Days Like This

Days Like This

In “Days Like This,” Van Morrison sings of times “when everything seems to fall in place like a flick of a switch;” that is how today felt.

My route from Guelph to Port Erie was largely on paved biked trails, starting with Burlington to Grimsby, along the lakeshore. Once I got to Grimsby, I rode up the escarpment (with a nice little section of 10% grade), and then zigzagged along quiet roads past beautiful farms and orchards. I took a rail trail into Welland, and then took the cycleway along the canal to Port Colborne. From Port Colborne to Fort Erie, I rode the friendship trail, which was pretty and peaceful—a great way to end the day.

Coming into Fort Erie, I only had to contend with the main road for a matter of blocks before turning up a back street to the Comfort Inn. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and they put me on the first floor to save me hiking my bike up the stairs since there is no elevator.

There is a Sobeys a few blocks away, offering not only great produce but a full selection of cider and wine. Got myself a nice cold cider to go with a salad and a great burrito from a Burrito place next store.

On most trips I have found the first day to be daunting, but perhaps because I started at my own doorstep, today felt easy. I also gained a great boost of confidence from the half marathon on Sunday, where I exceeded my goal by several minutes, and ran a steady pace from start to finish. That gave me a huge lift, as did the road trip with four great runners from Guelph.

As soon as it is light tomorrow, I will head for the Peace Bridge. The web site for the bridge offers very helpful instructions on how to navigate the bridge as a pedestrian or a cyclist, and there is a pedestrian walkway, which I plan to use. Of course I have gone over the instructions several times.

It is good to be a traveller once again; it feels familiar in a lovely way.

The Road Beckons

As many of you know, I am fond of autumn, and especially of bike trips in the autumn. Granted the days are shorter and cooler, but after the last few weeks of humidity, I am looking forward to cooler temperatures. I’m also eager to see the fall colours. I’ve planned a two week trip to explore the Finger Lakes, and to have a brief glimpse of the Adirondacks. In order to avoid traffic, I’m going to ride the Erie Canal Trail much of the way, including from Buffalo to Rochester, where I will head south to Lake Conesus.

One of the most appealing aspects of this trip is it begins from my own front door, with no need for trains, planes or automobiles to transport me to the start line.

Going to travel a little lighter this year and leave my camping gear at home, opting instead for motels, hotels, and cabins, all of which I have booked in advance. On past trips, I booked as I went along, but this year it gave me peace of mind to reserve in advance. I can always change my plans if necessary, but it makes long days on the bike less stressful knowing there is a nice room and shower awaiting me.

I will be riding my beloved Stigmata, but she has had quite the makeover; thanks to a paint job from VeloColour in Toronto, she is more beautiful than ever. I also had the bike rebuilt by Speed River Cycle in Guelph. With so much wear and tear, the drivetrain, bottom bracket and the brakes needed an overhaul.  Finally, I put on new tires on; the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires are the most puncture resilient tires I have ever seen. In essence, it is a new bike, but it feels as comfortable as ever, and the lavender purple makes me so happy.

My goals are as humble as ever: find inner peace, evolve into a laid back person, stop every few minutes to take photos. Well, I might manage to stop for photos, and do I hope to claim some peaceful moments for myself, but perhaps an entire personality makeover is a bit ambitious for a two week trip.

In the days before departure, I’ll continue to fuss over what to pack (lots of layers at this time of year), and on Sunday I am running my first race since covid—the Oakville Half Marathon. Monday will be a recovery day, and I’ll head out Tuesday morning at the first sign of light in the sky.

I am excited and nervous in equal measures, which feels just about right the week before departure.

15 Minutes of Fame

Well, fame might be overstating it, but recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by two wonderful women, Mel Webb and Cynthia Carson, for their podcast, Detours, about ultra cycling and other adventures.

Mel and Cynthia are both talented and fierce ultra distance bike racers, and it was wonderful to talk to them about what bikepacking was like when I was just starting out in the 80s. They found it especially interesting given that they were both born in the 90s. In fact, quite coincidentally their combined ages equal mine exactly.

I know this is a busy time of year, but if you have a chance, please check out the interview. ⬇️

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/detours-an-ultra-cycling-adventure-podcast/id1703600573

Though I haven't been blogging, I have been riding. Here are a few photos from recent rides (and hikes) in lovely and not so lovely weather. Please let me know if you are looking for any tips on how to dress for winter riding.