I'm sometimes still absolutely amazed, I pulled into the parking lot on the north side of Copeland forest, sun was shinning, a nice temperature etc, etc and nothing. Not a single other car. I headed out with the dogs and for the next hour and a half, nothing. I road without the added stimulation of music, I need to do this from time to time just to remind myself how amazing the big backyard is. The only noise I heard, the dog's panting and the mechanical sounds of the bike. Silence, amazing.
As we rolled back to the car an hour and a half later, not seeing a single soul, we returned to yet a still empty parking lot. It's fun how there can always be such a huge hype about keeping things secret, some locals are anal about this. With the highest obesity levels ever and this continued greed to work and consume stuff so they keep up with their neighbours maybe we should be promoting these types of areas more, let these people see what they are missing.
I've been running the family business now for nearly 10 years, I'll be honest that if it wasn't for places like the big back yard and cycling in general I'd probably have had a nervous break down and a dozen ulcers. Cycling is an amazing stress relief and just being outside in the woods seems to clear the mind of all worries then bring things into clear focus. Mix that in with the deep breath of fresh air, it all equals balance. I know not everyone is capable of what some of us do but I guarantee that even at the minimal level there is more enjoyment, stimulation, and benefit from a 1 hour adventure in the woods than what any big screen tv can bring.
Get outside, get out of the city, come see what you're missing. Yes there is cell phone coverage in the woods in case you can't fully step away.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
3 in a row
This is the longest I've been off the bike in months, yesterday was the third day in a row. Scary is an understatement, I'm very surprised that my body isn't going int some sort of shock. Maybe muscle stiffness could be considered that. I've had pretty good reasons, of course those are modified excuses and they will come to an end tonight. The timing for everything has been pretty much perfect, recovery week started with Dr. Bill placing all my bones in line again. Snap crackle and pop, always a good time. By the time I finished my work day doing this very brain numbing product update for one of the manufactures I work for then the visit to Bill I was pretty much cooked and had little or no craving to pedal a bike.
On came Tuesday, this turned into yet another run around as quick as I could because there are not enough minutes in the day. Once the work world was done it was off to see my AT. Jennie spent the next hour and a half fixing all the muscular damage I'd done to my legs over the last three weeks of training. Yet again I was to trashed and it was too late for me to want to even look at a bike, couch bound number two.
Then came yesterday, I had every intention of spinning the legs out, I needed it, the legs needed it. I found myself again doing this mind number update which had me basically doing factory work. For a guy who isn't used to spending much more than 30 minutes in each customer's house followed by driving around lots this staying in one place doing the same thing over and over and over again had me looking for ways to take myself out of my misery. Lucky for me there was nothing close by for me to cut my head off with, I would have been able to continue working even without it. Unfortunately I will still have one more day of this in the very near future. The money is worth it, or is it. I have no idea how people can survive working in a factory.
After that I needed to get on the bike, as I pulled into the driveway yet again other things took over and smashed down the will to go. The fact that I was tired and a little stiff to start, add in the 40 km/h winds and the quickly dropping temperature it didn't take much before I knew it would be a nogo. So here I sit, sipping coffee, legs elevated, feeling pretty good. The sun has come up, the weather predictions are looking good, I'm back to doing my normal work day, I have two strung out dogs. Yes there are two here this morning. It will be a much more common thing in the next couple weeks and in the very near future it will be a permanent thing. As of last night Shannon's house, which has been on the market for 3 days, sold. After all in all this was pretty much the best birthday present I could get. It had us up later than normal with phone calls back in forth to the agent and considering all of that I'm not feeling tired. More relieved than anything. Maybe that's why the sun came up this morning????
Now I will say that the 1 pound solid chocolate Easter bunny I got drew a close second. For my own well being it's been put in the freezer out of temptation, it won't stop me but it could slow me down a little. Being older I know that frozen chocolate hurts the teeth and jaw. Tonight will be spent in the trails, having some fun, looking forward to what is yet to come. A great recovery week so far, and a fantastic birthday present.
On came Tuesday, this turned into yet another run around as quick as I could because there are not enough minutes in the day. Once the work world was done it was off to see my AT. Jennie spent the next hour and a half fixing all the muscular damage I'd done to my legs over the last three weeks of training. Yet again I was to trashed and it was too late for me to want to even look at a bike, couch bound number two.
Then came yesterday, I had every intention of spinning the legs out, I needed it, the legs needed it. I found myself again doing this mind number update which had me basically doing factory work. For a guy who isn't used to spending much more than 30 minutes in each customer's house followed by driving around lots this staying in one place doing the same thing over and over and over again had me looking for ways to take myself out of my misery. Lucky for me there was nothing close by for me to cut my head off with, I would have been able to continue working even without it. Unfortunately I will still have one more day of this in the very near future. The money is worth it, or is it. I have no idea how people can survive working in a factory.
After that I needed to get on the bike, as I pulled into the driveway yet again other things took over and smashed down the will to go. The fact that I was tired and a little stiff to start, add in the 40 km/h winds and the quickly dropping temperature it didn't take much before I knew it would be a nogo. So here I sit, sipping coffee, legs elevated, feeling pretty good. The sun has come up, the weather predictions are looking good, I'm back to doing my normal work day, I have two strung out dogs. Yes there are two here this morning. It will be a much more common thing in the next couple weeks and in the very near future it will be a permanent thing. As of last night Shannon's house, which has been on the market for 3 days, sold. After all in all this was pretty much the best birthday present I could get. It had us up later than normal with phone calls back in forth to the agent and considering all of that I'm not feeling tired. More relieved than anything. Maybe that's why the sun came up this morning????
Now I will say that the 1 pound solid chocolate Easter bunny I got drew a close second. For my own well being it's been put in the freezer out of temptation, it won't stop me but it could slow me down a little. Being older I know that frozen chocolate hurts the teeth and jaw. Tonight will be spent in the trails, having some fun, looking forward to what is yet to come. A great recovery week so far, and a fantastic birthday present.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Yet another day older
As I pour my cup of coffee this morning, look out the window at Bob the cat wondering what he may have killed today, I realized that I'm a year older. I don't feel any different, no more grey hair this morning than the ones I had yesterday which are cut, ripped or burned out. My body doesn't look any different, still that skinny body that seems to sometimes need a walker for assistance to move around, same as yesterday, same as last year. I question being any wiser all the time, with age it's supposed to happen, I am wiser about coffee, does that count? So pretty much the same thing as last year.
Now the only good thing with this, I'm one year closer to a different division. Not the special division, a change of age isn't needed to move here. I'll be kind and not smart ass the comment the single speeders out there. I'm more looking at true race divisions. I'll admit that it's tough going head to head with guys that I'm actually old enough to be there parent. The endurance categories are usually over 40 and under 40, minus the odd race with open classes. Sure they say with age that you have better endurance, yes this is true but with age also comes things like arthritis.
I'm not complaining, just comparing. I do admit that I do enjoy beating the younger guys, especially the ones that absolutely destroy me in a short race, but I am looking forward to that over 40 division. It won't be a cake walk by any means but the intensity seems to drop just a hair. Hell I'll be the young guy in the old division taking advantage of that and doing a beat down on 50 year old. Hmmm revenge is sweet. I'm a sick man. As I roll past the age of 38 I may start counting the days until that magical 40, like a kid counting down till his 16th birthday.
I forgot where I was going with this, I'll blame it on my old man memory. More coffee is needed, time for work
Now the only good thing with this, I'm one year closer to a different division. Not the special division, a change of age isn't needed to move here. I'll be kind and not smart ass the comment the single speeders out there. I'm more looking at true race divisions. I'll admit that it's tough going head to head with guys that I'm actually old enough to be there parent. The endurance categories are usually over 40 and under 40, minus the odd race with open classes. Sure they say with age that you have better endurance, yes this is true but with age also comes things like arthritis.
I'm not complaining, just comparing. I do admit that I do enjoy beating the younger guys, especially the ones that absolutely destroy me in a short race, but I am looking forward to that over 40 division. It won't be a cake walk by any means but the intensity seems to drop just a hair. Hell I'll be the young guy in the old division taking advantage of that and doing a beat down on 50 year old. Hmmm revenge is sweet. I'm a sick man. As I roll past the age of 38 I may start counting the days until that magical 40, like a kid counting down till his 16th birthday.
I forgot where I was going with this, I'll blame it on my old man memory. More coffee is needed, time for work
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Return to sender, fixed
Rest, aww it's so needed now. It's been a long building session, from this point on it's pretty much maintaining what I've built. No more 5-6 hour rides unless it's with a number plate strapped to my bike. It will be nice to start racing, I'm getting a little anxious to actually see where my legs and fitness are at once I have a couple rest days into me. The first test will be this weekend, it's going to hurt, it won't be pretty, there may be vomit projectile vomiting. The first inner club road race is this weekend, it may be restricted to the three clubs but there is something evil thrown in the mix, AWI Racing will be there, hopefully flashing our colours like spandex clad gangsta's. Will it be me vomiting trying to hold on with my first real upper end test? Will it be other teams loosing their breakfast in fear of our cool colours? It will be a fun day regardless.
The timing of the recovery week couldn't be better, my wrist mounted computer has been sent for a recharge. I;'m wondering how long I will last before feeling some sense of withdrawal. Tonight will be the first right in 6 months where I haven't worn a strap, watched a number or spent time checking things over after the ride. Like anything the more complicated the toy the harder it is to fix yourself, I glanced at it, shook my head and sent it to Polar for the battery change. I like the thing and I know what my work world is like, I sent it to the people who know. It will be all about feel for the next little while, may be good for me.
I need coffee, or more rest. Coffee wins. It always wins.
The timing of the recovery week couldn't be better, my wrist mounted computer has been sent for a recharge. I;'m wondering how long I will last before feeling some sense of withdrawal. Tonight will be the first right in 6 months where I haven't worn a strap, watched a number or spent time checking things over after the ride. Like anything the more complicated the toy the harder it is to fix yourself, I glanced at it, shook my head and sent it to Polar for the battery change. I like the thing and I know what my work world is like, I sent it to the people who know. It will be all about feel for the next little while, may be good for me.
I need coffee, or more rest. Coffee wins. It always wins.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Just another day at the office
It was the best of weather it was the worst of weather, is that a copyright infringement? The weekend was a blur, Saturday was action packed and Sunday well, that was just caused by the wind. I found myself in old stomping grounds of Albion Hills on Saturday to cheer Shannon on during her 1/2 marathon trail run. Of course I would be sneaking in some of my own training as well. The weather, perfect, no wind, sun, warm, I don't think we have had that combination together in a long time. Shannon did great at her run, I've learned that it is almost impossible to chase runners around a trail. There course would have made an awesome loop for an O-cup.
For me, it was multiple vomit paced sessions on the to do list. To say that my body still doesn't like these is the truth. I did get to rip through a couple new trails though including a new one that will probably be used for Summer Solstice, it shares the name. Once the traffic get on it, woo hoo, will be fun. Great day in the sun, lots of additional things done, by the end of the day the craving for sleep was high. I knew what Sunday would bring.
Welcome to the adventures of Tristan and Matt. This was 24 hour tag team training ride. No killing each other but no letting the other slack off. The route, Orillia to Mansfield, cheer on some AWI members, taught some others then ride back. So for the first time ever I was later than Tristan, somehow I gaped and forgot all my bottles, 5 minutes into the drive I was u turning. I expect him to revel in this for years to come. Unlike the day before where everything was rainbows and butterflies and roads made of chocolate, today brought dark colored clouds and crazy winds mixed with what felt like continually changing temperatures.
Things were sane coming out of Orillia, stayed sane along Old Barrie road where we waved at a few very pleasant people in their cars who were kind enough to honk at us with support of our long journey ahead, how did they know? As we came through Midhurst and made the left up Wilson we finally got the full force feeling of the wind, full on. It was going to be a tough day. Headwinds are controllable, it also usually means tail winds, well today it was going to nail us from the side for about 85 percent of the ride. Nothing like leaning into the wind for hours on end. We continued along with little concern for much else but wind and the wonderful noise starting out of my rear wheel. Yes my power tap wheel, as we went through Angus it was developing a wonderful tinging sound of loosening spokes. I've heard this before and like before I of course didn't have a tool to solve the problem. Who would??? At this point it would last, we hoped.
Executive decision was to take a route through the Army Base. We knew there was a road over to Lyle, we knew it was closed, what we didn't know was how was the road closed? A short time later we found out, a big ass fence. The words out of Tristan's mouth were, ummm, well can't be repeated here. A quick glance around, a wander behind the building and I was on the other side of the fence. I opted for the low, not recorded on video camera fence. Tristan decided on a different approach and risked his ability to reproduce at a later date while scaling the gate. For the next few minutes I waited for Military Police to chase us down. Luckily we seemed to evade them.
Out in the open farm lands round what ever of blasting side winds again began taking it's toll. One strong gust I watched Tristan drift right, he kept going and going and going, right off the road, and going and going. His pretty deep dish wheels were probably not the best choice for the day but as he said, they look sweet. Yes, road riding is all about looks not common sense??? We finally made it to Mansfield, roughly 3 hours after we left. A huge suck up to Havy at Norco and my wheel was back to normal. Some cheering was done for two laps as we did everything we could to stay warm and hidden from the wind. At the halfway mark of our ride we knew what was still ahead.
2nd time around for the elites and we called it a day and started with the long climb out of the valley, we opted to go around the base on the return trip. The chances of us getting caught crawling back into an army base where a little to high. What it did mean was a couple sections with a rocking tail wind. Aww the wind, it was starting to get to us. More mentally, you could never relax, if you did this was when it seemed to hit the hardest and push you either into on coming traffic or the ditch. We motored along with a quick refueling in Angus where we managed to avoid a short downpour under the cover of a gas station's overhanging. On to Barrie which included a great 80km/h decent to Snow Valley Road. Getting closer, the final run along Old Barrie road started to show where the legs were at. Funny thing was I began to feel better, still sore but controlled the pace a little. There was the town sign, Orillia, we were home free, all down hill from here.
Rolled back to the place we started from many hours earlier, 170 km, averaging 193 watts, 6ish hours of riding with 4500 feet of climbing, 1 warped wheel, 1 giant sail, 2 wanders off the road, 5 pee breaks. Besides the wind we were lucky, we never got more than a short blast of light rain, we saw the sun a couple times during the ride, we didn't freeze, drown or get arrested. I'd say it was a pretty successful day and some great prep for next month's attempt at a repeat win. I'm into a recovery week, it's needed. Check out the AWI Racing site, there should be some race reports up.
For me, it was multiple vomit paced sessions on the to do list. To say that my body still doesn't like these is the truth. I did get to rip through a couple new trails though including a new one that will probably be used for Summer Solstice, it shares the name. Once the traffic get on it, woo hoo, will be fun. Great day in the sun, lots of additional things done, by the end of the day the craving for sleep was high. I knew what Sunday would bring.
Welcome to the adventures of Tristan and Matt. This was 24 hour tag team training ride. No killing each other but no letting the other slack off. The route, Orillia to Mansfield, cheer on some AWI members, taught some others then ride back. So for the first time ever I was later than Tristan, somehow I gaped and forgot all my bottles, 5 minutes into the drive I was u turning. I expect him to revel in this for years to come. Unlike the day before where everything was rainbows and butterflies and roads made of chocolate, today brought dark colored clouds and crazy winds mixed with what felt like continually changing temperatures.
Things were sane coming out of Orillia, stayed sane along Old Barrie road where we waved at a few very pleasant people in their cars who were kind enough to honk at us with support of our long journey ahead, how did they know? As we came through Midhurst and made the left up Wilson we finally got the full force feeling of the wind, full on. It was going to be a tough day. Headwinds are controllable, it also usually means tail winds, well today it was going to nail us from the side for about 85 percent of the ride. Nothing like leaning into the wind for hours on end. We continued along with little concern for much else but wind and the wonderful noise starting out of my rear wheel. Yes my power tap wheel, as we went through Angus it was developing a wonderful tinging sound of loosening spokes. I've heard this before and like before I of course didn't have a tool to solve the problem. Who would??? At this point it would last, we hoped.
Executive decision was to take a route through the Army Base. We knew there was a road over to Lyle, we knew it was closed, what we didn't know was how was the road closed? A short time later we found out, a big ass fence. The words out of Tristan's mouth were, ummm, well can't be repeated here. A quick glance around, a wander behind the building and I was on the other side of the fence. I opted for the low, not recorded on video camera fence. Tristan decided on a different approach and risked his ability to reproduce at a later date while scaling the gate. For the next few minutes I waited for Military Police to chase us down. Luckily we seemed to evade them.
Out in the open farm lands round what ever of blasting side winds again began taking it's toll. One strong gust I watched Tristan drift right, he kept going and going and going, right off the road, and going and going. His pretty deep dish wheels were probably not the best choice for the day but as he said, they look sweet. Yes, road riding is all about looks not common sense??? We finally made it to Mansfield, roughly 3 hours after we left. A huge suck up to Havy at Norco and my wheel was back to normal. Some cheering was done for two laps as we did everything we could to stay warm and hidden from the wind. At the halfway mark of our ride we knew what was still ahead.
2nd time around for the elites and we called it a day and started with the long climb out of the valley, we opted to go around the base on the return trip. The chances of us getting caught crawling back into an army base where a little to high. What it did mean was a couple sections with a rocking tail wind. Aww the wind, it was starting to get to us. More mentally, you could never relax, if you did this was when it seemed to hit the hardest and push you either into on coming traffic or the ditch. We motored along with a quick refueling in Angus where we managed to avoid a short downpour under the cover of a gas station's overhanging. On to Barrie which included a great 80km/h decent to Snow Valley Road. Getting closer, the final run along Old Barrie road started to show where the legs were at. Funny thing was I began to feel better, still sore but controlled the pace a little. There was the town sign, Orillia, we were home free, all down hill from here.
Rolled back to the place we started from many hours earlier, 170 km, averaging 193 watts, 6ish hours of riding with 4500 feet of climbing, 1 warped wheel, 1 giant sail, 2 wanders off the road, 5 pee breaks. Besides the wind we were lucky, we never got more than a short blast of light rain, we saw the sun a couple times during the ride, we didn't freeze, drown or get arrested. I'd say it was a pretty successful day and some great prep for next month's attempt at a repeat win. I'm into a recovery week, it's needed. Check out the AWI Racing site, there should be some race reports up.
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