JUST A LITTLE BIKE RIDE

Okay, I'm far from being in good shape. But this strikes me as more than a little wacky.

A check of forbestraveller.com today shows a list of 10 great bike trails in the United States. First on the list was the "Underground Railroad Trail," which snakes 2,028 miles from Mobile, Ala. to Owen Sound, Ontario. That's more than 3,000 kilometres, folks.

The story quotes a chap from the Adventure Cycling Association as saying that folks "truly get the feeling for the history of race relations in North American along this route."

Yeah, what they truly get is the feeling of UTTER EXHAUSTION on this route!

Okay, maybe you don't have to pedal the entire 3,000 clicks. But that's still one hellluva bike trail.

For the record, also making the Forbes list were a Green Mountains trail in Vermont and a loop around Central Park in New York, which is more in line with your average recreational cyclist.

RAPTOR KICKS CARLTON BEAR BUTT

Travelzoo came out with a list of top awards (the Tzoo's) on Thursday. In addition to some good Canadian content (see below), they gave out a citation to the National Basketball Association for "best overall provider of show and event deals."

Anyone who goes to basketball games in Toronto, as I have for, oh, about 12 years, can attest to the entertainment value. The Raptor is hands-down one of the best mascots in the business and still going strong.

Which brings us to the sad, sad case of Carlton the Bear; the dopey mascot for the inept Toronto Maple Leafs. Granted, the ice surface isn't available to him during stoppages in play the way the basketball court is open to the Raptor throughout the game. But come on, Carlton, show some life. Brian Burke is showing no patience with lacklustre players; it's time someone in management got on the mascot and demanded similar improvement. Right?

VAN GOGH MUSEUM? WE'RE ALL EARS

The city of Amsterdam today launched what are called "welcome teams," folks who will guide visitors and give out public transportation info between now and Nov. 2.

The city of Amsterdam officially launched “Welcome-teams” on April 2, 2009, teams giving an extra welcome to the visitors of Amsterdam. The teams will guide visitors and provide information on public transport during the tourist season.

"Especially in times of economic turmoil our city should excel in the field of hospitality," says Mr. Oswald Schwirtz, Chairman of the “Amsterdam Alliantie” and the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce. “Attention to hospitality gives great results."

The Welcome-teams will be found at busy locations throughout the city.

 

Comments

[wow gold]

I wonder how much calories will I lose if I'll take that "Underground Railroad Trail" challenge? :) You really need a nice warm-up exercise before you take your bicycle on that trail.