Group Training Ride

The weather was supposed to be sunny and 18, but someone forgot to do their happy, sunny warm dance. We were following the weather reports all week, hoping for good weather as we were still recovering from sickness. I had food poisoning and David had the stomach flu. So out we went to brave the wind and the cool/cold temperatures. It may not have been that cold for others, but for a group of cyclists in Lycra and spandex, it was damn cold! We headed to Kennedy Station for the start time of 8:40am, but arrived at 8:51am, where we joined approximately 80+ cyclists for a training ride to Pickering and back. The total distance is around 63 km, and it was my first group training ride. Our Team lead Tony and co-captain Phil were leading this ride and it was also our last chance to do our mandatory 50km+ ride.

The ride was pretty good, but there was one stretch along Taunton Road that was a long steady ride up a graded slope. It was a bit of a struggle, but riding with other cyclists, really keeps you motivated and everyone is extremely supportive.

David and I rode steadily and strongly, catching up with the first 2 groups who had left before us. At around 55 km, David got a flat. It didn't help any, that both of us were so ill-prepared and forgot to bring our flat tire tool kits with tube and pump. A learning lesson. No need to get down yourselves. You just learn and move on from your mistakes with more knowledge. David took the TTC the last 8 km and I rode to the end point to wait for him.

Now, we are off to a get together with my cousins, then have to go to our friend Tim and Yung's Spring House party, which is also doubling as Tim's bike rally fund-raiser. Busy day and both David and I are still feeling remnants of our sickness, but we plan on having a great time.