Training ride 3 - Kennedy Zoo Loop - 42km

Today was grey and chilly with the threat of rain. I decided to wear my new shorts to give them a try. While parts of me were glad that I did, my legs were a bit cold by the end of the ride.

We started out from Kennedy station and wound our way past the zoo. I wasn't sure if it was me, but other riders agreed that there was a definite whiff of zoo as we passed. I've been up this way in a car in the past and I'm always amazed how you can be in the city one moment, and then suddenly its the countryside. There were all sorts of interesting features in today's route including several sets of train tracks and two metal bridges. There were also goodly number of hills, but I managed them.

After some time in Rouge Park we were back in civilization and I confess that I found the last leg of the route a bit dull, somehow strip malls and minivans aren't as charming as rivers and country churches.

Halfway - Thank You!

I'm halfway to my fundraising goal of $2000. Hearty thanks and appreciation to everyone who has sponsored me thus far. Tonight I came home and found an envelope in the mailbox for Bryn and me with a donation inside (it was very exciting!)

Tonight I was at one of the Bike Rally's excellent seminars. I learnt about basic bike maintenance at Velotique. Saul was an excellent teacher and I had quite a few "oh" and "ah" moments. I now know how to properly use my tire levers and am convinced not to try changing a tire with a Popsicle stick again. To put in a wee plug for Velotique, even before encountering them in the bike rally context, I've always found them to be very helpful and friendly. Their shop is a place where I have to exercise a great deal of self control. Ahhh the gadgets!

Training ride 2 - Kipling to Port Credit - 39 km

I didn't get lost this time! Okay, let me qualify, I didn't get lost on the ride; I got a bit lost trying to find the parking lot before the ride even started so it doesn't count.

This second training ride seemed a lot easier than the first ride. Perhaps that's because it was a lot warmer and there weren't any monster hills. We rode along Lakeshore Blvd West out of Toronto and into Mississauga. The route was quite pleasant once we left the more urban part of Toronto's west end. Port Credit was quite charming and there was a nice view at the break. The route wound up Mississauga Road past some very grand homes. I appreciated the blooming scilla and the lovely smell of cedar. The day was beautiful but I really need to start being diligent about wearing my sunscreen.

I took this ride pretty slowly. I think I can and should try to pick up my pace a bit so I'll give that a shot at next week's ride. Hopefully by then I'll get my bike computer working properly. Last week I forgot the receiver, this week it didn't seem to want to work (I think the sensor got a bit knocked around in the loading and unloading from the car).

Let them eat cake

Life isn't all about training. I've had some requests for photos of my latest baking creations. First off (and not terribly exciting looking) are some cupcakes I made for friends Josie and Carol for their birthday party. The icing was very popular and I have to give credit to Martha Stewart for the recipe.

The second creation was for my nephew Pippin's second birthday. It was supposed to be a monkey face but there was some debate as to whether it looked more like a bear. You be the judge. Its made from a round cake with mini bundt ears. The light brown icing was re-purposed from Josie and Carol's cupcakes with a little added brown tint. Pip's eyes lit up when he saw the cake. I think it was more because the cake was all for him (not a frequent occurrence when you're the youngest of four).

Training ride 1 - Finch - McCowan Ave 34 km

Slow and steady, that was my motto for today. Here I am all bright and keen to set out.

Today was the first training ride. I was pretty nervous not having spent much time on the bike yet this season. I did go out for a short ride last Saturday and it was snowing (chilly). Before today`s ride, I spent a lot of time looking at the map because frankly I don`t often cycle north of... well, St. Clair really. Despite my swotting up efforts I still managed to make a wrong turn. Lesson learnt: sometimes there`s a good reason you`re all alone... Thankfully I didn`t go too far before realizing my mistake. Back on track, I eventually made it to the end but I did have to walk up the hill on Cummer (the top half of the hill). I really need to practice my hill climbing. I was so SLOW on the hills. I do fine on the flat parts (downhill is also good). Hopefully it won`t be too hilly between here and Montreal.


Ah the sweet triumph! I need a nap.

Resisting Temptation

So I love Mini-Eggs. They're so tasty but I have thus far resisted them all Easter season (or Lent if you prefer). I'm very proud of myself but I do have a bag waiting for my enjoyment this weekend. Mmmmm...

Last week's training round-up (a little late)
Yoga: 90 mins
Cardio: 105 mins
Strength: 20 mins
Cycling training: 45 mins at about 92 RPM

Not bad, I think I deserve a Mini-egg or two (okay maybe more than two).