| bonzobanana said: Very impressive but it looks like the scenary is worth it and great weather too. Never cycled that far and not sure I ever will to be honest but would certainly like to reach that fitness level. |
Thanks. You work up to it slowly. When I came to Canada 15 years ago I started out with 15-20 km loops, currently I can manage upto 130km. I only recently got upto that level again since spring, first time after winter 30km is enough. However getting back up to longer distances gets easier each year. It's mainly finding the time now to go that long. 5-6 hour rides are hard to plan. Getting back after dusk is something I avoid, no lights on my bike.
Getting to know every little town and what nature has to offer in a 50km radius was certainly worth it. It's a very nice feeling to know the area you live in like the back of your hand, and watch it change though the seasons and years. Plus I'm lucky to live right between lake Erie and lake Ontario, both reachable now on round trips. (if I can find the time) It's amazing how lake Erie is at least 15 degrees colder than lake Ontario. The beach on lake Ontario turns my feet numb in July while in Port Dover it can feel like soup in mid summer.
Fun things to learn on the way as well, for exmple I cycle a lot along Brock's route between Hamilton and Port Dover. Sir Isaac Brock repelled the first American invasion of upper Canada in 1812, defeating 2000 Americans in Detroit with 350 men.
Dunno what it is, everything tastes better after a long ride. Perhaps it's the endorphins, a nice cold beer and hot dinner never taste as good as after a couple hours cycling.
