Racing and Climbing, Fierce and Strong: Ania

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about a very strong, supportive and encouraging person who loves to climb mountains. She has been there riding with me and supporting me for years. If you missed My More Aggressive Twin, or Crazy Wild Infection Positivity, be sure to check them out!}

‘Oh, you are the one that my wife has been following on Strava’. This is the first thing that Karel said to me upon being introduced at one of the local bike races. ‘She would like to go riding with you’, he continued. The rest is history.

The first time I rode with Ania, I was nervous. I had seen some of her riding data, and in every picture she looked so strong, so athletic. Was I really in the same realm?

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October 10, 2016 11

My More Aggressive Twin: Kate

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. Today’s post is about someone who with intense drive and motivation to overcome real challenges. If you missed The Dark Horse, Grit and Determination, or a Guide on My Journey, be sure to check them out!}

I met Kate in Belgium. My husband, James, and I were there for classics week. We would be attempting amateur versions and watching the real professional versions of several of the hardest one day races in the world. Little did I realize at the time how fitting it would be to meet Kate in such a setting.

Kate is about the same height as me, or rather, has the same lack of height as I do! At four foot ten, we can hardly brag about our stunted stature. At the time, her hair was nearly the same colour and length as mine was. The icing on the cake was her punchy attitude that matched my own. She was very quickly deemed to be my ‘more aggressive twin’. Everyone in the group that we were staying with agreed with this, despite the fact that we had known each other for less than a week.

chatting — Me on the left, Kate in the middle, our gracious host Holly on the right.

Continue reading “My More Aggressive Twin: Kate” →

October 3, 2016 7

Who is the Dark Horse

{Welcome to my feature series on those who have inspired me on my journey. If you missed last week’s post Racing with the Dark Horse, be sure to check it out.}

When I first met the Dark Horse, he led me through a ride that had me digging deep to reach speeds that I didn’t know I could ride at. He was one of the most courteous, professional and talented riders I had ever met. He supported me and pushed me to reach further and ride harder.

There is so much more to the Dark Horse. Continue reading “Who is the Dark Horse” →

September 1, 2016 10

Racing with the Dark Horse

Out we set. Clad in our sleek lycra. Slick wheels cutting the crisp morning air. We were a pack of crazies on a mission to ride.

The pace was at warm up level. But I had ridden with these guys before, and I knew what could happen. I was alert, and I was sure to keep on that last wheel. No dropping this babe so early on.

A few moments in, I noticed a rider behind me. I asked him if he was with this group. Yes, he replied. I asked him if he rode often. He shrugged and casually replied…oh, sometimes. I noticed him dropping back a bit, and tried to keep him in sight. But I had my own concerns of keeping with the pack.

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August 29, 2016 10

Cycling Without Numbers – Only Open Roads

After a winter full of cycling and no signs of an off-season followed by cycling and hiking adventures, a much needed break simply had to be taken. Back home again, I watched as the short summer seemed to be slipping through my fingers. I had not been on my bike in what seemed like forever. I started to long for a ride. Continue reading “Cycling Without Numbers – Only Open Roads” →

August 1, 2016 10

An Island Cycling Adventure

Years ago my husband, James, went on a cycling tour of the Sunshine Coast. He was eager to do it again, this time with me. Over nine days we cycled a circular loop along the ocean, covering multiple islands on the west coast of Canada.

The cycling tour was not without some challenges, however, it was the kind of cycling that took me back to the days when I was first introduced to this fabulous activity. Every morning the first clothes we put on were bib shorts and cycling jerseys. We wore this gear all day until we were at our next location, and checked into the accommodations for the night. We often enjoyed a café break, and sometimes even a post ride beer in our less than fresh cycling kits. They became part of our daily routine once again. Continue reading “An Island Cycling Adventure” →

May 25, 2016 6

What Cycling is Really About

After being out of the saddle all week, I was eager to finally get on my bike today. When I poked my nose out the door this morning, I was greeted by a grey sky and the chilly air. It was a little disappointing after missing out on several fabulous days full of sunshine and warmth. However, I missed my bike so very much that I was determined to get out there. Continue reading “What Cycling is Really About” →

April 23, 2016 0

Don’t Give Up On Yourself

Don’t give up on yourself. No one else has.

If you read my post ‘Saying Farewell to the Silver Strand’, you will recall that I was quite happy about the progress I had made riding the flatter, faster routes. I was super excited that I had really started to become comfortable riding on my husband James’ wheel. I have done a lot of riding with him over the years, but the winter of 2016 was the first time that I had really been able to stick so close to him so much of the time. My Silver Strand post was a celebration of this accomplishment, and also a bit of a sad goodbye to sunny San Diego. Continue reading “Don’t Give Up On Yourself” →

April 13, 2016 1

Saying Farewell to the Silver Strand

I never thought I would be fast at anything that required physical ability. Before I started riding a road bike, I had no idea that I had an athletic side to me. I spent a good part of my life completely uncomfortable with my physical being. I wouldn’t have dreamt that I would be pedalling hard, sucking wind, and pushing my limits to keep with the wheel in front of me. There was a time when I couldn’t possibly have imagined feeling fast and fierce. What I didn’t realize that the seemingly impossible things can become reality. Continue reading “Saying Farewell to the Silver Strand” →

March 30, 2016 2

Don’t Forget to Be In The Moment

That moment when you take a deep breath and your entire being slows down. The fresh air fills every part of your body, your mind, and your soul. You look around in a way that perhaps you haven’t for while. You really see your surroundings. You drink in everything about the moment. Everything stops, and a great space is created. The pressure is lifted, and the confines of life before this space was created are lifted. It is the most delicious moment. Continue reading “Don’t Forget to Be In The Moment” →

March 20, 2016 4