“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”……..Ralph Waldo Emerson
Being a new member to the Via Ciclante team I wasn’t sure where to start my blog. That’s me in the ‘Top Ten Tips for Riding 8,000kms in One Year’ for women’s road cycling. I never dreamed at the start of my road cycling adventure almost 5 years ago that I would have this much enthusiasm to accomplish that kind of distance in one year.
Last June I participated in the first ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’ benefiting the Princess Margaret Hospital. That was my very first charity event and with the help my friend Brian from the Halton Outdoor Club we had unforgettable weekend meeting and riding with other cyclists from all over North America and raising money for cancer research. Anyone considering participating this charity event should go it for because you’ll have a blast cycling from Toronto to Niagara Falls through the Niagara Escarpment, you'll get to sleep in a tent overnight and your fundraising efforts will be greatly appreciated.
I have always loved to ride since my youth and ever few years I’d be taken from my passion of cycling because of other commitments but would always return to my bike. I have such fond memories of riding as a teenager on my Canadian Tire Super-Cycle ten-speed my dad bought me. Thanks dad! Three years prior to buying first my road bike I would stop in at Re-My looking at what would be my future dream bike on JP’s recommendation. At the time I was riding a mountain bike three times a week along Britannia Road to Lowville on Guelph Line and back in the afternoons when my son was in school. Guys on road bikes would pass by or even slow down to chat on how well I was riding the ‘heavy brute’ that distance, but they say, “Get a road bike you’ll be more efficient”. Was that you Richard?
In June 2005, I took the plunge and purchased my first road bike the Cannondale 'Feminine R500'. The first weekend I rode around my neighborhood getting accustomed to the toe clips and not forgetting to unclip before coming to a complete stop. Monday came along and I couldn’t wait until my son was at school to venture out towards Lowville along Britannia Road. It was a great feeling to be riding a bike that was lighter in weight and more aerodynamic. I new I had made the right decision. Why, did I wait so long as my first ride left me with the feel of total delight and thinking of when would I be able to ride again?
At the gym where I belong I met a fellow who also loves his cycling. He asked if I wanted to go for a ride together sometime. I agreed to go for a spin together and later that season he introduced me to the Halton Outdoor Club. There I befriended more cyclists and we spend many hours together riding on the weekends. I’ve become a cyclist for all seasons not letting the colder temperatures stop me from going out for some exercise. As long as there is no snow or ice on the roads we’ll be out instead of riding indoors at some spinning class or alone in the basement on a trainer.
However, last summer I started contemplating upgrading to a new road bike as another cycling friend from the club, Colin agreed after four years I had outgrown my Cannondale. Once I get thinking about an idea it's full steam ahead until the mission is complete. I let JP choose my first road bike but I decided to take charge of my destiny this time and research several bikes. I came fully prepared with my notes to discuss the possible purchase of a new bike. JP was in his glory because there is not a conversation more interesting than the talk of cycling. So after three hours of deliberation, my list of women’s specific bikes including Cannondale, Trek, Giant, Orbea, Scott and Specialized was whittled down to three brands; Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. Yes, Specialized was on my list, and you might be thinking, Re-My Sport doesn’t carry that brand. I’m thinking has JP lost his mind. I said, “You know what this could mean?” He replies with, “I want you to have the right bike not just buy a bike from me.”
So I trekked off down to Gears for a spin on the Specialized ‘Ruby Red Compact’. As soon as I left the store for my test ride I realized this bike was amazing, so light and playful is how I described it to myself and the paint job was awesome too! After my dreamy bike ride I drove back to Re-My to see JP and set up for a test ride on the women’s specific Cannondale and Trek bikes we chose. The first ride was to be on the Cannondale ‘Synapse Feminine Carbon 3’ but after my vigorous test ride I realized it was too similar to bike I already own. So the pressure was on Trek ‘Madone 5.1’ and would it be just as incredible as the Specialized ‘Ruby Red Compact’? I wanted to buy my bike from JP so the Trek better be equal or more sensational!
I can honestly say as I rode around the corner from the store I was sold on the Trek but I still gave it a good hard ride scrutinizing every feeling with each stroke of the pedal, comparing it to the Specialized. The ear-to-ear smile on my face as I entered the store said it all and JP was surely relieved. Or did he know the choice I would make…..mmmm?
As we were finalizing the deal I jokingly said to him maybe I should join you’re team here at Re-My Sport. He looked at me and said, "I would like you to.”I would often drop by the store to browse and talk bikes not just come in for repairs and in the need of some new stuff as there is always something to buy for this sport. So I have joined the team to be part of the new journey at ‘Via Ciclante’. Doesn’t the name ‘Via Ciclante’ have a romantic feel and with that feeling entice you to go out for ride. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain!
The question on my mind for 2009 as I turn 50 years young is what goal should I work towards? Remember age is just a number and we’re all still ten in our hearts and minds. The body just needs to be treated with more loving care to meet our fitness goals. As a personal trainer helping other people become more fit I decided to focus on my training at the gym this fall and winter to give me a stronger start to this year’s cycling season. So for 2009 who knows where riding will put me in distance by the end of year? But I’ll stay cool as a cucumber and just enjoy the ride more this year, but who’s kidding who? I’ve never been a competitive person by nature but this road cycling is always on my mind. Quick get me a therapist! So for all you cycling enthusiasts out there set your-self a goal whether it’s big or small and start your journey. Nothing ventured. Nothing gained.
I’m now known as the ‘Happy Trekker’ and I still ride my Cannondale as I don’t want it to feel it’s not appreciated. Hope to see all you cycling enthusiasts at ‘Via CiClante’ to share a cycling story from time to time. You’ll also see me on the ‘Via Ciclante’ blog site offering fitness information and tips to all recreational or athletic enthusiasts alike. Let the adventure begin!
Laura
‘Happy Trekker’
http://www.haltonoutdoorclub.com/
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