Adventure Anecdote

Last week I cycled over 75 miles in 2 days. That's the most I have ever biked in my life. The closest I came before that was riding 30 minutes to and from work everyday. While losing weight.

After the first day I was so sore and tired after 25 miles. I came home, ate a much needed meal and then I crashed for hours. Aside from the shock to my system, that was one of the most beautiful rides I have ever been on. From Sunnyside Beach,to the downtown core, Cherry Beach and then the East Beaches. All at sunrise. Wow! The wildlife was absolutely spectacular.

On Sunday, my second day, I biked 50 miles. Due to the TTC strike in Toronto I wanted to make it to all of my training appointments. I am a mobile trainer. No strike can stop me!

The night before I was so excited. I made my homemade trail mix, (bran flakes, raisins, sliced almonds, and shredded coconut) laid out my clothes, made sure my bike was good to go and most importantly, I mentally prepared. I imagined the routes I was going to take and I gave myself a pep talk.

"You can do this. You have been training to do this!"

The ride started out on the Don Valley Bike Trail. It's a 25.7km (16 mile) trail starting at the Gardiner Express and ending at Steeles. I highly recommend it! I lost my way around Bayview and stumbled upon the mountain biking trail in the forest. I had already completed it before I realized I was on it. No wonder it was so much fun!

I also visited The Bridle Path and Bayview Village,which is a nice little neighbourhood I had never been to before. With a rather unfortunate website:D

After all of the fun I had to bike Don Mills uphill from Eglinton to Sheppard. I actually completed that part rather quickly and painlessly. All of my endurance training is paying off!

I'm not going to lie. The ride was hard. I was biking on very busy roads like Bloor, Yonge, Don Mills and almost the DVP...Oops! In Toronto, drivers and pedestrians don't like cyclists. With a lack of bike lanes and it being illegal to ride on the sidewalk, cyclists really get the raw deal. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out! More and more throughout the day I became more comfortable riding along side the speeding (and inconsiderate) vehicles. Nearing the end, it was like second nature.

By the time I arrived at my last appointment, the TTC had gone back to work. I could have taken my bike on the subway to get home but I was determined to finish what I had started. I wanted to finish the day as planned. So I biked the last 12 miles home!

In the end, at the end of my journey the adrenaline was surging through my body. The whole day was worth it to feel as accomplished and satisfied with the success of my adventure as I did. I was excited, happy and all around pleased with the way everything went.

After a fantastic sleep I felt great the next morning. Not much soreness aside from my butt, thanks to the bike seat. It made me realize my training has made me so much stronger and resilient. My technique while riding must have improved from the previous ride and best of all, I did it!

I accomplished what I set out to do and I'd do it again. Even without a strike! I'm thinking I'll go and get my bike tuned up professionally, pick out some accessories, get a gel seat and ride everywhere I can!

I don't know if I'll beat 50 miles in one day anytime soon but it's good to know I can do it, if I wanted to.

Most of the time, you don't know until you try. I surprised myself and in the process, seen new things in the city I love and had an amazing workout.

So try hitting up Toronto's trails and beaches and have a great time. You may just surprise yourself too!

Ride On!