Finish strong, aye!

Last day of August, last day of the Great Cycle Challenge 2025, and I'm already heading towards withdrawl!!! What will I do with this free time? What if I get bored? What if I resort to cleaning? Hahaha, like that's going to happen!

Before I get sidetracked, a huge THANK YOU to all of you!!! I initially set my fundraising goal at $1000, that was smashed in July. Then $1500, then $2000, and ended with a personal best of $4770!!! Some of you have supported me EVERY year, for 10 years, I'm so humbled. Your generosity and encouragement make this possible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Ok, so here we go...the inner workings of my brain.

Last night we tried to watch 'Dead Poet's Society'. I found it too depressing, but it did generate some conversation, giving us a destination for today, our last 'official' ride...Ivy Lea(gue), Gananoque. Carpe Diem, right? And Scott created a poem:

There once was a girl named Sue,

Who didn't know what to do,

She biked for miles and miles (ad nauseum),

With some cursing and smiles,

From here to Kalamazoo,

I was speechless.

We headed to the 1000 Islands Parkway since it was such a beautiful biking day, parking near Butternut Bay. Saw a few things we haven't seen in awhile, like green grass, and ripe pumpkins in a garden.

Also saw a few things we've never seen, like a dead fish on the trail (and you think a skunk stinks!!); like a man on a bike wearing headphones, with a dog on a leash...but what was exceptional was the dog only had 3 legs, and he was moving at a good clip. He was the one who heard our bells!

Saw a lot of people not wearing helmets today, about 50% actually. Just not right, no thank you!

There is no easy way to break in a new pair of cycling shorts. Trust me.

Saw at least 227 motorcycles along the Parkway, only 10 of which had mufflers. Seriously!

Saw a Petit Train du Nord cycling shirt today; a lovely couple, who might have been mid to late 70's, had pulled over so I stopped to interrogate. They have done the 201km trail from Mont Laurier to St Jerome 4 separate times, just finishing their last trip 4 days ago! They were amazing, so strong, friendly, fit and couldn't say enough about the experience. We've done portions of it at separate times, but never the entire trail end to end in one trip. Yet!

I realized today why Scott often lets me ride first. Apart from the obvious drafting (haha), it also discourages any unwelcome encounters with a certain beastie, ie snakes. It backfired today, I heard that distinctive shudder and knew. He caught up with me and said he thinks he ran over it's tail. My remark of 'That's not good' was immediately countered with, 'What if it had coiled up and constricted me?' Again, speechless.

And then, I almost fell off my bike when Scott said to me there were some nice dinnerplates up ahead...and he was talking about hibiscus. That man never ceases to amaze me! The inner workings of his brain is a scary place!

So, Scott came home on Aug 28 with a bike rack for the truck. It just made me so happy that he's already getting pumped for next year's Challenge! Stay safe everyone and do what makes you happy!!!!

Get er done!

I increased my goal to 1000km last week (once I was fairly certain I could do it!), and got there today. Pretty chuffed, not as sore as I was 1st week, but 'Saddle bag Sue', 'That'll Dewar' and 'Grandma Numb Bum' seem like appropriate nick names. Already getting a bit sorry we are nearing the end of August!

This challenge is such a great motivator for me, such a worthwhile cause, such a supportive organization so good at bringing people together. It pushes me to get out there and pedal my arse around the beautiful Ottawa Valley. Cycling really is my happy place (minus the trucks, the wind, the worms, the roadkill, the potholes, the construction, the trucks, the construction...). Scott says I really do 'Hee Haw' around the house during the challenge. Guess he's right! Hoping this old gray mare can get her sidekick out for one more ride before Sept! Yee Haw!

Why, is it windy?

'I don't think you're going to enjoy a ride today!' said my sidekick, as he toddled off to his favourite activity, chainsaw in hand. And you thought it was biking!🤣

Well, he was mostly right, although the tail winds were delicious, just not long enough! Those gusts almost got me riding on a diagonal angle. Out to Ashton, CP, Almonte and home on some dirt roads. Hallelujah, amen.

Of all the rides I've done this year, I've only seen one other GCC jersey, until today. A rider went by me, said 'Nice shirt' and kept going. Not only did he have the current jersey, but also bright orange cycling shoes AND GCC socks to match! Very classy, even if a bit too coordinated for me! Good thing I don't have any more electrical tape on my handlebars, right? 🤪

Today was a 'If I see someone going faster than me, I assume they're not going as far' kind of day. Guess every other cyclist was doing a sprint then!😉

Guess that adrenaline rush I had wasn't due to being stronger, but really from a tailwind on a slight downhill. Rats.

Guess that DQ Blizzard I had really did go straight to my hips.

Guess that 'May the wind be always at your back' saying is just a cruel Irish prank.

But glad I went, even more glad to be home. Like this sign in Carleton Place, along the CT trail (beside a bicycle friendly brew house btw!).

Code Rd/Tennyson loop de loop!

Thanks to the amazing donations that are still coming in, I have surpassed my previous best fundraising amount!!! That is a definite cause for celebration right? So no whining, no ranting, no complaining, no swearing (I'll try!). Just a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, and hope for these children. Indeed, a beautiful day! Thank you!💕🚴‍♀️🌞

Back in the saddle!

It was such a picture perfect August day today, just had to get back in the saddle. And although my pardner was trying to lure me to the dark side (motorcycle), I gleefully declined, mounted up and headed out! Black Velvet (my trusty steed) was very happy!

One would think that 5 days off would rid the body of any aches and pains, but no. Upon point of contact, all the creaks and groans returned. Did I complain? Goodness no (quoting Pete the Cat here!). It helped that I was sporting my brand NEW Superhero jersey today. A huge HUGE shout out to my very kind 'family' of sponsors who have once again, gone above and beyond by generously supporting this worthwhile cause.

Some observations from today. I know I'm slow (at cycling). The tortoise, not the hare, and OK if others pass me. I'm sorry, Kevin, it's true. However, as I was heading north out of CP on Ramsay 7, a fellow cyclist whizzed past me. No bell. No yell. No 'On your left' call. No hello. Returning on Appleton Sd Rd, a group of 3 cyclists ripped past. Not a sound, except for my exclamation of surprise, which may have sounded like swearing! But another cyclist, even older than me (I hope!) called, came up beside me, we joked about an approaching garbage truck, and he sped off. It seems many people have lost the ability or desire to slow down. Seriously?

On other, more positive notes, saw a van go by today, covered in plaid detailing, advertising McKinlay Plumbing, and their slogan? 'The pipes are calling'. Made me laugh!

We also got a couple of rides in on le P'Tit Train du Nord back in July. They have always done a great job marking potholes and trouble spots. Whoever did that job this year would be the one I would hire...compared to the one who wrote on a street in Almonte! All about attitude!

Made it!

Wasn't going to go out today after yesterday's adventure; my body parts said 'no' but my heart said, 'Don't just think about it, do it, do it, do it!' (That's for you, Cathy!!). And my bike reminded me I only had 11km to go to reach my goal. She's bossy like that!

So 49km later, I've passed my goal of 700km. I'll keep biking, cause why wouldn't I, but can relax a bit. Still have some routes on my 'bike-it' list yet to do, and 'miles to go before I sleep'.

Decided to do one of my favourite routes today to Appleton; it used to be my default go-to, but realized I hadn't done it yet this month. It has nothing to do with that large brown snake that emerged right beside my bike last year, honest. Someone is doing a really lovely job restoring that old general store that burned down a couple of years ago.

Have made up a bit of a Cycling Connections Puzzle for you, not sure this will work, but if so, look for 4 groups of words that are connected to each other. Prize to first one who gets it right! Think you have to copy and paste it into new browser. I think!

https://connectionsgame.org/game/?VQJRX3

Metric Century Ride!

So, my pit crew offered to drop me off in Ashton this morning to avoid truck traffic, then he buggered off! It did keep me off Dwyer Hill, but it also gave me a false sense of achievement. In less than 20 min I was in CP, another 20 I was in Almonte. Whoosh! Had to keep going to Blakeney, then I HAD to go to Pakenham, right? Construction and noise at the bridge wasn't terribly relaxing, so up that hill back towards Almonte.

The worst part of the ride were the dump trucks along Dwyer Hill, but I expected them. Detoured down Bleeks to Munster Rd, and that's where that flatbed passed way too close. You may have heard my cursing 🤬

Home finally, to an ice pack and a cuppa. 11km to go!!!

Yowzaa!

So many shout outs to give!! I was completely blown away (almost speechless!) by how many people sponsored me yesterday, on Kick Cancer's Butt Day. Donations were flying in, starting at 6:30am, right up til midnight. These were matched by the Garron Family of Toronto, which added another $790 to my total, bringing it to over $4200! I cannot thank ALL of my sponsors enough, from the bottom of my heart (which is in much better shape than the other bottom!). And thank you to those who have shared my page, I'm hearing from your contacts! Such great news for Sick Kids. Here's to continuing that fight together.

Sharing Scott's reaction to my suggestion we go for a ride today...

Tennyson Rd loop!

You know it's hot when the fruit gummies in your jersey pocket have melted into one big squishy puddle. When loose dogs don't even attempt a bark, let alone a chase. When the sight of a dairy cow makes you think of the Dickie Dee ice cream cart. When you consider introducing yourself to strangers who have a backyard pool...another scorcher, another early start, but this time I had my favourite cycling partner! Yea Scotty!!!😁

I love this loop, past Mississippi Lake, beautiful barns, stone fences, wooden rail fences, apple trees, but best of all, that shade on Tennyson, delicious!

I usually notice the variety of colours this time of year, the goldenrod, the invasive but pretty purple loostrife, the white pops of Queen Anne's lace, the neon oranges of the construction pylons, the reds of the Tim Hortons cups in the ditches! Grrrr! My 2 year old grandson doesn't know that's called litter, he just points and says, 'Rude'!

Short and sweaty!

Somewhere between R Tate McKenzie's 'Joy of Effort' and 'Its not the heat, it's the stupidity', I got out for an early ride this morning.

Something very refreshing being out in the earlier hours for a solo ride, until that drip of sweat rolls down your nose. Not even 8:30 yet!

Something very satisfying using your own steam to go where you want, how fast (or slow) you want, how far you want. Until you see that detour sign.

Something very worrying about the song Scott got stuck in my head...he asked:

Where ya going to go?

Whatcha going do?

Why you look-a so glad,

It's a nice-a place,

Ah, shaddap-a you face!!!

Torture!

Lazy, hazy, crazy!

Before I ramble on, want to give a HUGE shout out to Conrad, of Conrad's Mobile Bike Repair, in CP. He checked my bike (no charge), and adjusted Scott's tension (if only!), which fixed the gear problem. Super knowledgeable and helpful, and kind to old dogs who are thirsty! And to Molly! 🐕 Highly recommend him!

Yet another stinkin hot day with just enough wind to make us enjoy ride home so much more. A shorter ride, but nice to have my partner back. One thing I don't get. We both have odometers, we both do the exact same route...mine said 47km today, his said 49km. He claims he works harder.

As usual, had a song stuck in my head, Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,

Those days of soda, and pretzels and beer...

On that note...

Burritts Rapids loop, almost!

Rode south on Dwyer Hill today, despite warnings from Scott about how rough it is. Should have listened. Should change name to Cobblestone Hill, or What Were you Thinking Hill. Bike paths are in better shape. So are footpaths! However once I got to Burritts Rapids, the ride along River Rd was so lovely!

Spoke to 2 people today who had great attitudes. One man was picking up litter along the road, he was on his 2nd bag when I stopped. He said he was just trying to clean things up a bit, does this when he can. He wasn't angry or cursing, just doing something good.

The next person works for Parks Canada, at the locks in Burritts Rapids. He was running between the locks and the swing bridge, said he works 6 days/week, sometimes they're shorthanded so he has to literally run back and forth across the locks even in the heat...said it was the best job in the world! Refreshing!

I mentioned this was sort of a loop...took McCormick Rd heading north, but no easy way home from Richmond, especially with construction and bridge work. So, I called up the 'Sag Wagon' and Scotty picked me up in Richmond. 60km was enough for me! Half way done my kms, yea! Thanks Scotty!🥰

Ride #5!

Sunny, windy, hot, dump-trucky, windy, hilly, windy...

Scott reluctantly opted out of a ride today, muttering something about this being my odyssey and he'd rather go grocery shopping. That's the kind of person he is, utterly selfless, always making sacrifices!

Trying to minimalize impact of wind, I chose routes somewhat sheltered. Ashton, down that hill, Appleton Side Rd, to TC trail, to CP, to Ramsey 8, down that even bigger hill on Old Perth Rd into Almonte. Delicious.

For a change I decided to reverse my route exactly, coming home. Those uphills were much bigger, I swear! I rarely ever swear, but I did. Scott texted to see if I needed picking up from some ditch somewhere...I told him I thought there was steam coming from my seat. Without missing a beat, he replies, 'I'll take your word for it'. That's what 37 years of marriage does!

Home to use both the ice pack, and hot pack together!

1 rant: going out of the hood, AND back in on Copeland, passed by a tandem dump truck. And they had just sprayed the road, magical on a bike. Really sick of construction on all sides!!!

Kudos to driver of that Manitoulin transport truck, who slowed down, completely went into far lane as he passed. Very classy!

Love messages on benches in Almonte, all different. And all tested!

More than 25% done, and still no rain in forecast!!!

Gananoque bound (and determined)!

The dog days of August. I'll get to that. It feels/smells/sounds like late August. Is it the multitude of 'Back to School' ads we've heard? No, they started late June. The fields of corn, wheat, hay? The wildflowers, the crickets, cicadas? Even gladiolus in full bloom, which my mom had in her Sept wedding! Everything is early!

Our annual trek to Gananoque from near Butternut Bay is usually saved for later in the month, after the callouses develop. Wasn't thinking about it until somebody reminded me how we always enjoy the Parkway. 1000+ Islands to look at, but I spent most of my time looking at homes and gardens along the way. Some gorgeous flowerbeds, but what really caught my eye are the many barn quilts (for my quilting friends), the Fred Flintstone car (of my dreams), and the signs. 75.1km in this heat wasn't one of our smartest ideas, but we took it better than the dog, who was lying beside the trail, refusing to get up! His owner explained that he took off chasing a squirrel, now was paying for it. I gave him the last of my water, and listened to their conversation a bit longer, all good. Obviously not a sensible dog like Molly.

Really looking forward to babysitting toddlers tomorrow for a rest!

3 out of 3!

If you know me, you know I'm a fair-weather cyclist. I don't do crazy wind, or rain, or worms. I always plan to get out when the sun is shining, to log my kms. Long range forecast is still no rain for the next week! I'm doomed!!! I'm icing my arse as I type!🤪 And I'll be starting a rain dance very soon!

Scotty joined me today, so we parked at the Park and Ride, headed into Carleton Place, Almonte, then checked out the new Blakeney Bridge. Rail train was so dry coming out of Amonte, of course that made me think of Dusty Bottoms and Lucky Day, 2 of the 3 Amigos. Taking a sip of water from our extremely dry water bottles...

Make Hay, right?

Another hot August day, and we've got to make hay while the sun shines, right? Hoping it rains soon!

My pit crew decided fairly quickly this morning that his other 2 wheeled ride needed some adventure, so off he went to Calabogie and Renfrew on the motorcycle, leaving me to conquer the road by myself. I didn't mind really, it means I don't have to wait for him (haha!).

It also allows time for me to compose...I apologize in advance, but I had to...

'Ode to a Dear Fly'

I try my best

to go fast enough,

so as not to be bothered by bugs and stuff.

Crickets, grasshoppers, the lovely dragonfly

are smart, it seems and don't even try.

But then,

there's that Christly deer fly!

I swat, I slap, I wobble, I swerve,

I'm tapping into my last reserve.

It circles, it darts, it’s shadow pursues,

I’m on warp speed, it’s on cruise.

I cry, I curse,

but this is worse.

That bugger has stung me on my arse.

The title should be 'Owed to a Deer Fly'

Paid in Full!!!

I said I was sorry!

63km up to Almonte and back, one of my favourite routes. Almonte deserves their 'Bicycle Friendly' rating, and then some...water fountains, washrooms, friendly people, markets, music, bike repair stations, benches, and beautiful scenes. Well worth the debt paid to that deer fly.

Maiden voyage 2025!

10th year doing the GCC, and still 'chuffed'! A huge shout out to my wonderful supporters, your encouragement and generosity is first class, thank you!

Parked at Beckwith, headed out Tennyson, with the lure of coffee at The Hourglass, in Perth for motivation. Oh and that date square!! A picture perfect day, despite the wind coming home, and having the song 'Pink Pony Club' stuck in my head for the ride!!! 70kms in the books to start, good job, Scotty. We really need to move to a bungalow! And either the GCC shirts are longer, or I'm getting shorter...