Hello, I wanted to write a message regarding a bit of my experience thus far in training to cycle across Canada. A year ago I decided that upon graduation I wanted to explore Canada because I have never seen much of the country that I was born in, I would have the time, and ultimately I wanted to see and experience the Canadian landscape because I have seen so many pictures of how beautiful this country is so I wished to experience it first-hand. I thought in order to explore this grand country I could drive; however, I am not fond of driving so I scratched out that idea pretty quickly. I could also take the train or bus, but that would be quite expensive, so I thought, why not cycle the country. Through a google search I discovered numerous individuals cycle the country every year. I came across Tour du Canada and decided this would be a great means to experience the country because it would be a supported tour so I would not have to lug around all my gear on my bicycle and I would be cycling with a group which would make the trip more enjoyable. I signed up for the tour and off I went to prepare. I have never done a multi-day cycling activity before and I did not even own a road bike prior to signing up for the tour so this has all been very very very new to me, but regardless I still thought cycling the country was a grand plan. Unfortunately I discovered my grand plan may not have been thought out that well. I have realized I tend to do things in extremes, it is either all or nothing, and this trip is definitely an example of that. By taking up cycling I became aware of my scoliosis. Essentially my spine is slightly curved which has resulted in my left hip being stiff and my right hip being more loose and generally there is an imbalance between my left and right side. This imbalance is causing problems on the bicycle because I am trying to fit an asymmetrical body to a symmetrical object. As a result, I have had saddle troubles which have made me question whether I should do this trip at all. On average I am to cycle 130km a day for 10 weeks. With my dysfunction I have found cycling long distances is not that enjoyable because of the saddle discomfort. I have tried numerous saddles, but it is my body that is causing the problem, not the saddle itself. Thus, I was about to call it quits on this trip because the saddle discomfort would not make it fun. I have spoken to several individuals about my saddle issues and my thoughts of calling it quits. They have all been very supportive and just to note I am so lucky to have had such great support throughout this entire journey thus far, the people that have helped me are fantastic and I am so grateful for their willingness to offer their support and guidance. Through peoples input I have decided to fly to Vancouver and begin the tour and simply take it day by day. I may not finish the tour because of the saddle pain stemming from my scoliosis but at least I tried and I have already done so much. This has already been quite the learning experience. I have come to the realization that I do things in extremes and from that I recognize it’s not necessary (nor healthy) to think of things in an all or nothing mentality. Taking things slowly and in baby steps is a good approach. Gradually working myself into a new activity is a better approach and I have learned being patient is a good quality. Also I am recognizing that life is not a check list to complete one activity and then move onto the next. Activities such as cycling to explore Canada can take place over an extended period of time and do not need to be done all at once. It probably would have been better to think of cycling the country as a goal to be achieved later on in life and to therefore work towards it by slowly taking up cycling and from there I have time to learn about my body and work to improve it so that I can enjoyably cycle long distances. Or I do not have to cycle the entire country but do a province a year, or something along those lines. But nonetheless I have signed up for the tour, I am in it now and I am going to go for it and just try it out. I am going to try and keep a smile on my face and stay positive, and just think I have never been to BC before so even accomplishing one day is super awesome. I start the tour on June 17. However far I get I will make sure to tell you about all the neat things I saw and experienced, even if it was for only one day ;)
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:19:00 +0000
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