Is Toronto City Hall spinning its wheels?

I am an avid cyclist that supports bike lanes, but only when developed to make cycling safe and easy and not to impair current traffic patterns. I like to ride 4 or 5 times a week for exercise and when the weather became suitable for riding last month, I pulled out my TO cycling map to look for routes to explore and enjoy the city. What a frustrating experience this was, as there is no rhyme or reason as to where the lanes and paths start and end. Ideally, you should be able to move from your starting point to your destination using a grid system that is totally connected. Unfortunately, the mandarins at city hall continue to complicate matters by announcing solutions one at a time. First they choose Jarvis St. for dedicated bike lanes and now University Ave. What impact will this have on traffic and more importantly what impact will this have on the relationship between auto drivers and cyclists? In an effort to improve cycling in the City, they have created a situation where the auto community hates cyclists even more. Where is the strategy about cycling in Toronto? You can’t start executing a plan if there isn’t one. While I applaud the City’s focus on cycling, maybe more councillors and decision makers need to hop on a bike and see what the current system entails. Then they can develop a sound strategy and implementation plan.


Why can’t City Hall see this …citizens are asking; “are they all brain dead?” As a Board member of one of Toronto's 70 plus BIA's I get to see how the city makes decisions first hand and by and large most of the city managers I have met are hard working, dedicated people that want to make the city a better place. However, I see a lot of middle managers that only have the power to say no, no one seems to have the ability to say yes and everything requires a committee. Committee’s certainly have a role to play in decision making, but when all decisions must be made by committee, the end result is a slow process and resultant decisions that are negotiated compromises. I remember many years ago my mentor asking me; “what is the definition of a camel?” The answer; “A horse designed by a committee!” Why have we gotten to this position? Is it the system and/or top leadership that is the problem? I believe the solution is one where both the City Council and the bureaucracy needs to be trimmed, the deadwood removed and processes put in place that can make simple decisions quickly.

Hopefully our next mayor will have a large broom, so that they can sweep away the deadwood that has kept Tdot's growth and development mired in cement for the past 30 years. Which mayoral candidate has the chutzpah/cajones to do this right?

Finally, with regard to the current bike lane dilemma, should they also accommodate wheel chairs? I hope so, because my fear is that I will be in a wheelchair long before we see a good bicycle grid plan. City Hall are you listening?

Start of the Cycling Season in dotTO

With all the fine weather we have had in Toronto this month (today excluded) the cycling season has gotten off to an early start. I like to ride at least 4 or 5 times per week and my goal this year is to ride at least 300 km per week. This breaks down to three rides of 60km (typically after work) and a weekend ride of 120km with TBN (Toronto Bicycling Network).

I did three to four spin classes per week during the winter and last week I did three break-in rides and two spin classes, so the legs are slowly getting into shape. For this week, Wednesday and Thursday look like great days, so I'm hoping to step up the pace and ride at least 60km on each of those days.

I have signed up for the two rides in June; The Ride for Heart and Stroke (75km) and the 2-day Ride to Conquer Cancer (100 miles each day). If you would like to sponsor me you can go to my web pages for each event at these links:

Ride for Heart and Stroke - http://bit.ly/bRC2ku

Ride to Conquer Cancer - http://bit.ly/aemKtV

Last year I was living in Northeast Oakville, so I had great access to the country roads north of Dundas/Highway 5, heading out towards Milton. It is a great place to ride and on any given night you would see a lot of fellow riders on the roads. In late August I moved into the city and now reside in Leaside, so I'm now exploring the city for good rides (without getting killed). Last week I discovered the Don River trail. It has it's pros and cons. On the pro side there are no cars and you don't need to stop every block for a light or stop sign. On the down side, you can't ride very fast and the trail rattles the hell out of your bones. The best part of the ride is tackling the hill on Bayview from Pottery Road up to Moore St. I like to sprint that puppy, out of the saddle and keep track of the time it takes me each time I ride it. I'm a little competitive and it's fun to 'blow the doors off’ a fellow cyclist, especially when it's at the end of your two hour ride. I think my nightly ride will be to take the Don Trail down to the Lakeshore and then do the Lakefront Trail from Woodbine to Humber and back. Woodbine to Humber is about 20km, so if you do it there and back plus the Don trail loop, it will be about 60km. The only pain on the Lakeshore is the section along Queen’s Quay …hopefully future Mayor Rocco will remedy this situation.

I've also been exploring the nutrition side of cycling and I have learned a lot in the past year. I have downloaded a number of recipes to make my own energy bars, gels and electrolyte drinks. Many of the products are loaded with ingredients that I can't even say ...and that is not good. I will experiment with a few of these products and post them in the next few weeks.

Have a great day and if you're in the Toronto area, give me a shout if you would like to go for a ride some evening or on a Sunday morning.

All the best ...Greg

Sad news :(

Please click on this link to my blog or read below:

http://bit.ly/bMw0UN

After the Olympics I was contemplating different subjects that I could blog about.
The name of my Blog is Avid Cyclist, so I should really be blogging about cycling. Last night the skies cleared and I decided it was time for the first ride of the year. It was a beautiful evening and I had a great ride. This morning I woke up to beautiful blue skies and I was noodling how I could fit in another ride today.
Before heading out, I then checked my messages and heard that a dear friend had passed away on the weekend at the age of 41. I immediately knew what I had to write about.
Mike Van Vlack owned the BioPed franchise in Windsor. He was very healthy, a great Dad, with three young kids, had a wonderful wife and was an amazing person. He will be missed by many.
I remember Mike as a young 23 year old coming out of college and beginning his first job at BioPed. There was something very special about him ...he could always ask the tough question, but in a way that he didn't hurt or insult the other person. He was also a great listener and a sponge for learning. While Windsor was a long drive from Toronto, I never hesitated when Mike asked for help. Besides, he was an amazing golfer and it was an opportunity to play with him. I remember inviting him to be my partner one year at my member guest golf tournament. He had never played the course and didn't have his "A" game with him that day, but still shot even par 71. He never got mad or didn't panic when he made a bad shot, but had faith that he could get the job done. He lived his life in exactly the same way.
Mike grew up as a farmer and it was always my belief that farmer's kids made the best hires. They understood a good work ethic, commitment, perseverance and most importantly were just 'good' people. I always wished that I could clone Mike. It may be too late to do that, but I have a good feeling that his three children will be very like him.
The Obit in today's Windsor Star is a great tribute to him and really speaks volumes about the type of person he is. (The link to the Star article is below)
As the article explains, Mike was just being Mike and had organized a fund raiser to help out a close friend who was going through very expensive Cancer treatments. He never asked someone to do something that he wouldn't do himself.
When things like this happen, I ask the questions; "why them? why so young? And just why?"
Of course, there are no answers, but when I go for a ride later today, I will try to find some. :(

http://bit.ly/cmpQh9

sent from my BlackBerry device
Best regards,

Greg
M 416-347-1545

A Survey for The Chef Upstairs

Many of our clients have shown an interest in learning more about wine. We think that it would be great to offer Wine Courses to our clients, but before doing so we wanted to ask you about your preferences.
We would really appreciate if you could take two or three minutes and answer the 10 survey questions. Please click on the link below and follow the instructions. Also, if you know any other wine lovers, please forward this email to them as well.
Thank you for your help and have a great weekend.

http://bit.ly/a4ceKJ

sent from my BlackBerry device
Best regards,

Greg
M 416-347-1545

A Volunteer's Olympic Recap

Please click on this link to see today's Blog as well as all of the previous Blog posts, or just read below. Enjoy!

http://bit.ly/bMw0UN

Today was my 2nd last day in Whistler and the last day as a Volunteer. It has been an incredible experience and a time that I will always remember.

This morning I drove a young Luger from Romania into the Village for last minute shopping. He was a very articulate and thankful young man and told me how all of the Lugers were a close knit group. He was a friend of Georgian Luger Nodar and was very appreciative of how John Furlong and VANOC handled the tragedy of Nodar's death at both the Opening and Closing ceremonies.

Here is the web link to a great article in the March 1, 2010 L.A. Times http://bit.ly/ddQZ1S

The L.A. Times article reiterated why I volunteered for these Games and how appreciative the visitors have been to us. After reading the article this morning it really made me think ...Why did I do this? ...My simplest answer, would be that it was the Canadian thing to do. But honestly, I think it was ingrained in my DNA. Both of my parents certainly taught me the importance of giving and helping others. They have been great role models for me and why I think that Volunteering should be a very important part of our lives. My Mother has always had their door open to friends and family and once inside, she feels compelled to feed them and surround them in kindness. If they can't get to visit her, she takes her show on the road! My father on the other hand has always been a tireless volunteer, whether it was the PTA, Scouts, Kiwanis or coaching and now he sits on the board of their Condo Corporation. The message I've learned from both of them is that "it is better to give than to receive". While this may be an overused phrase, it is something that I truly believe in. I hope that I have been a good student and that I can make as much of a difference as my parents have.
So what's my next volunteer venture? I have never been involved in politics, but when I heard that Rocco Rossi would be running for Mayor of Toronto, I knew that it was something that I wanted to get involved with. I have known Rocco for several years. He is a brilliant man, that understands what the city needs and has a plan to bring Toronto into the 21st Century. I believe that we will see a truly great election race. Watch for my upcoming Blog about this exciting election.

And I'm not giving up on the Olympics. I will be thinking about returning as a volunteer for both London 2012 and Sochi 2014 ...the journey has just begun.

P.S. I will try to download some pictures and post them in the next day or so.

sent from my BlackBerry device
Best regards,

Greg
M 416-347-1545

DAY 17 - Colour the Games RED!!

Please click on this link to see today's Blog as well as all of the previous Blog posts, or just read below. Enjoy!
http://bit.ly/bMw0UN
Wow ...what an astounding, amazing and unbelievable day. Ernest Hemingway could not have written a better closing script than what we witnessed today. I still remember the '72 Soviet Series and how it gripped the country from sea to shining sea. These games were certainly comparable and I am certain that there were a record number of viewers this afternoon watching the hockey game.
I am so happy for John Furlong and the Vanoc 2010 team. They had several nearly insurmountable problems that tried to derail the games, but through the will, spirit and excitement of all of Canada we pulled it off and created one of the best games ever.
I decided yesterday that I would stay in Whistler to watch the hockey game and see the Closing Ceremonies on the big screen in the Village. Vancouver would have been exciting, but the logistics to get there and back were too complicated.

Today's hockey game was probably the most amazing I have ever witnessed. There was the US with a solid unyielding defense and the best goaltending in the world. Canada had a relentless forecheck, defense that moved the puck better than any and Luuuuu made the big saves when required. I need not describe what happened but I can tell you that the excitement was at a fever pitch in the bar where I watched the game. When the US tied the game with 24 seconds remaining we were all prepared for a Cdn loss.
I was happy for the win as it gave Canada their 14th Gold, to break the all time record for most Gold medals at a Winter Olympics. While we did not "Own" the Podium, I believe that we have a firm 4-year Lease on it.
As the game ended, the bars emptied and impromptu parties broke out everywhere. Even the skies cleared and the Sun came out to make it a perfect afternoon. People converged on the Central Square in Whistler and within minutes there were 20,000 people packed into the area. The post game medal ceremony was displayed on the big screen and hundreds of flags were waving as we all sang Oh Canada. Words cannot describe the pride and emotion that we all felt, but it is something that I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. (Attached picture)
Before the Closing Ceremonies there was a concert in the Village Square with the band Blue Rodeo. They played on the energy of the crowd and were awesome. Our international visitors were quite awe struck by the whole experience and weren't sure what had happened to all the polite Canadians. The band played for close to an hour and we then waited about 30 minutes for the Closing Ceremonies to begin.
I thought that Joannie Rochette was the perfect choice for our flag bearer. While she only won bronze, there was no other Athlete who faced circumstances as difficult as hers. She was the pen ultimate performer under pressure.
The Closing Ceremonies continued the positive vibe and energy that was created by the win in men's hockey. Fixing the torch was a great bit of humour and hopefully will silence the anal critics who have a need to destroy and expose at any cost.
John Furlong's speech was very good and I believe that he went out of his way to give the Smurf Team a very kind thank you. I believe that Van2010 had more Volunteers than any other Winter games. Furlong also did a nice job of honouring Nodar the deceased luge competitor and the ovation by the Athletes was very heartfelt.
The Dancing Mounties, flying beavers, Dancing Mooses and I am Canadian monologues were very cute. Finally, there was no better way to finish than with Neil Young ...who doesn't like him (besides you Brian!)
Tomorrow I will write a wrap-up with my top 10 highlights of the games. We have certainly set the bar high for Sochi 2014 and we wish them great success.

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Best regards,

Greg
M 416-347-1545

Day 16 - Canada is Golden

As usual you can click on this link to see all of the previous Blog posts or just read below. Enjoy!
http://bit.ly/bMw0UN
So is the lead story today the fact that Canada won 3 Golds and 1 Bronze to tie with the most Golds won by a country in the history of the Winter Olympics OR is it about Brian McKeever the nearly blind Cross Country Skier who was not picked to race in the 50km race tomorrow?
If you were Dave Perkins the Sports Editor for the Toronto Star, you would pick the latter. McKeever is an extremely talented para athlete and has dominated his sport. He made the Canadian Olympic Team this year despite his limited eyesite, but has not raced in these games. Tomorrow is the 50km mass start, but only 4 athletes may compete for their country in CC events. On Friday McKeever was left off the roster because he was clearly not of the same ilk as the four men chosen to race. While McKeever was disappointed, I'm sure he would want to be picked on his athletic merits and not out of sympathy. The other 4 athletes have earned the right to be here and should not have to think about giving up their spot to a lesser athlete because he was disabled. Mr. Perkins does not agree with me and thinks that the Cross Country Manager and Coach should be fired. Well, I think Perkins should step aside as Sports Editor, as he clearly does not understand that the Olympics is about playing the best people, it's not about sympathetic choices. All of our athletes have trained for many years to be the best they can be and to earn the right to represent their country based on their performances. The key word here is "EARN". What do you think? You can read Perkins' article at this link and please leave him a comment:
http://bit.ly/9llL7b
I will now set aside my soap box and return to what I saw and experienced today. The weather improved a bit today and was not as wet as the past few days (the glass half full version). Our long track skaters got the day off to a flying start with a victory in the team pursuit. This was then followed up by a come from behind victory by Jacey Jay Anderson in the Dual GS, a Bronze in Bob Sleigh and then Kevin Martin extinguishing the 'Hot Pants' from Norway. They were all incredible performances that have vaulted us up the Medal Standings. We may not 'Own the Podium' but we have certainly acquired a 4-Year Lease on it!!!
Whistler's three venues were bustling with large crowds today and the Athlete's Village was busy all afternoon and evening. For the T-3 drivers, we would pull up in front, load with 3 to 6 people, drive into the village, come back and do it again. I think I made 8 trips over a 4 hour period driving about 160km. Among others, tonight I had Italian and American Women Bob sledders, Latvian 4-man Bob Sleigh, 2 Austrian Cross Country skiers, a large Korean delegation and one of Canada's Male downhill skiers. The Latvians were funny, they wanted a ride to the liquor store to buy Canadian Whiskey and then a ride back to Athlete's Village to find Canadian Women. I have a funny feeling that their pick-up techniques were not Olympic caliber (ha).
Finally, I wanted to share the "line" of the day. I was doing my laundry early this morning and as I was walking down the corridor I saw this sullen looking young man (early twenties) talking to a young woman. His body language clearly showed that he was sad and the only piece of the conversation I heard, was him saying "...yeah I'm bummed. I lost my zigzags last night..." If you don't understand his despair ...find a young college student to explain it for you ...or B and M ...you can ask J!!
Don't forget to wear RED tomorrow and to cheer Team Canada on to victory. It should be a great game and a perfect ending to these 2010 games.
Enjoy!!!
sent from my BlackBerry device
Best regards,

Greg
M 416-347-1545