A Virtual Bike Ride For World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada)

2008-12-31T05:16:00.001-08:00

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Google Earth Multiple posts

2008-04-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

Hi All..

Recently i have received messages about my multiple google earth community posts.

I have no idea how to remove them.. If someone can send me a link who my GE community post page, that might help. .. Then i can try to acess it and remove it.
... Google Earth makes it hard to remove these posts for some reason.

..
So i apologize for trouble this may cause. If anyone knows how to contact google earth to have them remove my account, that would be helpful.. as that's one way to get rid of it.
Thanks in Advance

Sam Vekemans
Across Canada Trails

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About a Bear, a facinating story

2008-04-02T22:24:00.001-07:00

9:44pm Wed 04/02/2008
About a Bear, a facinating story of one mans quest to discover his true potential.
What I have found is the power of the universe gives back in equal and oposite proportion
Whatever we visualize in our mind no mater how far fetched it may seem, we should not let any thing stand in our way.
I hope everyone is enjoying the day, Sam
p.s Does anyone know how to make a video of what your doing on the screen. ie, instructions?

About a Bear, a facinating story

2008-04-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Trail Marker at Fernie, BC

2008-02-26T00:30:00.001-08:00

Trail Marker at Fernie, BC
Originally uploaded by Trans Canada Trail / Sentier transcanadien

Here's the link for the TCT Pavilions in canada. .. looks like there are only about 60 of them.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97852224@N00/sets/72157594304759401/

Im working on the Google map here.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101655437387421973553.000441e321232dcce58db&z=5

.. and am also working on adding these points onto the GPS Map as a poi file.

I've now uploaded or partially uploaded the whole route onto wikiloc.com .. hopefully you'll like that. :)

Looking forward to awsome feedback on it.
Cheers,
Sam

p.s.. When i was in fernie, BC last year i saw this one :)

Across Canada Trails Beta 3.0 - Medium Gravel Route progress update

2008-02-15T22:59:00.001-08:00

Hi all,
Here's a test message, not sure which blogsite it'll get to as i can email a blogpost. That's cool

So it's been a while, and i still haven't updated the GPS Map file for Version 3.0.
It turns out that the process of updating the map needed to be changed, do to the nature of the map development.
Anyway, if your working directly on the project with me, you'll know.

Here's a screen shot of the route which starts in Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC Canada.
...
Once I am actually in the towns that I'm mapping, it will be much easier to see where in the town the different trails are located and which routes are best to cover the most area, and which makes the most sense to someone who is touring the town, either passing through or staying the night.

I have has a number of people contact me about biking across canada. .. Awesome!

So i'll be posting adds for people around the world to try out my route. .. as its perhaps the only most complete route available.

Trans Canada Trail
www.tctrail.ca
I wanted to thank the Trans Canada Trail, as i now have the list of the whole trail... where the actual signed routes are. The temporary routes which goes along the roads..
temporary bipasses arent all posted. .. However once you know where the trail is proposed.. the temporary route is as close as possable to that route. .. In the towns where there are also paved waling trails, thats incorporated. .
The river routes for the north are also posted.. so it looks like the list of routes im not sure about is now getting smaller and smaller.

I'll be able to post a point along each trail showing a website link back to the TCT website for more information on that trail.
Perhaps that information will be on the TCT Pavilions Google Map, and shown as a picture of the pavilion on the map.
Anyway, lots more work, but now i have a greater idea of how the final map will look.

Everyone, Please comment on the routes, that are posted. .. if you can contribute in anyway your help is creatly appreciated.

This project is self funded, so im doing this in my spare time. .. My goal is to have the map ready fo 1st text use for may 1st of this year. .. I dont know yet how much i will actually cycle this year, however, i'll be taking the greyhound and catching rides across the country.

Cheers,
Sam

*****

Sam Vekemans's Facebook profile (message me spam free and it's quickest this way)

What it means to be a volunteer

2008-02-01T22:54:00.001-08:00

100_1361 Doolin, Co. Claire Ireland
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Why do people volunteer?

What does it mean to volunteer?

How can I help if i have nothing to offer?

...
Something amazing is shown when someone volunteers... The type of work and quality is probably even better than the work that you get paid for. .. Why? Because your not so concerned of the money you will make, but for the actual benifit of the job it'sself.

You are in turn being helpfull to so many. .. It's a way to give back to the community, and to all those people who helped you out along the way, yet you never got to catch there names. ..
Those who open the door for you. .. those who give direction... Those who smile, as you pass by. .. those who cheer you on, and aplaud. ..

How can you help?
Well, everyone has some tallent and something they can offer.
If it's working at a foodbank or with some fund raiser activity. ... theres always a way to help out. .. and it's rewards are far better than any money you can have.

A feeling inside that makes you happy. ...
That you can do a good deed.. and not wait to be rewarded. .. as you ont need to be rewarded.. as the universe always works the same.

... The universe is like a mirror.. will give back in equal and proportoion to what you have given out abd back to the universe.
.... Give nothing out... those recieve nothing in return.
.... Yes there is something as a free lunch.. You give out enough... and you'll be invited to lunch :)

Hope everyone is doing super awsome, and having a wonderful day.

... If your not.. Tommorow is a new day. and will be better.
Why not volunteer and see what happens?

Cheers,
and all the best.

Sam

100_1518.JPG Spanish Point, Co. Clare Ireland

2008-01-20T12:41:00.001-08:00

100_1518.JPG Spanish Point, Co. Clare Ireland
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Hey all,
Here's the Top #200 on my Flickr Favourites.
Thanks all those Google earth views who saw my photos.
... Helps me find the best photos... eventually all 15,000 phots will get geo tagged :)
... Just kidding :)

A quick reminder, that we all have 1 life to live, and to take this a as a new day. ... No matter what the weather is outsite.. we all have a choice.. to be Happy :) or :( ... we can be fristerated :{ or we can be relaxed. ... It doesnt make sence to be stressing about the silly things... as its all just silly stuff.

A note: I got my haircut today :) .... (by blog, I write what i want) .. and the person cutting my hear was talking about themselves thinging that one day that they'll get to traveling. ... One day... one day... Oh it's so much money. ... Well if you sell everything you own, and do this wwoofing thing, and be giving of yourself more than taking.... You can go whereever you want ... There's no limites (accept those peskey Borders and time limits)... .. Hopefully more people will be out traveling and working in other countries, so countries will see that it makes no sence to have borders. .. and limit people to live where they were born or married into. ....

I think everyone needs to visit ireland, at least once in there life. ... Going through the photos, makes me relive the experience, and just heats up the fire in me to keep on going and go after what i want. .. As really, the one who who is stopping me ... is me.
... The only one stopping you ... is you :)

I want to see the sun set in every ocean, i plan on it.. and schedualed.. and it will be done :)... along with many other things.

Hope everyone is doing awsome.
Thanks for taking a moment and reading.

Cheers,
Sam

100_3381 Flickr people choosing photos for me.

2008-01-17T20:55:00.001-08:00

100_3381
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Whats so cool is that this photo set seems to be the most popular of all my photos. .. How?
I put the photo set onto the map.. so then when people zoom down on google earth they can see my photos from the area. .. So I just need to geo-tag more photos.
Cool :)

.. Now i know that when im doing the GPS Map, i can show the photos of the locations as they happen. ... or ateast as soon as i can get online. ... Cool.

Im looking for those who want to help out in the project. .. Alot of work for this can actually be done remotly :)

Let me know if your interested to help out.
Thanks,
Sam

Tighter Fuel Efficiency Standards: Why isnt that on the agenda?

2008-01-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

..
I heard that ya there are some fuel efficiency standards. .. What i dont get is why that isnt being discussed further?

As if governemnt regulation set the min engin efficiency standards for all vehicles on the public roads to be set higher. .. Doesnt that naturally work towards building more efficient vehicles.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.d0b5a45b55bfbe582f57529cdba046a0/

... i'll write more on this later :)

About a Bear - Notes of the day\Day 256 Mississauga, Ontario 13 Jan 08

2008-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

About a Bear - Notes of the day\Day 256 Mississauga, Ontario 13 Jan 08

Facebook iLike

What you can tell about people from the music they listen too?

Basically, you can check my profile, and find out more about me than i would be able to tell you in person in 1 sitting.
Amazing how powerful an application like iLike, can be customized to be showing all the bands and songs that you like, and show where they are touring. .. and show what other friends you have who already like the same music. .. .. How for almost every song there is the music video atached. .. So if your on a wi-fi connection, you dont even need iTunes, as it's all listed. Cool.

Mississauga Craigslist

So cool, that finally Mississauga gets her very own craigslist. .. Seeing as how mississauga is Canada's 7th largest city. .. and not part the GTA with it's own things. .. ... Doesnt make sence to me, as its unnessery duplication of systems. .. when a larger more better system can be make when people just realize that most things have already been invented. .. and it's OK to learn from other ountries who have already spent the time and effort in developing new technologies. .. and new ideas.

Mississauga Transit: Umm, ya i've now taken a few different transit systems. .. and they work far better and more efficiently, and have been for years. ... Antwerpe Belgium has the cool lights indicating how far the street car is. ... The same can be done for busses. Why not just have a hudge national network? .... Size doesnt matter when your dealing with a system. ... Simply there will be different hubs for the busses. ... Why do they even need to be driven back to the bus center empty? ...

Mississauga Library: Why not just have a canada wide library card, and just use the best library system, and copy it to every library across the country. ... BC has done that with the BC One Card. .. so books and things cerculate all across the board. ... Books dont need to have a base home, and be shiped back.. that doesnt make sence. ... Only sent back as needed, in bulk all at once. BC figured that out, why not the rest of canada?

... and dont give me the loosing jobs excuse. .. as Advances in Technology doesnt iliminate jobs, it simply displaces jobs. ... that is alot different than loosing jobs. ... As skills for record making, got changed to skills to CD copying and boxing CD's. ... and those are now making blog sites about different music.

What we can learn from Ireland

Actually it's more what i learned, and can pass on. You can go head and wiki whatever I say, as it's always my opinion. :)

I learned the value of where your from.

It's seems as though in Ireland 'Where you from?' is more important than what you look like or how you talk.... It's the first impression of someone. As judgement is made based on where your from. As if your from Canada, and they ask if im from America... I correct them and they apologise, as a Canadian is Different. ... and even on the micro level. .. From around ireland. If your from Cork you have a different accent, and also drink a different beer. ..Smithwicks, vs. Guiness. .. as Guniess isnt made in Cork. .. So right away a differnc is made. If your from Derry or Belfast. Wow, that makes a difference. ..

However, that being said. Actually someone pointed out to me that the Handshake is probably more important.. How you carry yourself when you walk in the Pub. .. Do you have a limp handshake? ... So even if your from America, and you have a firm handshake, imediatly your not looked down upon, as you show some status. ... But not really that. It's Assertiveness. If your able to stand your ground, and also joke at the same level, then you become more respected. ..

As I learned the Irish are far more direct with their humor... Which is different than the Canadian Humor. .. The irish is more witty, and not funny where you laught outloud crying on the floor. Actually no, thats just Cork people talking. . As their humor is imcredable.. there is not pause, for laughing at your own joke, like here in Canada.. We commonly do that. We stop and wait for a responce in laughter, rather than just keep going and talking.

Perhaps it because the Irish are more direct, with what they say... as the meaning is more important than what they say. .. Or the hidden meaning is probably more important than what is actually being said. ... I found that people do become offended, however not talking about it... and just hanging up. .. or talking streight forward, were your backed into a corner, and need to really think on your feet for a responce. .. As that could get you kicked out of a pub VERY easily... Keep in mind, then when your a visitor from another town/county/country. . Forign land.. that your going into others home, there sanction away from work and their house. .. So your right away stepping into someone elses territory. So you need to respect that.

What i found was that it's more polite for people to not talk directly about those negative things.. but to talings... and good times rather than dwell on the hard times.

Although it's easy to be dwelling on the past, and all the things that went wrong. ...

But what we need to see is that each day is a present. That talking about how bad things were doesnt actually help. ... 'A Hard life' But what does that mean? .. Ive had a hard life, and you have too... Actually, everyone has had a hard life.

Here's my cool photo i'll post to my Ireland Ride For Climate CrazyGuyOnABike.com journal... as it was my last night in Ireland.

So Lana got to have a Pint of Beer at the Pub by the Bar.

My objective was to get my bike from the Bike Shop to my friends place so then i can take the late late bus to dublin. .. So i needed some help in that. At 1st i thought i was going to go directly to the house, then my friend would get the van and bring it back, however, a decision was to bring the bike box into the pub, as a pint was in order.

It worked out as i wanted to see some traditional irish music playing.. as its the last night.

The bike wasnt totally welcome, but an interesting conversation piece. ..As long as i stood near it, it was fine. ..

I did tell people that im planning on biking 10,000kms across canada with it. .. Some found that hard to believe, as for 10,000 km you can cycling around ireland a few times. .. The sheer vastness of Canada is almost uncomprehgendable what it can be cycled.

What i have learned was that yes, i do get nailed with questions every time i stop... However, i learned that i dont need to answer more than what was asked, as most people are just curious, but dont need to get the whole boook version. .. That's for later when they see the book on the shelf at the local book store. .. then they can read about how i came into that bar, totally unexpectedly... The bike wasnt planning on having a pint before she leaves.

So now the bike has officially tasted the Salt of the Pacifac, and the Pint at an Irish pub. I caught the irish flag on the bike in the box. .. Cool.

I told people about CrazyGuyOnABike.com - that is what people can remeber... because it's a website for crazy guys like me who bike around the world.. or on long trips.

Sure, i could have rented a bike for ireland.. however, having a bike that now has some character. .. As now the bike has parts from Belfast, and Limerick, and Galway. So some more stickers for the bike. .

The next stop for the bike is to stay here in the Sauga, in the box for the next 3 months.. As more work needs to be done on the map, which doesnt actually need to be biking the area to loosely cover it. ..

The fine detailed points will be edited later for the map.

Also, it's rather cold in Canada to be cycling. .. rather touring cycling. .. Regular cycing is fine. .. So i'll probably find a rental bike or a cheep bike to use in the mean time.

... Back to a point:

Whats more important is that i keep a promise that i made to somone in Connamera. That the 2nd last night in Connamera, i went to the 3rd pub in town. .. and was baught a pint but didnt have the cash on hand to buy a pint in return. .. So what i said that i'll do is when im in BC that it's important to buy someone random a pint... and tell them that this pint is not for them, but for a fine Connamera local, as he couldnt be there in person, someone has to drink this pint. ... Schlante.

What i have learned is that really the fact about 'where your from' is actually more of a compliment, as it is up to each individual to be proud of where they are from. ... It's doesnt really matter what passport you carry, as that could be from any country. .. But where your from is where your heart is, where you call home. .. so sometimes where you call home is were you feel most comfortable. If you have family all spread out, then you call home where ever it is you lie your head on each night. As the world is way to big to go unexplored. .. There is so much to see that the thought of settling down, is rather limiting. ... letting so much to discover get kept undiscovered. .. One answer is from earth. .

An interesting comment i had, which was if having so many imegrants onto a country is actually a good thing. I said; Well, Canada is made up of immegrants, accept for the naives who where here first, and unfortunatly where taken over by the europeans who started claiming and steaking out land. ... So what happened from ireland is that there were tonnes of immegrants who left the country in seach of a better life, somwhere where they can do what they like, and farm how they like. .. So there wasnt the influx of immegrants, as there are now for ireland.

Is this a bad thing? Well, my responce is no.. It doesnt make sence to discriminate against people, based on where there from. ..

... Now lets look at this sentence. .. Europeans come to Canada and take over the land without respecting that people are already here with established practices. ... However, isn't more people to an area a good thing? ... As long as they respect the land and the native ideas of the land. ... ie. dont build until you have permission from the area todo so. .. .. So who decides on who gives permission? .. hummm

About a Bear - Notes of the day\Day 245 Lettertrack Ireland 02 Jan 08

2008-01-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

C:\Users\Sam Vekemans\Documents\About a Bear - Notes of the day\Day 245 Lettertrack Ireland 02 Jan 08

About a Bear - Notes of the day\Day 245 Lettertrack Ireland 02 Jan 08
Shhhhh

15:43:50
.. Back to writing my book.
When i went up for a walk today, i just went to the Rock up the hill as it was too windy today to do the upper diamond hill.

17:59:20

Having a busy day of facebooking, creating a new facebook group for the Old Monestery Hostel. .. So thats neet. Look forward to seeing some familar faces there.

Today i realized that I have been here for 40 days and 40 nights. Nice.

I'm really glad that I found this place, and that I have gotten so much work done while im here.

On friday, I need to leave here, as I am a traveler, and must move on. I have my ind set on making the AcrossCanadaTrails GPS Map, and making it a great resource for those to travel.

(Which reminds me, I must update the GPS Map file with the latest update on what the trails look like, as now it's much better. .. So people can download the file and try and navigate some of the route segments with it. ... I is would be a great test to see just how accurate it is.

Note: This journal is written live, and posted as is. ... I also have my personal journal, however the contents in it are time sensensitive, so it's best no to share untill later on, perhaps a few months down the road. As it contains personal thoughts and feelings, which if responded to here, doesnt help much.

...

Subnote: This journal is also written as how my mind works. .. Its rather scatter brained, as i have many windows right now open, along with many projects going on at once. ... Sometimes when i get an idea, then i write about it as it happens... As I seem to have an abstract mind. ... and for those of you who have read my journals before ... you already know that.

...

So when I was up on the hill, it was rather windy. ... But was actually wonderful. ... Wonderful to see the ocean out on the horizion past the bay and mountin (hill) :) .. I can look out there, and know that Newfoundland & Labrador is way out there in a streight line. I see how powerful with wind is blowing over the bog lands and rocks. .. and i see the little houses dotting the landscape close to the coast.

I think about how the past is imbedded into the fabric of the land. .... actually i'll wright about that in my other journal, and add it later.

...

Looking at the present, it's a gift. You wake up each morning and can decide what you want todo with your life. Each day is special and memporable. The people who you see today, you might never see again. .. The world is so big. People come from all over the world, and are traveling. .. They bring with them their own set of experiences and ambitions for the future. So each time you interact with someone today, you can realize that they have just as an exciting past. .. So no matter where they are from in the world, you can find exciting people. ...

So you need to cherish that time you have with that interaction.

... Does it make sence to have a negative interaction? ... For me, when i have a negative interaction with someone, i feel that my che is off. That it's out of balance. That i kindof feel guilty that someone what put off for what was said... Eithor myself, or the other person. As like i said above, that you never know when you will see or hear from that person again.

This past month and a half ive been talking to tonnes of people. .. I did put people on facebook. Actually, knowone whome i have met, do i express interest in that. As here, it's a Hostel, where you meet many many people all the times your traveling around. And you can learn from so many different people about their views on subjects varing by the number of people.

So were able to discusses topics, .. but actually mostly its around cultural differences, and places. .. As everyone is from somewhere else, and has their own ideas.

So for the one i met who was from Winnipeg, I thank them. .. I dont know if i'll ever meet you again. I am terrable with names. .. .Hey, perhaps with this facebook group, people can connect?

I dont know, will see. ..

Well see, I always didnt like that saying, as it's not specific, to any time frame. I like dates times and places, and specifics to look at. ... Vague ideas for me doesnt make sence. .

Even my plan for the future. ... (Actually, I still need to write that down) is very specifac..

Here's a quick low down of thelatest.

January, hopefully i'll have a work for stay with the hostel in Nanaimo, BC and be going across canada, by vehicle. .. Or I could fly. .. not sure yet. .. options are open.

I want to work with the tourism board, as I see myself as being very knowledgable about the trails and places to see and stay in the area, and along th way, all across canada. .. And know how to find out, as im excited to keep on learning new places of interest that the tourists themselves tell me about.

Because im making this cross canada trails map, i'm incuding my database of all the places on interest. .. The main things.

Perhaps what i'll have is my file looking at it on google earth, as it's available.

So what would be great is after Nanaimo, while working there, and perhaps the tourist office there.

2007 A reflection on what was done, and how 2008 will be better than the last

2007-12-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

Every new years, ... usually on new years day.... (so this will be finished later) is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to a new year.
...
Many things can be done, and it's just a matter of making that decision to get it done.

That's all it is. One Decision to go for it.. Take that leap of faith, that things will work out for the best, and go for it. .. If it doesnt? Well, it's a chance to learn from past mistakes, and keep going.

Sometimes the mistakes you do-do, actually turn out as blessing in discise. In terms of Expedition Bicycle Touring. (Touring with gear on a hybred mountain/road bike) for long distances. .. That the silly things that you do, actually work out great.
Like when part of my bike breaks, I need to learn how it gets fixed, and why that happened. .. So a silly thing like not taking time to clean the chain, makes for a hudge difference on the tour....

Personal Growth:
What I learn about myself is that I am increadably detailed, I enjoy finding all the details about what is being done, about the trip. ... Well, afterwords i went through and saw that before i left I made good chart of my route (I found out that Google maps found my chart and posted all the references on there, as well as all the KML files I was posting to google maps) now that google maps shows all Google earth KML files, it's no longer needed to post in both places.

.. I learned that I enjoy meeting new people each day, as everyone is so different.
I also learned that it's incredably racist to be placing people into a sterio type of how people are based on where there from. ... And i learned that living in 1 city for most of my life, that there is the tendency to become close minded to the rest of the world out there. ..As in a suburb community, as there is a tendency to congregate towards ares of 'like' people. .. The culture and traditions of where they came from can live on. However, the tendency to not be open to more cultures, makes for an interesting area... and makes for unwanted divides, as we dont realize that the world is SO big, that although there might be a majority of people who emegrated from just a few area of the world.

That everyone, no matter where they are born, should have the same rights as a human citizen. .. The right to live and work where they choose.
.. The right to obide by the laws of the area; laws created and changed with the environment and everyones best interest in mind
.. The right to take from the earth, but also to give back to the earth
.. The right to speak your mind, and the right for civil disobidience. (to protest without inflicting harm on others .. free speach, freedom of sharing ideas.

I also learned that I am a strong advicote for the environment, and vary concerned at how companies can have such a powerful influence on peoples choices. .. and how other companies can have equal and opposite power and influences on people choices.

I learned how much of an Impact each of us as individuals can have, when working together for a common cause, how things and issues and be discussed on Facebook network groups where those with the same idea, can discuss the ideas. ...
One of my favourite groups is 'High Gas Price is a good thing' as its a great debate.

And that even wiki has a nice site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Articles_needing_more_viewpoints
as facts are only facts when they are not disputed. .. facts can have more meanings, as long as they are equially discuseed. ... I was just checking North American Union as oposition doesnt make sence. ... Yes it will take a few years to adjust. .. People were concerned about the EU and still are, however it makes sence, more minds focused on a common cause. ...

.. I also learned of how each countries government is so different, that they impose limitations on those points i noted above. ... That large for-profit organizations have the power to influence on govenments decisions, which SHOULD be made based on what the people are asking for. .. and not what those companies who pay for media advertizing want the laws to become.

I learned that ... I dont want to be naming names (but a good guess can be made) governing organizations of the same type of industry, can ban together and create standards. .. when those standards, are only based on those companies involved with that organization. .. If a company who isn't part of the organization, but makes a product of similar value to the public. ... yet isn't ecognized as part of that governming organization for the industry?
So when the industry its self grows and changes, unfortunatly some companies would need to change their standards.
I also learn how powerful those organizations can be.
So when you want to excercise your free speach, your speach gets drowned out very quickly by the powerful organization, as those standards need to be changed. ... Yes, some members of the organization need to change, but thats how an industry can develope and evolve, as it uses the vast knowledge of more people.

I also learned of the power of Networks, ... especially the power of Facebook.com
How now instantly you can keep in touch with everyone you know. When before you did loose track of people, yet for whatever reason,you moved or are in some other place, where you cant see them regularly.
When your in school with people, you see them every day, or if you live with them, you know what there doing. So after you graduate, you can still keep in touch. .... But whats more, beyond that is the ability to keep contact with everyone instatly. .. How with txt messaging, you no longer need to have 200 names and numbers in your cellphone, as peoples numbers change and address and email addresses change. .. With the rise of spam email, it makes sence to only have those who you want text message you, can. This way email can be sent as text messages, so those who write on your wall, or whatever, you can be notified. ... Much faster than calling or sending a snail email.
How its so easy, using mobile internet to be still in touch with everyone, ... a nice 'Hi' or Hi5 as it could be called, is a nice reminder that people are thinking of you and wondering where you are and how your doing.

I also learned about how very environmentally and pollitically active ive become. :)

I also learned that when posting online, I have no idea just how many people are effected by the ideas expressed on my blogs and facebook posts. .. Its great to everyonce in a while see who has been to the site and comments.
Nice.

Cheers,
Happy New year!
Sam

2007 A Year in Review, By Sam Vekemans

2007-12-31T04:49:00.000-08:00

A Year in Review

By Sam Vekemans

I went from
January
-California New Years,
-learning about environtment
-thinking about idea
www.custompropertymaintenance.com/canadarideforclimate
Mississauga, finalizing the last bit of work thinking about going

February
www.candarideforclimate.com
-Made the decision to Bike Across Canada
-Planning figuring out details

March
http://canadarideforclimate.blogspot.com
-Equipment Lists
-Felix the Bear (actually later named Jim R. Bear)
http://www.youtube.com/nothisnameisnottaken
http://wwfcentral.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=455&srcid=380&frsid=5596
-training rides (waterfront trail)

April
www.wwfcanada CN Tower Stair Climb
-equipment
-Felix is BAC for Environement
-Google Maps - bike shops across canada
-Berlin D. Bear get T-shirts
-ride t-shirt made
-group training ride waterfront trail with some gear
-bike suped up

May
www.facebook.com email notes
www.myspace.com/samvekemans
-Bike trip starts
-Port Renfrew to White Rock, BC
www.flickr.com/photos/canadarideforclimate

June
-White Rock BC to Cranbrook, BC

July
Biked from Cranbrook to Regina Saskatchewan
-many many many photos

August
In Belfast, droped bike in storage
-Berlin - Wedding
-named bear
-Family time
-Biked Giants causeway

September
-Biked Co. Clair
-took tonnes of photos
-mapped the route on GPS (not posted yet)

October
-Biked Co. Galway
-mapped out route
http://VirtualBikeRideforwwfcanada.Blogspot.com
-Started updating my canada trip www.crazyguyonabike.com/samvekemans

November
-Biked Co. Mayo
-mapped out route, and collected many many town information
-created http://irelandrideforclimate.blogspot.com
-Changed my Canada For Climate trip as Biking Western Canada. (as next time the route will be different, so i'll do the whole thing again, but diffrently)

December
Created http://AcrossCanadaTrails.blogspot.com
-Created the AcrossCanada Trails GPS Map which i wanted todo since i started.
-Updating and editing and refining this GPS Map
-Starting planning for next years ride

That covers a lowdown of the adventures of Sam for 2007. I still dont have a home, and still traveling, life is to short and the world is to big to go undiscovered.

Happy New Year,
Sam

Travel Tips from Trips and little update

2007-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Here's the webpage i have from
http://www.tripadvisor.com/
When your using facebook, a good way for others to see where you've been is using the application.
So i set it up, and just added some photos of here in Letterfrack,

Port Renfrew, Canada

View my profile

Visit TripAdvisor.com

So you can zoon in and see where ive been.

the map thats currenly in the works http://acrosscanadatrails.blogspot.com/ will have the route i did in there, but more importantly the most recommended routes from others who have done bike trips.

Ideas:

When your ready to embark on this crazy adventure of Biking across canada... It would great to know where your going, and have some plans. ... Everyone is different... Some like to plan each day to the minuite, others just plan as it happens.

... What i've found was that when cycling Canada, that its a good idea to plan just 2 or 3 days ahead, as you need to be aware nature.. as somedays the weather is on your side. .. and others its not. ... Which is why im doing this map.

The #1 reason for doing this Across Canada Trails GPS Map, and website. Is to show people where the best places are around, and where the trails are. ... So you can decide as you go along, where you want togo.

There are 3 or more base routes across the country, however if you want todo a tour of, say... just the rockies, or just Ontario, it's great to know what trails and routes are most recommended. If you perfer to make you way to 1 section of the trail, and bike a big loop, then knowing where togo is important.

Whats great about sites like tripadvisor is that other users can submit there comments about places to say.

When your using the Across Canada trails site, and going through my maps with the different points, you can see that they all should have a 'more info' link on it. .. This way you can go to the google map page and it shows all the relevent information about the place. .. and shows the reviews from others.

.. although sometimes its important to know that ALL the reviews are totally subjective. As for everyones experience is different. ...

Sometimes if it was 1 great experience by someone, then others can select if the review was helpful, and can put a rating on that review. .. So this way, any review which isn't the greatest would get downplayed. ...

Tips for using AcrossCanada Trails GPS Map

This map is a GUIDE, it's not perfect, and is only as good as the people who make it ... the more people who use it, and submit feedback, and their own tracks, and points.. the better the route becomes :)

This map is not a substitute for a paper map... The route goes 10,000km so batteries can run out and technology doesnt always work. ... So its a good idea to cary a good guide. ... there are a few books done of biking across canada. ... When im done this, i'll have my own guide book. .. But in the mean time, a good overview map is always good. (At each tourist office, theres local info.. so it's a good idea to see whats available upto the next town)... and if you find something interesting that you want to share.. feel free to add it.

However... the acompaning future guide book should have the basics covered..... should help (I dont intend on putting time sensitave information on the map. .. Because it's always changing) ... My goal is to write a lonely planet guide to cycling canada. :)
The GPS Map is FREE so.. that means im doing this on my own nickle, and looking for sponsors who can help... if you know of anyone who can donate.. .. It would be appreciated :)

We work on feedback and other ideas. .. I have my own ideas of what i think it should look like, as it's based on my own experiences. .. However theres tonnes of more helpful advice out there that can be shared. .. Feel free to contact me with ideas, (or even better) post them publically on the blog site.

That enough for now.

Cheers,

Sam

P.S. Beta Version 2.3 should have the route more clear, and include more points of interest. .. An update on the databases, along with cool icons for each type. ...

Thanks for your feedback so far :)

Sams Take on article: President Bush Signs H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

2007-12-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

What Happens when you increase fuel economy standards? . ... Cars simply get made better. ... Technically has nothing todo with Gas price. ... Because well, if you are in a vehicle powered by that old stinky stuff. ... and you can go further with the same amount. Does that mean the gas price goes down???

Here's the statement that the Man said. .. .I mean the speach writers club wrote.

President Bush Signs H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

>>It's interesting how with a stroke of a pen, a whole nations future can be changed. ... and with a stroke of the pen... scratching out 2020 with 2010 ... a whole nations future can be changed.

Bush Signs Energy Bill Raising Fuel Economy Standards Autopia from Wired.com

>> Here's what I found from Wired Blog. ... I like the slant that they took on it. .
Check out the comments from it. :)

... and also General Moters Responce:
http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=42137

As it's clear (at least to me) that the answer is right there in our face. ... Every time your stick the key in the ignition. ... .... You purchaised the car because you weighed the price. ... As the end consumer, the natural selection is what ever is most heavely advertised and talked about. ...
Fortunatly this move, makes the Big guys in the back room need to start focusing more on green cars. ... And advertising that aspect as the Benifit.

1 Gallon of Gas, 100 Miles — $10 Million: The Race to Build the Supergreen Car

And here's a great article about what happens when you make a competition to design a more green car.
(1st off Please read the whole article, and then read the comments.) It's funny how the close minded comment, totally loosing sight of the purpose of the compeition.

So ... what happens when you have an increase in Fuel economy standards? ... It wont matter what the price of fuel is. ... as the price of fuel should NOT be the factor in calculating the cost. ...

When buying a Car, you need todo simple math. .. If you compare the fuel economy from 2 different veichles. .. You can see that your actually paying less at the gas pump than the driver at the other pump.

Does this make sence??

Cheers,
Sam

100_5247 A postcard from Connamera, Co. Galway Ireland

2007-12-17T17:19:00.001-08:00

100_5247
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Hi, all I hope everyone has a super day, whereever they are in the world.
My the sun always shine, on the day ahead.
And a reminder... if you do live in a place. ... Actually anywhere and Take a moment to explore the wonderful world around you.

If your in the Big city, or some small remote cabin, take a moment to look up at the sky and see that it's alive. .
See the clouds in the photo? .. There needed just as much as the sunshine. .. So not everyday you'll have sunshine. ... Even in the tropics, to the desert, the clouds move freely across the sky.
They dont care what country you live in. .. nore your particular preference of what you do each day. ... they are just up there in the sky, doing what they do best.

...
Here's what got me started, as you know, one of my favourite discussions are about the the gas price.
... 'High gas prices are a good thing' facebook group.
So it neet to watch as some people leave the group. .. fortunatly there are lots who stay.

So there is a psycology behind that. ... but i wont get into that. .. Trying to stay on topic here.
... so when you look up at the clouds. .. they collect everything that gets released from the ground. ..
So why not take a moment and think about that. .. If you are one of those few who own an old ineficient gas car. . Remember the price you pay is much bigger than the cost of the car. Your helping out others in the world who get rained on because you wanted to take the car instead of walk 10 minuites to the store. ... So what if it's cold?. Thats why technology was invented. (Mittens) there was a time when mittens werent invented. ... but fortunatly pockets were. :)

... Just bundle up, BTW i met some people from Finland the otherday... and she was talking about how over there the houses are simply build better for the weather. .. it's a standard to use tripple pain windows. .. as they can contain and repel cold outside. ... and the materials used are simply better. .. .. thats also why the snow shovel was invented. .. so then the walkways can be clear.
If your walkway isnt clear, or you see your neighbours walkway isnt clear. ... take an iniciative and clear it for them. ... It's called, being neighbourly, and friendly. .....
If your friendly to everyone. ... That helps. Dont you feel better when someone does something kind for you?
... I think that those who go out of their way to help others, and be of assistance... do become better themselves.

I dont think it's about money.. as money can be made and spent just as easily. ... I think it's about simply being neighbourly, and being a better help to everyone. ..

Why is it that the Irish are known for their friendlyness?

Well, it's because the irish people know that you need to be giving of yourself more than others. ... the more you give of yourself... Actually the better you feel. In the end, isnt that what it's all about? Feeling good about yourself?
...

So i have a postcard from Ireland. .. With no postage stamp so i dont know how far this post will go.
... what i like most about this photo is that when you get up to the top of this mountain.. you can look streight out, at the horizon and see open ocean. ... What's over the next hill?

You decide,

Cheers,
Sam :)

Eggs A Grade 3 IE goodness?

2007-12-15T18:16:00.001-08:00

Eggs A Grade 3 IE goodness?
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/12/15/152613/01

Here's the article of the report from Bali...

I wanted to share this bit of Eggsiting news. ..
I dont know if your egg cartons at your home are like this. .. but this one shows where the eggs come from. ...
Unfortunatly i didnt know before hand, otherwise i would have baught the freerange eggs. .. And ya, it's worth the extra dollar I would pay for it (i dont actually know what the price difference would be).

... Simply put. It's worth the effort to take the bus or carpool and go to the local farmers market. .. FYI in toronto there is that place by the waterfront that has the market there. .... Its goo to buy from those who produce those eggs from free range. you know it would be better quality.
...
So there we have it. ... PRICE.. means nothing ... alone. When you compare price with quality and service. (and now we include environmental impact) .. thats how you can tell when something is expencive. ...

So why not check the lables when you buy something???

Was it made locally? (that means that it traveled less to get to you)
..

What im thinking is that; Isnt it true that the people get what the people want. .. If enough people want something to happen... polititions would need to make the decisions to do something different. ... and if they dont. .. Well the people would find someother way to get what they want. ... Thats just human nature.

Anyway, lets just hope that more and more people stand up for what they believe in. .. and that $ should not be more important than the environment. .. Were smarter than that... we can be inivotave.... Even if the current governmnet doesnt want to take a lead... the next government will need to. ..But even so... why not just become sertified from another internationaly recognized body, and make that part of your marketing campaing... that you go for making your products green... even if they cost more than the Non green products... Your product will and should sell. .... cost vs. benifit??

Anyway, enough chat for now.

Hope everyone is doing great.
On this side of the planet, it's getting late.

Cheers,
Sam

Across Canada Trails: Free Garmin GPS Map - New site

2007-12-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I have a new dedicated site to all the information about the updates for the latest versions of the Map. .. and (soon to show up) are all the related links for that.
I'll still keep this site open, as here we talk about everying ride related. .. as plans are underway for the ride in the spring.

I figured that it's best to have the information separate. .. until i can transfer more info over there.
... As the main cherity is still World Wildlife Fund Canada. .. along with keeping people informed about the latest envornmmental issues and diferent ideas of how you can help.

P.S. If anyone is interested in riding along with me as a Bike Across Canada, or wants to help out insome way, you help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam

Updates in AcrossCanada Trails Free Garmin GPS Map Beta Ver. 1.5

2007-12-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I figured that it's a good idea to be sharing where im getting all the info from for this GPS Map.
..
As you can see the map doesnt contain any Topo Information. For that you'll need to download the Ibycus Topo Maps. .. There totally free, it's explained on that website.
http://www.ibycus.com/ibycustopo/
I hope that helps :)

..
Ive added some more cool Points.. and decided that it's best to place them onto the map just as i do for the GPS Tracks and points. This set is showing all the cool paces in BC and Alberta. I can varify all the Data... ie. check and make sure that each point is in its exact place.
So what i do is trust that the users are out there placing the points for the benifit of others who would like to see these places.
So, that being said, it's really only those points which are listed as the downloadable POI (using POI Loader, also included on the Zip file) .. those (hopefully are all correct (to the best of my ability)...

So.. of course.. As this route map is free, Most of the content was placed in there by others, we cant be liable for any of the miss-information that might be in the file.

What we do hope, is that If you do find any information that is wrong. .. You can just place your own marker lable down on that area.. and put something like. ('there is nothing here') or 'Actually its 10km's southeast of here' .. and when you have the GPS tracks to show it. ... thats usually more believable than a placemark where there are no tracks.

What i'v found is that if i go on one side of the building.. and wait a few minuites for the GPS to pickup a stronger location. .. then check the distance of error, and walk out of that circle ring, wait a bit, then back in.. and to the other side of the building. That should show people that the place listed does exist.

...
PS what's cool is that i can see where the Tim Hortons's are by the tracks which shift off the road for a bit :)

If you know of any other placemark types which you would liketo see listed, please let me know.

Also, incase i didn mention it already.. all the tracks that are being loaded onto the map are put in as 'Collector roads' .. each road has a lable on it.. So, for exaple. The waterfront trail (canadian side of Lake Ontrio.... has the lable on it.. that the origional submitter put there. ... So most of the time it's pritty descriptive. .. .. So, yup what I'll be doing making the Google map route follow as closely as possable to the routes listed below.

.. I'd like to include on the Map... 4 routes (so then you can naviagte that) my only challene with listing it as a route, is that the GPS only allows for so many route points for the routes... my route is rather large. ... so that's why (for now) Im listing it as a road type. .

Road Types:

Major Highway (this is the Black line on the google map) Bike Across Canada (mile-0 to mile-0)

Other Highways (this is the Green line) Bike across canada, avoiding highways were possable.

Unpaved road (listed as a Purple line) Hybred bike across canada, with trails and gravel and roads. ... the full waterfront trail end to end would be this one.

Walkways/Trail (listed as red line) Is the mountain bike route. ...

I havent figured out what the west coast trail, and the bruce trail would be shown as. .. as those are hiking only. ... humm

I created another Google map for the different trail associations. .. as there you'l get a listing of all the info. from each trail.. and be able to contact those people who can fix it, if needed. .. Most of the sites would have separate trail maps available as a resource too.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&near=saanich,+BC&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=43.711564,-79.785461&spn=0.935063,2.554321&z=9&om=1&msid=101655437387421973553.000440daebc2eb4d23b61

Heres the list of what I updated today:
********

Canadian West
90 views - Public
Created by isacama on Jun 17
Last Updated by isacama on Aug 2

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&near=saanich,+BC&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111340174949233110093.000001133b0dc23b42ebd&ll=53.865486,-116.542969&spn=6.104273,20.43457&z=6&om=1

mapmyrun.com

The Waterfront Trail offers a great, idle free, way to get out to Ontario's Wine Country. Rather than sitting in traffic, why not ride your bike! There are accomodations along the way, and lots of sights to stop and enjoy. Check out www.waterfronttrail.org for more information.
Route

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&ie=UTF8&mrt=kmlkmz&q=http:%2F%2Fwww.mapmyrun.com%2Fkml%3Fr%3D2e50018147900f6c1b61ed82bc5c92b1&ftid=1C12F244869B330E&z=9&om=1

Another resource:
Magnalox search results at Sun Dec 9 14:07:45 2007 GMT
Click on the
markers for links to the full magnalog.The markers are placed at the center of
the log's bounding area.
Visit »magnalox for more informations.
.. this one shows all the hiking trails around the world
(thanks to google maps who opened up their maps to anyone to post in there
placemarks. .. just waiting for Bikely.com todo that too. .. nifty. .. So
i just go on there and get the trails from there.
.. and hey if you find trails that aren listed on my AcrossCanada Trails
Free Garmin GPS map. .. please let me know.
Thanks,

Sweet
Bikely.com has their routes available on google maps .. nice :)

View Larger Map

.....

I also have a bunch more routes, now on the map too. .. So even without any reference points, you can see where things are. .. Eventually the complete outline of the country will be visable.. as more routes get entered in.

I'm thinking that there will still be lots more... bu the main long distance ones should cover.

Im pleased to see that the routes around quebec city and montreal, an ottawa are shown. .. As i read about people getting lost in Quebec. As there are lots of routes. .. What im doing is basically showing as many as i can.. with the intention that the 1 solid line for that type of biking be made available.

What i am doing is saving all the origional KML files and GPS files... and have it in a folder marked 'Bikely.com routes' so then i can go back and see where the route came from (if needed)

...

A final thought:

Sorry for the long message. .. My plan is that i break all the info down into good sections of information. ... Id like to be showing a complete virtual map of the trails. .. that would be good too.

How to Add the Garmin Map 'AcrossCanadaTrails Beta ver1_3' from the zip file

2007-12-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you for download the file. "AcrossCanadaTrails Beta ver1_3 in zip file"

Here's the instructions on how to add the garmin map to your device, as was asked on discussion from the CrazyGuyOnABike.com Comment forum
#3: Re: Comments for Beta Version 1.1 (#3 in thread)

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/resources/?o=rzyi&resource_id=1522&v=H

Requirements to use GPS:

1... Have a Garmin GPS device (I use the eTrex Legend Cx) if it works on another, please let me know)

2. ... Remember it's free, so you'll need to backup whatever Data you have on your device first. .. as when your done with the map, you can just copy everything back onto the Device.

3. With these instructions, your putting the GPS map onto the little XD card (so if you have a spare one, you can use that one. ... it's a small but hopefully super useful file :)

Instructions:

Step 1: Plug in your Garmin GPS Device into your computer.

(Assuming your GPS Device is similar to mine)

Step 2: Go to: Main Menu, Setup, Interface, USB Mass Storage

(Your computer should open up the Unit as a USB Mass Storage device, and view contents)

Step 3: Copy The Garmin folder from the XD Card to the Desktop.

(As a backup so then after you can undo this by just replacing the Garmin folder with the old one)

Step 4: Copy and replace the Garmin folder from the unzipped ... Across Canada Trails file to XD Card (USB mass storage device on the GPS)

Step 5: Now that the folder is on the GPS's XD Card, close the window, and safely remove hardware, then unplug it.

... then you can see the map on your device. :)

Installing the Cool Points Of Interest

(Tim Hortons, Bike Shops, and Info Centers, campgrounds and more)

Step 6: Download the POI Loader from the Garmin Website www.garmin.com/poiloader

.... or just copy open up the program and install from the folder 'Programs to Hep Users' it's called. POILoaderforWindows_242 (The website might have a later version, but i think this should be fine)

Step 7: Once installed and running the program is running, it will as you to plug the USB cord back in. ... and find the device. .. it should. Then its asks you if you want to install or remove Custom POI. ... (My guess is to install more, as you can never have enough Points of interest, there might be a max. .. so i do have the most important ones available ready)

Step 8: The program asks you then to find the folder, select the 'POI Loader Files' and choose unit of mesurement (it was made in KM... i dont know it makes a difference) and Choose express. ..

The number i have is 2645. .. (as of Across Canada Trails GPS version 1.3)

Step 9: Again safely remove hardware. .. and you should be ready togo.

....

I hope that helps feel free to comment on this blog, or use crazyguyonabike.com's forum, i look forward to hearing from everyone on how it worked.

Cheers,

Sam

Beta ver1_1 is now available to Download to your Garmin GPS and View on google earth

2007-12-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hi guys,

I've now uploaded the latest version of the User Centric GPS map.

...

I think i fixed the problems before (hopefully) .. tommorow i'll do the testing of it.

I put on there the KVR trail from Penticton to Grand Forks, BC

and the Galloping Goose trail on Vancouver island.

Oh, ya... whats good is that since it's a little chilly for cycling, there isnt as many routes being posted. ... so thats a good thing... as i should be able to get lots of them onto this map.

I've edited the Master Route map .. the one on Google Maps, showing the 5 routes across Canada. .. mostly the Mountain Bikeroute on Vancouver island and Mainland Vancouver.

I stoped there, as it's good enough for now.

The purpose of this update Ver 1.1 is to correct the levels problem, and to show the roads right.

...

It makes sence now... all the trails im downloading are all on the 'Collector Roads'.... as it's a 'Collection of roads' ... makes sence to me. ... and these are all navigatable. .. Even the KVR trail is listed as a road... otherwise it wouldn't be navigatable (unless you change the setting on the GPS to walking... not sure if thats possable.... If it is then i can to that.

On the trails i added people kindly added onto the lable 'Tunnel' so then i new its a tunnel... so then i convered that to one.

.... So far it's just 1. ... but i always have the backup GPX file and the KML file so i can check back on it, and perhaps post it onto a POI file... ... but for now it stays. .. as its easy to fix later.

... I noticed that I did have 1 download of the file since yesterday :) so that was cool...

I've also added my link onto CrazyGuyOnABike.com

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/resources/?o=rzyi&resource_id=1522&v=F

and now my route across western canada is shown in the TransCanada Trail category (cool)

Thanks everyone for all your support,

Cheers,

Sam

Testing Results (Day 219) ~AcrossCanadaTrails Beta ver1_0 in zip file

2007-12-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

Here's the 1st draft results for the 1st public version of this Free map.

... Well, the results are in.

'Tim Hortons Across Canada' shows up when your 200 meters away. .. So whereever you are in canada, you can simply go to 'Find' then choose 'food and drink' .. and you get a listing of the closest Tim Hortons shop.

.. The purpose of this is simply.. if your lost in the woods somewhere. .. you just need to pull out the 'Across Canada Trails GPS Map' and you'll be able to find your way back home. ... All of the Tim Hortons are open 24hrs. ..

Seriously..

Here's the latest. It looks like all the points are only visable if your 500meters above, for the city/town names and you need to be 200 meters away from a bike shop/tims/info center to see it.

(Fix -show it on more levels - hopefully that works)

Some of my 5 cross canada lines dont show up as road/highway .. looks like a dotted line. ..

but the routes that other people did... show up as roads. (navigatable)

..I might even keep it that way? .. and figure out how to make a 'route' for the 5 routes across the country.

I think im limited to size on it.. so what needs to happen is that the route follows closly to roads/trails. .. as previous users have already posted the tracks. .. the challenge is that i dont want EVERYthing to show up when zoom out.. only certain lines (and that should be the 5 recommended tracks. .. the roads dont need to be seen as high.

anyway, once more stuff gets in there. ...

Perhaps theres a way that i can simply insert the road map and topo maps... but as separate IMG files.. so when you go and download them.. you can choose which ones to look at ...

(maybe they can be shown only as those maps for that that track?)

any ideas??

... There's more but thats enought for now.

Tourist Information (Visitors Centre's) Across Canada

2007-12-05T12:10:00.001-08:00

Tourist Information (Visitors Centre's) Across Canada
Please edit and add in photos of the offices and any more information.

View Larger Map

The POI files are now available on POI-Factory.com
..
(add in the weblink)

On the GPS Map, it is listed as
Rest Area/ Tourist Info
And also available as Point of interest to load on to your GPS device.

List of Files Sucessfully Added to the GPS Map - Across Canada Trails

2007-12-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here's the list of the Files sucessfully added to the map.
(it's already in the zip file) and the origional GPX files are there)
But this is here so it's a reference.

Lable types:
Note: Having them listed as different types, this is because it makes it easier for me to updated the file. I just Go back to the site where i got the info and redownload the whole thing. (for that type)

Populated Places in Canada - 5,448 New Locations
Type: 'Settlements (less than 100)'

All Cities/Towns/Vilages in Canada

Submitted by poi factory on Wed, 10/11/2006 - 8:02pm.
We've just added our first POI file for Canada. Now you can download coordinates for Canadian cities, towns, and other populated places.
Link: Canadian Cities & Towns

Note:
(There all listed as 'Settlements (less than 100)..
(it's not needed to show the differences anyway.. because the important info is whats there.. not the town name or size.
I been to towns which were large enough for a bike shop, but didnt have one. .. and towns which should have an info center, but cant find one. .. and towns that are actually ghost towns. (a label for the land area basically)
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/52

Tim Hortons Across Canada

Resturants: Dohnut/Bagel

and with an ICON (so it can be loaded on with the POI loader. if so, it'll show up twice)

http://www.gps-data-team.com/poi/canada/restaurants/Tim_Hortons-CA.html

Hostels Across Canada

Lodging: Lodging (Level 0)

(5 so far) .. i'll attach an image showing the file stats. .. making it easier to see.

Because there isnt a category for it Lodging, Hotel/Motel, B&B/Inn, Campground/RV Park, Resort. --- Lodging should be fine, as a hostel is a separate thing (because it's a shared kitchen and dorms) and generally a lower price than a motel.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101655437387421973553.00043fc8319b9e7255e44&ll=50.064192,-102.480469&spn=26.534578,81.738281&z=4&om=1

Campgrounds Across Canada

Lodging: Campgrounds/RV Parks

Note: It looks like the version i just loaded shows more than the current Google map file, (as it has wilderness camping (so it needs to be changed). ... but for now (to keep it consistant) all points in that file get convered to the same thing)

Campgrouds Across Canada (and RV parks (which allow camping))

SOooo. Campground Lodging is where there is a phone number to call, .... and recreation camping is generally free camping? ..

-the difference between Lodging camping, and Recreation camping. .. is a recreation camping is with no services. (maybe an user-maintained, outhouse) and firepit.)

-perhaps only the ones with phone numbers should be listed. ... BUT each campsite which is listed as a lable, was done do by the users. ... So users can also put in lables (no camping alloud) if the discover that it's on private property (which it ALL is anyway)... as in all the parks camping is aloud at camp sites. ... so even the rec sites, they should still be listed with a phone number of whoever is at least checking on it once a year.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101655437387421973553.00000112687778150bd05&ll=50.007739,-96.064453&spn=26.5647,81.738281&z=4&om=1

Campround Wilderness Across Canada:

Category: Recreation - Camping

Whats cool is that on google maps it now shows a link back to my master google earth file. .. cool eh? ( think i need to have a copy of it, as it technically can streem from its self :)... lol. fortunatly the more info button makes it cool. .. so that everything as photos etc.

perhaps they'll be beter merging later? humm.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101655437387421973553.0004408d82515e205bc56&ll=57.515823,-101.25&spn=22.317649,81.738281&z=4&om=1

...

Motels/Hotels across Canada

Still need to input

Bike Shops Acros Canda

Services: Repair Services - Level 0

This is the latest version from Google maps. .. it's also listed in the POI loader section. .. but no icon yet. (again, if poi's are loaded on.. it'll list it twice, i dont know if it'll show in the category or not)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=101655437387421973553.00000111f8790fa023253&ll=57.326521,-100.986328&spn=22.430445,81.738281&z=4&om=1

B&B's across canada

Still need to input

Resorts (but those might not be listed as much.. depending on the users)

Tourist Information (Visitors Centre's) Across Canada

(Created by canadarideforclimate on Dec 2
Last Updated by canadarideforclimate 2 days ago)

Downloaded routes and trails across canada:

Type: Roads: Arterial Road

Points: Lables

Still need to input (3 are listed so far, but i have more on my hard drive)

This is where ALL the different trails people have made get shown on, and where ALL the waypoints that people wanted to add get shown in.

So we need to remind people, that if they see points which SHOULD be listed on the Google map as a Important point... then they can go and edit it themselves.

(depending on how much editing is going on) i dont want to have someone going on it and removing the points) cause that isn't good. But I dont know if they can. (yet, so it's an assumption)

and so what happens is the actual lables on there, dont get updated. .. it's only when i go into the file, and look for duplicates. ... ie. the campground is listed in 5 locations close to eachother. eithor that was 5 camping sites or 1 site, and people thought it should be different (as there gps was within proximity 20m off) .. i recommend people to look at the circle around where you are.. as .. as long.. as the point is within reach it fine.. but adding more)

Recommended Routes across Canada file:

This one would be listed as different roads for the 5 routes;

Note: Because Sooo many routes will be listed, .. I have 2 ideas.

1... using Google Maps as the Master route file (and copying that each time)...

;@) ... have that as the 'Recommended Across Canada Trails ROUTE'

;-) and have the 'Recommended Across Canada Trails TRACKS' (or Trax)

2... Loading the complete file, as a GPX file (which would turn all the lines and points back into tracks, routes and waypoints .. maybe just tracks and routes.. as it cant think for a route.. too many points. ... then going through it, and just selecting the tracks where it should be. (or even do that with map maker.. just making sure to only touch those 5 tracks)

.. or have those 5 tracks as a separate GPX file (when i download it), then open... the problem is that i cant load on the KML files on google maps (cause it doesnt work right)....

Although i could post that edited route (making it closer to the actual trail) and share it on to everytrail.com then doing that with the 5 routes across Canada.

so then each route would be a separate file, and imported in looking different.

Above all the Artial routes.

...

Track 1 . Racing bike (tour du canada) -yellowhead highway
Type: Major highway
(Although most of it will looks like 1 streight line... listing it as a highway, and not a curvey line) but the skinny red (or simple 'Roads' are ones which also can be navia..

Track 1: Listed on the GPS as a 'Route' it shows the overall trail

(so it can be found when looking at the routes) this one would be used from the major highway line. .. so what's being done is the actual tracks of the highway will get adjusted by looking at the back arterial routes (and any road map). so when it does turn.. its on a alreay listed point of inetrest which people loaded on.)

So.... Perhaps there might not be a way to have the Google map show the exact trail.... however, i CAN show on KML file (google earth) . .. the reason why is because the route is VERY complocated (with many turns) and google maps has a hard time with it. it can only show a stretcht line from town to town... or tim hortons to tim hortons , maybe not everyone. ... so matching up the Google map route with the other Points of interest (Motels/B&B's/campgrounds/trailheads/bikeshops) makes more sence.

(Note: I think we cant show the Tim Hortons on google Maps.. because there are too many (but they are on the GPS map, so dont fret :)

Day 218 Letterfrack, Ireland - Why and how this GPS Map will work

2007-12-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Here's some brainstorming info.

Lots of technicals.. but my thought is that if i write i out by hand... knowone can read it.. so if im writing it hout here, maybe someone out there can give me another key to open up the puzzel box some more..

Here's what im working on.

But 1st here the map i started yesterday.

View Larger Map

1. Always looking to find more peoples routes and maps going across Canada.

Why? Because it helps me by:

a- Help me (and hopefully others) adjust the google map showing the 5 recommended routes across canada.

b- Those 5 routes across canada, get imported onto my GPS map, and shown as the recommended route. (maybe called - google map, recommended routes?)

c- I can add their POI (points of interest) manually to the list of recommended points of interest. ... also available on google maps. (ie. if they say they stayed at a campsite.. i can check the 'Campgrounds Across Canada' google map, and see if i have it already listed.

2. I am bringing in (and overrighting the old files) of the downloaded routes that people took for across canada.. and including all the small trails.

Whats done? .. all of the tracks from across canada and smaller routes, gets downloaded and put into a folder (the folder is big, so it's broken down into categories of routes) ... cause i'm searching the different sites which all have GPX tracks and waypoints that people have posted.

... and checking that map.. compared to my GPS Routes map, and seeing if i have it. .. if i dont.. i simply add it.

How? I copy the GPS tracks and turn them all into roads or tracks (havent decidd yet) any sugestion on which is better?..; and i take all the waypoints that the poster (user) entered in when they were using the device, going along the trails. ... and copy them onto the map. .. listing them as just Lables (no identifing marks icons) ...

Why no icons and marks?

Because the data is collected from (what will be) actually thousands of tracks and waypoints which people load their routes and points on to their map. So the only way to get accurate and always up-todate information on the current state of the Highways and roads, and trails and paths, bridges, is to have it shown on the map. .. the task of zooming in detail all across the map and picking out just the campgrounds, or the bridges, or the out houses.. is unthinkable. .. why? because this information needs to be shown in REAL-TIME. .. thats why we have streeming data... so it's constantly uptodate.

3. Im always updating the Google Earth file of this map. (shown on Google Earth Community)

This file is included onto the Zip file that people download, because it holds a direct connection with all of the latest information (and most likely the streeming info seen on google earth would be more uptodate than what i have on the map?

.. Why is this? Actually once i get a good handle on it (download as much as i can find, of what is already available).. then it's a matter of checking back at those sites to see what has been reciently added. Then go to my GPS map, and see what i have... a comparison. then copy the whole thing on. ... if it hapens to be 1 solid small line (and i get the right one) i can import the new file (and just take the tracks) ... but i cant take the points because alot would be already on the map from other users. ... so all i can do is try to just copy those waypoints which have notes that people put in there.

4. Adding Flickr and Google Earth, and my GPS Map:

What i'm doing is (Virtually walking across canada, and finding photos (of the roads and route and signs)... no people, ... of course.) and copying the photo onto this GPS map).. but just showing the Title of it (but if the user has a webready GPS device) they would be able to see the photos right there.

5. I am adding to the Google maps files of -Campgrounds -infocenters -bike shops -motels ... and making more maps.

As those ones are special, as they get imported onto the map, and do have a icon, and is listed as a 'Point Of Interest'.

I'm also adding in a few others (which come from Community group sites for POI) like Tim Hortons Across Canada.

Which bytheway.. no i didnt search for everyone and add it in there... somone else did :)

But that POI is right now on the map. ... so when i go and update that file (with the updated list of Tim Hortons) .. i simply just see all the ones that i made and icon and update those. ..

As it's easier. This is the 1st file i'm putting on the gps map :)

6. Creating the 1st Beta version of the map called 'AcrossCanada Trails'

What i'll do is make another post.. which showing the contents of the file. ... It's a helper for me :) .. then i'll always have a back up. now im working on the problems having getting it going.

..

Technical stuff, map maker people would and only need to know.

1 - Levels... I haven figured out that one. I guess i just need to be putting everything on level 0. and try to keep level 1 blank. .. so when i toggle the attachments off, its always on that layer. .. so when i bring in more points. .. A reminder that it's only the Special Point of interest which need to be updated.... the rest just gets kept on the map.

.. as it's only the

Day 216 Letterfrack, Ireland - what im upto today

2007-12-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

cool map

...
Today ill post my journal on here.. i'll try to keep it more concise.
(as my regular journal is quite long) ..
and i'm still going through it ..

Before I forget
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/frejwilk

I was looking at this guys route across canada.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/categories/?o=rzyi&category_id=200&doctype=journal&page=1
There's 35 journals list in the coast to coast category.. some are east/west some are west/east.
and go diffrent ways.

So to put it in English for those who arent a active GPS user, and like mapping and stuff.

Here it is:
I'm collecting the routes that people take when they cycle across canada. .. and getting as much detail as possable.

As im creating a map (now finally i now how) and can (real soon) set it up as a Zip file that people can download. .. and put it onto their GPS Device and it should work.
It shows a whole bunch of lines across Canada... and shows the different types of trails.
Highway/ Road / Gravel trails.
I dont know yet but i think i can include the dirt trail too.
But perhaps its fine to include the Dirt/Gravel trail.

So, it's neet that google maps is getting better and better.
What i like is this collaberating. .. so then i can email the people who cycled the route themselves, and ask them to edit it if they want.

How i figure it's OK todo is simple.
The people who post their route online do so for I simple reason:
They want to help out those who are planning to take on the challenge the next year.
..
So they post their journey online (and do so with the best of their ability)
So i see all kinds of ways people track their journey.

Some people just send out emails to everyone (on their list) and that's it.
Others post blogs... as other people can find it, and follow along each day, as new posts get done.

And others post onto CrazyGuyOnAbike.com as there too, is tonnes of visitors to the site.

It has the map making option where i can list my basic route. So thats great.

Other people just have it in the written form.. and arnt really concentrating on posting EVERY campsite and location and address and website and photo of the place, and recommendations... and my own photos, and my actual journal... which talks about what happened that day.
So then its a way that others can follow along.

What i found when i was going across was how many other cyclists where going across, and were using a route which they got from someone else.. and coping from them.

...
My problem was that it was SOO hard to navigate around.. and decide on which route to take. .. as there is no Cycling map which shows the complete country.. and lists all the Campgrounds and Bike Shops and the trails that other people did across the country.
So there isn't much togo by.
As with each info center i get a new leaflet and it shows the local map of what's here.
... But if im only going to be in the town for a minuite, i just want to see where the recommended cycling routes are. ... How to get THROUGH and pass the town. .. and if the town has a nice river trail.. would be nice to take that. trail. .. Or, if time is running out, and im sticking closer to a plan... I'd like to know the distance to the next campground. ..

SO having all the campgrounds listed.. So then the user just needs to click on the Campground icon that they see close.. and it shows the details. .. What it's called.. what the phone number is. .. and what street it's on. and (depending on the device there using) they can see a photo of what the place looks like.

F.decorate(_ge('photo_notes'), F._photo_notes).notes_go_go_go(2070673411, 'http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2070673411_5a6d4fc72d_t.jpg', '3.1444');
View Sam Vekemans' map
Taken in (See more photos here)

click here to add a description " form_content="Connamera National Park, Letterfrack, Ireland" hash_id="2070673411">Connamera National Park, Letterfrack, Ireland

Humm. copying from Flickr doesnt work like it does when i copy the photo onto google maps.

...
So anyway.

This morning i found another route across canada. on google maps
So i made it to a map file that i can see it on my GPS.

What im doing is simply copying the route as it's shown.. and posting it onto the map.

For those routes which dont have a map. .. what im doing is making a google map which has links back to where the information was copied from.
As sometimes the infromation shows where the people stayed and other places of interets.
So what i do in the notes of the route is paste the weblink and the title of where i came from.

So if anyone wanted to check it out, they can easily.

What i'll do is have the KML file, and the KML streem of info. .. along with the GPX file (that people can use if they have Mapsource (which comes with the GPS unit when you buy it)

As the GPS doesnt come with maps, you need to eithor dont get a map... and just use the device as a way to record your own tracks. .. or just use the base map provided.
or you can buy TopoCanada and see the elevations.
YOu can also download a free version of the Topo maps for canada.. and those get updated often. ... (but it's really ownly map makers who need to keep up with the latest info... as there are website which have the updated points of interested (ie. . campgrounds across canada) others might have added to the file)

So anyway those files.. .the actual routes of each person going across the country. .. and where the places of interest are.

Oh ya,
I created a flickr group for 'Bike Across Canada'
hopefully those who cycled the country will find it.
I now have a link to it on this page somewhere.

I also added a donations button.
Once I get the word out more on this map. .. and more people start downloading it, and using it. .. that should create some momentum. .. as people would use the file.. and hopefully respond in kind, by sharing their routes.
(however detailed they know how to)
Or they could email it to me.

But it would be better if everone used Everytrail.com or Bikely.com .. and maybe even CrazyGuyOnABike.com (if the website admin lets you) post your full route GPX file onto there. so then if can be shared.

As this map will be updated more and more each time.
So for now, it's a listing of the different routes that people take when going across the country.
... so that will be a tonne of small lines.. clear across the country.
Then what i'll post is a heavier line, which shows the highway route across the counry.

then a different line for the recommended road route. .. then a line for the trail route.

So people can pick and choose what trail they want to follow.
Everyone is different. .. so there really is not just 1 route across the country .. but many routes which do connect with eachother at different points. ...

So the ones im showing as the recommended route is just from looking at those who cycled the country ... and the most popular route as that type.

...
And for the locations of things. ... Well, people just need to be putting those in there (mainly from the smaller trips) as on the big trips... it's too time consuming (but not for me :) ) to be placing a point for every type of thing along your route. .. so those who do enter in info (like types in Bridge) or 'washout' or 'info'.. or 'camp' these things help.
As when i load on peoples routes... i include all the waypoints which they put in also.
So this way. .. the map gets full of great info ...

Enought for now :)

Xtreem Canada.com across canada on a mountain bike.

2007-12-01T03:16:00.000-08:00

This is the site of Xtreem Canada.com
I remember i was emailing him back when in february when i was also doing training rides.
Cool.

www.xtremecanada.com

What I'm doing: A Summery

2007-11-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I figured i'd give an update.
Finally i figured out how to Create A GPS Map which contains all free information, which can be given out for free to everyone who want it.

The GPS map will contain Topo maps from
http://mapcenter.cgpsmapper.com/
which is created by users, and always gets updated. I can download the IMG map (so it can show up in the GPS device as a nice background)

Using CrazyGuyOnABike.com
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/samvekemans
As it has links and stories from those who have biked across Canada.
Many of which, i eithor contact directly, or they submit their route (using google maps or other sites) or i make it, and make sure to have a link back to the source.
and it shows pictures aling the way.. as well as showing important info, like where they camped and what the towns were like along their partictular route.

Using EveryTrail.com
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=7234
It has the ability to show streems of information (each trail wich people load on there, using an easy way, of uploading their GPS tracks) and linking with Flickr and with Panoramio photos, which were geo-tagged) and shows the vertical profile and all the info needed to make a decision about that route.
So those routes get copied onto my database (live on google earth) and have the name of the route and links back to where the info came from.

Using Map Edit.com (free program)
I can import all the copied GPX files, along with all the waypoints which people made. (from their own GPS device) ... I can import all the streeming info from the Google maps for bike shops across canada, for Campgrounds Across Canada ... Motels, B&B's. .. and perhaps? also the bridges and tunnels. .. and the trail heads (and trail names).. as these all contain photos and has contact phone numbers and websites. --- for bridges, contact info for those who would be fixing it... or where there are trail maintenace needed. the exact local phone number to talk to would be available. .. ... as all this info is available free :)
What's cool is; for example, my file, bike shops across canada. That anyone can take that file, and edit it themselves... and add in more bike shops, and edit the info for current ones... ie. adding in more information (like what they specialize in) and if they also have outdoor supply stuff.
As also, there is a button on each for 'more' where people can post their reviews about the place.
... So trail-head photos would be great too. .. as it can include more links of those who did the trail (links back to crazyguyonabike and bikely and everytrail, and others)

The only downside for google maps is that it (right now) has a hard time with importing kml files. . so that's ok... As for most things... it's a physical business, who already has a listing in there. ... So it's really only the trail heads, and campgrounds, and bridges, tunnels, gates. .. that are entered in.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&z=4&om=1

Then we have POI-Factory.com
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/7579
a great community site where people can load on theire GPX files (and CSV files) for points of interest.
So there i'll (and other people) be able to load on the points such as the gates and other marks.
Fortunatly, there are tonnes of users from Bikely.com and everytrail.com (and others) who are putting in cool details.
An example is the file someone made of the rolerblade route through calgery.. and he/she put in all the water fountains and the bathrooms along the route. .. as well as some places of interest.
Those all help. :)

So the way this thing works, is the users are the ones who are creating the map... as all im doing is creating a couple layers ontop of those topo maps.
One which has all the sujested routes, (with the reference back to where it came from)
and another with the waypoints that the users put in. (this is all from the google earth file) as that file contains the streeming info. along with the copied info)
so what needs to be done before the points get loaded onto the map is making a copy of each type of point. (to get the latest info) .. and putting that info onto the map as a type.
http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=675728&page=&vc=1&PHPSESSID=#Post675728

So once that file is avalable. .. Im guessing that it can be made available on this site ... showing people the process to load onto their device the map. (it can also be loaded onto an XD card) so then the different info centers across the country, and any one interested) can get a copy. (as on the datacard would be that free program.

So in order to keep with the rules of conduct.. what needs to be done is this:
The map needs to be 100% percent free in it's intirety. ... so it's done one peoples spare time.

So the same way that CrazyGuyOnABike.com works.. is that donations can be recieved. (but not for the product) ... as Crazyguyonabike.com has it... you can download the journals onto a CD and it can be mailed to you for no cost.

What i would do, (and am begining) is to be promoting this ride (the going over what is done and testing of the 1st version of the map) is raising funds for World Wildlife fund Canada.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/40226
.. and asking people to be donating things rather than money (they could donate on paypal if they like)
As theres a growing list of tools that would be great to have to make the ride across canada along the TransCanada trail, and also along the sujested by-pass routes, and also the routes which are most recommended. .. and perhaps also, taking those hiking routes too.

Anyway, this is kinda long, but I hope it's some kind of summery for those interested in lending a hand. .. it would be much appreciated :)

Cheers,
Sam

Mitch and Matt's cross Canada bike ride to raise money for Cancer research.

2007-11-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

Galloping Goose Trail - Victoria, BC

2007-11-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

Galloping Goose Trail

http://www.bikely.com/

Super Awsome!!!
I'll be following that route too :)

Trail around abbotsford, BC

2007-11-29T04:05:00.000-08:00

CanIL-Abby loop

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

A GPS track of the KVR trail penticton to Grandforks, BC

2007-11-29T03:56:00.000-08:00

Kettle Valley Rail Trail Carmi Subdivision (Trans Canada Trail)

http://www.bikely.com/

This is eaxtly what i was looking for!!!!
Sweet.

Felix the Polar Bear

2007-11-27T04:56:00.001-08:00

Felix the Polar Bear
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=rzyi&page_id=66654&v=X

Here's the CrazyGuyOnABike Journal entry :)

100_5044 Olive the other Raindeer

2007-11-26T15:42:00.001-08:00

100_5044 Olive the other Raindeer
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

I thought this one was need.
He has 2 does with him. .. i saw those the day before.

Although there not raindeer. .. I named it Olive. As he's the one who used to Laugh call Rudolf funny names.. until santa came around, and right after telling rudulf that he can guide his sleigh.. he told Olive to go to Ireland!!

So the wise words of wisdom for the day is:
Dont mess with Santa. ... Respect your elders.. there old and know lots of stuff. ... or maybe they've been over the mountain and already saw they they could see.

Have a great day :)
Sam,
Googling by the open fire

Head in the clouds .. googling by the open fire

2007-11-26T14:48:00.001-08:00

The view from the rock 100_4982.jpg
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's a cool photo from yesterday. ..

...
So a little recap on whats going on here.
After the brain storm yesterday....
I discovered a link to all the stuff that needs to be done when posting accuratly the route across Canada.
I discovered that my task of creating an Actual map file which can be given as a unit... is harder than i thought. ... Meaning i'll need the assistance from professional cartographers (map makers) who can use all the info i am collecting and bring it all onto a cool map.
.. in the mean time... I'll still google some more to see if i can figure that out on my own.

I discovered the usefullness of using www.EveryTrail.com and posting my actual GPS tracks on that site (tracks from each days travel, as separate entries) .. and also posting onto www.POI-factory.com as it lets me upload the more complete day by day files. .. showing all the different waypoints.

I also discovered that using google maps, i can be creating a folder for each type of point of interest. .. (each type would also go onto www.POI-factory.com) .. as its relevent for the site.

It looks like ww.everytrail.com is a great site to be posting each days travel on it. .. and just having some links on the description linking to get to POI-factory.com.

And showing the Flickr photos.. and placing those important photos on the map.. is helpful too.

And using the Google maps to simply copy and paste all the information from CrazyGuyOnABike journal. .. But i can also share the GPS file on that site too. (but i dont think the webmaster likes it, as that site is just for the actuall trip journals. ... although the GPS tracks would be more helpful.. I guess thats a way to separate it.

...
Actually for some this writing looks like mindless babble.. or head in the clouds babble.. But by chance if it does make sence to you. .. PLEASE contact me, and let me know what area you like to be of help.
As I'm always looking for team members. ...

Some how, someway... there's a way to make this project work.

Cheers,
Sam

Day 207 Lower Diamond Hill Walk at EveryTrail .. Letterfrack, Ireland

2007-11-24T06:30:00.001-08:00

100_4982
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Day 207 Lower Diamond Hill Walk at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail:Share GPS tracks
Here's this cool map i created.
:)

Click on each red dot.. and see photos.

I just didnt line up the photos with the track.. still working on that part. ... bare with me.

Click on the picture and you get to the site

http://everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=6861

And it shows all kinds of cool stuff. .. What it can do is import photos from flickr. So all the ones that are geotagged will show up there.

It also shows all the photos from other users close by too..

.. So... Just imagine this little map extended to be the size of all the way across canada.

..Im thinking that because the thing is called 'everytrail' . and i already tried uploading huge files. . As its to big, (but their might be still a way to handle it?

.. not sure yet.

But it's exciting to keep on working on it... As hopefully this trail will be one of the best, most practicle trails to be using.

.. Perhaps its a good idea that there are 2 points on that map.. As it should be also workable for any GPS device.. and those who dont see photos can still work it easy :)

A bit of technical there. .. But it's all needed.

So if anyone out there wants to help out. Your help would be greatly appreciated :)

Cheers,

Sam

What do you want to be when you grow up? Day 205 Letterfrack, Ireland22 Oct 07

2007-11-22T12:31:00.001-08:00

100_4946 Letterfrack
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

...
A question asked my many adults to children. ..

.. Why do we even need to ask that question, when most of use are in constant search of something that they want to be when 'they' grow up.

Here's a website i'd like you to see.

http://www.jeffgreenwald.com/home/?page_id=3

We look at a site that someone whos staying here told me about this traveler who wrote a book and traveled the world extencively.

Right now one of the things that im stuggling with is how this idea that I have about the GPS map file available on google earth. .. how i can make that into something tangable.

I do know how todo various aspects of it, yet it seems like some of the puzzle pieces are missing.

Fortunatly as each day passes, i do find another piece of the puzzle.

Which brings me back to todays photo. .. As what i discovered is that the simple act of walking along a trail... I can use the same mapping technique and logging of the route, here. than at I want todo for all of Canada.

I finished going through a website which show 2 austrailian guys who cycled across canada, using the TransCanada trail. .. .or as much as they could of it. .. almost 10,000 km

So what i decided today, was that next year, I'll go back and start from Vancouver island. Cycle the who trail, which includes the section of trail which i lost. .. Vancouver island, and the west shor of mainland vancouver to white rock. .. As that's an amazing trail.. and farily easy to take. ..

Anyway, getting off topic here.

Point is: If their is a will, and you can let the universe work its magic when you send the right signals out. ..theres always a way to ma work.

Back on topic.

What do you want to be when you grow up? .. Well, you can be what ever it is that you want to be, and you shouldnt let those people who dont think thats true stop you from achieving what you want to become. .. As sometimes their is great geneious.... Actually all of the time, there is great genious which is yet to unfold. .. For somepeople. .. maybe i can say for most people. .. As its fine to settle for what is comfortable... as if that is what you like doing then thats great! As the only thing i dont like is when people sit hear and are complaining about what life is doing to them... As it's not really so. ... As evey day, when you wake up, you have the decision and freedom to make it your best day yet. ... But far to often. ... Actually, I do get like that sometimes, as it's far to comfortable to be in the same place. .. Unless you like it like that?

Right now im in the same place .. just for 2 nights now. I plan on a week, but maybe to. As each day im getting more and more accomplished. ... as thats what i plan on. .. .. My reason is that becuse my goal is more on the recording and posting of the sejested routes that others can take.. and building a route guide. .. that i do need some time as to be going throught all the information that i already collected.

CrazyGuyOnAbike.com

One of the things im working on is posting my actuall route across western Canada. .. Although that does take time. As i want the route to be shown the best possable way. As that is part of the framework for the book im writing.

Actually everydays journal entries.. those in my personal journall... along with these public blogs are all part of this book. As the book is about my changing as a person. .. as I see that the person who started the journey .. the before-ride journal entries from last year around this time. That it was a big struggle to actually get out of my comfort zone of working in the small area with the local clients. .. that now im here in Ireland.. and totally out here on my own... where im fending for myself. .. I'm also making this project im dong.. just for my own self also. ... However, the meat of it is... is that it's going to be of help to so many people... As i do feel that this kind of a route map is needed as a guide cycling across canada. ..

As it can also be used for hiking too. It's seems so rediciously simple. .. perhaps it is. But as im showing people the route on google earth. .. It's amazing to see that they have never seen this type of thing before. As im simply building on what other people wrote before.

Whats great is that if more people decided to go ahead and copy what im doing is that it'll actually help me out even more. .. As im looking for others who can help and be posting their findings of places of interest across canada. I know that alot of people have posted notes on google earth community showing their postes... But it's not usually complete information shown. ..

Anyway, the mice are touring again :)

.. The point of todays message is to highlight that you alreadydo have the answers inside your head.. and those things which you think are not possable to have. ..well thats because you are saying 'it's not possable'.. but when you turn it arround.. and say 'I do have the answer, and i will find it. .. I will find those people. . .

Day 203 Galway to Letterfrack, Ireland 20 Oct 07

2007-11-20T05:53:00.001-08:00

Day 203 Galway to Letterfrack, Ireland 20 Oct 07
13:11
So today I'm headed off to Letterfrack, where i plan to spend the next week (not spending much money). .. And working on my GPS Map.
I should have more routes across canada posted on my file. .. I think having 10 routes will do for now.
.. As i find more, they'll get posted. .. But i'll just be asking others who cycled across canada, if they want to post their on route to google maps. .. As this is a user centric guide.
As people can be posting thier own routes and as much info as they want on it.
As it's not that hard to find those places that you were at, and write about them.
Alot of people have posted their routes online, but i want to have a whole lot of them posted onto this file here.
Hopefully Crazyguyonabike will develope the ability to use google maps better on that site for the journal entries. .. As having the main google map of the full route, just makes sence.
..
As it helps in creating this user centric GPS map.
As this kind of information these people who cross canada want to know.
I'm not too concerned about the Tour Du Canada cyclists... who go along with th tour, as they are different.. as it's a van supported tour, so they dont have traffic, and have the route planned already.
The focus of this map is for those who are cycling solo, or in a small group who are camping along the way (with various budgets, and time frames) .. they all do this for their own reasons.
...
So these people are the best at sharing what they learned from the road..
Lessons from the road.
All the tidbits of info that they give. ... ie. that a tiny town in northern ontario only has a variety store. .. Well, that's great info. .. As then I can find the name and location of that store, with the phone number and photo of the place. .. and have it as a sujested rest stop area.
...
And those locations where their is a shelter. (doesnt matter WHO put it there) the fact is that it's available for trail users to use. It also doesn't matter what trail it is eithor.. what the name of the trail, or what trail it's linked to.
... It's just another man made trail which need to be used,.

..
13:22
I guess what im getting at is this.
.. What i dont like seeing or hearing, is of those cyclists who do bush camping or on the side of the road, .. as usually if it's out on an open field. .. That's actually someones private property.
.. Which is why these road side reast areas are designed for.
What SHOULD be changed, is that the areas of road side rest stops SHOULD allow tent camping. .Or have some kind of a sign posted showing where the closest camp site it.
...
For example, I'm looking at the BC route map that some made about touring BC. .. It's all nice, but doesn't show all the places to camp. .. As there are lots of privatly owned campsites out there. .. Making the route easy to follow if you know where those sites are.
Simply put, every cyclist going across canada, uses A paper map, and some kind of digital thing. .. Eithor looking at other peoples routes. .. or just going by 1 map, and useing those campsites listed.
..
So what would be really cool is to have this GPS Map where people can download the full route, along with all the sujested routes across canada, and all the points of interest which are helpful to the cyclists.
I've now posted (almost done) 10 routes across canada, and have them in My google earth file. .. Some of them are the actual Google map that others created. .. so they are a 'Streaming' data. Which means that as those people update thier own route, it automatically is updated on this google earth file.
..
So now the task is to get something together which i can show to various organizations who can support this project. .. I'd like it to be an independent organization which has many sponsors, than have just one company who tells me what content they want in it, and not more. (As it's not the purpose of this file) .. As many links can be shown, i don't yet know how to create these imbedded points of interest which shows the links in the description...
So for now, this is how it is.
If anyone can help me in this task.
Your help would be greatly apreciated.
P.S. Im checking the hit count on my routes, and see that people are viewing the file.
As on Google Eath community i can see that many have downloaded my file, and are using it :)
Cheers,
Sam
Galway, Ireland

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Will's Ride

2007-11-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

Will's Ride

Biked Across Canada this past summer 151 Days Victoria to The Atlantic.
Awesome!

Tim Hortons In Ireland?? DejaVu

2007-11-19T04:01:00.001-08:00

100_4739
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Ya, so the way it was, was a few days prior I say someone as i was walking down the road in Galway, with a Tim Hortons Cup.
I thought, what? OK there are alot of different people, some bring other things on their travel, so i figured this was just this persons way of showing everyone that they are Canadian. ... A cultural identity. Fine. So i brushed it off and didnt thing more of it.
...
Until I got to Bangor, Co. Mayo (which is North of Westport. ..North of Galway, South of Sligo. .. well, if you havent been here or seen a map. .. Anway, As you can see in the picture. It's Jim on Travels with Sam. . At a Tim Hortons. It's only a coffe stand inside the variety store. As they couldnt bring the staff here to make the cofee. SO it gets premade. I dont thing anyone here knows how to make it right anyway. ... :)

So does this mean that there is now no reason for me to live in Canada anymore? ... If all the comforts of home are already here. (Wi-fi, Tims & and people speaking the same language) ... thats all i need.

So ya, this is a cool photo. .. the bike looks similar, but i changed alot of the parts. .. as things ware down. And, well. ... Jim Has seen alot. I'm now taking some time here and documenting where he went.
Check out the latest entry on Grazyguyonabike.com :)
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/samvekemans

Bike Vancouver Island to North Vancouver at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: GPS Travel Community

Here's a Wicked google earth show of my route. .. It's just a start. .. As im figuring how to show the complete route on 1 page.
As some sections are missing on this one. ..
But i have all the pieces of the puzzel... so it's putting it together now.

As Crazyguyonabike is just for personal journals, there is a limit to what i can post.
However, I can post a drawing of my actual route across canada.
Which is cool :) .. and photos. ..

However, it'll be this site where i can show the larger info for each days travel which will include the vertical profile of each days ride.
..
My goal is to gathe route information from many others and point out on the google map, where the campground are that they mention on their blogs. .. when they say they stoped at a bike shop, i'll find that bike shop and a photo of it.. and it's exact points. And be showing that in the GE community file.

Right now i think that only on GPX file i can have all the waypoints. ... As there is a limit on how many waypoints. .. it would be better to have these waypoints abedded points of interest on the GPS. ... Also, i need to figure out how to create a IMG file for the route, and be placing that on a file which can be downloaded. It's an IMG file.

So somewhere out there on the net is a way to get that done.
.. But for now, it's just 1 day at a time. .. And having the same info which is posted on crazyguyonabike.com onto the GE Community waypoint of my own route (I'll have 98 waypoints)... showing my route and the distance traveled)..

But more importantly, the map is to show people where the campsites are and where the info centers and where the motels are. .. and phone numbers. ... As this info is monstly needed.
So far, I disocvered how to create custom points of interest where i can show the namf the place. ... but dont know how to add in a description.

I'm asking the universe for somehelp here. Those who want to help, please contact me, and you can be of some great help. And Yes, there's got to be a way to make money from this. As if there's a will, there's ALWAYS a way.

Cheers,
Sam

Berlin D. Bear vs. UN Report on Climate Change

2007-11-18T02:18:00.001-08:00

100_3646
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Hi Everyone,
The news yesterday (saturday) on Climate Change, made headlines all over the world. As this is very big news, it's worth writing about.

I'll start off with a YouTube Video as a summery and go from there.

...

UK

The BBC reports the news on this YouTube Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XPlGspF_ls

BBC NEWS Science/Nature UN challenges states on warming

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7098902.stm

Launching the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he said real and affordable ways to deal with the problem existed.

Hey all, this is now part 2. .. From the January IPCC report which was the trigger for me to try todo my part. ... Cycle across canada, and try to raise awareness and keep the ball rolling about climate change. ... So far so good. ..EVERYONE is still talking about it, and more and more people are GETTING it. :)I'll post this one on my daily blog sitehttp://virtualbikeride.blogspot.com

...

CHINA
UN climate panel report highlights risks of global warming_English_Xinhua
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/18/content_7097185.htm

MADRID, Nov.17 (Xinhua) -- The UN climate panel issued a landmark report on Saturday warning of severe consequences of global warming and urging governments to act to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

This one is direct from China ... It made front page! Click on the home page. (Hey look, the used a Greenpeace photo. .. Cool :) ) (they earn a gold star for that in my book) :)

..

LA -California

http://www.facebook.com/share_redirect.php?h=649e6e8e0faa7179c1ed21653d518695&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fnews%2Fscience%2Fla-sci-warming17nov17%2C0%2C4238138.story%3Fpage%3D1%26coll%3Dla-home-center&sid=5884704182
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-warming17nov17,0,4238138.story?page=1&coll=la-home-center

In the final installment of its landmark report, the climate-change panel says many countries will just have to learn to live with the effects.

And the LA Times ... with their own 'special' view. .. At least they mention the other reports.. BTW, this article wasn't on the front page news. ... Like all the others. ... There maybe one more hiding somewhere? ... Just wait and see.Cheers,Sam

...

Canada

Evidence of climate change 'unequivocal': UN report
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/11/17/climate-change.html

Climate change could have far-reaching and irreversible consequences, a UN scientific panel warns in a report released Saturday.

And the CBC's take on it (Canadian News). ... I think I covered almost everyone on my facebook friends list ... oh wait, got one more comming....

..

Greenpeace

Greenpeace - Making Waves: IPCC latest - climate change evidance "unequivocal"
http://weblog.greenpeace.org/makingwaves/archives/2007/11/ipcc_latest_climate_change_evi.html

Last night in Valencia, the IPCC approved its Fourth Assessment Synthesis report, which sums up the key points from the three major reports published this year on climate change science, its impacts and the mitigation options. ...

And this one is Green Peace's Take. ... Oooh, cool... gathering more infor my tonights blog :)

...

Austrailia

Global warming action urgent: UN chief - Environment - smh.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/global-warming-action-urgent-un-chief/2007/11/16/1194767033342.html

I come to you humbled after seeing some of the most precious treasures of our planet - treasures that are being threatened by humanity's own hand.

And here is the Austrailian take on it. .. they mention this part.."The scientists have done their job, and now it's time President [George] Bush and this Congress do their part and support immediate action on global warming, starting with this energy bill," said Edward J Markey, chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.:)

..

Boston, MA -USA

UN panel: Climate change accelerating - BostonHerald.com
http://hawk.heraldinteractive.com/news/international/general/view.bg?articleid=1045351&format=&page=2&listingType=int

While the European Union has taken the lead in enforcing the carbon emission targets outlined in Kyoto, the United States opted out of the 1997 accord.
And here is the boston Herald's verions. ... this one is better. (still just a couple more togo :)

..

Ireland
ireland.com - The Irish Times - Sat, Nov 17, 2007 - 130 states agree evidence of climate change 'une
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/1117/1195251355768.html

Scientists and representatives of world governments have agreed a report warning that climate change could have "abrupt" and "irreversible" consequences, writes Jamie Smyth in Valencia.

And this is the Irish Times version of it.

..

CNN -USA

U.N. report: Urgent action needed on 'severe' climate change - CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/17/spain.climate/index.html

Climate change is "severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action" can head it off, a United Nations scientific panel said in a report on global warming issued Saturday.

And this is the Cool CNN's version of it...Apparently they dont get it. .. 'wait until Richer countries can afford it' .. Im wondering: Did they even read the report?

...

New York Times -USA

U.N. Report Describes Risks of Inaction on Climate Change - New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/17/science/earth/17cnd-climate.html?ex=1353042000&en=92abe826c5ab4d06&ei=5124&partner=facebook&exprod=facebook

In releasing the report, the U.N. secretary general called on the U.S. and China to play a greater role in coming negotiations for a new global climate treaty.

Actually it's the 4th. .. This is the New York Times Version. I especially like the last section talking about Bush wanted to take out that last section titled “Reasons for Concern,” . ... Which is a summery of it.Anyway, Enjoy :)Sam

...

tehran times : U.S. delegates say dangers of climate change unclear
http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=157308

Tehran Times Daily NewsPaper
And this one is from Iran's daily paper. ... Very Interesting.

...

Those were my comments from when i posted it on my facebook profile.

..

What i find so interesting is how different each country shows the same information.

Some put the blam on the A as they need to show some leadership and cut there own emmissions. ... One cant be telling others to cut their own emmisions, and blame the other countries who arent cutting their own emmissions. .. Making that seem OK.

I like how the China article mentions greenpeace... as This shows once more that hgreenpeace is a powerful voice on the gloabl perspective. ...

I like how the BBC really got into the issue. .The 1st video i show on here gives a great prespective. .. and the BBC's Video shows a great deal on info.

Pointing out about the wind farms, and the solar farms. .. Having a photo of the guy next to the solar farm.

... Then we look at the USA prespective, where it's all about blame. ... and no real concencus.

There were lots of people at that meeting, and many many reports and accounts of what happened.

It's clear that the overall concencencus is that, yes there are great ideas out there. .. and they all can be used. .. There isnt 1 solution for it all. ... as yes, people still need to by food.

... Yet what CAN change, and More and more people NEED to see this, is that everyone can do their part. ... Talk to the local polititions and get new local laws past. ... starting from the local area. .. How can you expect the world to change, when you still hve your your own bad habbits.

Although to be honest, i still do have bad habbits, and am not as 'Green' as i should be. .. making me 'Hotter than I should be' (a plug in there for WWF Canada). .. As many of the places i goto xtreems on how much garbage is thrown out.
..
That being said, what i do see going on, is that business are not governed by the same rules that homeowners have when it comes to waste management.

So an idea, the next time your are outside of your home, talk to the business owner or manager and em that you dont like how they make so much waste from their business process. ... Give examples that you see around the store.

1. If the business is still using old lighbulbs, remto change.
2. If the business has unnessary lights... (the place might not need to be lit that much)
3. If they are throughowing out ecyclable material. Ie. Starbucks/ Tim Hortons cups.
All it takes is to use what Supermacs here in Galway has. .. Its for the ice from cups. .. Why not just have a place where the cups can be stacked empty, and everyone just dumps out the old coffee into the drain provided. .. so things in the cup get held at the tip (ice).
I think McDonalds has done that. .. bu they dont have a simple stack where people can place their cups upside down and squish it down.

4. Drive throughs should not need to be ideling. .. the cost for it should be higher.

Sometimes is seems that a government issued manditate. .. of an overall carbon tax based on how much your vehicle is emmiting. ... as for these iseas to work. .. it still needs to be far. ... As you cant hit one company hard, ... actually you can. If the company is emmiting polution, it should not matter how much money they give to the local community.

MONEY DOESNT solve the problem. ... You can through money at it.. and it will be fixed. That's not how it works. ... People need to become conctious about what they are emmiting, and realize that those companies who are trying to save money by averting the ussue. Arnt helping. As it's up to each of us as individuals to make decisions. .nly pass laws when were started from individual people with some ideas. ... and less people object, so the law passes.
It's because the government funds the wrong type of companies. .. governments should be acountable to the people, and make their decisions based on what the people want. ...

Sure, you need to make those companies and the resident public happy, however, you can do that by encouraging the companies todo what is right for the environment. .. and think of new and asing your marketing strategy on the 'whats good for the environemnt, is good for you' campaign. .. As companies can spread the word with advertising and media, that if you buy uct you will be helping the environement. .. Directly. ...NOT passively. ... Buying from a company which spends their time on oil refining, but on the other hand donates to the natural wildlife area right next door. ... Does that make sence?

Why not support the company who's actual business is in helping the environemnt in some way. .. not helping in destroy it. ... Those companies who are producing .... more efficient engines and engines on alternative ways and inovative thinkers. .. those ones should be rewarded for there efforts.

Ok, a final thought.
Each of us has the power to choose what they want todo each day. ... You can eithor sit back and watch, or you can speak out and tell every company you go to what it is that you want. ... Those comment cards in places do get lookeded it. ... Talk to the manager about what they are doing. Ask them why dont they do more for the environement? ... if their answer is about cost. .. tell them that you would st buy at their store, and would faviour their store if they showed some effort with the emmitions and recycling and energy waste control. ... Companies will change when their is the demand :)

High Gas Price is a Good thing! ~Really? An actual electric car?

2007-11-16T13:37:00.001-08:00

100_4267
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

I dont own a car. .. and am proud of it!

Here's an article about a guy in Seattle who writes about not owning a car.

A fitting photo :)

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/15/161859/73

Be car-ful?
Giving up car-lessness for Rob Lowe's plug-in hybrid
Posted by Alan Durning at 1:00 PM on 16 Nov 2007
Read more about: placemaking cars hybrids energy electricity grid
Tools: print email + digg + del.icio.us + reddit + stumbleupon
This essay is part of a series on not owning a car.

>>>>>

for all those who ask me about this gas price thing. .. actually it's about the electric car.

As . .. whats the biggest draw back? ... You guessed it. .. Simply government regulations. ..

Gas is still way to cheep. ... and there needs to be a emmision tax. ... This car is possable..

But it wont happen until gas gets more expencive like cigerettes. .. before alternatives get used.

Ht news is that more of the US Congress is liking the idea of this emission cap and trade. ... i think the number is higher than ever. ... Lets keep on passing the word, of congres will wake up and smell the gas fumes.

I certainly can.

>>>

For me, on sunday out to that little town of Letterfrack, Connemera, Co. Galway. I think i'll stay there for a week, as i got lots of work todo as im going back on my route across canada, and slowely but surely posting the exact route i took accross canada, and showing the recommended route for other cyclest who want to cross canada.

...

One last note,

I'm looking for people who want to drive across canada with me. My plan is to get to Sparwood, BC and fill up the tank with bio diesel, and get lots to spare, and make are way through the rockies as we need togo along eithor side of the crowsnest pass up the cowboy trail into calgery and up to edmonton. .. and also from sparwood go back down and back to Cranbrook and head north, to the 1. .. and many areas i missed. .. I need to cycle it all:) ... As i want to track it all on GPS to create the awsome route.

... Since people will see the bike, and see the vehicle... the vehicle will be covered in signage as were raising funds for WWF Canada.

Looking for help and ideas!

Thanks,

Sam

What does the horse think? Hay! or Nay! (for that you need to speak in a Horse voice to be heard)

2007-11-16T11:59:00.001-08:00

100_4246
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

... Just lost what i wrote .. note to self: dont type the entire article into flickr blog this section.. a short note is good, then use blogger to make it better.

..So we try it again.

As im sitting here in Limerick, Ireland Hotel room, as im typing away on the laptop with the free wi-fi and checking on traffic. ... outside traffic, yep there's lots.

And online thee's lots of traffic too.

I'll start out todays blog with the 1st article i found.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article2879666.ece

The Times
November 16, 2007
We’ve used the wrong fuel, says rail chief

Ben Webster, Transport Correspondent
Explore the new Eurostar service
Rail industry leaders have accused the Government of wasting hundreds of millions of pounds and undermining the environmental benefits of rail travel by choosing diesel instead of electric trains.

>>>

Which shows how one mans idea, that os 1 man who writes something and it passes on down the line as something to be true. Government policies are made with the current knowledge of information at hand. .. and over time the technology changes... but the policies dont. .. So there's no incentive for things to change.

An interesting note about the article is the comments after it. .. As on the one hand the government.. and railnetwork say of it'lll cost so much money to sitch. ... Well, that's not really true. .. As simply no longer building new trains which rely on diesel, and build the most efficient trains. As to my understanding the newer trains ARE more efficient. .. so it would b better to take those older trains out of commission, or better yet to be using biodiesel.

... And no that story about biodiesel displacing food prices? ... No, that dosnt make sence. ... that would be a Nay! in horse talk. .. I think i discussed biodiesel in a previous blog, and I think i made a clear point about it. (fuel tax and incentive for all users of oil to use more efficient means)

...

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/15/102332/75

Made for the USA?
On who is accountable for Chinese greenhouse-gas emissions
Posted by Kit Stolz at 3:39 PM on 15 Nov 2007
Read more about: China United States climate energy greenhouse-gas emissions
Tools: print email + digg + del.icio.us + reddit + stumbleupon
Yesterday a D.C. nonprofit, the Center for Global Development, released an inventory of the world's power plants. Its nifty database shows that on a national level, China trails only the the U.S. in total emissions of greenhouse gases, and not by much.

...

Its interesting how the take is on that. .. As it would be best if china's plants become more efficient. ... actually they are more efficient. .. that's why they are building the things made. ..
What's not realized that for each product made, the owner of the company has a choice on where the product gets made. .. and buyers decide on what product to buy. .. Everyone has a choice. ..
Ya, im thinking that the USA and Canada should take the lead as if they want to become more green. They need to take the 1st step.
Fortunatly states indndently are becomming more and more green. .. and there is more and more public pressure on Automakers to roll out the EV1 which is just sitting on the back burner. .. Waiting around. .. Why do peopabout the high gas price?

Why am I always a super stron adviate for High Gas Prices?
... Well, I have a firm belief that this is how the economy works. .. People buy and people sell. ..
By low sell high?
Ya of course! We want to buy things for the lowest precieved value. .. and we want sell things for the highest precieved value.
... Things dont have any value on there own.

......
Im reminded of a story i was told about tea and the sea.

So a shipment arrives adrift on the shore full of containers of tea leaves.
Since these people had no idea what this tea was, they never had tea before so they didnt know.
So they looked at it, and discovered in when these tea leaves were soaked in water, the water changed colour, and when spilling in on their dress (they had those frilly dresses with many layrs, you know that old style. ... well they used this coloured water to stain the dresses and make sme colour.
So after having so much of it. .. Someone later came along as saw what they were doing, and offered to buy the stuff from them. .. So they did. .. for very little money, as there wasnt much use for the coloured dresses. .. once a person had a few of them stained, there wasnt a need anymore. .. So it got sold.
Later, someone else came by, and dicovered what was being done with the tea leaveves, and told them what the stuff actually was. .. that you drink the tea.
...

So the story shows that it's all in the precieved value of things. .. things dont have a price until it becomes useful. .... Remember; Earth, Wind, Fire, Water are all only as useful as the mind can imagine.

..

Smoking:
It's only as useful as the mind can imagine. .. Because cigirettes have a set price. .. as price where they can see that less people buy when setting the price higher. ...
If they are bad for you, then why is it legal to sell? .. There should be more tax on that, making it more expencive, but using that tax money for more important things. .. like replacing old trains with new more efficient trains.

...
OK thats enough for this post.
I got 1 more for ya's :)
Cheers,
Sam

Global warming | Getting the message, at last | Economist.com

2007-11-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Global warming | Getting the message, at last | Economist.com

The poll asks people "What do you consider to be the most serious environmental problem facing the world today?"

When we all know that the term 'Global warming' also means climate change.
As Ozone layer, Air /Water pollution, deforistation, extenction of plant and animal species. .. thats all the same thing. It has todo with global warming. ... Global warming, (or Global wawa?) as the simpsons character on says) ... Or lets call it Global Dimming. ...

I blogged about it. ... I got a bit more insight on this one as i'll get some Flickr photos that i took in there, and maybe find a video :)

Cheers,
Thanks everyone who reads this (I always assume that everyone on facebook reads what i write) .. As i am writing this for you :)
Sam

Clean Power from Bullfrog Power

2007-11-16T02:35:00.000-08:00

Clean Power from Bullfrog Power

Cool, in Ravenswood, near Grand Bend, Ontario building 6 Vestas Wind Turbines. .. Cool :)
It should be already complete.
It anyone has any photos of this site, please send my way.

On the trip across canada, next yearit's on the list to go and visit.

Cheers,
Sam

A virtual Scrap book of my travels -Galway, Ireland

2007-11-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

So im here in the Barnicles Hostel, as im working away at creating my GPS map across canada, showing people an actual route across canada, as a digital downloadable guide. .. and eventually onto a XD card so people can put the card into a handheald GPS device and go across canada (mostly for cycling), but possable for horseback, for mountain biking, for hiking. So they can use a giude across canada.
The big question people ask me after I say what im doing is. 'How Can i make money off it?'
Well,i figure that because it's using other peoples information, and its user centric, i cant charge for it.
So what I can do is write an actual book about my travels and journey in creating this thing, and everything i am learning along the way. Most of the book will be excerpts from my personal notes that i am writing each day in my palm.. as these notes are more personal, and the names and places and dates need to be changed. .. As characters need to be made up, as i cant be writing about people without their concient. (Although when the book gets published, those readin it, will know it's about them).

So anyway, there another traveler who is working on an Physical Scrap book of the trip journal, cutting and pasting ideas along the way.
Since im not doing a technical journal (as i need the technical journal to be VERY specifac, otherwise it doesnt get done :)
Anyway, with the power of this computer, i can take a screenshot of what im working on. Cool.

So what im doing is copying other peoples routes across canada (which they wrote about on crazy guyonabike.com but didnt include a map... this is a rough outline using what they were saying in there blog as the route they took. Then having in the route description a link bakc to their blog site with all their details.
My main information im looking for is the actual route they took, (and also their Camping and motels and bike shops. .. and where the trail heads are. as those should be the anker points for the route lines.. along with where the road changes or where you need to turn. .. Buut if your sticking to the same highway, there is no point in having so many lines as this is the simple route.

P.S. if your reading this and you have actually gone across canada on a bike, please contact me and send me a link to where your route details are.
Cheers,
Sam

---
From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

A hiking Route along the west coast trail :)

2007-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here is the route of someone who hiked along the west coast trail from Bamfield to Port Renfrew, BC .. Looks like it might be possable to post my route on this site! Cool :)

West Coast Trail - 2007 at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: GPS Travel Community

---
From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Virtual Bike Ride For WWF Canada - Across Canada

2007-11-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is the route I took Biking Across Canada. From Port Renfrew, BC to Regina, SK over 4,000 km in total (to continue summer 2008) (it's the simple map made from Google Maps)

View Larger Map

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

Bike across canada - another route

2007-11-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here's the map of Jeff's route across canada, that i just finished making on google maps.
:)

View Larger Map

Shell geht baden - Startseite

2007-11-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

Shell geht baden - Startseite

And this is the German version of the Shell to Sea campaign.

Have a great day,
Sam

Get the Shell out .... protest in Dublin back in March, and another video

2007-11-13T15:18:00.001-08:00

100_4805
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

And here' one showing another piecefull protest.

100_4796 Get the Shell Out!

2007-11-13T14:52:00.001-08:00

100_4796
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's a good youtube video. From BC.

This one was
from Around Bellanaboy, Co. Mayo Ireland.
I came on the saurday after the protest.. and this is what i saw painted on aroof on the way out towards Ceide Fields.

This was from last years protest.

And this was the fridays demonstration...

Amazon.co.uk: Earth: The Power of the Planet: Books: Iain Stewart,John Lynch

2007-11-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Amazon.co.uk: Earth: The Power of the Planet: Books: Iain Stewart,John Lynch

This is a cool book, kind of what i was refering to on my last blog. .
Here are some other facts to back up my opinions.
...
If you can, find the books store near you, and read up on it.

As there is a tedency to just stay wher eyou live, and you t sea 1st hand. .. just what your doing at your home, can and does effect what happens in another part of the world.

The more you know, the better able you can make choices each day.

Cheers,
Sam

Stop Sealing from Mother nature, She will have her revenge!

2007-11-13T05:22:00.001-08:00

100_4800
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

.. A suttle title, but fitting for today's blog.
On sunday, was this ride, where going through farms areas and around the building site area for this Oil Refinery, it is very clear to me what the position of the locals here is.
The big question is, how can a huge company, by-pass EU law, and go ahead and build without the concent of the effected land owners in the area.
Ireland is defined and known as being Green, and a friendly country. .. It doesn't make sence to destroy that image with a oil refinery. .. The oil needs to be kept in the ground.

Here's the background.
A simple example, what happens to my bicycle when i dont oil the chain, and keep all the moving parts oiled? .. well it's going the crack and break... that's how to break a chain, and how to reck the bike... the barings need to be able to move about freely so the wheels can spin. ... I learned that a tiny washer, makes the difference, as it's all elements for the bike, making for an ejoyable ride.

So just as the bike has many elements which all work together, the environment, 'Mother Nature' also has elements.

See, the earth needs this oil, as it is importan to keep it all moving and in check. .. What's happening now in the oiside invironment is as a result of extracking soo much oil from the earth.

I'll give an example, lets say you have a big water well under the ground, and you extrack all the water. .. you end up with a huge cavern underground. .. all it takes is the regular movement of the earth, and you have a cave in, as the earth is trying the balance out for that lack of water.

... So just like under the sea, this is where there are many ellemnt which work together. .. Take out 1 element, and change it to a gas in the atmosphere... Well, mother nature needs to correct herself, as she needs to stay in balance. ..

Why do we get colds? Because our emune system isnt in balance, and out natureal antibodies arnt enough to fix it.

We have things like volcanowes, which emit toxic thinkgs to the environemnt. ... Buit what it also does is acreate new land, and heats up the water around, and stir up the water and creates room for new life. ... As salt water probably cant survive with the new volcanic ash, but rain water probably can... and it brings in new life.

..Forest fires, well with pine trees, the only way the pine trees can rejouvinate is with a natural forest fire. .. ,.. what fires do is clears an area, so then a new meadow can grow and flurish, bringing a whole new type of live, different than the forests bring. ... As we need those open spaces. ...
the open spaces, as we saw back in Alberta and Saskatchewan, these are vital, as they are like a huge boling alley for mother nature... as winds can pick up and gather strength, as there is little to stop it. .. so by the time it gets to the rockies, or over the great lakes, it has gathered enough momentum and picked all kinds of seeds, and lets things move about. ..

We need heavy rain, as it brings nutrients from up in the mountains, down to the sea, and brings in new life to the delta area. .. again vital...

So each element; Earth, wind, Fire, Water all needs to be in balance.
Take out one element, or destroy it.. then other nature needs to use the other 3 and works to cover up the loss.

... Folks, the solution is simple.
Dont steal from mother nature. .. Let the price of oil be way to expencive, so then it will allow for new technologies to develope and grow. .. As it's only with demand that new technologies will prevail.

Case in point. .. It was only because Ipods became cool, that the technology of the Ipod became beter... we had different versions. .. Playing with the actual MP3 file, and how it gets played... now we can watch TV on the thing. ... WiFi only became the standard, because more and more people started using it, and BlueTooth, once was an action caused by eating too many blue lollypops, is now a standar technology which is used everywhere. ... Only because it became popular and people want it.

We now have blog websites because people want it.... It was a creation of inventive people who simply took what people wanted, and made it rediuciously for anyone to make a website which looks cool. ..

Flickr happened because people wanted a good water to share photos... on a hiend level... now on google earth, we can see more flickr photos than panoramio photos... because people want it.

So people, why not take a stand?
1. Demand that you buy the most effient vehicle possable, and dont stand for anything else.
2. Make your decisions based on the fact that oil for the car is Soo expencive,... so you need to live closer, or pay that extra cost.
3. .Encourage and support the movement for fuel tax, where the tax gets put onto renuables. .. other countries do it, ... which is why more vehicles are becomming more efficient. .. as they still want the market.
4. Car-pool and take a bike, and walk to where you want togo. Dont take unnesery trips to the store, and dont Idle. Your just wasting Gas. ... Dont Idle! ... you shouldnt complain about the cost if you continue to drive solo, and short distances.

Cheers,
Sam

Bikely Sample

2007-11-13T02:59:00.000-08:00

Here's what i found from a website
bikely.com

North Nanaimo Loop

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

Day 188 Letterfrack Ireland Bike Connamera Loop 42.3km 05 Nov 07

2007-11-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

100_4287
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Ive been starting to post my technical route details onto crazyguyonabike.com
.. getting late.
I need to sheep. I mean Sleep.
:)

Thinking to self: What i can do is do my daily blog here (on flickr) writing about whats going on today in the life of Sam, and things important about the environment, (news etc.)
I dont know how to copy those links im posting in the facebook group. .. But maybe to attract people to the facebook grou, have a link on the site. .. and be promoting the person /10km's of cycling. .. so the more people join, the more i'll be cycling :) ... If the group does get huge, thats where others can help me cycle the km's.

Cheers,
Sam

P.S. Thanks everyone for reading this. You guys are cool :)

EV WORLD: The Eco-Friendly World of Electric Cars, Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles from Bicycles to Buses, Trucks to Trolleys.

2007-11-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

EV WORLD: The Eco-Friendly World of Electric Cars, Hybrids, Plug-In Hybrids, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles from Bicycles to Buses, Trucks to Trolleys.

This site is all Cool :)

Obay the Little Man!

2007-11-04T14:11:00.001-08:00

100_9451
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Today's post is just about that. .. If everyone obayed the little man. .. Oh what a wonderful world it would be.
... The song of the Day is: ... 'What a wonderful World' Louis Armstrong'
(so thats the tune to sing to while reading this)

...
On a serious note...

A friend on facebook sent me the message about BioDiesel.
It's worth Sharing

"Hi Sam,
The biodiesal that is mentioned, is it the the ethonal/corn fuel?

Just a note if it is, it is damaging our environment, polluting the water, it adds pesticides, herbacides and chemical fertilizers to our world. It takes so much from the environment and gives very, very very little back in benefits. The agri lobby groups (rich corporations) are promoting it for their own profits. It is subsidized by the US gov. giving an unfair advantage to big farm (small farmers can't get subsidies, ie, family farms). As a Senetor reported last week, monoculture (1 crop farms) are consuming most of the good farming land. And, if evey American were to eat the required amount of fruits and veggies they are supposed to, the US couldn't supply them. They do not grow enough fresh produce in US to supply its population, corn and soya, used in fuel and processed foods, have taken over much of the land. Beef farming is another one of those extremely large farms that dot the US country side, and Canada.

Thought you should know.

Good luck on the ride!!,
""

Well first off, thanks for the comment. .. I did a little research and did find where the source of the info was. .. iGoogle is pritty cool, as it shows the latest news that you want to read.

So we begin my rebuttle with the comment "Well, high gas prices are a good thing, because it encourages growth and technology and inovation.. in ALL sectors'

So how does this compare to the price of tea in china?
.. Or the gas price in Ireland?

Well, lets start off with the fundementals.
... Food (as we know it) ... Lets choose Corn. ..
Before the invention of the plow, corn was planted by hand and cultivated by hand. (it's probably done somewhere in the world today). ... and crop yealds go up... with technology and inovation. Weath is Physical Resources times Technology (W=P*T) .. then it's times N, which is the system in place to make it all work. .... Walmart vs. local store. So we add in W=(P*T)n
Source: Google "weath equals physical resources times technology" ... "Unlimited Wealth: The Theory and Practice of Economic Alchemy ... Amazon.com: Reviews for Unlimited Wealth: The Theory and Practice ...In a time, where we were once worried about oil reserves, hydrogen fuel ... Where (W) equals wealth, (P) equals physical resources, (T) equals technology, ...
... and wiki "wealth" agrees.

The to the power of N... for me that makes sence. .. as it's a system.. perhaps government... which puts caps and taxes on income generated.
..

Ok. .. So the argument about food prices. ... well, my theory is; Is that if gas price was changed to being a bad thing like cigerets... and should be taxed because they do worse than smoking.
... If as was high, thats incentives for automakers to build cars which are more and more efficient. .. and for space shules to be more effient. .. and more airtplanes to be more efficient.
... Making Gas price high that people cant afford it anymore.... Well?

THATS THE IDEA!!!
You make gas expencive, like putting cigeretts in your car... you might as well roll 5 euro notes.... thats just blowing smoke.

As you probably know, in the joke of the day ents.... 1/2 the sennet are fools. (technically, they have invested interest in the oil companies, inwhich large contracts are set in place based on their actions) ... short term profit. fiscle responsibility? ... Does that mean their only responsable for their term in office? .. and what happens later doesnt matter?

Just likein Canada, with KYOTO.... the USA Clean air act cant be signed. .. as it costs (up front to much money) .... people in the cozey large vehicles that use gas like ciguretts... are gonna has to quit smoking, because it's killing those people in the 3rd world nations who are going hungery from all the crops being usup to make BioDiesel? ...
That doesnt make sence.
Im working to make the use of oil an old world resource, and let smart people, and those other countries know that Canada and USA are both ready and willing to sacrifice (a super high cost of gas) .. to quite smoking gas. ...
.. and start breathing clean air. ... Powered by Wind Power/Solar ... (hey dont think that.... ) remember unlimited resources. .. unlimited potential. ... and feums from the purist BioDiesel is much nicer. ...

So the botton line is here folks.
You have the solution. ... Dont wait for gas to go up (to much political pressure to keep it down, so the smokers and enjoy it). .. But it's smart people inovation. (Like the iPod, who knew we'd all NEED and ipod?) ... commercials and adds, and your friends told you so.
So enjoy your walk. ... and bike ride.
... and for Google sake, OBAY THE LITTLE MAN!

Cheers,
Sam

Links:
http://www.agri-greenbiodiesel.com/
Maker of Bio-Diesel

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=10085859&fsrc=RSS
Food prices-
An expensive dinner
Nov 3rd 2007
From Economist.com
"Alarm is growing about rising food prices"

http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/11/3/20284/7055
'Mideast Oil Forever?': Part III
Abandoning the solution

http://www.dochara.com/save/transport/fuel.php
Spending less on Fuel in Ireland

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/05/european_gasoli.html
European Gasoline Prices Near All-Time High
22 May 2007

Looking Back on Canada, at Day 033, Sasquatch PP, BC

2007-11-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

So this image shows ... well prity self explanitory, that yellow link and the bottom corner is my actual GPS tracks as i was going along. .. I have them for my full route on google earth community :)

This is probably something that isnt visable from the ground.

Day 186 Letterfrack, Ireland Walk to Kylemore Abbey 03 Nov 07

2007-11-03T11:58:00.001-07:00

Day 186 Letterfrack, Ireland Walk to Kylemore Abbey 03 Nov 07

100_4172
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's the Irish website. .. The page i direct you to is a listing of all the different types of environmental organizations here in ireland.
.. about the December 8th call to action for the
International Demonstrations on Climate Change.
... Would be great if Canada will sign Kyoto and realize that money doesnt make or solve the proplem. .. it's ideas. and alowing the free sharing of ideas around the world. ... other countries have already found viable solutions... all we need todo is copy and paste.
Go Green!!!

http://www.stopclimatechaos.ie/content/blogcategory/2/24/

>Actually, the most interest part of the walk today was when i was leaving the Abbey area. .. I didnt want to pay to see it.. as i already saw the outside. .. Perhaps next time if im there with someone else, it might have. ... But Seriously...

What i saw was the coachs which were in the parking lot, jut waiting. .. Actually it was just 1 coach. .. and looked like to coach was empty accept for the drive who looked like she was just reading the paper with the engine running. .. I think to myslef. ... Self? .. If i owned the coach and was paying for the gas for it.. would i still be idling? .. and wasing fuel? ... Most likely not.

Fortunatly i dont drive, and dont plan on it for a long time. ..

An interesting phenominum here in ireland. .. (as you know) Ireland is a generally friendly country. .. What happens when the cost of gas goes up here? ... Well, instead of complaining about it.. and letting the government give subsidies to the gas companies to drill for oil and to work the tar sands in Alberta. .. (no directional comment there, lol) .. The government listens here, and says... that's ok, we'll just keep the gas price higher, and charge more fuel surchages so do encourage innovation by companies, and alternates. .. as that's the only way to have progress.
... What im getting at is simple. ..
People here seem to be nice to their neighbours, and actuallyoffer each other lifts into town, and people ofer lifts back out of town. ... If people live in the same community close by, and people go the same direction. .. doesnt it just make sence to share the ride with a friend? ..

The family that left early this morning, .. well, what thy do is simply rent a car (as there is 3 people and a dog).. and at home just take there bike. .. Simple? ... The stores here offer delivery. ... so then the groceries can be delivered to your home. .. makes sence for 1 van to go about, when you can stay in town. .. humm.
Looks like people here use their heads more than there wallets. ..

What i didnt like is all the cars driving so fast. .. at one point i saw a donkey which was heading to get on the road. fortunatly the car ahead saw it and imediatly slowed down. .. that was good. ..

Yep the cars dont need to be that big. (remember what made you want to buy the car in the 1st place?) .. the Commercials and Adds for it. .. all the cool advertising telling of all the benifits.. and more importantly you wanted to impress your friends.. as you dont want to give them a ride... but still impress those friends? ... huh? .... But i think there's truth there.
... You want the larger car because it's 'SAFE' ... but why is it safe? ... it's not safe for the smaller car you HIT. .. even if it was the smaller cars fault.... who gives you the right to injour someone, or people, based on the fact that your vehicle was bigger. ...

There was a post the otherday on my facebook funwall about a guy who the doctor said has only a short time to live. ... His point was that life is in the living. .. Each and every day.

here

Do you choose to want (getting back to a point) .. do you choose to be the safer driver .. and always give space when trying to pass a vehicle? ... so you wait until the way is totally clear and can see far ahead of you before passing? ... or do you think your time is more important.. and just quickly pass the slower (more cautious) driver, just to get 1 car ahead and a half second at your destinatiopn earlier. ... Or do you take time just to enjoy the scenery while you have the chance?

...
Im reminded of another photo i have. .. where on the main road there is some construction going on. . .. so the road is reduced to 1 lane, there there is a stop light. ... so as im cycling, other vehicles race in fury to get ahread of me. ... are they ay more ahead? ... no.
And while waiting. .. do they think to turn off their engines? .. No! (is there a law about that?).. ... well anyway, if gas was more expenceive, people would pay more attention to that. .. it's the hybred cars where the engine can cut off.. when at a light. ....
But does the consumers want to buy it? ... No.

Why? ... because gas is too cheep... there's no incentive to build such cars. .. so the makers are trying to build a vehicle which finds that happy medium... of trunk space, and efficiency. ...

... People? .. huh? ... I dont get it? .. why dont people see that since you go to the store close to home. .. why not just have a 2nd small intown car? .. and your bigger out of town car? ... that just makes sence.

... But will people do this?

Nope. .. not until gas price gets up to where it should be.
It's an OLD WORLD resource. .. and needs to be kept in the ground where it belongs. .. it should be expencive, and should be considered like diamonds. ... ... Acres of Diamonds?

http://www.temple.edu/about/temples_founder/acres_text.html

.... in your own back yard? ... Yup. .. it's true. .

A story. .. one farmer looks at his land.
"oh man! look at all this dry land. .. it's so dry that i cant keep it watered. .. it's dry because it's just so darn windy. .. once i water, it seems to dry up so fast. ... ya that is right. ... it's only near the lberta border where the land is good, but once you get into saskatchewan, you see that there is so much dry land. ... With the cost of water these days... and the high cost to get the machines to plow the land... 'I'll be luckey to get 100 stacks of wheet this time.' ... I think it's about time to sell the land, and move into the city.

The other farmer who just baught the land:
"Holey crap!, the government will actually give me incentive to be leasing out my land to the engergy company who put up some Vesta's wind turbines. ... and... the nergy company is also giving me money as im just leasing the land to them. ... I dont care where the power goes. ... it's just exciting how much im getting of this land already... and i havent even planted any crops! ... So what i can do is plant only the crops which work best to this type of climate. ... and perhaps what i can to is section off part of the land to the federa government, and let it grow wild, and declair it as a natural site. ... I dont need the land anyway. ... What i can also do is install some of those solar pannels, and produce more power and have that back onto the grid. ...
Wow, now all i got todo is wait for that 1 homeowner way down the road who doesnt like the turbines as they think it'll kill birds. ... (i think they heard it from the birds directly anyway). .. Ya, they wont buy the power because it can be made cheeper with coal. ...
What they dont see is that when you use alternative energy in your home, you do get tax breaks and incentive todo so. .. unfortunatly it doesnt come in the form of a cheque. .. but in math. .. over the lifetime cycle of the home. .. humm ... Would these people pay more now knowing that overtime the cost would be cheeper in the long run?

...
Anyway, thats enough babble or so for now,

Cheers,
Sam

P.S. let me know what photos you want to see here, i'll customize it for ya.

100_3406 Manning Park to Princeton, BC

2007-11-03T06:40:00.001-07:00

100_3406 Manning Park to Princeton, BC
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

A special thanks to all my Flickr user fans, some how you found this photo, making it my most visited photo.

Please comment on all the photos you like :) ... (this help in sorting out the better photos)
Cheers,
From Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland
Sam Vekemans

6 months, and 10,000 photos later -Day 185 Letterfrack, Ireland 02 Nov 07 - flickr photos

2007-11-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

From the Desk of Berlin B. Bear:
Discovering the Human Impact on the Environment and;
Creating a route map online and on GPS for others to easily follow along.

I'd like to start out todays blog with a link. .. Im slowely learing how to blog right, as (believe it or not) im still new to it.

Every day i am saving all the photos i took during that day and having them in a folder on the computer so then as soon as i get wi-fi acess, i can upload them. ... I'll try to keep them uptodate, and insert a link to the photos for each day. ..

Because the photos do cover a wide rance of topics... they all need to be tagged. .. but for now having them in a daily set, makes it easier for me to remember where the photo was taken.

Im at the same time copying all my daily GPS tracks onto a single file, and uploading them online. I havent yet found the best way to upload it... thats still in progress.

Now that ive started this blog, i'll be having more people check it, .. that i dont know, even more than on Facebook. .. Perhaps there will be a way to go from facebook posts to blogging right away? ... humm. ... This way everyone can see what's up. .. Fortunatly what im writing here goes onto facebook so people can check it out. .. But not on the facebook group.

The idea of having this blog site, is a way that the mass public can be kept uptodate on what im doing. ...

... Here it is: .. So far, the goal is to raise 1,000cdn for WWF-Canada. ... I figure, the more people who see my posts and what im upto, perhaps people will be donating. .. That would be great! ..
I'll be posting all the things i find out about the 'Human Impact on the Environment' .. everything and anything i see. .. , ill be able to make everything ive dont so far into a movie. .. that would be grand.

So the 1st round of people i'm looking for who want to help, are editors. .. people who can go through text im writing and make sure it all fits right. .. and recommends ways to fix it.. or just fixes it. .. Those people would be super awsome. .. On the facebook group, thats where everyone can have cool titles. .. Remember this is a total cherity thing. ... I'm not getting paid for it, so i cant pay you for it. .. However, your support in this effort will be rewarded... How? I have no idea... But just know somehow. .. As I believe you need to give of yourself lots, before you can be rewarded. .. and you cant be expecting to be rewarded. .. the universe rewards those who give more than they recieve. ..

I made a youTube video, .. explaining in short what im upto.
.. oh ya, please donate to WWF Canada inrt of my ride. .. every dollar counts.
Your all awsome!

Economist.com

2007-11-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Economist.com

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=10064474&fsrc=RSS

Oil
Super-spiked
Nov 1st 2007From Economist.com
The oil price should fall—eventually

>I'm posting this link to this article on the facebook group 'High Gas Princes are a good thing'
>Read the article to its enirty and not skim. ... Think about that next time you get in your car. ... If gas price was not subsidised and you paid the real amount... would you still drive down to the store? .. or would you get on a jacket or umbrella and just walk? .. a food for thought.

'MidEast Oil Forever?': Part I | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist

2007-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

'MidEast Oil Forever?': Part I Gristmill: The environmental news blog Grist

This is an interesting article... I dont yet know how to facebook it, so for now it shows up as a link.

>Gristmill, that's a great site for environmental issues. :) ... this should get sent to facebook automatically. .. Lets see.

Have a great day.
Sam

6 months later, and over 10,000 photos .. and a new website http://virtualbikeride.blogspot.com - A

2007-11-01T03:50:00.001-07:00

Good morning, good afternoon and goodnight. .. To all my facebook people, and to those who stumble upon my website somehow.

Today is November 1st, 2007. It was may 1st, when i Flew into Victoria International Airport, in British Columbia Canada. Having packed up my belongings and stored them in the lundry room of my old roommates condo in Mississauga, where i spent the last 5 years or so working on a property maintenance business. .. I served the area where i lived, with a simply business of doing essentially whatever kind of yardwork they people needed done, where they eithor couldnt do themselves, or no time, or dont know how, or simply didnt want to, and would rather pay someone.

So i brought that business up to the level where i could hire some helpers and a manager to go around to each property and make sure that th jobs are done right. ... I could have brought that business up to a higher level... however, there was a draw back. .. I would need to always be in the area, and ready to look after clients on short notice. ....

After a fall of doing more leaves than i can physically handle, and having my rest days being physical rest days. ... I realived that my dgoals werent being acomplished. .. and at the current business structure, i couldnt see a way f making it happen.

So after many hours at Starbucks, and writing many notes. ... I discovered that the only way was to go for it. ...

One of the things on my top 100 things todo before i die is to Bike across canada. .. one of those Crazy audatious goals. ... But alway in ther back of my mind. .. I watched a DVD called 'Discover Canada' and it was a fly over across canada. .. awsome. ... and going on google earth, and just looking down and seeing just how magnificent the country really is. ...

(My stuff being given away and packed up)

So... to sell off my belongings and store the remainder. .. having no rent to pay and just the bike. I figure that physically i am able to cycle the distance, i started searching online about others who have gone across canada, and found out that the distance was 75kms' with a max of 120. .. If i could handle that with any type of weather. .. I should be good going across canada.

So in January after hearing of the news of the Uited national pannel on climate change, they they finally agreed that climat echange is a problem. .. I decided, that all the pieces are in place, and i'll figure it out on my own. ... Some how. .. I learned that it was 75pert mental and 25 percent physical for the challenge, and i figured it was worth it (and it has been so far)

So doing some trainingrides, and the CN Tower stair climb before. .. having done it 2 times, the spring and the fall. .. with each time better... its a physical challge but i knew i could handle it. .. an getting an OK from my doctor as im physically set. .. I figure theres nothing stopping me.

...

So now i'ts 6 months later, where i am in ireland right now. I completed a full 98 day treck from Port Renfrew, BC to Regina Saskatchewan, haveing just a few flats and different bike parts fixed, and skipping sections.because of the tire blow out, and more broken spoked... having switched to road tires for praries (but not properly tuning the bike for it).. Thinking that next time through i'll keep the hybred tires, as when i need to get off the road (a little off roading (where there is no shoulder or do back roads, th semislick tires can handle it, when the road bike all weather tires, cant.)

.. So having already cycled country claire, and Killarney National park (just a loop around the town area, not the ring of kerry). and now cycling from Galway up along the coast roads and now to Letterfrack. (i missed a section, bit will catch it later as i know someone who lives in Clifden. ..

So now, having a place where i can store my camping gear and my backpack with the other stuff which i dont ugh cycling with a laptop does make for some extra challenge. .. as theres alway an issue with getting wireless internet, and being extra carefull with the panner bags. .. I wouldnt have th elaptop if doing the rest of canada now, as i cant carry camping gear as well.... that's just too much stuff.

So now sitting in an old monestry in Ireland, a place where i never dreamed actually i didn, but it was far fetched. .. where last night was a traditional haloween party with a fiddle player and singer and guitar and hamonica with people dancing the irish rhythm. ... a buz in the are that's conagious. .. Awsome. .. and this morning having a breakfast where its short but everyone downstairs in the dining room at the same time... again the buzz in the air... with all the old things all around. .. Pritty cool. .. and travelers i meet al with way, and discussing where weve been and where were headed. .. Awsome!.

So sitting back, and taking in all whats around me. .. Do i have regrets? .. nope, none at all. .. I know that those clients all found alternaves for there property, and everyone continues on with there lives. .. As it turned out, another one of the things i wanted todo, and now did, was to see the house where i lived when i was 2 years old and lived there for 3 years. ... An awsome experience, as the people all arround all remembered me... like a homecomming... so nice, and the neighbours who were the same age as myself and my sisters? ... well, there the ones who are holding my stuff for me. ... Awsome how things work out.

So now just having a mailing address in Mississauga, and having a suitcase at my uncles, and and old travel trunck of photos and those things i couldn bare to toss, at my grandmas. ... Im totally free to go where i please.

I realize that my purpose, about giving more of myself hasnt really been acomplished yet. .. and how when i canvasing for WWF Canada, how i was able to raise funds for that CN Tower stair climb back in April 2006. .. That was really something. .. I reze that i got more out of that, than the yard work i was doing. .. I also remmeber how back in Colege i wa active with Vaulinterring with the Student Government, and really enjoyed that. .. No pay, but great satisfaction of that.

...

Im writing this for those who think im nuts. ... yesterday i met someone like that, who after telling what im doing, yep, they think im nuts. ... and for those, i simply smile, and continue on explaing what im doing. .. and people love to see all the photos. ..

Since there is now over 10,000 phots there are many photos that i havent seen myself. .. so goin gthrought them is an experience for me too :)

...

So to conclude this blog entry, as it's rather long... but will make a good point for my book when published... is to cover what the next 6 months are in store for me.

... Novemer to may 1st.

In may i want to be back in Victoria with a road crew of people, who can help along and video me and my bike, where i internview people along the way ting to them about climate change and the human impact on the environemtn. .. and alsy using GPS and covering the tracks which i lost and already have, and refining my route across canada. .. So meeting up with more people along the and saying good bye to those who cant travel the full distance. .. As it wont be until the fall when the trip (across canada) is complete, part of me wants todo the seon from Regina Saskatchewan to Cape Spear Newfoundland alone. .. as going solo is an awsome experience. .. however, i can still have the crew along, but following along digially and over the phone and snail mail etc.

So for this month of november, my 1st goal is to raise 1,000cdn for WWF Canada. .. the 2nd goal is to cycle a og country galway and make my way up the coast, covering all the coastal roads and still taking zillions of photos. and GPS tracking along the way.

...

For December/January/February/March/April. ..

Well in april i want tothe CN Tower climb again, and this time have a large display and advertise to all the climbers just what im doing.

I also want to raise funds for the TransCanada Trail Foundation, as some of the route iam taking falls on the transcanada trail. .. So i'd like to have this organizations name on placks across canada :).

My other goal is to set up this company as an actual legal non profit organization or maybe for profit, however, having people contridute directly to WWF Canada, makes it easier more me (i think so far). .. this way it can be set up as a company an i can have some staff and pay them, and actually get this thing off the grouund.

So for now, i keep on cycling and drawing an outline of Ireland on my GPS map... showing it on Google earth. .. and on CrazyGuyOnAbike.com and on GPS waypionts.com and other sites i can find for it.

So i look forward to anyorther 6 months of travel and adventures, and keeping in touch with everyone along the way. ...

Every one of your comments, the posatives and negatives, are all helpful as they help mold this idea into something AWSOME!

Hoppe your all doing great!

Take care, and till next post.

Sam Vekemans

(currently in Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland)

virtualbikeride.blogspot.com

P.S. here's a link to my photo collection

http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadarideforclimate/

and to my Google Earth Community site

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php?Cat=0&Board=EarthTravel&Number=1026919&fpart=&PHPSESSID=

and to my Crazyguyone a bike.com site

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/canadarideforclimate

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100_4911 Lana the Bike in Grandforks, BC

2007-10-31T13:32:00.001-07:00

100_4911
Originally uploaded by Sam Vekemans

Here's Lana the Bike in Grandforks, BC ... Lets see how this works.
:)

Flickr

2007-10-31T12:58:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Day 181 Clifden, Ireland (walking) 29 Oct 07 - a photoset on Flickr

2007-10-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Day 181 Clifden, Ireland (walking) 29 Oct 07 - a photoset on Flickr

Hi everyone, here's my latest photo set i uploaded onto flickr.
It was from a couple days ago just walking around Clifden.
Cheers,
Sam

New Website - A Virtual Bike Ride For WWF Canada

2007-10-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

Hi all, this is the 1st post for the new blog website. .. Soon many things will be done. .. But 1st this post.

In short, virtualbikeride.blogspot.com will be the new site where many posts can be added to. ..
One of the reasons this came up us because of the need todo many things at once.

The 1st goal is to raise funds for WWF Canada. .. The Goal for November is to raise $1,000cdn. .. All donations go directly through the WWF Canada website. I have make my own group fundraising site, were people can donate to WWF Canada, this is were my progress will be shown and published.

The 2nd goal is to create a blog site where everyone can post their comments and findings related to the Climate change issue. .. Overtime, through the posts, will see what kinds of issues get notes more frequently. ... Mainly about Gas Price, pollution, Use of Technology, ... and what others have seen while on the trails. So i'll be posting things i find about current events, and different ideas and things i can share.

The 3rd goal is to have a place were the work in progress is stored for creating an actually GPS XD Data Card, where someone can get th data card, and go online and download the latest version update. .. Or download it directly to a new data card. ... and it will hold the Entire Hybred Mountain bike route Across anada. (Another Data Card/Downlaodable file for Ireland). Showing the most recommended route that every other cyclist has done before hand, and posted their route online. .. along with showing photos and videos and weblinks, (for those devices which can handle it).. and the Google Earth Version. .. Showing all the Tourist offices and Tourist information places (posted map signs), all the area information signs. ... Posting all the pysical trail marker signs. .. and showing where all the Campsites, Motels, B&B's, Hotels and rest areas are. .. and Most Importantly showing where all the Bike Shops and Outdoor supply stores, and food stores are.

.... That might seem like alot, however, because it's all already posted on Google Maps, and Google Earth, and on many community website (eg. hostels.com) it makes it easy to keep updated. .. and because it's digital, there is no paper map of this route (as once its printed, it becomes out of date)

So essentially, the goal is to make this site, a source for those who want to do a great bike ride across canada, and around ireland. .. and have it as a resource. .. as well as a source for those who have already gone across country, or did a section of the route, and a way to corrct and modify the information on the map.

I look forward to seeing this site mold and develope. .. Like everything, this is a work in progress.

Enjoy,

Cheers,

Sam Vekemans

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