Winter Biking

I know it has been a long while since my last post, but that's what happens when I don't get out and participate in activities for weeks, and that fact my blog is about a specific subject.

As the snow has finally arrived in my area of Southwestern Ontario I am looking forward to attempting riding the trails in Waterloo this winter. It is a sport I have been researching extensively online to find as much information I can. So far the only thing I have found is, it's very expensive. As it is winter the temperature is the main factor deciding on when and for how long you should be outside riding and working up a sweat. One good thing is I have some of the clothing already, and this week I will be purchasing a few more items that should keep me warm enough, but still allow my body to breathe properly and not sweat too much. I suppose after the first ride I will know what areas I need to improve on, and what does not need to be changed.

I want to try winter biking because who says it is only a summer sport? It will also give me a different experience of the trails and nature. I am looking forward to this, and I have the choice of never going it again if I don't enjoy it.

Happy trails,
Craig

Leaves

While raking leaves from the front lawn Friday morning I realized I love Autumn. As many people complain about leaves, I to enjoy them. They bring joy in replenishing the earth with vital nutrients(by decomposing) that it gives to humans and animals, through oxygen. The colours that leaves display in autumn are an amazing feat that scientists cannot explain yet, and raking with a significant other can be fun. When raking them you can pile them in something that you can run and jump into, or you can throw at each other, and turn to a competition to stuff down each others clothes. Who has never had this joy, and if you haven't than I feel you are missing out on human interaction. I not only love leaves themselves, but what is associated with them. I love the colours, the smells, the temperature, all bring the start of something new. That is what I love. I could say the same for Winter, but I hope that will be its own blog.

The Ultimate Outdoor List

Over the summer months while biking to and from work, I had plenty of time to talk to myself and think of creative activities to do in the future. I am wanting Emma and I do most of these together, I know there will be a few she won't be interested in. I have compiled a list and here it is, in no particular order.

Mountain Bike trails in;
-British Columbia
-New Mexico
-Chile/Peru(Machu Picchu)
-Wales
-Hawaii

Hike and/or bike on every continent

Hike the entire length of the Bruce Trail in Ontario, from the South cairn in Niagara to the North cairn in Tobermory

Hike or bike from Lands End, England to John O' Groats, Scotland, the furthest distance you can travel in Britain, from South to North

Visit the Yucatan Peninsula as that is the area that is believed to be where the meteor struck that wiped dinosaurs from the planet

Hike the Great Wall in China

Climb the highest point(s) in Ontario and England

Sea kayak between the mainland and Vancouver Island

I am also thinking there should be some spelunking/caving, but I am not sure where to do that yet. I know seeing the Bats in the Southern US and Mexico would be great, and possibly some massive pothole style caves in South America

I know these are ambitious goals, but I feel they are possible to accomplish in our lifetime, and would like to do them before we no longer have the opportunity.

Two Thousand Five Hundred

March 24th 2010 until September 27th 2010 I have ridden 2500km. A visual representation of this would be riding England North to South three times. Majority of my riding was commuting to work 34km a day, however 250km of my total distance was the Waterloo Cycling Club Trails, also known as, The Hydrocut, and the Brant Tract outside of Paisley. I was hoping to ride other trails in Southern Ontario, however did not find time to do so, luckily there is always next year. I am also hoping to attempt winter riding on the local trails as I have heard it is a different experience.

I know I am a terrible blogger, but I have not had the motivation or inspiration to write anything, even though there is plenty I can write about. I will work on a few new posts over the next couple weeks.

Floating Bike

Years after floating a river with my family on inner tubes I have had the desire to have a go with it again. That is what this long weekend is for. I shall be floating the Saugeen River with a co-worker and a few of his friends. This is something I have wanted to do for a while as my parents have a trailer along the river, and it is near the exit point.

I also have plans to bike the Brant Tract again, this reminds me that I need to write a blog about my first ride in there, but I have yet to be inspired. Perhaps I will avoid writing about that first experience, and leave it for the next blog regarding this weekend.

To all, have a good weekend, I shall see you soon.
Craig