Saturday, November 13, 2010

Night Rides

Wednesday morning I woke up with the plan to drive to work, borrow the test bike Element and take it on a night ride. So I made it as far as getting the bike home. My sister and I then raced off to sushi for supper and off I then headed for swing dance lessons. All was going according to plan until my friend was like a few us are practicing now and we need another lead...so not being able to say no to dancing more I hoped on my bike and headed over to her place. As we were practicing I kept thinking its not that late I still have tons of great riding left. So at 10 o'clock we headed out to a small pub for a pint. So now the being home by 9 turned into 10 and was now going fast towards midnight. Most nights I would have pulled the chute and and went to bed but not Wednesday. I geared up and was riding by 12:15am.

I pedalled fast up to nose hill to get away from all the noise of the city and soon found my self in utter darkness with my new head lamp cutting a line of light along the trail. Time seemed to freeze as I rode. It was just me the stars the night and the occasional 5 point buck. That night I realized that I need to spend more time in utter darkness alone. It reminded me of home. Of truly being alone away from people, cars or any other kind of distraction. The inner peace I found was amazing. That and also the Element rocked my world, fast, smooth and easily stand up sprintable!!

All that being said now I look forward to potential new jobs that will feed my desire to race a solo 24 hour event...perhaps Old Peublo? Any takers, I would need some help.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Swing Dance

Not a lot of my cycling friends know that I swing dance. Last weekend I attended a great workshop. The teachers came up from Seattle and taught some great new moves and improved everyones skills. The more I dance the more I realize that this is a great work out. By the end of a 3 or 4 minute fast song I am out of breath, over heating and ready for a nap. The nap never happens as there is always another great person to dance with and a great song to dance to. In case you don't know what swing dance google Hellsapoppin and watch the video.




This workshop has now inspired me to head up to Edmonton at the end of the month to experience a new workshop with new and exciting classes and the chance to meet even more great people.