so its first training ride today

So it’s the first training ride today – destination Pointe Claire, a trip of around 60km.  We aim to set off at 9am, but after much faffing we eventually leave at 11am (well, at least it should be it should be warmer by then).

So it begins…

Heading out to the Lachine Canal, we find ourselves taking a couple of roads rather than bike paths.  The cars seem to pass incredibly close by. (and yes I do think I have the right to politely point out that they should be at least 1m away when I catch up with a car at the traffic lights).  I have a theory that between 15 Nov and 15 Apr there are so few cyclists on the roads that the cars feel free to disregard them.  However, come the revolution (I mean 15^th April), the Bixis swarm back onto the streets, leaving the cars no choice but to take bicycles into account as they are driving.

We reach the Lachine canal and it’s still frozen solid.  We’ve done 10km says Stuart.  Excellent, say I!  It’s taken an hour points out Stuart, and at this rate the 125km ride to conquer cancer trip will take 12.5 hours (without breaks).  Oh! 

Most of the bike path is clear, but there are enough snow and ice patches to drive us off the path and back onto the road. 

I see a sign that says 10km / hour maximum.  I find this sign mildly amusing, given that I’m not even close to breaking the speed limit,  so I  turn back to take this photo.  Perhaps my incredibly low speed average isn’t just due to my cadence.

Stuart decides to take on a coaching role (this can’t be good), I point out that I don’t like been told when to change gears, so he gives up on that.  We do however practice me riding close behind Stuart so I’m shielded from the wind.  Did I mention the incredibly strong head wind? Probably reducing my average speed by at least 10km/hr!  Apparently, when riding behind Stuart I should be no more than 2 bike wheel lengths away to get the benefit of the wind protection.  This proves difficult.  It seems like you are actually meant to concentrate on the wheel in front, but I have so many things going on in my head, fund raising video to plan, work stuff to process, photo opps to look out for…. and the wheel in front has disappeared into the distance.   I don’t think I’m ready to ride in a pack yet!

We’re heading for Point Claire, but decide to take a little detour to Brambles House (the British Shop).  Stuart has 1 empty pannier on his bike, it would be a shame to waste the space

We get to Point Claire and meet up with some friends to have a very late lunch. 

We’re at the Patisserie and Boulangerie and I spot some Ride to Conquer Cancer chocolate on sale in the store.  I guess this is a popular destination for cyclists doing their training

It’s a lovely sunny day, so lots of photo opportunities!

On the return journey, on a good stretch of road (yes, there is one piece in Montreal, but that’s about it) Stuart encourages me to put the hammer down, I hit 30km /hour for about 5 seconds.  I’m very chuffed, but it seems like I’ve used up the last of my energy beans. 

It crosses my mind that trains carry bikes, wouldn’t it be great if buses did too!

Another distraction, and definitely does not fit in with the food plan, but we need to refuel and celebrate the first training ride.

So the 60km journey (with stops) took over 9 hours, we arrive home after dark!  I’m hoping that the detour to Brambles house, multiple photo stops, late lunch in Pointe Claire, supper at the chippy and a quick trip to the supermarket took at least 3 hours, otherwise even my pitiful 10km / hour average is in jeopardy!  I’m less worried about my fitness now than my speed, I may be finishing the Saturday ride, as everyone else begins their Sunday ride!

Too soon for shorts?

After a spectacular start to the training (6 sessions of spinning in 9 days!) I crash and burn, spending the last few days working crazy hours. Energy left over for an early morning spinning class is pretty much zero. However, it’s now Easter weekend, so all is not lost.



With the snow almost gone, it’s finally time to dust off the bikes and take to the roads! It’s time to tackle the Camillien-Houde! This is the road to the top of Mont Royal, a particular steep, although short climb. I’ve cycled it before without stopping, but this is my first attempt of the year after quite a lazy winter



I’d like to say that I stopped purely to take this picture, but it was one of 4 breaks I needed on the way up the hill. I’ve just googled Camillien houde to get the stats of how difficult this climb is, and rather depressingly it’s the 9,657th most difficult climb in the world (at least it got a mention!). It’s 1.6km long, elevation 72m grade 4.4%. Four rest stops is a bit embarrassing really, but at least there is room to show improvement.



Stuart leaves me behind and decides he has enough time to drink tea, whilst waiting for me to catch up.



The Belvadere at the top of Mont Royal was our destination



It’s Good Friday, so we reward ourselves with a Hot Cross Bun, which in French is actually a Brioche du Careme. I guess that’s why I never managed to buy any last year, when I kept asking for un bun chaud, avec une croix!



We decided to head back home via the rather pleasant meandering Olmsted Road, but were in for a bit of a surprise. There was lots of melting snow, slush and mud on the path, so what should have been a gentle skoosh back down the hill, was more of a challenge in staying upright.



The answer to the question, is it too soon for shorts, was in fact – Yes!


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Ready for the Road?

18th March - the bike paths are clear, it looks like winter is well and truly over, maybe I could get my bike out and start cycling to work...?



19th March - on the other hand, I may have to wait a bit longer.....



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What have I done

We're almost through winter in Montreal now, and I was explaining to my friend back in the UK how I will be doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer bike trip in July, cycling from Montreal to Quebec. "So how far is that then?" she asked. 250km I reply, but over 2 days. OMG that's 125km per day, and I've never cycled that far in a day in my life, not even 100km in a day!

I realise I'm in big trouble. It's 111 days to the ride, I've spent the winter doing a little bit of ski-ing and skating, but no cycling, just not possible in a Montreal Winter.



I sign up at the gym for Spinning Class, this is a good thing



My first class, and I don't die, this is also a good thing

Now I need to start some serious planning for the training, the fund raising and the reason why I'm riding video. Much to do!

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