Kieran's Ride Cont'd

In a romantic moment we decided to plan our ride from Elmhisrt's Resort on the north shore of Rice Lake.  Our idea was to ride for 80km on the beautiful, hilly, mostly-gravel roads around Elmhirst's then come back to the resort for lunch. 

First let me be on record saying that May 24, 2010 was hot.  ...Really hot!  Although the first hot day of the season always leave's its mark we did make a few other errors along the way.  A late start and forgotten shoes ensured that we set out in the hottest part of the day.   To make the ensuing long story short we had a stunningly beautiful ride that looped north of Norwood down through Hastings and back toward Elmhirst's on River Road (If you have never ridden River Road you really should.  It is hard-packed, shaded lane that runs due west from Hastings.  Find it on the map and give it a shot!) .  Even with a stop in Hastings we did not really take in how hard the early season heat would hit us.  We returned to Elmhirst's Resort for our planned lunch.  Feeling drugged by the heat we changed into our fancy post-ride-date clothes.  We were both determined to follow through with our plan ...but we both felt terrible.  We did walk about for a bit but could not bring ourselves to sit down for a meal.  We were salty, dusty and beat but did feel good about ourselves!

Here's the thing.  Without the goal of the Rideau Lakes Tour we would probably not have gotten out for that ride together.  As Scott ranted about goals in the last newsletter  I won't say much more.  Only this; if it takes a goal like the Rideau Lakes Tour to keep us doing great things in beautiful places with people we love then I am all for goals!

Here are a few others to think about:

-Bancroft Hilly 100 September 11 

-Kawartha Lakes Fall Cycling Tour Oct 1-2 (more info below)

-Lake Scugog Tour Aug 2 http://durhamcycling.com/tccg/?p=699

Click below to have a look at a map of the route.  At the most northerly point in the route there is about 2km of road allowance.  It is a bit rough for a road bike but ridable and very fun.   This ride would definitely be best enjoyed with an early start and lunch at the resort.  You just have to be more organized than Dee and I are!

  MAP