Oct 23, 2022

Well, I would call that a wrap! The snow hit hard and fast in Calgary this week after a fantastic road cycling fall season. We will be back testing and recommending fabulous road cycling routes in and around Calgary in the spring. In the meantime, to keep your mind on cycling join a spin class, set up your basement trainer, join some cycling specific off season training (I am joining Dynamic Cyclist for their winter training online program and no they do not sponsor us), listen to a cycling podcast like The Move (again, no sponsorship), or rewatch some cycle racing footage, what ever it takes to keep learning about this fantastic sport. Consider reading some cycling books like The Midlife Cyclist by Phil Cavell or Maximum Overload for Cyclists by Roy Wallack (both available at the Calgary Public Library).

This summer we challenged our selves to train and participate in the Whistler Gran Fondo. We did it, all 128 km, and over 2000m elevation gain (According to our Stavra stats). This event is enough to make a grown man cry and fall to his knees, especially this year as many recreational riders were met with no food and electrolyte when they reached the first two aid stations. In addition it was 32C in Whistler when we arrived. We experienced quite a few fit looking riders being picked up part way to Whistler by their families and others walking their bikes or taking a break by lying down in the ditch. We both reached out to the event organizers, and they have promised to do better next year. Unfortunately for us, there will not be a next year as this experience has sworn me off organized rides. We are committing ourselves to continue our quest to provide you, our followers, new and safe routes for the enjoyment of the sport.