Okay, well, I haven't posted in awhile, but I'm still around. Here's my little update on things gone by:
July 12 - I went to Brampton to meet my auntie for an event, and promptly got hit by a car 5 minutes after getting off the Go Train. I've decided Brampton is possibly the most cycling unfriendly city I've ever encountered. Long story short, I was super angry, the woman who hit me paid for my new wheel, and the bike was at Cyclepath in Brampton until last night when I picked it up.
All that said -- the guys at Cyclepath there are GREAT! And totally helped me out as I was dirty, hurt, angry, and trying to hold it together in shock of being hit by a car. They gave me a clean cloth to use in their washroom and room to leave my stuff while I went in search of a drink, and even hooked me up with a few instant ice packs. Great people - definitely recommend the shop.
Luckily it seems that my injuries were largely superficial. The Chiropractor has made some comments about how my back is out of alignment, and I've got bruise and some road rash, but I'm okay, and live to bike again.
This week I've been busy looking after final preparations. I've booked my hostel for the 2nd night in Mtl, I ordered a ton of instant ice packs today to use in the evenings, and last week my mom took me to MEC and bought me some nice new shorts, a shirt and a sweater. I just need to pack, clean and relube the chain, and possibly do one more training ride.... honestly though, cycling is the last thing on my mind right now!
So this weekend my team is riding 100k to Campbellville and back. I'm not sure if I"m going to go or not, mostly because I'm a little afraid of the bike's new components, and want to take it on a slightly shorter ride first. Or maybe I'm feeling lazy ---- I'm not really sure! Either way, I'm considering biking out to Clarkson and back on Sunday instead, because 70k will give me the feedback to make any changes, and isn't too short a ride. I'm wondering if I'm punking out though.
So fundraising is done, health forms are faxed in, rooms are booked, now its just a matter of getting there in one piece.
Will that be the hardest part?
Showing posts with label Bike Rally 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bike Rally 2009. Show all posts
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
100k training ride DONE!
Yay - did my 100 km training ride last weekend. It was a tough route, but good.
The whole process of the rides has inspired me to really think about why I like doing this long-distance cycling thing.... and I really think it's the same reason I liked training for the half-marathon.
Endurance activities are a delicate balance of mental and physical, at least in my world. I'll never be the fastest, my body isn't naturally athletic, but I've learned that it takes more stubbornness and preparation than anything to do endurance sports.
I like them because something happens to you in the middle of a long run or ride - and by long I mean long, a 20km run, or a 100km ride:
You start out confident, because it's just a little bit further than the last one.
And then you hit the first hill, or headwind, or rough terrain, and it gets hard FAST, you suddenly start to wonder if you've bitten off more than you can chew. Maybe you're not enough
You do a quarter of the distance and tell yourself it'll be okay - only three more of those.
You push through your first half and take a short break, at that point you're feeling enthused because you made it to the turn point -- but in the back of your mind there's a tiny voice asking you how the hell you're going to get going again.
Somewhere between the beginning of that 2nd half, and the 3/4 mark the mental part kicks in. It starts to physically HURT, and it starts to hurt BAD. Your body is revolting against you, you're getting sharp pains where you haven't gotten them before, and all your muscles are protesting. Your brain starts beating you down; you're not fast enough, fit enough, strong enough. What is your backup plan when this inevitably fails and you have to call a taxi? Everything hurts and you want to cry because you obviously suck at being sporty, but you tell yourself to keep pushing on, a cab is way too expensive from the middle of nowhere anyways -- wait until you make it into the city limits and can catch the bus.
And then something happens....... it all changes in a second. Suddenly you realize your joints don't hurt anymore - you have beat your body into submission and now it's just doing it. You realize you've come really effin' far. You realize you only have an hour to go, and at least it's still light out. You start planning your next seven meals. You fly down hills, and make your way up them in a matter of fact way. Suddenly you're the most talented athlete in the world (it also helps that at this point the super-riders in their super-spandex have already finished, gone home, and you're surrounded by those of a similar caliber as yourself).
You finish sore, but ultimately realize it was worth it. You sit carefully on the subway to head home, vaguely proud of the heinous athletic odor surrounding you and the errant grease accenting your now define muscles.
In a matter of hours, you've gone from confidence, to rock bottom, to the top of the world. And you went really far in the process.
THAT is why I like endurance sports.
The whole process of the rides has inspired me to really think about why I like doing this long-distance cycling thing.... and I really think it's the same reason I liked training for the half-marathon.
Endurance activities are a delicate balance of mental and physical, at least in my world. I'll never be the fastest, my body isn't naturally athletic, but I've learned that it takes more stubbornness and preparation than anything to do endurance sports.
I like them because something happens to you in the middle of a long run or ride - and by long I mean long, a 20km run, or a 100km ride:
You start out confident, because it's just a little bit further than the last one.
And then you hit the first hill, or headwind, or rough terrain, and it gets hard FAST, you suddenly start to wonder if you've bitten off more than you can chew. Maybe you're not enough
You do a quarter of the distance and tell yourself it'll be okay - only three more of those.
You push through your first half and take a short break, at that point you're feeling enthused because you made it to the turn point -- but in the back of your mind there's a tiny voice asking you how the hell you're going to get going again.
Somewhere between the beginning of that 2nd half, and the 3/4 mark the mental part kicks in. It starts to physically HURT, and it starts to hurt BAD. Your body is revolting against you, you're getting sharp pains where you haven't gotten them before, and all your muscles are protesting. Your brain starts beating you down; you're not fast enough, fit enough, strong enough. What is your backup plan when this inevitably fails and you have to call a taxi? Everything hurts and you want to cry because you obviously suck at being sporty, but you tell yourself to keep pushing on, a cab is way too expensive from the middle of nowhere anyways -- wait until you make it into the city limits and can catch the bus.
And then something happens....... it all changes in a second. Suddenly you realize your joints don't hurt anymore - you have beat your body into submission and now it's just doing it. You realize you've come really effin' far. You realize you only have an hour to go, and at least it's still light out. You start planning your next seven meals. You fly down hills, and make your way up them in a matter of fact way. Suddenly you're the most talented athlete in the world (it also helps that at this point the super-riders in their super-spandex have already finished, gone home, and you're surrounded by those of a similar caliber as yourself).
You finish sore, but ultimately realize it was worth it. You sit carefully on the subway to head home, vaguely proud of the heinous athletic odor surrounding you and the errant grease accenting your now define muscles.
In a matter of hours, you've gone from confidence, to rock bottom, to the top of the world. And you went really far in the process.
THAT is why I like endurance sports.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sore! and somewhat crispy.
Well -- my weekend was full of check marks in the "win" column.
Friday my Bike Rally Fundraising got a major boost --- THANK YOU to all who've donated already! It's such a relief to be nearly 90% done my fundraising requirements to participate in the rally, and it's such an encouragement in the middle of those really long training rides (seriously - my brain goes: "Must not quit, lots of people have already committed their support, must keep going!")
Anyways - first soccer game in YEARS was on Saturday morning. Am not a good soccer player, but had fun. And managed to touch the ball more than once, so that was good. Unfortunately, my team - the "Maroon Team" lost, 4-0. But oh well.
And yesterday went out for the 74km Finch-Aurora Training Ride. WHOH! What a ride. It really digs down into your guts. I tried to think of clever synopses for each chunk of the ride.... here's what I can remember.
Start (0km) - Finch Subway Station, 9:40. Group stretching, Announcements. No one else from my team was at the ride that day, but everyone's pretty friendly....
10km - onto Leslie Street, heading North out of the city. Have been climbing hills since beginning and realizing that they're just getting bigger. Am entering that "Zen phase" where I realize I don't have a $2000 bike, am not the fastest, and am committed to just keepin' going.
15km - hate hills. Hate climbing hills in a headwind.
20km - hate hills, possibly hate myself as well. Bike rally was a dumb idea. Am cycling by myself now, occasionally catching up to Les who's in front of me. Try singing show tunes to take my mind off hills.
25km - The map says the turn off Leslie comes at the bottom of a big downhill.... have only been going uphill, in a headwind, so far, looking forward to the promise of a downhill. Hope the map people weren't wrong.
27km - short downhill then a sharp curving uphill, I get off and walk the bike up the last half of the hill. My knees thank me. Only another 50km to go! ARRGH! Still sort of hate myself.
28km - Whoo hoo. Found the downhill - turned onto the side road, must be close to break time now! That means close to the half way point. Turn on the side road to find another hill ARGH! Really love my camel back - water in a tube is great.
32 km - wow, this is actually a nice ride in the country. Hmmm, wonder where I am. Rolling hills are more entertaining than straight hills... I think. Don't want to climb more hills.
34km - Hurray, break at Tim Hortons in Aurora! Eat a Fibre 1 bar, chat, eat some fruit snacks, drink some gatorade. Change the tire that blows ride before I'm ready to leave. Luckily a nice guy helps me by pumping me up with his awesome pump. Make dirty jokes about small chambers being easier to pump. Back on the road!
36km - ARGH. More hills. Glad I didn't bring a cellphone. May have called a cab by now. Sing songs about bike riding to myself.
41km - Keele Street, Huge Rolling Hills, rolling hills are good for breaks and momentum. Am flying. Achieve new top speed of 60.4k/hr - that's FAST on a bike! Am also bringing up my average ride speed to closer to 20k an hour - good stuff.
50km - Realize King City looks quite nice, come into Vaughan and give an audible "Holy F*ck!" when I realize I'm coming at Canada's Wonderland from the north...... realize how far we biked up all those damn hills! Realize I might not actually hate myself and that I'll have the best exercise high when this is done. At 50km done I realize there's only about 23km left and am briefly excited, untilI realize how wierd it is to be excited at ONLY 20+k left.
60km - Home stretch. Am feeling it, but muscles have succumbed to their punishment and are just pressing ahead.
67km - Catch up to the two men I've been leapfrogging with since the break, decide to ride in slowly behind them to try and cool down.
72km - Done! Stretching, congratulating others, stretching. Leave to buy timbits. Eat all of bought timbits on the way home.
The rest of my day went something like this: TTC home, horrible sore ride from the subway station. Get home, stretch, greet kitties, shower (best shower ever!), curl up on the sofa and sleep! Wake up, eat pasta, back to bed!
Woke up this morning to the worst sunburn ever! Lesson learned. Also making a mental note of things I need to buy - new shorts and gloves are at the top of the list.
Friday, May 22, 2009
mmm, what have I been doing?
It's been BUSY lately! Or maybe it just feels that way because I just sent in the budget for work and the invoice on the same day, and I've been in and out and around lately!
I was sick a couple of weeks ago, horribly ill with a cough that hurt my lungs. I tried really hard to wrestle through a short training ride the Saturday I was sick... and I think Martha and I went about 40km or so (maybe a bit more), before I threw in the towel. It was probably pretty pathetic to see, imagine me in full bike gear, with some awesome legwarmers on, hunched over my handlebars hacking a lung up - pretty.
Then last week we went White Water Rafting - which was COLD! But fun, and way more work than I thought it'd be! Combine that with a bunch of nature walks and I spent the whole Holiday Monday sleeping!
Mar and I have decided that it's imperative that we start biking mid-week, so we've arranged a standing date to meet after work to do the exercise thing. Last week we did a really solid, and fast, 45km - it was awesome, and celebrated by a fantastic Griffin-burger!
So this weekend I am playing soccer (eep!) on Saturday, and biking 74km on Sunday. Sounds fun doesn't it? I already have the ice packs in the freezer!
I was sick a couple of weeks ago, horribly ill with a cough that hurt my lungs. I tried really hard to wrestle through a short training ride the Saturday I was sick... and I think Martha and I went about 40km or so (maybe a bit more), before I threw in the towel. It was probably pretty pathetic to see, imagine me in full bike gear, with some awesome legwarmers on, hunched over my handlebars hacking a lung up - pretty.
Then last week we went White Water Rafting - which was COLD! But fun, and way more work than I thought it'd be! Combine that with a bunch of nature walks and I spent the whole Holiday Monday sleeping!
Mar and I have decided that it's imperative that we start biking mid-week, so we've arranged a standing date to meet after work to do the exercise thing. Last week we did a really solid, and fast, 45km - it was awesome, and celebrated by a fantastic Griffin-burger!
So this weekend I am playing soccer (eep!) on Saturday, and biking 74km on Sunday. Sounds fun doesn't it? I already have the ice packs in the freezer!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
An Introductory Post --- I guess.....
I've really been trying to work on the fundraising support lately, which means I'm also directing people to check out my blog... and it occurred to me that here is the place to put that long-winded description (that was cut out of the emails) of the Rally & WHY I'm doing it.
At every Rally meeting I've attended so far the first two questions are "How did you hear about it?" and "Why are you doing it?".
First: The How.
A couple of years ago I had a friend who signed up for it. He never ended up making it to the rally, and dropped out halfway through the training --- but at the time I thought it sounded great. I didn't even own a bike then.
The Why:
On New Years I realized that 2008 felt like a total bust for me in terms of accomplishing goals. I spent the year working at the same job I've worked in since shortly after Graduation, a bad sprain in late 2007 meant that I couldn't run in the 2008 season, and I wasn't any better off financially, socially, or feeling like I did any real personal growth. The one thing I DID do in 2008 was buy a bike - a second-hand Aquila Road bike, I took a basic repair course and I spent one weekend cycling in Niagara with the Toronto Bicycle Network. In January I was reminded again of the rally and decided to sign up - if I accomplished nothing else in 2009 at least I knew I rode my bike all the way from Toronto to Montreal, and that sounded pretty awesome.
The Rally & PWA
I didn't really get behind the whole charity-aspect of the Rally until I started attending the preparation meetings. There I met the great people who run the Toronto People with AIDS foundation, learned about the services they offer, and most importantly - - I met people who live with HIV/AIDS, and heard about their experiences with the disease. I realized then that HIV/AIDS was something I'd always been aware of, but that it had been pushed to the back of my, and many of my friends', subconscious as we weren't aware that we knew anyone personally affected. Since I've become involved with the Rally I've learned of at least one person I know with HIV/AIDS, and I've also learned that it is reaching epidemic proportions within the Aboriginal Community. I also believe strongly in PWA's goal to provide direct, practical support to those who live with HIV/AIDS - and really feel like this is an organization that I am glad to be raising awareness and funds for.
The Preparation
The Bike Rally is at the end of July, all fundraising monies must be in and accounted for by June. In addition to this there is training that must be done.
Training Rides (beginning at 34km and ramping up to 120+km) take place every weekend between now and the rally. I have also joined a recreational soccer league to provide some cross-training. After nearly a year of mostly-inactivity I'm a little sad to admit that I am physically larger than I've ever been, and have a long road ahead to get back into shape. It'll happen though, and I'm excited to be participating this year.
That's about it for now I guess --- let me know if you have any questions!
At every Rally meeting I've attended so far the first two questions are "How did you hear about it?" and "Why are you doing it?".
First: The How.
A couple of years ago I had a friend who signed up for it. He never ended up making it to the rally, and dropped out halfway through the training --- but at the time I thought it sounded great. I didn't even own a bike then.
The Why:
On New Years I realized that 2008 felt like a total bust for me in terms of accomplishing goals. I spent the year working at the same job I've worked in since shortly after Graduation, a bad sprain in late 2007 meant that I couldn't run in the 2008 season, and I wasn't any better off financially, socially, or feeling like I did any real personal growth. The one thing I DID do in 2008 was buy a bike - a second-hand Aquila Road bike, I took a basic repair course and I spent one weekend cycling in Niagara with the Toronto Bicycle Network. In January I was reminded again of the rally and decided to sign up - if I accomplished nothing else in 2009 at least I knew I rode my bike all the way from Toronto to Montreal, and that sounded pretty awesome.
The Rally & PWA
I didn't really get behind the whole charity-aspect of the Rally until I started attending the preparation meetings. There I met the great people who run the Toronto People with AIDS foundation, learned about the services they offer, and most importantly - - I met people who live with HIV/AIDS, and heard about their experiences with the disease. I realized then that HIV/AIDS was something I'd always been aware of, but that it had been pushed to the back of my, and many of my friends', subconscious as we weren't aware that we knew anyone personally affected. Since I've become involved with the Rally I've learned of at least one person I know with HIV/AIDS, and I've also learned that it is reaching epidemic proportions within the Aboriginal Community. I also believe strongly in PWA's goal to provide direct, practical support to those who live with HIV/AIDS - and really feel like this is an organization that I am glad to be raising awareness and funds for.
The Preparation
The Bike Rally is at the end of July, all fundraising monies must be in and accounted for by June. In addition to this there is training that must be done.
Training Rides (beginning at 34km and ramping up to 120+km) take place every weekend between now and the rally. I have also joined a recreational soccer league to provide some cross-training. After nearly a year of mostly-inactivity I'm a little sad to admit that I am physically larger than I've ever been, and have a long road ahead to get back into shape. It'll happen though, and I'm excited to be participating this year.
That's about it for now I guess --- let me know if you have any questions!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Things that must be begged, borrowed or bought....
A preliminary list of things I need for the ride:
Bike Stuff -
- Tires (low-priority, but look into new tires with a less-tight bead to get them on/off easier).
- Handlebars (again, low-priority - - but if time/money allows then have the bar/stem swapped out for something that fits better to my short girl-arms)
- Handlebar Bag (for holding things like sunscreen, sunglasses, money, etc...)
Clothing -
- 2nd pair of cycling gloves
- 3rd pair of cycling shorts
- 1 jersey
- water-resistant, breathable jacket - that packs down small.
- some headbands for under the helmet
- possibly a new pair of cycling shoes.
Equipment -
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Bowl, Plate, Cup, utensils
- Air mattress
- Mesh bag
Hmmmmmm.... come to think of it, that list isn't so bad. Way shorter than I expected. I was at the Spring Bike Show last weekend and picked up tubes, a minipump, and a camelback. Maybe I'm being a little naive, but I don't really see how all the necessities will fill two Rubbermaid Tubs up completely - I see one being for clothes/personal items and the other being for camping stuff and bike equipment -- but even then????
Mmmm -- I'm sure the overpacking beast will emerge sooner or later.
Bike Stuff -
- Tires (low-priority, but look into new tires with a less-tight bead to get them on/off easier).
- Handlebars (again, low-priority - - but if time/money allows then have the bar/stem swapped out for something that fits better to my short girl-arms)
- Handlebar Bag (for holding things like sunscreen, sunglasses, money, etc...)
Clothing -
- 2nd pair of cycling gloves
- 3rd pair of cycling shorts
- 1 jersey
- water-resistant, breathable jacket - that packs down small.
- some headbands for under the helmet
- possibly a new pair of cycling shoes.
Equipment -
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Bowl, Plate, Cup, utensils
- Air mattress
- Mesh bag
Hmmmmmm.... come to think of it, that list isn't so bad. Way shorter than I expected. I was at the Spring Bike Show last weekend and picked up tubes, a minipump, and a camelback. Maybe I'm being a little naive, but I don't really see how all the necessities will fill two Rubbermaid Tubs up completely - I see one being for clothes/personal items and the other being for camping stuff and bike equipment -- but even then????
Mmmm -- I'm sure the overpacking beast will emerge sooner or later.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friends for Life Bike Rally - 2009
So after thinking about it for awhile I decided not to make a whole 'nother place for myself on the web just to chronicle my adventures with this year's sporty endeavour - that is, the 600k cycling rally from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
Training hasn't really started yet. All I've managed to do so far is get The Beast out of the Garage one day to cycle to work. It left me winded, with a sore ass - but good start!
I just got the training schedule, and have fundraised about 25% of the money needed so far. The whole fundraising thing makes me nervous as hell, but I'm excited to take the ride on.
So here we are - the running training blog has been co-opted while I do the Cycling Thing for the next year or so. If I ever run again I'll be amazed to be honest, I don't really miss the PAIN that comes along with it.
I'm WAY more a fan of coasting along with the wind blowing in my hair and the only thing I need to remember is to unclip when I stop at intersections.
Awesome.
Training hasn't really started yet. All I've managed to do so far is get The Beast out of the Garage one day to cycle to work. It left me winded, with a sore ass - but good start!
I just got the training schedule, and have fundraised about 25% of the money needed so far. The whole fundraising thing makes me nervous as hell, but I'm excited to take the ride on.
So here we are - the running training blog has been co-opted while I do the Cycling Thing for the next year or so. If I ever run again I'll be amazed to be honest, I don't really miss the PAIN that comes along with it.
I'm WAY more a fan of coasting along with the wind blowing in my hair and the only thing I need to remember is to unclip when I stop at intersections.
Awesome.
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