks for which this expansive resort is named. The well-used phrase about getting there is half the fun definitely applies as you soar above the treetops and drink in the spectacular mountain views in all directions. Wow. Up top on the Blackcomb side, if you time the arrival to sync with an early lunch, grab a table at Christine's for a three-course feast that shines a light on local produce including a salad featuring greens picked to order, charred carrots from just up the road in Pemberton and goat cheese from Salt Spring Island. While the Rendezvous Lodge and the base area might be buzzing with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, it's no sweat to break away from the crowds when you venture out on the easy-to-negotiate hiking trails. Grab a map to stay on track and get ready to capture some Instagram-worthy shots of those jagged, snow-capped peaks. The Saudan Coulair at Whistler Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia is considered extreme skiing in ... More the winter months. Summer visitors can enjoy a up close view via the high-speed gondola in the summer months. Peak-2-Peak for the win After exploring the top of the Blackcomb area, hop on board the Peak-2-Peak gondola for a heart-racing ride high above the treetops. Scared of heights? You might want to skip this one, which offers one of the highest rides on the planet, soaring more than 1,400 above the deeply forested floor. Gulp. On the Whistler side, visitors line up to pose in front of the Olympic rings commemorating the 2010 winter games. There's also a long list of eateries and watering holes in The Roundhouse where visitors can feast and drink, including the iconic Umbrella Bar with its 360-degree view. Whistler might be best known as a world-class ski resort, but in the summer, it's all about mountain ... More biking and hiking. To access the thrilling Cloudracker Skybridge, hike down the mountain a bit to the Peak Express chairlift that delivers another jolt of adrenalin. Making the short trek across that suspension bridge delivers you to a viewing platform called Raven's Eye. Take a deep breath and drink in that astonishing vista, which is nearly impossible to capture on that smartphone. There are more trails to explore up top – bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if the temp's cool, you need those fluids – but all good things must end and the last gondola rides head down the mountain around 5 p.m. That return trip offers more thrills, especially you catch the steady stream of expert mountain bikers bombing down the course during the descent. This resort has become a magnet for riders from around the globe, many gathering for an annual festival in August called Crankworx. This year marks the event's 20th anniversary. Lorette in Whistler Village offers an elevated Brasserie-style menu featuring classics such as a ... More salmon rillette finished with a delicate sliver of cured fish. Hungry yet? The time-honored description of 'something for everyone' truly hits when it comes to the food options at this bustling resort. There's all manner of grab-and-go meals and snacks at the excellent grocery store near the Village Square, which is also home to fast food staples like KFC and Dairy Queen. And, good luck, trying to snag a seat at the wildly popular taqueria, La Cantina. On the high-end side, there's the legendary Araxi and its classy sibling restaurants, il Camentto and the recently expanded Bar Oso. Slightly tucked away, across from the Aava Hotel, Wild Blue serves an inventive lineup of seasonally-driven fare created by chef-owner Alex Chen and his stellar team. Current standouts put a fun spin on some classics: A cauliflower Caesar that doesn't shy away from the umami bomb delivered by bits of anchovy, a beautiful vongole celebrating the giant clam known as geoduck and the sensational sablefish finished table-side with an intense sauce made from roasted fish bones. It's essential to leave room for that final course at Wild Blue, with pastry chef Carl Sanchez elevating sweets to an art form. Want proof? Order the celebration of summer strawberries, which includes an incredibly elegant presentation of shave ice. That shareable dish includes an assortment of toppings begging for the creation of a sundae-like treat that will make you feel like a kid again. The elegant strawberry shave ice dessert at Wild Blue in Whistler Village is a tribute to summer's ... More favorite fruit. Pastry chef Carl Sanchez created a selection of fun accompaniments including tiny meringue, boba and dried berries.
