Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sometimes...
Sometimes other people are able to sum things up better then what you can do. I wouldn't even know where to start. There's alot I want to do and see, yet I am unsure if I am on the right path, or if their is even a path. Maybe money is holding me back, maybe friends and family, or maybe it's just myself. Right now I don't really know and it's this confusion that's the hardest.Sometimes the confusion in one's life can be solved with a picture, story, movie, or a inspiring message. Sometimes this is untrue, but the hope and wonder if always there.
Monday, August 17, 2009
A Epic Journey
I don't think there is any word better then EPIC to sum up the trip I endeavored this past weekend. The word epic sometimes I think to myself doesn’t even give it justice. This past weekend was the adventure of a lifetime. As the countdown started I began getting more and more excited, sharing the excitement with those I work with as well as family members about this crazy experience that I would soon be heading on. So now here’s the story of what happened.
Friday
It all started Friday night where I awaited the pickup from Jon to begin the trip. A little delayed because of a wedding he had to attend but none the less it was an enjoyable wait yet eager the whole time. Once he arrived we finally set sail (well set gas pedal) ha-ha and drove on our way to reach the Niagara region. After sitting in traffic, taking a few wrong turns, and realizing I did not bring the map we arrive. By now it was 2:30 and we were both exhausted, we were unsuccessful with finding a campsite that was open, or one that didn’t cost money so we kept driving. We found a glorious field which was covered by bushes all around so the car and tent wouldn’t be seen. Yes sneaky and gypsy like but so worth it. We set up tent and decided to hit the sac. It was awesome sleeping in a tent once again. Hearing the sounds of nature all around and being all cozy in my sleeping bag it was defiantly a good sleep.
Saturday
The morning on the other hand. By goly was it hot. As the air seeped into the tent, I could feel the sweat pouring off my body. Considering the time being 8:30 it was SOOO HOT. We had quiet a lot of distance to cover so we needed to get a move on. Jon and I packed up the tent, and drove out of the field and town we were squatted in and drove towards st. catharines for some delicious breakfast. YEAHOO DONUT DINER…After eating we knew we were ready. We drove towards our starting location. With a small pit stop for get this…….GO KARTING! We did 9 laps of this fast track go kart course and played a round of miniputt. After sweating to death at the miniputt course, and getting my kart bumped and getting passed by Jon we were finally ready to get to our starting location for the long haul. We decided to start at the Niagara Cable Car. So we loaded out bikes up, packed our backpacks, wished each other luck, and we were set. We road past the Great Wolf Lodge, Past Clifton Hill and Niagara falls, following it all along the parkway past beautiful bridges, and massive homes. Stopping a few times for snacks and pee breaks. Road through what was known as Chippewa and old Fort Erie. Till we reached the break point of the path. All of these were some of the most picturesque things. It saddens me that I did not have a camera yet deeply honored that I had the chance to experience this trip. We had then reached Fort Erie the stopping destination for this leg of the trip. As we road (still without a map) trying to guess which way to go, our backpacks and bike’s feeling heavy, and just wanting to rest at the site. We head to get their by 8 in order to be counted as checking in on time. This road seemed the longest, one straight long path without much to see on either side. Once arriving we were able to set up camp anywhere we liked. We picked a nice spot with an amazing view of the water, which was to later be blocked by a truck. None the less we arrived set up site and went for a swim. SO FRESRESHING! After the swim we decided because my bike had a flat tire we would walk into town to get some food and some beer to drink. OH MY GOSH. Hardest walk of my life, we had no idea where we were going, the streets made no sense, and there was absolutely nothing in fort erie. We left at we’ll say 7:30 arriving at the beer store 9:15….oooh and just with our luck it closed at 9. None the less we found this amazing pasta place with a liquer license and they were open to 11. We headed in, ordered the most amazing meal and a lovely pint of beer. Quiet the amazing top off to a fantastic day of riding. We decided because the walk took so long we would cab it back to site. Turned out our cabby was from my hometown and lived 2 streets over. And knew the area in which Jon lived. Once arriving back at site we were dead and headed to bed. Hitting the pillow(our clothing haha no pillows brought) and going out like a light. All I can say is it was a huge success.
Sunday
Woke up Sunday morning, with an amazing feeling. I knew we had conquered half the trip and that was all so enjoyable. After packing up our stuff we were ready to get going. With my flat tire we knew we had to pump it up before we got to far ahead on the trip. As we road through the campground we realize they had an air pump the entire time. Which means we could have road our bikes last night and get to town on time. Oh well, the walk still was pretty worth the food. I filled up my tire and we started to ride. Going back seemed such a less distance then the way we road. As we road my tire continued to loss more and more air. Jon being the amazing bike mechanic he is, determined their was a hole in the tire which caused me to need to buy a knew one. After reaching Niagara falls we finally decided to head towards a Walmart, walking on foot, for what seemed like forever. I defiantly became a little upset and could feel the tiredness and sun attacking my body. Thank goodness for Jon to keep me sane and boost my spirits with excellent mitch hedberg jokes and chocolate mnm’s. After replacing the tire we were back on our bikes for the last leg of the trip. My now my hands are hurting from the bike tape slowly ripping and peeling away on the handlebars leave lovely red burning area’s on my palms.
Though we endured so much pain in times it was all very worth it. After arriving at our final location/the starting point we were the two happiest people. So proud of not only myself but also Jon for one hell of a trip. Biggest grin on our faces and a continuous saying of “I can’t believe we just did that, were such troopers”. It still seems insane that we just road the distance we did. This blog post doesn’t even begin to describe the trip yet can only provide you with a SMALL sense of what happened. After 87 km’s of riding, 20 km’s of walking, 15 liters of water, hours of talking, and a countless amount of laughter this was one hell of a trip. I am so glad I went, and wouldn’t have wished for my riding partner to be anyone else.
Friday
It all started Friday night where I awaited the pickup from Jon to begin the trip. A little delayed because of a wedding he had to attend but none the less it was an enjoyable wait yet eager the whole time. Once he arrived we finally set sail (well set gas pedal) ha-ha and drove on our way to reach the Niagara region. After sitting in traffic, taking a few wrong turns, and realizing I did not bring the map we arrive. By now it was 2:30 and we were both exhausted, we were unsuccessful with finding a campsite that was open, or one that didn’t cost money so we kept driving. We found a glorious field which was covered by bushes all around so the car and tent wouldn’t be seen. Yes sneaky and gypsy like but so worth it. We set up tent and decided to hit the sac. It was awesome sleeping in a tent once again. Hearing the sounds of nature all around and being all cozy in my sleeping bag it was defiantly a good sleep.
Saturday
The morning on the other hand. By goly was it hot. As the air seeped into the tent, I could feel the sweat pouring off my body. Considering the time being 8:30 it was SOOO HOT. We had quiet a lot of distance to cover so we needed to get a move on. Jon and I packed up the tent, and drove out of the field and town we were squatted in and drove towards st. catharines for some delicious breakfast. YEAHOO DONUT DINER…After eating we knew we were ready. We drove towards our starting location. With a small pit stop for get this…….GO KARTING! We did 9 laps of this fast track go kart course and played a round of miniputt. After sweating to death at the miniputt course, and getting my kart bumped and getting passed by Jon we were finally ready to get to our starting location for the long haul. We decided to start at the Niagara Cable Car. So we loaded out bikes up, packed our backpacks, wished each other luck, and we were set. We road past the Great Wolf Lodge, Past Clifton Hill and Niagara falls, following it all along the parkway past beautiful bridges, and massive homes. Stopping a few times for snacks and pee breaks. Road through what was known as Chippewa and old Fort Erie. Till we reached the break point of the path. All of these were some of the most picturesque things. It saddens me that I did not have a camera yet deeply honored that I had the chance to experience this trip. We had then reached Fort Erie the stopping destination for this leg of the trip. As we road (still without a map) trying to guess which way to go, our backpacks and bike’s feeling heavy, and just wanting to rest at the site. We head to get their by 8 in order to be counted as checking in on time. This road seemed the longest, one straight long path without much to see on either side. Once arriving we were able to set up camp anywhere we liked. We picked a nice spot with an amazing view of the water, which was to later be blocked by a truck. None the less we arrived set up site and went for a swim. SO FRESRESHING! After the swim we decided because my bike had a flat tire we would walk into town to get some food and some beer to drink. OH MY GOSH. Hardest walk of my life, we had no idea where we were going, the streets made no sense, and there was absolutely nothing in fort erie. We left at we’ll say 7:30 arriving at the beer store 9:15….oooh and just with our luck it closed at 9. None the less we found this amazing pasta place with a liquer license and they were open to 11. We headed in, ordered the most amazing meal and a lovely pint of beer. Quiet the amazing top off to a fantastic day of riding. We decided because the walk took so long we would cab it back to site. Turned out our cabby was from my hometown and lived 2 streets over. And knew the area in which Jon lived. Once arriving back at site we were dead and headed to bed. Hitting the pillow(our clothing haha no pillows brought) and going out like a light. All I can say is it was a huge success.
Sunday
Woke up Sunday morning, with an amazing feeling. I knew we had conquered half the trip and that was all so enjoyable. After packing up our stuff we were ready to get going. With my flat tire we knew we had to pump it up before we got to far ahead on the trip. As we road through the campground we realize they had an air pump the entire time. Which means we could have road our bikes last night and get to town on time. Oh well, the walk still was pretty worth the food. I filled up my tire and we started to ride. Going back seemed such a less distance then the way we road. As we road my tire continued to loss more and more air. Jon being the amazing bike mechanic he is, determined their was a hole in the tire which caused me to need to buy a knew one. After reaching Niagara falls we finally decided to head towards a Walmart, walking on foot, for what seemed like forever. I defiantly became a little upset and could feel the tiredness and sun attacking my body. Thank goodness for Jon to keep me sane and boost my spirits with excellent mitch hedberg jokes and chocolate mnm’s. After replacing the tire we were back on our bikes for the last leg of the trip. My now my hands are hurting from the bike tape slowly ripping and peeling away on the handlebars leave lovely red burning area’s on my palms.
Though we endured so much pain in times it was all very worth it. After arriving at our final location/the starting point we were the two happiest people. So proud of not only myself but also Jon for one hell of a trip. Biggest grin on our faces and a continuous saying of “I can’t believe we just did that, were such troopers”. It still seems insane that we just road the distance we did. This blog post doesn’t even begin to describe the trip yet can only provide you with a SMALL sense of what happened. After 87 km’s of riding, 20 km’s of walking, 15 liters of water, hours of talking, and a countless amount of laughter this was one hell of a trip. I am so glad I went, and wouldn’t have wished for my riding partner to be anyone else.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
We set sail with no star in sight.
This week just got like 10 times better. After experienceing my first paintball experience, and my first cold stone experience I thought what nothing could make it any better. Yet, I was wrong. The THRICE CD was realeased today!!!! I know its not the real deal, its just the illegally downloaded version but still better then nothing. And Woah is it ever good...Check it out...Thrice-----> Beggars!!
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
We're never going home, until the sun says were finished.
I haven't been running as much as I have been busy with other things. This week was defintly a slack and a half, yet the yoga has going well. I plan to run a bunch of routes this weekend up north at my cottage. I think it will be nice to get some good trail rides in. No ipod needed for those. Just me and the forest clear my head and destress from camp. It should be a good weekend and a great start to the next week.
Side note:::::Riding!!!!!
The next bike trip has been planned and I can't wait. As I was riding home today, I began to think of the hills along the parkway and how wicked the route was last time. We have decided to extend the route past the falls towards fort erie. It's total distance 43km's. Which is tones more than last time. We have decided to leave early and to spend the night so we wouldn't have to be falling asleep driving like last time. We are going to start at Niagara glen and follow the same Niagara parkway till it reaches the falls. We we pass the falls and the rainbow bridge into the city of fort erie. It is quiet and distnace but I have a feeling it will be so worth it. This time I will remember the camera right away to capture some of the scenary. We've planned what to bring and next week we will discuss the final time and meeting location. All that happens now is the countdown of days.
Here is the mapping of our route.
*if you think of any cool stops to see on the way..totally let me know:)
Side note:::::Riding!!!!!
The next bike trip has been planned and I can't wait. As I was riding home today, I began to think of the hills along the parkway and how wicked the route was last time. We have decided to extend the route past the falls towards fort erie. It's total distance 43km's. Which is tones more than last time. We have decided to leave early and to spend the night so we wouldn't have to be falling asleep driving like last time. We are going to start at Niagara glen and follow the same Niagara parkway till it reaches the falls. We we pass the falls and the rainbow bridge into the city of fort erie. It is quiet and distnace but I have a feeling it will be so worth it. This time I will remember the camera right away to capture some of the scenary. We've planned what to bring and next week we will discuss the final time and meeting location. All that happens now is the countdown of days.
Here is the mapping of our route.
*if you think of any cool stops to see on the way..totally let me know:)
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bikes Rides R Us...(a post and a half.)
So the long weekend has offically started well today is officaly half over. But none the less it has been going incredible. This post is unrelated to running, yet focuses more on biking, and how a small vehcile with two wheels can bring such joy to someones life. I had planned that this weekend I would do an epic ride. A bike adventure that I would be proud of, one that would stay in my memory and bring joy to myself that maybe I had been missing previously. Originally the plan was to bike to toronto and around the downtwon core, then when prepared to come home hop on the go train back to town. Small change of plans considering there was the carabana festival. Instead the planned changed alot more. I headed out with an old friend who I hadn't seen in months. Believeing that maybe this ride would be alot more awarkward and weird but it wasn't. It was almost as if time had standed still in the midst of our lives and just secretly months passed, therefore when we reunited nothing changed.
It started off at 11 when I board the go train headed westbound to Oakville where I would meet him. I have never felt more out of place on a train ride then I did that day. IT was packed with people in beaded costumes, showing all sorts of skin as I stood on the train dressed for a bike ride with a helmet and backpack and a bicycle taking up a large chunk of the train. The train was delayed because of the overflow of passangers getting on and off at all the stops so I didn't reach oakville till 1. But I wouldn't let the train put me down. After arriving and meeting up, we attached out bikes to the back of the automobile and pressed onward. From here the adventure started we aimed to drive to Niagara on the lake for an epic riding adventure all along the parkway. There was so much traffic on the QEW (because of the long weekend)...stupid us should have thought about that. But w.e We watched aladin and drove hoping to arrive before sunset. We stopped for food and picked up a few tall boys for the cycle. By 4:30/5 we arrived at Fort George with relief.
As soon as we hopped on our bikes we remember what the wait was all for. It felt so good to just give it all you had and pedal. The path and area surrouding was packed with people, yet with his quick bike and my determination to keep up we passed loads of people. Road past some amazing scenary. The big floral clock, fort george, sail boats, the hydro station, the botanical gardens, some winaries until we reached Niagara Glen. Here we hiked down, and hiked all through the foresty area. We did some pretend rock climbing, and he taught me some neat tricks and how to do bouldering (i think it was called). I wiped out on a rock, thinking I could jump on it, ended up slipping on the wet moss and brusiing my bum and leg. But meh, what are adventures for without the cuts and scrapes. We walked down to the waters edge, walked in the water, skipped rocks, which somehow turned into a massive water fight. Me losing of course. (damn evolution and the strength of man). Needed a bathroom break, hiked back up, used them, then hiked back down and did it all over again haha.
It started to get dark so we decided to head home. With the path being very invisiable to the eye we had multiple pathway mishaps. Followed by me verring off the path and ended up riding on the grass. As well as every time a car came close they had their highbeams on so it made it impossible to see. It was like a blinding walk to the light episode ever time. Which blinded the path and we then had to guess. To be honest though, it was well worth it. Yes, many can say that is very unsafe but at the time you are just living in the moment and in the excitment that the darkness produces. Almost living on a high...just not the drug aspect more high on life effect. After multple almost crashes, misdirections, and blinded eyes, we reached the car at 11.
We then we desperate for food, so we ate, then drove home. Exhausted beyond belief, but so very worth it. I thank him not only for the idea of the location, the drives he provided but also for the incredible journey along the way. It was defintly a day I would not forget. And perhaps another one should be in progress.
It started off at 11 when I board the go train headed westbound to Oakville where I would meet him. I have never felt more out of place on a train ride then I did that day. IT was packed with people in beaded costumes, showing all sorts of skin as I stood on the train dressed for a bike ride with a helmet and backpack and a bicycle taking up a large chunk of the train. The train was delayed because of the overflow of passangers getting on and off at all the stops so I didn't reach oakville till 1. But I wouldn't let the train put me down. After arriving and meeting up, we attached out bikes to the back of the automobile and pressed onward. From here the adventure started we aimed to drive to Niagara on the lake for an epic riding adventure all along the parkway. There was so much traffic on the QEW (because of the long weekend)...stupid us should have thought about that. But w.e We watched aladin and drove hoping to arrive before sunset. We stopped for food and picked up a few tall boys for the cycle. By 4:30/5 we arrived at Fort George with relief.
As soon as we hopped on our bikes we remember what the wait was all for. It felt so good to just give it all you had and pedal. The path and area surrouding was packed with people, yet with his quick bike and my determination to keep up we passed loads of people. Road past some amazing scenary. The big floral clock, fort george, sail boats, the hydro station, the botanical gardens, some winaries until we reached Niagara Glen. Here we hiked down, and hiked all through the foresty area. We did some pretend rock climbing, and he taught me some neat tricks and how to do bouldering (i think it was called). I wiped out on a rock, thinking I could jump on it, ended up slipping on the wet moss and brusiing my bum and leg. But meh, what are adventures for without the cuts and scrapes. We walked down to the waters edge, walked in the water, skipped rocks, which somehow turned into a massive water fight. Me losing of course. (damn evolution and the strength of man). Needed a bathroom break, hiked back up, used them, then hiked back down and did it all over again haha.
It started to get dark so we decided to head home. With the path being very invisiable to the eye we had multiple pathway mishaps. Followed by me verring off the path and ended up riding on the grass. As well as every time a car came close they had their highbeams on so it made it impossible to see. It was like a blinding walk to the light episode ever time. Which blinded the path and we then had to guess. To be honest though, it was well worth it. Yes, many can say that is very unsafe but at the time you are just living in the moment and in the excitment that the darkness produces. Almost living on a high...just not the drug aspect more high on life effect. After multple almost crashes, misdirections, and blinded eyes, we reached the car at 11.
We then we desperate for food, so we ate, then drove home. Exhausted beyond belief, but so very worth it. I thank him not only for the idea of the location, the drives he provided but also for the incredible journey along the way. It was defintly a day I would not forget. And perhaps another one should be in progress.
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