Yep, it was testing day. Sigh. I have a love hate relationship with these tests. It is awesome to see what numbers I can put up but on the other hand, I strongly dislike the five minute effort sequence. Ah well, it was a good day on the bike. The test went well – better numbers than last time. I pushed myself over the edge – full on cramps, goosebumps, and dead legs all afternoon. Good stuff.

Today I also got out on my new commuter bike. Many thanks to Vince at The Cyclery for hooking me up with this sweet urban ride. With some help from Shaun, okay – he did it all… My bike now has a lock and the brakes are set up perfectly. I took my new trusty steed out for its maiden voyage today. We rolled on over to Loblaws and picked up some groceries. It was great. I felt pretty darn free out there on the bicycle path with my new bike. Sweet.

Tomorrow I’m heading out for a mountain bike ride. A fun three hours with the rocks, roots, trees, and birds. Nice.

On Wednesday I was interviewed on the A Channel for World IBD Day, the isupportibd.ca petition, and my cyclo-cross racing. Here is the video:

The other day I wrote with zeal about the thrill of riding along trails surrounded by the birds and the bees. Today, I’m all about the road bike… I went out for a great ride today. Hot but not too hot. Windy but not too windy. A nice and steady 90 minute ride on the program with some tempo intervals to open up the legs. A perfect way to spend my Thursday morning.

Today was one of those rides where I just felt super comfortable on the bike. The heat and the wind were merely blips on the scale of satisfaction. It was just a feeling of pure relief to be out riding and looking at the blue sky. My legs felt a bit heavy at the start but this was to be expected after a rest day yesterday that really was spent walking in the heat of the mid-day. Soon enough my legs opened up and I really felt like the power numbers were achieved with little to no effort (yes, I calibrated my SRM…). Really it was just one of those days.

Suppose these feelings have to do with where I’m at in my training cycle and how my body is doing these days. I’m nearing the end of my “base”‘ phase so I’m well-adjusted to long days in the saddle and tempo efforts. I look forward to long steady rides that introduce a dull ache into my quads and lungs. My body is responding fairly well but I do have to admit that I’m experiencing an ulcerative colitis flare right now. Nothing too crazy but just enough to force me to rest a bit more and to have to change my diet in an effort to bring things back as they should be. This is probably why I so thoroughly enjoyed my ride today. I knew that all I had to do was “get on the bike” – once I’m on the bike, my insides settle down and I’m able to relax and focus on the ride. Yes, there are cramps and other unpleasant symptoms but by and large when I’m riding, I feel free of these for the time being.

Such was my ride today and probably will be for the next few weeks. Relishing the freedom the bike gives me from the day-to-day routine and my health issues. I like to believe that I’m not alone in this – everyone has something. It is how you deal with your something that makes the difference.

Tune into the Ottawa A Channel morning program on Wednesday at 8:15…. I’ll be on television speaking about my experiences with ulcerative colitis, World IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Day, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Wednesday May 19 is World IBD Day.

Be sure to click on over and sign the petition showing your support for World IBD Day and raising awareness of crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

What a feeling it is to roll out onto the trail on the mountain bike. The big squish tires, the riser bars, the beefy bike – all it gives me a feeling of empowerment. I can conquer the rock gardens, flow around corners, drop down descents, and slide through the berms. All the while with a feeling of freedom wrapping around my soul. I feel free out there on the trails. My brain clears. My feet keep pumping the pedals. I notice my surroundings – the trees, the birds, the miniature frogs, the flowers, the quietness of it all.

This was my day on Monday. Out on the mountain bike soaking up nature cruising along the nicest trails I’ve ever ridden on. Each trail designed to connect, challenge, and build confidence. Bone dry and just wide enough for two wheels, these trails really had me loving my bike. Sure there were sections that had me stumbling, braking too much, coming off my bike, or just sighing deeply – but this is all part of the beauty and challenge of mountain biking.

It is me, the bike, and the trail. I determine what I can and can’t ride. I decide if I’m going to attempt a tricky descent. I decide where my front wheel goes. It is up to me to feel the bike and let go so it can do its job.

Yes, I had a pretty darn good day on Monday. Nothing quite like riding in a well-designed mountain bike centre and with one of the most technically experienced mountain bikers in the area. I was out at the Creative Wheel Centre in Val-des-Monts riding with owner Dominique Larocque. We started out on some “easy” trails and gradually worked our way up the mountain traversing twists, turns, bridges, and rock gardens. We ripped down some awesome descents and then turned around and rode back up – practicing techniques and working on accelerations. Lots of lessons learned on my part. My nerves were tested and got the better of me a couple of times. I tried to stay relaxed and become like “jello” – easier said than done for me.

Just a great day on the bike. The time flew by. I could have stayed out all day. Riding and soaking it all in. Can’t wait to get back out there for more riding and learning. Nothing quite like those big squishy tires bouncing over rocks, roots, and bumps – the big bike taking me on a journey of growth and success.

In a way I suppose it isn’t a bad thing that I’ve been absent from this site for a few days. I’ve been busy riding, recovering, and riding some more! Some days it is hard to find time to sit down and write a blog post. I know, not a real excuse but this is where I’ve been for the past few days.

I definitely have got in some great rides these past few days. On Friday I hit up Kanata Lakes on my trusty mountain bike. The rocks and trails were a bit slippery and there were some definite muddy sections – but this is why I’m out there to get used to the more challenging conditions. I had a great ride, rode on some “new-to-me” trails and I think I found some newish trails as well. I did have one crash that sent me off to buy leg armour in the evening. I decided that landing knee first on a rock was not the best…. There is something about riding in the woods that just makes me feel like a kid. Zipping along with the birds chirping and being surrounded by nature – really makes me appreciate the freedom of the bike.

This weekend was all about the road bike. Pretty standard weekend rides. Got out early on Saturday as my parents were coming into the city for lunch and then we were off to a World Cyclo-Cross Championships party. Many thanks to Marc’s parents for hosting the party and bringing everyone together. It was awesome to see everyone and especially to watch the video that Marc’s mom made (looking into getting this video posted online). Today was my longest ride ever. Five hours and 15 minutes of saddle time. I hooked up with Paul and Sally D. and their friends for a great ride. We hit up Pakenham, Arnprior, Carp, and finally back to Barrhaven. A most excellent ride. I must say the peanut butter cookies and date squares at the Pakenham General Store are very very good.

Ah, Shaun just hooked up the laptop to the television and I’m now listening to the sweet sounds of Phil and Paul announcing the Tour of California. Pretty cool to watch this race live.

Well, tomorrow is going to be a big day as well. I’m off to Creative Wheel for some expert mountain bike instruction.

Feeling some forward progress. Feeling the miles I’ve put into my legs starting to pay off. Fitness is coming around. Head is feeling good. With each pedal stroke my confidence is growing. Loving getting out on my mountain bike – I feel I’m further ahead technically now already. Soon enough I’ll get out my ‘cross bike an start doing some drill work with flags and barriers. And yes, the running shoes will be making an appearance soon. Never a dull moment. Life is good and I’m feeling the rewards of another solid training block.

Monday kicks off a rest week and Friday I’ve got another “power wattage zone test”. Will be interesting to see how things have changed – in the legs, lungs, heart, brain and soul.