Kennedy Zoo Loop - 42 km

Last week I totally wimped out. It was cold and rainy and I just couldn't bring myself to go out. I figure I'm allowed one wimp out, that was it... no more. On Sunday I threw a fundraising kick-off party which was good fun. I made some thematic treats.

Cookies! Cupcakes!

This week we gathered at Kennedy subway station and there were a lot of us.

Gathering at Kennedy

We started off fairly well staggered but I think that most of the motorists out on Eglinton weren't very happy to see us. I've often thought that motorists don't know what to do with a cyclist (give space, signal your turn...). Then again, there are a number of cyclists who do our cause no favours by ignoring traffic rules. Most of us behaved ourselves and we got on fairly well. I tried to take picture of the pack of us slower folk moving along Eglinton but I don't know if you can see very well.

Look, cyclists in the distance

It's amazing how last week was so cold and this week was so warm. I took my jacket but decided to leave it in the car. I didn't need it at all. I was smart in that I remembered to apply sunscreen. I'm glad I did. I'm certainly more freckled but at least I'm not sunburnt. The route itself was fairly unspectacular and urban. The bit around the Rouge Valley had pretty potential but spring really hasn't progressed very far and everything is still quite brown. I was amazed by how much garbage and litter was hanging around, the Rouge could have done with some community clean up efforts.

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).