After a lot of talking about it I finally built up an electric bike. the main barrier was the cost (about $700 for the bike and $2k for the bionix set). The other issue was the law requires electric assist bikes stop helping at 30km/hr. A great bike shop in north Vancouver helped me solve this. I got a 20inch folding bike elect kit and re-spoked to 29inch (racer 700c). Now the bike runs at a top speed of 50km/hr but i have compromised torque for speed, so i still kind of work hard but its get me about quick. I have also had a thing for single speeds. I bought a Kona project 29er which is single speed mtn bike with big wheels, I am thinking of going back to a rear de-railer cos this thing is hard work on big hills and im worried its bad for the motor, all a bit of fun though.
this is the motor in the hub
the battery has a frame that hold panniers which is cool.
the control is pretty nice, you select the amount of assistance or generation you want, sadly the speed is all wrong because i changed the wheel diameter. its been working great, but the sad part is i may have to buy a car as well, im not sure how great this will be in the snow and with a 30km commute im not sure i can do it every day.
On another note i completed the SIV paragliding course last week. the scariest thing ive done in a long time, but i feel better flying now. basically you have 9 flights over a lake at 3000ft with a boat below you on the radio. the instructor talks you through collapses, spirals, stalls and spins, and helps you recover, if its goes bad you through your reserve and land in the lake. we had 2 people accidentally through reserves but i got lucky and my wing recovered nicely from each maneuver.
quote:
"You don't need to do an SIV (Simulated Incidence in flight/Vol), course to enjoy your flying. But if you want to fly in thermals and go Cross Country, (XC), then it is highly recommended to do one, because once you have the confidence and skill in your ability to control your wing in turbulance, then that frees up your mind to focus on the positive aspects of the flight like finding lift and flying far."Jocky Sanderson
It was a dream come true, skiing and flying on my favorite ski hill, at Revelstoke.
Mt Begbie in the back ground. Wonderful that the ski hill welcomes paragliders to fly. 
I met up with Nathan from Calgary. Really fun to meet up with friends to fly with, and share some suggestions on launching and landing in skis.
This is Heather, Mike and I on a trip with Mike's float plane, in near Nelson. amazing way to explore potential paragliding sites.
At home at Caurus House with Mum, Sister Sarah and Rachel.
Gordale - Yorkshire. a great return trip with dad. I was last here about 20 years ago. - seams much smaller now.
30yrs old and confused by a champagne bottle - oh dear! (Birthday in Seathwaite valley - favorite place to relax in the lakes)
A wonderful new years trip at Rogers Pass,
Maria touring up on a bluebird day
A great group for amazing ski days, L to R, Devin, me Kendall, Cailan, Maria,
that screw looks suspicious.....
This is a quick blog update from Christmas. above is the 2010 ymir ski group. absolutly amazing to have met such an excited backcountry ski bunch. Below was on our way to ski at the Kootenay Pass, first moose ive seen in Canada.
I spent the last couple of weeks working up at the Mica hydro generation dam north or Revelstoke, below is my new(ish) car with the 500kV switch gear behind. Its pretty cool if you like power generation and transmission.
and if we couldnt spin then we would front surf.....a lot.
There is no cell phone reception in New Denver and it pretty easy to depend to phones.
But it all worked out and we got a hitch hike back into town before dark and found our group.
Overall the best flight of my life. I am learning lots from Emmanuel, as he keeps pointing out that im missing the best thermals, but a great friend to fly with.
Cailan had to save me, I hadno energy left for the final 5.9 hand crack at the top of Snowpatch, Cailan climbed up to me and walked up the crux pitch to the top. Thanks man! picture - top on snowpatch, and im looking pretty tired.
Back at camp, we had an amazing group (left to right) DaveB, Jenn, Cailan, Alison, Antoine, Me.
We all climbed Bugaboo Spire together, here everyone on top, a precarious place for a group picture. 
After a lot of talking about it I finally built up an electric bike. the main barrier was the cost (about $700 for the bike and $2k for the bionix set). The other issue was the law requires electric assist bikes stop helping at 30km/hr. A great bike shop in north Vancouver helped me solve this. I got a 20inch folding bike elect kit and re-spoked to 29inch (racer 700c). Now the bike runs at a top speed of 50km/hr but i have compromised torque for speed, so i still kind of work hard but its get me about quick. I have also had a thing for single speeds. I bought a Kona project 29er which is single speed mtn bike with big wheels, I am thinking of going back to a rear de-railer cos this thing is hard work on big hills and im worried its bad for the motor, all a bit of fun though. 
this is the motor in the hub
the battery has a frame that hold panniers which is cool.
the control is pretty nice, you select the amount of assistance or generation you want, sadly the speed is all wrong because i changed the wheel diameter. its been working great, but the sad part is i may have to buy a car as well, im not sure how great this will be in the snow and with a 30km commute im not sure i can do it every day.
