Where is this month going?! Well, in a way, it's going to the dogs... Ruby and I continue to go for our daily rides (her runs) along the community trails in my neighbourhood. Yesterday we ventured farther than we have before (a total of 5 kms) and made it all the way over to the trails that go through Idlewood park. Much to our surprise, while we were taking a little break to take in the fresh summer smells and drink some water, we had a police officer drive past on a motor bike. We all greeted each other and continued on our way. I remember thinking to myself that as much as I was surprised to see the officer on the trail, it was actually reassuring that these somewhat secluded trails are monitored to help make them safer for people who use them. It's too bad they don't appear to get more use than they do throughout the day. Ruby and I only passed one other cyclist while on the trials in Idlewood park, and with the fantastic wetland and boreal forest that surround you, it's an inner-city gem that ought to be enjoyed.
I've been on holidays this past week, so haven't had my commutes to and from work. I find that I am missing them, and look forward to my next commute on Tuesday. Since receiving the bike, I've noticed a definite change in my spirit - my overall mood has been uplifted; I look forward to the exercise in riding; and I cannot wait to get back on the bike day after day! There are still so many more trails and tucked-away sights left to explore right in my own neighbourhood! Hopefully my little posse (aka Karl and Ruby) will all be able to get down to the Grand and Walter Bean trail over the weekend. Oh!... and then there's a cave along the Grand between Blair and Galt that Karl just learned about too. I had no idea! It's one thing to hike these trails, but it's so much better to ride them! You can take in so much more in the time you have to explore - it's wonderful!
24 June, 2010
14 June, 2010
"Come On In!"
As expected, my ride home from work was just as interesting as the one to work.
Turning off Waterloo St. onto Breithaupt St. I was greeted by a fellow sitting on his porch who I've named "Random Beard Man." He hollered a "Hello" and when I looked around to see where this voice was coming from, there was "Random Beard Man" waving happily at me!
"Hello," I replied.
"How are you?"
"Great, and you?"
"I'm good. Come on in!"
Umm.... No thanks? "Take care!"
That was weird. But funny.
A couple of kilometers later I am greeted by a familiar friendly face. (Nice to see you Tyson - hope you found my blog!) We chatted for a few minutes about cycling. :)
Continuing on my way, I kept a keen eye out for Rick Mercer as I passed the Centre in the Square, but no luck spotting him. He really is only 4 feet tall, so I imagine he's hard to spot anyway! *haha*
My trip home ended up being .7 kms shorter than my trip to work, but moreso, quite enjoyable!
Turning off Waterloo St. onto Breithaupt St. I was greeted by a fellow sitting on his porch who I've named "Random Beard Man." He hollered a "Hello" and when I looked around to see where this voice was coming from, there was "Random Beard Man" waving happily at me!
"Hello," I replied.
"How are you?"
"Great, and you?"
"I'm good. Come on in!"
Umm.... No thanks? "Take care!"
That was weird. But funny.
A couple of kilometers later I am greeted by a familiar friendly face. (Nice to see you Tyson - hope you found my blog!) We chatted for a few minutes about cycling. :)
Continuing on my way, I kept a keen eye out for Rick Mercer as I passed the Centre in the Square, but no luck spotting him. He really is only 4 feet tall, so I imagine he's hard to spot anyway! *haha*
My trip home ended up being .7 kms shorter than my trip to work, but moreso, quite enjoyable!
13 June, 2010
"Deer" Prudence, won't you come out to play?
It's been a few days since my last post and I feel like I have much to share! I have been feeling sick the past few days and, with the exception of a couple of days, it hasn't stopped me from getting out on my bike to enjoy the beautiful evenings we had this past week.
My husband, Karl, found himself a used bike on Kijiji! I think he was feeling a little left out as he watched Ruby and I leave the house for a ride only to come back with smiles on our faces! His is a Cannondale also - it wasn't that he specifically was searching for one, but he got lucky. We both still can't believe how lightweight these bikes are! It certainly makes it easy to bring the bikes in and out of the house when we use them. Also really easy to get them into the back of the car. (We'd like to get the Patriot equipped with a hitch-carrier - anyone know of where we can get a good deal?)
Both Karl and I have continued training Ruby on running along beside us. She continues to love it and gets excited when we get the bikes out - she already knows! It doesn't take them long, does it?! I must admit that we felt a bit like bad doggie parents last night when we decided to take a long bike ride not so ideal for the Rubester. We put her in her crate before getting the bikes out, but she could still hear what we were up to. Poor thing was whining, "Why can't I go! Boo you guys for not taking me!" as soon as we shut the door to leave. Talk about a broken heart!
Our ride last evening led us through the community trails in our neighbourhood over to Stanley Park, where we came upon 3 deer grazing just off the trail. We startled them a bit, and one was probably only a meter away from me! I've never been so close to a deer - they are so beautiful. You wouldn't expect to come across such big, healthy deer in the city, but there they were! All in all, we ventured about 7kms in around 30 minutes. It was something special to be out exploring the 'hood with my husband on our bikes. While on our way back home, he said, "I've forgotten how awesome it is to have a bike!" I couldn't have agreed more with him.
Today I commuted to work for the first time! My trip from door to door measured 11.75 km and took me 40 minutes. I wasn't sure how well my maiden voyage to work would go, but am happy to report that I didn't stop once (plus seemed to get every green light... when does that happen?!) I pushed myself to keep a steady pace of around 23km/hr. Even though I was as red as a tomato when I reached my desitination, I DID IT! Thankfully, the rain was on my side too. It was a little misty, but definitely not a bother. I'm hoping for the same on my ride home. (Hear me, rain Gods?) I'll also be taking a different route home... mostly because I want to avoid a couple of really big hills (I need to build up endurance before tackling those doozies!), but also because I love variety. It's a whole new perspective traveling down the city streets on a bike. The best part of the ride in was being able to take in the smell of all the lilac trees! I can't wait to see what the ride home will bring.
My husband, Karl, found himself a used bike on Kijiji! I think he was feeling a little left out as he watched Ruby and I leave the house for a ride only to come back with smiles on our faces! His is a Cannondale also - it wasn't that he specifically was searching for one, but he got lucky. We both still can't believe how lightweight these bikes are! It certainly makes it easy to bring the bikes in and out of the house when we use them. Also really easy to get them into the back of the car. (We'd like to get the Patriot equipped with a hitch-carrier - anyone know of where we can get a good deal?)
Both Karl and I have continued training Ruby on running along beside us. She continues to love it and gets excited when we get the bikes out - she already knows! It doesn't take them long, does it?! I must admit that we felt a bit like bad doggie parents last night when we decided to take a long bike ride not so ideal for the Rubester. We put her in her crate before getting the bikes out, but she could still hear what we were up to. Poor thing was whining, "Why can't I go! Boo you guys for not taking me!" as soon as we shut the door to leave. Talk about a broken heart!
Our ride last evening led us through the community trails in our neighbourhood over to Stanley Park, where we came upon 3 deer grazing just off the trail. We startled them a bit, and one was probably only a meter away from me! I've never been so close to a deer - they are so beautiful. You wouldn't expect to come across such big, healthy deer in the city, but there they were! All in all, we ventured about 7kms in around 30 minutes. It was something special to be out exploring the 'hood with my husband on our bikes. While on our way back home, he said, "I've forgotten how awesome it is to have a bike!" I couldn't have agreed more with him.
Today I commuted to work for the first time! My trip from door to door measured 11.75 km and took me 40 minutes. I wasn't sure how well my maiden voyage to work would go, but am happy to report that I didn't stop once (plus seemed to get every green light... when does that happen?!) I pushed myself to keep a steady pace of around 23km/hr. Even though I was as red as a tomato when I reached my desitination, I DID IT! Thankfully, the rain was on my side too. It was a little misty, but definitely not a bother. I'm hoping for the same on my ride home. (Hear me, rain Gods?) I'll also be taking a different route home... mostly because I want to avoid a couple of really big hills (I need to build up endurance before tackling those doozies!), but also because I love variety. It's a whole new perspective traveling down the city streets on a bike. The best part of the ride in was being able to take in the smell of all the lilac trees! I can't wait to see what the ride home will bring.
08 June, 2010
Psst!
Hey, you. Ya, you! Have you heard the news? I won a bike! Ya, an awesome bike! I entered a contest at Ziggy's Cycle. They wanted to do something extra-special to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The staff came up with the idea to partner with Cannondale Bicycles and give away 25 bikes for the "FreeWheels Project" that will run all summer. I know... incredible! As a winner/participant in the project, I've agreed to post to my blog at least once a week about how owning a bike impacts and changes my life. At the moment, I plan on using the bike to commute to work at least two times a week, for recreation, and for running errands in the 'hood.
I feel real lucky to be one of the 25 participants. Thanks to Ziggy's and Cannondale, I now own the best bike I have ever owned in my life. I've had it since Saturday and have been on 3 rides so far. My early reviews of the bike are Fun, Fast, Smooth, and Awesome! I could almost be talking about my 1 year old dog, Ruby... but I assure you, it's the bike.
Speaking of Ruby, it would appear she's also a bit smitten by the bike, much as myself. Both last night and tonight I put her harness on, suited myself up, and we walked over to the neighbourhood trails to begin some training. I've always admired people who are riding their bikes with their dogs following beside. I'm hoping to be able to get Ruby to that point - but she is a Boxer, which means short attention span! She has surprised me so far, though. I believe there IS hope for us! Taking it slow and steady for now, but man, does she LOVE to RUN! I thought I'd be able to out-run her easily on a bike... but the true test is yet to come.
I feel real lucky to be one of the 25 participants. Thanks to Ziggy's and Cannondale, I now own the best bike I have ever owned in my life. I've had it since Saturday and have been on 3 rides so far. My early reviews of the bike are Fun, Fast, Smooth, and Awesome! I could almost be talking about my 1 year old dog, Ruby... but I assure you, it's the bike.
Speaking of Ruby, it would appear she's also a bit smitten by the bike, much as myself. Both last night and tonight I put her harness on, suited myself up, and we walked over to the neighbourhood trails to begin some training. I've always admired people who are riding their bikes with their dogs following beside. I'm hoping to be able to get Ruby to that point - but she is a Boxer, which means short attention span! She has surprised me so far, though. I believe there IS hope for us! Taking it slow and steady for now, but man, does she LOVE to RUN! I thought I'd be able to out-run her easily on a bike... but the true test is yet to come.
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