My training has continued over the past week or so since my last post. At the same time I have got a start on the spring yard work and continued with a few small jobs on the family room renovation project.
I have ridden 7 of the last 10 days. While the rides have been of varying distances, the object has been to gradually increase the length of the long rides. Last Saturday I rode 90 km up to Legal, across to secondary highway 803, south to highway 28 and back via Sturgeon Road.
This week my 102 km ride took much the same route except that from Legal I went east to Lily Lake Road before turning south. For the most part the weather has been great although most days I have experienced headwinds on one or more legs of my trips.
The aforementioned Town of Legal was originally a French settlement. A pretty town, it has become known as the “French Mural Capital of Canada”. As you head down the main street you’ll see many murals painted on the sides of buildings.
Certainly one of the more enjoyable aspects of riding around the countryside at this time of year has been seeing all the signs of spring appearing: the trees leafing out, farmers getting out into their fields, golf courses greening up, flowers starting to appear and so on.
I rounded off this week by riding yesterday with Don P., a vet of the 1996 Tour du Canada. It was great hearing Don’s various insights into preparation for the tour and what the days will be like once the ride gets underway. I look forward to a few more rides with Don before I leave for Vancouver.
Yesterday while I was out riding, my friend Dennis, who is building the bookshelves for our family room, installed the base for the cabinets. That means I can now install the cork flooring, hopefully, over the next few days. After that I’ll finish the tiling by the entryway in from the garage. It is looking optimistic that the renos will be pretty much finished before I leave on my ride. I’m sure keeping my fingers crossed!
This coming week I have plans to meet up with fellow rider on this summer’s tour. Michel lives in Calgary and our plan is to meet in the Red Deer area for a couple of days of cycling. More on that in my next post. Stay tuned!
Wind At Your Back 