Transformation

Since I started my journey towards the bike rally, I have unlocked many achievements, like my first 50km, 60km, 100km. The 50km and 90km back to back rides. I rode in the rain, in the sun. I rode with lots of energy and at my lowest when I didn't really handle my nutrition too well. I learned the power of the pack and that I can do stuff I had no idea I could do. I learned that it pays to be assertive but also understand there is a time to back off and wait for your turn. I learned to control my cycling. I learned to love hills climbing.

This is what the bike rally is giving me. All these achievements. Me, the person who has never been pushed, encouraged, praised when I was young. I can do it.

A few weekends ago, I did 2 90km back to back rides. I approached them the same way I did when I was training, knowing I'd make mistakes and I'd learn from them. I made little packages of dried cranberries so I wouldn't have to think about how much. I put bananas and peanut butter sandwiches in the pockets of my jersey. I had my energy bars. I realized that you need to eat A LOT of stuff that give you power when you cycle. That was my problem, I wasn't eating enough. Duh! So whereas the first ride was tough, the second one the day after was fantastic, yes, even in the rain, even with 105km in them old legs...

Last weekend because it was going to rain on Sunday, I decided to join two friends for a bike ride on Saturday. We set off to Kipling and then made our way to Oakville. It was a great ride but I was testing a saddle and I was in agony by the time I got home. Clearly this saddle wasn't working for me. Went to the store to change it back to my other seat and got another one, smaller. The guy also told me it was crooked AND an inch too low. oh boy!

With a butt that was very sore, there was no way I was going to join the Sweetness Ride, 40km around the city and ending at Sugar Beach. But getting up Sunday, feeling better, knowing the ride started at 2:00 pm and going to the store to get a new saddle, I decided to give it a go. I'm so glad I did.

We started as a pack and it was great. I was never on my own during the ride and we all ended up together at the finish. Such powerful emotions happened during that ride. We all gathered at the meeting point and I ended up talking to another rider, a very seasoned rider, Rodney. He told me he was admiring my transformation. He told me "Sylvie, I watch your transformation from a very fearful rider, not knowing if she can do it to someone who is strong and assertive" I was very happy to hear this from him. This is a guy who has done many bike rallies, he is an amazing rider, calm, encouraging, warm, loving. He is an inspiration.

It made me think... here's something else the bike rally has given me. It has transformed me again. And I really like that transformation. It's easier on my knees too :)

One month and 2 days until we leave.