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June 25, 2004
Check out my Vacation Photos
Just click on Bubbles to see some of my pictures from Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Nova Scotia. The remainder will be posted after I sleep. It is only 12:30, I am just about asleep at the computer, (and I am planning on being a student).
Posted by jmclean at 12:26 AM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2004
I Did it!
Saturday June 19th was my first individual bike race ever, and I finished! It wasn't pretty, nor was it quick, but I managed to pedal my 36-pound bike through the 67-kilometer course. Jostling for positions with the other 800 riders I pedalled my way up the residential roads heading for the single track.
The Squamish residents provided fantastic support! Some had sprinklers spraying the riders as they spun by in the 30-degree heat. Many stood at the roadside to cheer, clap or "cowbell". One guy went as far as to set up flat station, (an air compressor, spare tubes and tire irons), in case anyone happened to pop a tube in front of his house. My favorite spectators, however, were the ones sporting minimal clothing, turning a lobsterish red, sipping the spoils from a cooler of booze.
Without getting into the nitty details of my race I will give the summary:
1-34km -> I went out at a good clip with the 800 other riders. I rode the first half of the race as well I could in the crowded conditions.
34-47km -> During the ascent of the aptly named 9-mile hill I slowed my pace considerably, (to a walk at points).
48-55km -> I rode a reasonably quick and technical sound downhill.
55km -> My legs CRAMPED up beyond my wildest imagination. The muscle spasm reached from my knee to my hip on the left leg and very close to the same on the right. I layed on the side of the trail I watched countless riders zip by me as I massaged, drank and ate.
55-67 -> I made my way towards the finish, trying to ride as fast as I could without having the cramps attack. With only one other major spasm I reached the finish line dehydrated, disoriented and sore.
4 hour and 47 minutes after the start, I crossed the finish line. I am not thrilled with the time, nor am I upset. The best part is I finished the race, (many didn't), and I now have a goal to improve my time for next year, (or maybe the year after that).
Posted by jmclean at 09:41 PM | Comments (4)
June 16, 2004
Halifax
Last full day on the East Coast. Beautiful sunny weather outside. I arrived in Halifax on Sunday evening after four days in Petawawa. I spent some time sunning myself on the Petawawa River and actually have some colour. Transition time, pale winter Jenn to golden browned summer Jenn. When people ask where I got my tan I can now reply, "In Petawawa, of course!"
Before my flight to Halifax Jon and I spent the day and night in Ottawa. We walked the Rideau Canal and visted the Canadian History of Civilization Museum in Hull. We ate some cheesecake in Byward Market and a pasta filled dinner, (in that order).
In Halifax Myriam and Jacob, (another Nelson couple), picking me up at the airport. I began my whirlwind tour of Nova Scotia. Down to the South Shore the first day. We got as far as Lunenberg, (where they built the Bluenose I & II). This is where I found two delightful toques and maching mitten sets. After all the teasing I got from only having one toque last year, I figured the purchases were much needed.
The afternoon, evening and next day was spent downtown perusing bookstores, art stores, strolling around Point Pleasant, hitting up the oldest pub in Halifax and relaxing. Point Pleasant just reopened after being ravished by Hurricane Juan last fall. It is barren. A huge change from the first time I had seen the park. As far as the oldest pub, it is called the Seahorse. We were there on Monday for "Mullet Mondays" and I got my fix of all the 80's rock power bands!
Well, I believe I am now late for my ride up to Wolfville. I am on the look out for a lobster dinner! Or maybe just a garlic butter dinner. Yeah Test of Metal here I come!
Posted by jmclean at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2004
In Petawawa
Ahhh, vacation is a wonderful thing. We, (Jon and I), just arrived in Petawawa Ontario, population 15,500, this afternoon. I have been having a whirlwind tour of Ontario and am ready to sit back in this one horse town, (military employees and their families), and enjoy a few days of biking, eating and relaxing.
I flew into the big TO on Wednesday via the 7:00am Air Canada flight. I recieved their breakfast teaser. This is the 1/2 egg omelet, cold roll and butter, served with the "hospital orange juice". They have the food portions to a science, giving just enough food to whet the appetite but not rid any kind of hunger.
My old Nelson friend Joel, (a.k.a. "DJ Jol"), was there to pick me up from the airport. We cruised through Toronto in his maroon Jetta, sans shocks. We really got to feel the road, every single bump and dip.
I spent a great night catching up on old Nelson news with him and Amy while hitting up a trendy local bar.
Next day I met up with Jon and we drove to Niagra Falls. What an amazing sight! I have many pictures, however, I will wait until later to post them. We did the "Behind the Fall" tour. This consisted of wearing yellow garbage bags, riding an elevator down to the base of the falls, getting completely soaked, riding the elevator back up and watching Jon rip off the garbage bag while yelling, "I am the Incredible HULK!!!!".
Next day we moved on to Niagra on the Lake. Another very neat little town. I was told by numerous locals that is was voted "Prettiest Town in Canada". I would have to say it is a close second to Nelson. It is also famously know as wine country. We wanted to take in the local experience so we signed up for a biking wine tour the next day. Ahhh, two of my favorite things; drinking and biking! No helmets, 20+ drunk bikers and two major highway crossings later we stumbled back to our campsite.
Next was Canada's Wonderland.... What can I say-an amusement park with lots of roller coasters.
Sunday evening, back on Roncevalles Street in Toronto we found DJ Jol spinning in the Up and Up bar. It was Joel's debut at this particular establishment and it was great. He mixed his tunes, (sorry for butchering the lingo), for a good 3 hours. I not only enjoy the music and the atmosphere, but also the drink specials and the extensive martini list.
Well, in point form this is my vacation thus far.
Posted by jmclean at 05:56 PM | Comments (1)