Training for the Gaspe Peninsula

I'm just back from a training ride with Tracy for our upcoming trip to the Gaspe Peninsula. We'll be on the road for 9 days with Tracy and Dave, and John and Sonya, who will ride a tandem. Our ride today involved tackling Clary Hill Road, a steep uphill grade that goes on for probably a mile or so before opening up into blueberry barrens at the top. We both accomplished the climb without having to stop--we're psyched! It's a beautiful day, cool and windy so we started out with layers which were soon removed as we climbed Clary Hill. We stopped for a little break to admire the view a little later on along the ridge then came down the other side of Clary Hill to ride past Beth's Farm Market and onto Middle Road to arrive at Tracy and Dave's two hours later. I had a fierce headwind coming home for their house but the long climb back up to Appleton Ridge along Butler Road was not gruesome, just a long slow slog. I'm feeling more confident about riding on the roads in the Gaspe. The blogs we've read tell us there will be big hills, headwinds, gravelly shoulders and at times heavy truck traffic. And wonderful views, interesting friendly people and a whole different culture to absorb. A little over two weeks to go.

I'm a new partner at Aarhus Gallery!

As of yesterday I signed on to become a new partner at Aarhus Gallery in Belfast. I am so pleased to have been invited to join and very excited about this new adventure! I'm looking forward to working with this group of congenial, talented artists as well as having the opportunity to show my work in group shows there throughout the year. I'm also looking forward to spending more time in Belfast and getting involved in everything that is going on in this very cool town. Thank you Annadeene, Wes, Willy, Mark, Richard and Kevin for this great opportunity for me and the other new partner, Ingrid Ellison. Looks like a great year ahead!