I have been a TBN member for years and have done lots of centuries but have never undertaken to do The Hairshirt (322 km in one day). I can't think of anything that I have done wrong that warrants that kind of punishment. However, when I heard that the ride had been divided up into a much more civilized two days (160 km x 2), I was keen to discover new routes, get in some exercise, meet new friends and reacquaint myself with some old.
I was further delighted at the number of riders who braved a double century this early in the season (June 10 & 11). Times were that anyone who would take on this task was lean, mean, wore a fancy jersey, rode in a pack on a racer and did not cast his/her eyes from the wheel in front of him/her all day. Not any more. There has been a big movement in the TBN and members are fast discovering that a century is not an impossible feat. Thirty-seven members, 11 of us women, registered for the ride. Most of the group only aspire to be lean and mean, have never owned a jersey and will never be brave (or suicidal) enough to try out clipless pedals.
Despite weather forecasts for showers, we were greeted with two fantastic days for cycling. With the ride spread over two days, we had the opportunity to ride at our own pace and enjoy the quiet country roads with drivers who are polite and tolerant of cyclists.
There were lots of interesting highlights. My favourite roads are ones that are up on ridges and this ride offered long stretches up on the escarpment overlooking the lake. I could see lots of potential for a fall ride in the area. The vineyards and orchards would offer some tempting venues for rest breaks!
In Burlington, we had the opportunity for a break at the bridge as it went up as ll of those yuppies sailed their boats through. Ball's Falls was a great place for a break under the trees and a short walk. The route did a little loop on rchester in the falls. Was that to add on distance or to allow us a ride along the Parkway past the falls? The real sign of good planning was that the liquor tore was only a block from the motel and, shortly after our arrival, there were several bottles of wine and beer cluttering the picnic table and we all wore those benign, relaxed looks that good riding and a little alcohol offer. After dinner, we went for a walk along the falls to see them lit up. A little exhaustion helps those warm and fuzzy childhood memories move in.
The return ride home took us back along the Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake with no traffic early on Sunday morning. The only down side to the weekend was a persistent wind that let us do anything but fly down Fly Road. This gave us the opportunity to practise teamwork and ride in a pack. (And with 11 women and 26 men, the odds of good scenery from my perspective weren't bad either!). That same wind happily blew us back into the city.
On arrival, we were greeted with cold pop, applause from our fellow cyclists and a certificate to commemorate our cycling prowess and achievement. I especially like the fact that the lines where your times are recorded were left blank so you could be just as fast as you want.
Overall, it was a great ride and one well worth setting out on again next year.