Tai's Cycling Journeys

Real cyclists should not read this; you won't be impressed. I am just a commuter.

Flesherton to Craigleith, July 95. 45 km. A camping trip on bikes, Kath and I rode to Lake Eugenia and had a swim part way. Then it was a long, seriously vertical rollercoaster through the Beaver Valley. Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis are part of this geography. This was actually the hottest day of the year, so there were many stops to refill water bottles. Some bitching on my part, since I had a rack and a heavy bike and Kath had a Kona and no rack. Finally you glimpse the Lake, and come down a long descent to the old railroad track trail that leads you to Craigleith Provincial Park. Of course you have to jump off the bikes and into the bay as soon as you get there. The ride home is never quite as exciting. Note to self: Next time you bicycle-camp, find something lighter than the cast-iron frying pan to cook in.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Tour, Niagara Falls. Sept 96. 85 km. It rained most of the way, although it was dry for the start and the finish. I got ahead of Trish for a while but she caught up while I was having lunch. Easy to get cold when you're riding for a couple hours in the rain and wind, and not going at your top speed. A very satisfying (long) ride, though, and the Falls are beautiful. Nice country.

Becel Ride for Heart, on the Don Valley Parkway, June 98. 50 km. With Netcom crew. Might have been Jeff's last big ride, considering how his knee felt. Dave and Mishka blew by everyone and finished before the rest of us reached half-way. Great snacks on this benefit ride.

Hardwood Hills 24 Hours of Adrenalin 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, with pix!

Becel Ride for Heart, on the Don Valley Parkway, June 99. 50 km. With Netcom crew again. This ride made me realize that I need cycling shorts. Thing just shouldn't tingle in that fashion. I had never thought there was such thing as a bad tingle, but there is. I rode most of the way back with Tyler, until I had to dust his ass and move on. Dave had 6 flats due to some defective rim taping, and Mishka was once again resting comfortably by the time anyone else returned.

Becel Ride for Heart, on the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway, 4 June 2000. 50 km. With the long-time Netcom/AT&T Canada crew. A good time, as always, and I actually pushed myself to get to the front of the pack and ride a little fast this time. Talked to some nice folks, some cool cats on recumbents, and screamed back (it's downhill) faster than ever. I was still beaten soundly by all the real cyclists. Snacks weren't as good as in the past.

Dundas Valley with Jawn, 13 Jul 2002. Pics to come. :) DSCN2123.JPG and DSCN2124.JPG.

Mountain Biking 101 at Hardwood Hills with JL, 17 Jun 2006. Rob Fex was our leader, and he went through students pretty quickly. On the other hand, everyone survived and learned. I gave him a good review. We rode Sprockids, then Fun, then part of Serious. The switchbacks on Serious got the better of JL and she high-sided. A few bruises. Note to self: get JL some glasses and gloves.

File: http://www.eastpole.ca/sports/bike/index.html
Created: 23 Sep 99, 12:33:12 
Updated: 21 Jun 06, 14:56:30