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.

I took the Goose out to Colwood, then went past Fort Rodd Hill, up Ocean Boulevard, the out to Metchosin. Form there I took Happy Valley Rd back into town. I made a small detour near the hospital to add a bit of time, then got back on the Goose for the return leg home.

My knee felt pretty good the entire ride, and climbing Ocean Blvd showed that I need to work on hills a lot. I did find that I need to watch my effort level though. More than a few times I realized that I was slowing spinning along, not putting in much effort. That’s not going to get me in shape! Having a riding partner definitely gives me more motivation.

View MAY 25, 2013 TDV Training in a larger map

The ride was just over 60KM. On the return trip my legs were starting to feel a little fried. I did not managed my nutrition while riding very well, which may have played a part in this. Instead of following the water all the way back, I parted ways with D, and tried to find a quicker, and flatter, way home.

It was at this point that I really started slowing down. I just had no power left in my legs to really keep rolling. Here is the route.

Find more Bike Ride in Victoria

Back at home I scarfed back some food, then grabbed some water and sat on the front step in the sunshine. Gorgeous. I can’t wait to get out and ride again next weekend. Before then though I plan to hit the pool for some lengths, and get on the trainer once too.