We missed one of the turns along the way, which worked out fine since we were planning to go to Decatur where there was a bridge across the river to Iowa and the wrong turn took us along faster roads. Later on a number of cyclists also didn’t turn where they were supposed to, but they don’t get quite the same advantage. A ways down the route we got a call from the first SAG stop since there was a cyclist who was having trouble. We headed back and picked up the cyclist and brought them across the bridge into Iowa and a ways further into the route.

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Last Saturday, Eritia and I decided at the last minute that we would join in the group ride at Halton Hills. On Friday, we had discussed going to the ride, but we couldn’t quite figure out how to get both our bikes there without taking two vehicles or utilizing a bike rack that neither of us trust.

However, Eritia woke me up Saturday morning, since she had decided to experiment and eventually managed to fit both of our bikes into her car. Sure that we were going to be late, we headed up, with the knowledge that rain and thunderstorms were in the forecast.

We managed to get there nicely on time, and accompanied three other Sea to Sea cyclists for a great 81 km ride. At the beginning the wind was against us, and there were a number of short uphill slopes as we gradually made our way up the escarpment (which is rather gently sloped in that area). It was well worth it on the ride back, since I ended up beating my previous speed record by hitting 84.2 kph. I was a little unsure of whether to trust my speedometer, but other cyclists reported speeds of mid-70’s, and I passed one or two people, so I think it’s fair.

In the end, the forecast rain held off pretty much completely until the ride home. God instead treated us to a wonderful morning of blue skies and intermittent clouds, and really a delightful temperature in which to be cycling. Within ten minutes of packing up and heading home, we were driving through a thunderstorm!

All in all, the ride was excellent, and a much better experience than the 80 km on Victoria Day. Riding in a group of 5 is an excellent change, and it makes the distances much more manageable. I didn’t really notice any equipment issues this time, although I am now the owner of a pronounced glove-tan that makes it look like I’m wearing white mits everywhere. That should blend in within a few days if I keep up my lunch time walks, though.

On a quick fund-raising update, monies collected have now surpassed 70% of the target $10,000.

One response stood out among the rest and, with permission, I would like to share it with you. You’ll find it after the break :

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Last September, I ordered a new bicycle (Trek Pilot 2.1, click here to see it on the maker’s website). Today I got a phone call letting me know that it has finally arrived! I’m pretty excited about this, given that I’ve never had such a nice bike before, and its only a little cheaper than my used Civic cost me. Unfortunately, given the weather outside, it will be some time before I will be able to take it out on the road.

A few weeks ago I also signed up at a gym in Hamilton (Family Fitness, Upper James and Rymal). I’ve been getting about two cardio sessions in a week, and have two days of weights and machines to build muscle in my core, lower, and upper body. I even went to the extreme of getting some sessions with a personal trainer, which has been a huge help in becoming more comfortable with the gym and the machines, motivating me to push myself, and getting an idea of the exercise routine I’ll need to keep up in order to be in optimal shape come June.

Last week I found out that another member of my church, Mark Brouwer (click here to see his Sea to Sea profile), is also coming along on the trip, bringing the number of Zionites to three (Ed Gringhuis is also going), and the number of Sea to Sea cyclists that I personally know up to four.

Once Spring breaks, expect to see me on weekly group rides for several hours each Saturday.

I’ll let you know how my next gym session goes! (My legs still ache a bit from the last one… )