Challenging myself

On the Ottawa River pathway.

Bob & I took our first bicycle trip to Ottawa on the first weekend of June, missing the World Naked Bike Ride by a week. Whew! Ottawa has over 170 kilometers of pathways: a paved network linking parks, gardens, museums etc. throughout the city for walkers, cyclers, roller bladers and even mobility scooters.

Michael just arrived back from Spain on June 1st and was already missing his cycling. So, he came along for the ride after replacing a few bicycle parts on his bike.

We met some of our friends from the Roaming Riders our cycling group from Brantford. Saturday, June 6th, was travel day and a bit of scouting the pathways close to the hotel where we stayed.

On Sunday, June 7th, our group followed the pathway to the Experimental Farm, a national historic site right in the heart of Ottawa! Naturally, I had to visit the gardens where the columbines, irises, peonies (just to name a few) were in bloom. Some of the photos taken are posted on the Facebook.

Monday was left open to "do whatever you want" day. There were a lot of directions to choose from. Michael wanted to go to the Gatineau Park. Originally, I thought I'd take it easy but the opportunity to challenge myself presented itself, so, to Gatineau we went!

At the Champlain lookout

The challenge was twofold: cycling up & down the winding hills and staying alive as this is a two lane parkway for motorists. The latter was not too bad to overcome as it was on a Monday and so not too many drivers on the road. Each sustained ascent, even on the lowest gear, was truly a test on my endurance. I think I utilized every tip people had told me every time I'm cycling up a hill: concentrate what's in front of you........right, left, right, left........keep pedaling, keep pedaling......you can do it, you can do it.........,etc. I tried to distract myself by looking for the wild flowers in bloom at the roadside. Michael kept coming back to see how I was getting on several times. On the other hand, the bug smashing, breath taking, goosebumps-producing descent after each ascent was as euphoric as bungy jumping (although I've never tried that one). Perhaps, that was what kept me pedaling about 66 kms. (linear).

Bob going back to cheer me on to the top of one of the ascent

With perfect cycling weather, good company, lots of exercise, fresh air and a bit of "touristing", it was a memorable trip and because I challenged myself, it was also rewarding.