Not long after the snow melted I dusted off my bike and got back into the saddle. I have been hitting Calgary’s pathways consistently now. I bought my bike late last summer after not riding a bike for more than 30 years.
So I still have a huge learning curve ahead of me. I didn’t get out much last year because running was a priority, and quite frankly I didn’t manage my time very well. I keep hearing that running and cycling are enjoying a boom because of the pandemic so I might as well get in on the action.
One of the first things, I did was wash my bike. I had stored it on my balcony all winter. Sure enough it was pretty dusty. I noticed my front tire was a little deflated so I bought a tire pump at Canadian Tire.
I was pretty overwhelmed with buying a bike last year so I only picked up the basics – helmet, bell and lock. Yes most would say a tire pump is essential but like I said, I didn’t ride that much last year. I clocked less than 150 kilometres in the saddle (134 kilometres to be exact). And this year I have already hit 224 kilometres.
I would really like to get in some longer rides in as the spring unfolds. Right now I am getting in between 20K and 30K per ride. It’s a start.
Michael at the Running Room gave me a printed copy of Calgary’s Pathways and Bikeways map. Calgary has more than 1,200 kilometres in pathways. I tried using the mobile app but I can’t make sense of it especially since I don’t know the city that well.
Mostly I have been getting used to the nooks and crannies of my bike. I am still a little shaky on the downhills but I have already gotten better, the more I ride. My climbs are also getting better. It helps when I shift into the correct gear. Life changer.
I learned straight away that cycling around the Bow River pathways (especially near Eau Claire) can be dangerous. Last weekend I invited Michael along for a ride around the city. It was nice to have some company and I wanted to pick his brain on all things cycling. We cycled to Confluence Park along the Nose Creek pathways, away from the city. I like cycling around there because there is less foot and bike traffic.
We cycled through the park and stopped at the split rock. We even did a little off road. I reckon I better get used to my bike before I start hitting up Nose Hill or West Bragg.
Since both my races have been cancelled this year, I do have the extra hours to spend in the saddle. The trick will be finding the correct balance between running, cycling and hiking.
Cycling is a great low impact sport so no doubt it will help with my recovery after tough runs or climbs.
Because of this “boom” in cycling, there will be more and more people giving cycling a go. The empty bike gear shelves at Canadian Tire were clear evidence of the surge.
I listened to an Outside Magazine podcast – What happen’s to a cyclist’s body when it gets hit by a car – this morning on my run. It gave me pause because as a runner, I have had many near misses with motorists. There are some really bad drivers out there.
Since I am just getting into cycling the timing could not be better. Have a listen. Whether you are a motorist, cyclist or runner, it serves as a good reminder to share the road.
New to cycling? Have you dusted off your bike for the season? Have you ever been hit by a vehicle on your bike or running? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.