Author: gfox (old content)

Sting Labour

Today was an interesting day. I worked for half the day, then in the afternoon I had planned to go on a family bike ride with Sue and the kids. I ate lunch, cleaned up a bit, then took the compost out. As I was walking to the pile (with no shoes on), I felt a sharp pain in my foot. I thought I had stepped on a thorn, but when I went to extract it, I saw a wasp.

The sting was on the underside of the big toe on my right foot, right on the joint. I swore a bit, and hobbled back into the house. I sat down and inspected the damage, but didn’t see any stinger.

Sue came back in and got me some childrens benadryl (all we had, and OMG so sickly sweet). She was on the phone to the nurses line, when I started to not feel so hot. I was wondering if it was my imagination, but it got a little worse. I mentioned to Sue that I wasn’t feeling very good. She was on hold to the nurses line, and suddenly I got very hot and light headed. I was fading quickly, so I told sue to call 911. From there I started sweating profusely, and was fighting to stay conscious.

I could hear everything happening around me, but was not able to respond without a lot of effort. I distinctly remember that I was not having any troubles with breathing. The 911 operator got me to lay on the floor, which was difficult. I was now very weak, still sweating, and still fighting to not pass out.

Then I heard the sirens. Phew. Elliot brought me a pillow, Amy watched over me, and Elliot ran outside to flag down the firefighters. I don’t know how many guys came tromping into the house (with Heart in her crate barking at them – Elliot apparently got her into her crate too), but they starting taking vitals and got me going on some oxygen.

By this point I was feeling a little better, but still weak, still sweating, and still a little light headed. The ambulance crew arrived and took over my care. They got me on a chair, checked me over (apparently my blood pressure was very low; I heard them talking 80 over something), then prepped me for a ride to the hospital. They gave me an epi shot, some more benadryl, and got an IV going while on route.

At the hospital they checked me in, and got me settled on a bed in the ER. An intern came by and took my history and informed me on what to expect. My blood pressure was taken a few more times throughout the afternoon, but for the most part I just had to lay there doing nothing.

Sue arrived and brought my phone, wallet, and some shoes. Both her and the phone were good distractions and helped pass the time. I finally sent her off when her parking time ran out. Sure enough the doctor came by soon after, finished making sure I was fine, then said I would be discharged soon. I texted Sue and she came back.

I’ve been stung a few times before, and never had a reaction. The doc pointed out that allergies can develop later, and sometimes can even disappear. They gave me a steroid to help with any symptoms tonight, and a prescription for an epi-pen (already filled). He also mentioned that they like to keep patients under observation for at least three hours post last dose of epi, in case symptoms recurr after the epi wears off. Gotta say, epi is nasty. Gave me the jitters, and a bad headache.

Sue came and picked me up, took me home, and that was my labour day. Not at all what we had planned.

Tour de Victoria 2013

What can I say about the Tour. It is a great course, but this year was incredibly hard. The weather was a big part of it, but my body was a bigger factor.

In the week leading up to the ride I got sick. It wasn’t a head cold, but rather I was lethargic, had a fever, bad headaches, couldn’t sleep well, and generally felt gross. By Friday I felt I was 100%, and on Saturday I felt ready for the ride.

Saturday I prepped everything for an early morning departure, including getting my fender installed on my bike again. However, when I woke up Sunday I wasn’t feeling 100% any more. I actually felt like I had another cold coming on. Before heading out the door for the ride I popped some cold meds and hoped for the best.

It was raining as I left, so I had dressed with tights, booties, and a vest with arm warmers. This is way more clothing that I had worn for any of my training rides, and I hoped it wasn’t overkill. I made my way to the start line, and immediately needed to use the can. Thankfully I made it back to my bike before everything started.

I was thirsty though, and I remember thinking that was odd since I had plenty to drink the day before. I kind of chalked it all up to nerves, though it was a different feeling than most cases of nerves I had felt.

We started off, and thankfully the rain had let up a little. The group motored out to Langford, and by the time we got to Ocean Boulevard, people had started to string out. By this time I had also downed half a bottle of water already too. As we ascended Ocean I could feel my legs weren’t as strong as most of the training rides I had done.

We continued on out into Metchosin, then hit Lombard, which was a nasty little climb, then Lindholm. Lindholm was an eye opener. My legs had nothing in them. The was less than 40KM into a 140KM ride and my legs were drained and tired. Not good.

I also realized at some point that I was behind on my nutrition already. Aargh. I was paying attention to how I was feeling and not watching the time. At the first aid station I filled up with water and quickly grabbed a few snacks. My goal of 5 hours was flying out the window, and I knew it. The weather was a factor in that, but so was I.

We remounted and continued on, passing the 100KM rider start. There was nobody there, so we zipped over to Atkins Rd. Last year I caught up to and passed a bunch of 100KM riders on Atkins. This year, it was eerily empty. My first 40KM I felt like we had a good speed, but somehow I must have been slower than last year.

We tackled Munn’s and I was seriously hating that hill. It is always a good challenge, but this day, in the wet it was awful. I was in a way lower gear, way earlier than normal. I was exerting myself too much on this hill. When we got to the last pitch I stood to try and grunt it out over the top, but my wheel started slipping on the wet pavement forcing me to stay seated. After the ride I looked up my Munns climb timed section and I was two minutes slower this year over last.

Ross Durance was brutal too. At one point I couldn’t make it up one of the hills, so I dropped to my granny ring (my bike has a triple ring setup). I hadn’t used the granny in years. I was beginning to feel very defeated. My spirits were dropping quickly. My legs were still feeling dead.

As we neared the Brentwood bay school aid station I realized I hadn’t seen Sue. I was a little concerned, but I was more concerned about me. Do I drop out and turn home, or do I continue. My legs were fine on the flat sections, but the hills were very difficult. At the aid station I took on more water and food, and made the decision. I had trained months for this event. Hours in the saddle away from family. Summer vacation was planned around when Sue and I could ride. I had to keep going.

I left the aid station and a few minutes later realized I had forgotten to pee. The long climb along West Saanich road wasn’t too bad since it was gradual so I kept going. As we got to the backside of the airport, the wind started to pick up. If it was windy there, it was going to be brutal on the Sydney side. Thankfully I was riding with two others and we could draft off each other.

We got to Wane rd, crossed the highway, and started heading back toward town. That was a good feeling, but looking at my watch I knew that I was way off the pace I wanted. We stopped again at the aid station and I check my text message to see if Sue had sent me anything. I got so distracted that I forgot to pee yet again.

As we were passing through Sydney I told the two guys I was riding with that I needed to stop. I told them to go on without me, and I reassured them I would be fine. I felt much better after I peed, but then I got into the really windy part. I quickly realized how foolish I was sending them on without me.

Somewhere during al this I kept getting sweat in my eyes. There was so much rain coming down that my helmet pads were releasing all the built up sweat and gunk in them, and it was running into my eyes. It was very painful, but also dangerous as this was happening on descents and I couldn’t see very well.

I soldiered on through the wind, through Cordova bay, then through Mount Doug. Turning onto Ash I faced my nemesis hill. I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, and I knew that I would have a bit of time to recover after this hill. Three quarters of the way up my legs gave up on me an I had to get off and walk. Talk about killing my spirits.

Remounting I tried to keep my speed up, but then I noticed my bike computer was on the fritz. My speed was reading 0, yet my cadence was at 160 RPM. And my distance was glued to 107KM. Sigh.

On Arbutus I was going around once corner when all of a sudden my rear wheel hit a pothole hard. It gave me a big jolt, but it was quite eye opening. I hadn’t seen a thing, and imagine if my front wheel had hit it?

It seemed like I was OK, so I kept going. Through Cadboro bay, and up the hill to Beach drive I went. As I got onto Beach drive my back end felt a little off. Sure enough my tire was low. Likely a snakebite from that pothole. I figured it was pretty slow so I pulled over (right before the timed section start) and decided against replacing it, and instead chose to top it up with CO2. Fairly quick, but still difficult with cold wet hands.

I started the timed section and tried to do my best on it, but by the time I got to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, my tire was low again. I pulled over and knew I had to change it this time. I took off my soaking wet gloves and got out my tools. I struggled to get the tire off the rim, and it was because of the tube being stuck to the tire. My hands weren’t working all that well and I was starting to get down on myself.

Then a support vehicle pulled up. They asked if I needed some help, and I was all set to say no, but realized the folly in that. They were there to help, so I accepted. They jumped out with a floor pump, and in no time got the tire reseated, the tube inflated, checked the spin on the tire, put the wheel back on the bike, checked the brakes, and handed my bike back. Big thanks to those guys! I also realized that it wasn’t my glasses that were fogging up on me. There was something wrong with my right eye. Everything was foggy and hazy in that eye. A little disconcerting.

I was in the home stretch, but now I was really cold, and still soaking wet. I got past the golf course, and could see King George Terrace. The last big hill. Some friends had planned to watch from there, but with the weather the way it was, and with me being so much later than I had planned, I was sure they weren’t going to be there. When I got to the second ascent, I put my head down and powered up the hill. A wave of emotion hit me. I had gotten through all the hard bits and could now coast home. Head down still I glanced over and could see one of my friends cheering me on. It turned out that 5 people I knew were cheering from that spot. Those are my SuperFriends! Thanks guys.

Down the backside of King George I gathered the will to keep going. Ross Bay, Clover Point, Beacon Hill then downtown. Nothing could stop me from finishing. The sun had even come out at this point. Then I needed to pee again. Aaargh. I stopped at Beacon Hill Park, then made my way to the finish.

After I crossed the finish line I heard Sue call me. I was relieved she was OK. I was happy I finished, and had endured that, but was so bitterly disappointed in the day. Even now, a week later I am disappointed in how I fared. I grabbed my bag from the bag check and we got a little warmer. We went to go get in line for food and a beer, but we couldn’t do it. The line was huge and we were cold and wet. We gave someone our food and beer tickets and just headed for home. I wasn’t in a mood for celebrating anyway.

My official time was 6 hours eleven minutes, and my goal was to break 5 hours. My 2012 time was 5 hours 8 minutes.


View The Tour de Victoria 2013 in a larger map


View The Tour de Victoria 2013 in a larger map

Total distance: 141.60 km (88.0 mi)
Total time: 6:17:41
Moving time: 5:40:43
Average speed: 22.49 km/h (14.0 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 24.94 km/h (15.5 mi/h)
Max speed: 60.91 km/h (37.8 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:40 min/km (4:18 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:24 min/km (3:52 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0:59 min/km (1:35 min/mi)
Max elevation: 250 m (820 ft)
Min elevation: -16 m (-53 ft)
Elevation gain: 1524 m (4998 ft)
Max grade: 19 %
Min grade: -17 %

Tour Wait

Well, my last big ride before the Tour de Victoria is done. Bill and I hit up the three big climbs of the Tour course. He turned off while I continued. I had planned to try and make 4.5 hours, but I fell a bit short. Kangaroo road was pretty torn up. Looks like they are planning on widening the road and lots of heavy machinery has been on the road. This has made the road more bumpy than normal.

Munns was as fun as usual. After that I headed out along Wallace, turned on to West Saanich, then turned right on Stellys X Road to take me over to Island View Rd, and Mitchell Farm. From there I started to follow the Tour route home, but realized I would go way over on my time, so I mentally figured out the quickest route home.

All in all a decent ride, but I was pretty knackered by the end. I don’t think I could have done another 40 km. Ride day could be interesting. I’ll rely on drafting and adrenaline to get me through.

Next week I plan on a short (ish) three hour ride on flat (ish) terrain just to keep myself limber.

Then the Tour. Can’t wait.


View Three Big Hills Sept 7, 2013 in a larger map


View Three Big Hills Sept 7, 2013 in a larger map
Total distance: 103.88 km (64.5 mi)
Total time: 4:19:56
Moving time: 4:05:01
Average speed: 23.98 km/h (14.9 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 25.44 km/h (15.8 mi/h)
Max speed: 64.07 km/h (39.8 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:30 min/km (4:02 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:22 min/km (3:48 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0:56 min/km (1:30 min/mi)
Max elevation: 256 m (839 ft)
Min elevation: -11 m (-37 ft)
Elevation gain: 1139 m (3738 ft)
Max grade: 13 %
Min grade: -12 %

Behind Ride

Apparently I am a little behind on posting about my rides.

This ride I did in Nanaimo. I think it was supposed to be 4 hours, but was just barely 3. I remember being unhappy with this ride.


View Nanaimo Tour in a larger map
Total distance: 75.43 km (46.9 mi)
Total time: 3:05:40
Moving time: 3:02:19
Average speed: 24.38 km/h (15.1 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 24.82 km/h (15.4 mi/h)
Max speed: 59.63 km/h (37.1 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:28 min/km (3:58 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:25 min/km (3:53 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1:00 min/km (1:37 min/mi)
Max elevation: 173 m (566 ft)
Min elevation: -3 m (-9 ft)
Elevation gain: 835 m (2741 ft)
Max grade: 12 %
Min grade: -11 %
Recorded: 8/18/2013 9:15AM

The next ride was a weeknight ride where I met a couple friends near the Johnson St Bridge and headed out to the observatory for hill repeats. I did three ascents of the hill, and could have done more I think, but we were running out of light. I almost got taken out by a dragonfly on the return trip. It hit me in the right shoulder, which caused me to twist a bit, then a blackberry cane hit me and snagged my jersey.


View Observatory Hill Repeats in a larger map
Total distance: 48.14 km (29.9 mi)
Total time: 2:20:42
Moving time: 1:55:12
Average speed: 20.53 km/h (12.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 25.07 km/h (15.6 mi/h)
Max speed: 55.25 km/h (34.3 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:55 min/km (4:42 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:24 min/km (3:51 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1:05 min/km (1:45 min/mi)
Max elevation: 225 m (737 ft)
Min elevation: -15 m (-48 ft)
Elevation gain: 630 m (2067 ft)
Max grade: 20 %
Min grade: -16 %
Recorded: 8/22/2013 6:04PM

The next ride is broken into two parts. I managed to hit four hours, but I had to extend my ride through parts of Esquimalt. One really nice thing about this ride was coming across a friend of mine as he as reaching his turnaround point on Martindale. He joined me for the ride back to downtown, which was nice to have some company on.


View 8/25/2013 7:17AM in a larger map

View 8/25/2013 7:17AM in a larger map
Total distance: 104.68 km (65.0 mi)
Total time: 4:02:02
Moving time: 3:57:04
Average speed: 25.95 km/h (16.1 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 26.49 km/h (16.5 mi/h)
Max speed: 59.93 km/h (37.2 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:19 min/km (3:43 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:16 min/km (3:39 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1:00 min/km (1:37 min/mi)
Max elevation: 246 m (806 ft)
Min elevation: -15 m (-50 ft)
Elevation gain: 1186 m (3892 ft)
Max grade: 17 %
Min grade: -38 %
Recorded: 8/25/2013 7:17AM

Lastly we get to my ride this past weekend (again in two parts). I had wanted to hit somewhere between 4.25 and 4.5 hours, and I did it on this ride. I managed 116 km, but more importantly to me, I maintained an average speed of just under 27KM/H. I consider this excellent given that this ride was 100% solo. On ride day I need to maintain about 28 KM/H to hit my 5 hour goal. Again, for this ride I had to extend it a little through Esquimalt to get in the time.


View 8/31/2013 7:55AM in a larger map

View 8/31/2013 7:55AM in a larger map
Total distance: 116.11 km (72.1 mi)
Total time: 4:25:09
Moving time: 4:19:08
Average speed: 26.27 km/h (16.3 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 26.88 km/h (16.7 mi/h)
Max speed: 60.46 km/h (37.6 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:17 min/km (3:41 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:14 min/km (3:36 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0:60 min/km (1:36 min/mi)
Max elevation: 250 m (819 ft)
Min elevation: -9 m (-30 ft)
Elevation gain: 1178 m (3866 ft)
Max grade: 14 %
Min grade: -12 %
Recorded: 8/31/2013 7:55AM

Average Blood

Last weekend we were camping, yet I still got out for my ride. From Rathtrevor I rode South to Nanoose and did the Fairwinds loop. A friend of mine joined me on my assurance that it wasn’t hilly. Note to self: the Fairwinds loop is hilly! My friend dropped off after one lap, but stuck out three laps before riding North again. My goal was to hit four hours, but I only managed a little over three. The upside was that my average speed was higher than normal.


View Camping Ride Aug 4, 2013 in a larger map

Total distance: 82.25 km (51.1 mi)
Total time: 3:05:48
Moving time: 3:03:16
Average speed: 26.56 km/h (16.5 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 26.93 km/h (16.7 mi/h)
Max speed: 93.45 km/h (58.1 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:16 min/km (3:38 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:14 min/km (3:35 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0:39 min/km (1:02 min/mi)
Max elevation: 105 m (345 ft)
Min elevation: -8 m (-27 ft)
Elevation gain: 1262 m (4140 ft)
Max grade: 28 %
Min grade: -38 %

This past Wednesday I gave blood, so I wasn’t sure how I would do for my Saturday long ride. The plan was for Sue and I to head out and for me to show her the Metchosin section of the route. We did that, then before turning towards Munn’s Sue headed home, while I continued. After Munn’s I headed toward home since we had family visiting, but I managed to extend it a little to reach 95KM. Not bad for three days after donating blood. My average speed was a little lower than normal, but that was in part due to riding with Sue. I pushed a harder gear while going slow, and the burn felt pretty strong for a long time.


View 3 Hills Aug 8, 2013 in a larger map


View 3 Hills Aug 8, 2013 in a larger map

Total distance: 94.54 km (58.7 mi)
Total time: 4:02:24
Moving time: 3:56:58
Average speed: 23.40 km/h (14.5 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 23.94 km/h (14.9 mi/h)
Max speed: 62.66 km/h (38.9 mi/h)
Average pace: 2:34 min/km (4:08 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2:30 min/km (4:02 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0:57 min/km (1:32 min/mi)
Max elevation: 249 m (817 ft)
Min elevation: -13 m (-43 ft)
Elevation gain: 1090 m (3578 ft)
Max grade: 18 %
Min grade: -10 %

Pavement Ideal

My Tour de Victoria training has been a little topsy turvy the last few weeks. After the great ride I had on July 7, I was hoping for more of the same.

The following weekend we had a lot of plans that didn’t line up perfectly, which meant I was in Nanaimo, and only had a few hours to ride. A couple people told me about the loop around the Fairwinds Golf Course, and looking into it, it looked nice.

I had to head out along the highway from my Mom’s, turn into Nanoose, then follow the loop. I did one loop pretty easily, and realized it was going to be a short ride, so I did a second loop. With the second one in the bag I headed back to Nanaimo. Nearing Lantzville I realized my short ride was going to be too short, so I did what I could to extend it a bit.


View Nanoose Training Ride TdV July 7, 2013 in a larger map
Name: Nanoose Training Ride TdV July 7, 2013
Activity type: cycling
Description: –
Total distance: 54.96 km (34.1 mi)
Total time: 2:09:21
Moving time: 2:06:39
Average speed: 25.49 km/h (15.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 26.04 km/h (16.2 mi/h)
Max speed: 59.67 km/h (37.1 mi/h)
Average pace: 2.35 min/km (3.8 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2.30 min/km (3.7 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1.01 min/km (1.6 min/mi)
Max elevation: 98 m (323 ft)
Min elevation: -13 m (-42 ft)
Elevation gain: 995 m (3264 ft)
Max grade: 22 %
Min grade: -13 %

Rather short considering the week before. The next weekend I didn’t even ride at all since I had come down with a cold. Bummer.

Instead, on Tuesday I managed to get out mountain biking. To make up for the lost training ride, I rode out to the dump where I was to meet up with a few other guys. The ride out to the dump wasn’t too bad, but the fat knobby’s don’t roll so well on the pavement. By the time I got to the parking lot I was pretty gassed, but with no time to rest I had to hit the trails to meet up with everyone. Part way through the ride I asked around if anyone had some spare room since I was either going to ride home, or finish the trail loop, but not both. Thankfully I got a lift.


View Dump Ride From Home TdV July 23, 2013 in a larger map
Name: Dump Ride From Home TdV July 23, 2013
Activity type: mountain biking
Description: –
Total distance: 24.54 km (15.3 mi)
Total time: 2:37:13
Moving time: 2:08:24
Average speed: 9.37 km/h (5.8 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 11.47 km/h (7.1 mi/h)
Max speed: 49.09 km/h (30.5 mi/h)
Average pace: 6.41 min/km (10.3 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 5.23 min/km (8.4 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 1.22 min/km (2.0 min/mi)
Max elevation: 343 m (1125 ft)
Min elevation: -8 m (-27 ft)
Elevation gain: 921 m (3021 ft)
Max grade: 16 %
Min grade: -30 %

Nowhere near the distance of a road ride, but tiring just the same. Plus it was hot out, and I wasn’t 100% over the cold either.

Now to today. I started off the ride, not entirely sure where I was going to go. I knew I wanted to hit Munn’s and I knew I wanted to hit 4 hours, but everything else was up in the air. I decided I would hit Ocean Blvd too, then last moment decided on Lindholm. This meant I would do the three killer hills on the TdV course. Nothing like a good challenge.

I did those, then got onto Wallace Dr. At this point I saw that I was 3 hours into my 4 hour ride and still heading out of town. Not ideal for sure. I crossed over towards the ocean as quick as I could then took the Lochside Trail back. My legs were knackered, and my quads cramping anytime I stood on the pedals. Still I pushed hard to be home around the 4 hour mark since Sue was going out to a party.


View Victoria Ride TdV July 28, 2013 in a larger map

View Victoria Ride TdV July 28, 2013 in a larger map
Name: Victoria Ride TdV July 28, 2013
Activity type: cycling
Description: –
Total distance: 100.95 km (62.7 mi)
Total time: 4:08:24
Moving time: 3:59:45
Average speed: 24.38 km/h (15.2 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 25.26 km/h (15.7 mi/h)
Max speed: 62.15 km/h (38.6 mi/h)
Average pace: 2.46 min/km (4.0 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2.38 min/km (3.8 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0.97 min/km (1.6 min/mi)
Max elevation: 244 m (800 ft)
Min elevation: -28 m (-92 ft)
Elevation gain: 2243 m (7361 ft)
Max grade: 53 %
Min grade: -86 %

Not too shabby, but if I want to break 5 hours for the TdV, I will have to get my butt into gear more. 140 KM in 5 hours means a 28KM/H average.

Comparison Great

What a ride today. The weather was perfect, sunny, but not too hot, a slight breeze, but not a strong head wind. The only thing I should have changed was selecting my route ahead of time. Well, I had a general idea of where I wanted to go, but I should have planned it better to ensure that the distance I wanted to hit was doable with my route.

My main goal was to hit Munn’s Road for the first time this year. I went straight from my place out the Goose to the turn off to Munn’s. I made it up to the top without too much trouble which pleased me a lot. Sure the last pitch before the summit hurt and was slow, but I did it without stopping. Ross Durance Lake Road was easy in comparison. From there I went out Wallace until I hit West Saanich. Here is where better planning would have helped. I went left, changed my mind, and back tracked to Wallace until I crossed the highway. I knew that if I headed to town, my ride would be too short, so I went left towards Sidney for a quick out and back. It worked, but wasn’t the best option.

I passed MItchels Farm when I noticed that there was a large bird on top of a telephone pole. At first I thought it was a turkey vulture, but as I got close I realized it was a Bald Eagle. When it moved I saw that it had a rabbit in it’s talons. I stopped to try and take a picture, but before I could get my phone out and unwrapped, the bird flew away.

I continued on feeling pretty strong through Mount Doug, and up Ash. In fact I was feeling pretty strong the entire day so far. Past Willows, through Oak Bay, then up and over King George Terrace I went. I zipped through downtown, then over the bridge. As I was heading along Esquimalt Ave I noticed that I was pretty close to breaking 100K, so I took a slightly longer route than normal to eke out as much distance as possible.


View July 7, 2013 TdV in a larger map


View July 7, 2013 TdV in a larger map

Total distance: 102.97 km (64.0 mi)
Total time: 3:59:19
Moving time: 3:55:02
Average speed: 25.82 km/h (16.0 mi/h)
Average moving speed: 26.29 km/h (16.3 mi/h)
Max speed: 84.22 km/h (52.3 mi/h)
Average pace: 2.32 min/km (3.7 min/mi)
Average moving pace: 2.28 min/km (3.7 min/mi)
Fastest pace: 0.71 min/km (1.1 min/mi)
Max elevation: 300 m (984 ft)
Min elevation: -29 m (-94 ft)
Elevation gain: 2384 m (7820 ft)
Max grade: 41 %
Min grade: -52 %
Recorded: 7/7/2013 8:37AM

My bike computer recorded 99.3 KM, but my phone recorded more. Also, my phone says my max speed was 84 KM/H, but the bike computer recorded 62.8 KM/H. No idea where the difference came from.

At home I ate some lunch, had a coffee, and recovered a bit. Good challenge today, and this has left me feeling pretty good about the Tour de Victoria.

Next weekend I will be riding in Nanaimo, so we will see what kind of a ride I can string together.

Waterfront Night

Last night Sue and I each got out for a ride. The plan for me was to ride after Sue, and I wanted to do about 1.5 hours. I went along the waterfront since it was such a nice day out.

On the out leg I could see that my average speed was pretty high. And I wasn’t pushing hard enough to warrant such a speed. Immediately I knew that the return leg would mean a huge head wind. I remember my speed was over 30 KM/H was I was heading towards Clover Point along a flat section.

I made it to Arbutus and Finnerty road in 49.45 minutes. Turning around I braced for the worst, and once I got to Cadboro Bay Village I could feel the wind starting to pick up. Sure enough, by the time I got to Willows Beach, the head wind was pretty fierce. It got steadily more and more worse as I got to Ross Bay, and the hill from there to Clover Point was pretty slow. As I passed Clover Point I looked fown to see myself doing 20 KM/H in the same spot where previously I was doing 30 KM/H.

It was sure a good work out on a beautiful night.


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Different Treat

Elliot is done school now, and Amy is taking a week off daycare so that they can both do PedalHeads. Each day I have done something fun and different with the kids, as well as do a couple errands along the way.

Today one of the errands was to take all the bottles back to the bottle depot. We got over $13 back. In return for their help we went to DQ for an ice cream treat. Perfect for a hot day.