Weather looked dubious this morning but was slated to brighten up soon. Off I went to meet Roger .. we enjoyed a delicious breakfast sandwich & cappuccino @ Art-Is-In @ City Centre. Then off we went across the spectacular Commando Bridge along the river path until we arrived at the Confederation Bridge .. back we went to the river parkway and all the way back home. A terrific day!
Today was a treat!
Robert, a fellow GCC cyclist who I met by-chance last year while out on a ride, and I rode the rail trail from Carleton Place through Almonte to Pakenham. Along the way, we met the nicest couple from Mississauga. They, too, were riding for the same reason as we were … supporting kids with cancer. It turned out we had so much more in common than simply cycling as a passion.
Even though I’ve ridden many a bike trail without a helmet.. I got to thinking… if I fell off my bike and landed on my head all the mind games that I love to play may not mean a thing. So I decided it was time to do the smart thing. Now I just fit in with the masses and nobody bothers me!
What a joy it is to know that every year my friend Ed & I - get out on the trail to support our fav charities. Ed supports MS with his ride from Perth to Kingston & back; me I enjoy raising funds for Kids with Cancer.
Riding along on what was once a railway train line from Ottawa to Wakefield is now a fantastic way to get from one quaint village to the next. Best thing is it’s only 35 minutes from home! The terrain is terrific .. it’s pretty flat and the hard packed gravel makes it an easy ride with my old fashioned hybrid bike.
Another thing I love about this trail is .. it’s a distance that is challenging (22kms one way) but not unmanageable. A few excellent places to eat lunch > my fav is Isabella’s for a little elegance and Bluebarn makes a mean cappuccino & croissant sandwich.
Swimming in the Gatineau River is another highlight not to be missed.
Til next time 💞
An invitation to ride another rail trail - of course I said YES! This time the terrain was pretty darn challenging.. lots of loose sand & gravel. Nearly lost control a few times .. thankfully Cathy & I made it without a scratch. A tasty popsicle & yummy chocolate chip cookie was our reward - not to mention a fabulous swim in the lake!!
A fabulous discovery from one very cute & quaint town to another.
Swami Kripalu used to say.. “If you only have 5 minutes to get on your mat - do it! Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.” That’s how I felt this morning when I knew I only had 20 minutes to get on my bike before my yoga class.
What feels good is to have a reason to ride and go out and make it happen. Today was one such day! It was a marvellous day .. my reason to ride was first to ride along the canal along Colonel By to teach 80-90 year olds Chair Yoga. I’ve been meeting the same lovely group at their residence once a week for the past 10 years.
Next I took a chance and stopped by an old friend to say hello. It was as if no time had passed. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing the story of our lives.
Another highlight was treating myself to my annual soft ice cream cone -dipped in chocolate at Dairy Queen in my old hood.
Home now a happy soul. 🤗
