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Last summer Carolyn and I wanted to reach the goal of biking 1000 km before the end of the season. We almost reached it, but this time we’re going to do it. Cycling is wonderful exercise as you are moving around in the world using your own power. In a perfect world biking to work would be possible, but that is something to work up to since work is 100km away from where work is.
Living in Wolfville in the heart of the Annapolis Valley has numerous benefits: the culture, the local fruits and vegetables, the tides (some of the highest in the world), but the scenery is quite stunning. It’s perfect terrain for riding a bike. The house is between a ridge and a valley, so there is always a different and interesting route. Sometimes it’s along the Ridge Road and through the Gaspereau Valley and then over to Grand Pré and beside the dykes that surround Wolfville and protect hectares of farmland from the sea. On weekends a more ambitious ride goes through the farmland below sea level out through Port Williams, Canning and out to Kingsport to the beach, then it’s back to Port Williams for brunch and some microbrewed beer at The Port Pub. Local food, local beer and local scenery makes a 50km ride quite enjoyable.
During the winter I exercised on a stationary bike and elliptical trainer, but it’s not the same as being outside with the wind, the sounds, the smells and the assistance of (and occasional struggle against) gravity. I keep track of my progress with the cycling journal Cychosis on my iPod Touch and by sending updates to your.flowing.data where I can see my bike rides all nicely captured.
When I bike I feel better, I’m healthier, and I see a new perspective on the wonderful place where I live. It’s one of my favourite things to do.
