PAY ATTENTION

The big day for everyone came on Thursday night as we all gathered in Oakville to do a little bike riding. Shane and Neil brought in the biking support (thanks for being there) so everyone had that extra level of comfort. We headed out on the gravel pathways until we got to a wooded area to pratice a little down/up hill ride on single track. Everyone was going along fine until Keri did an acrobatic move like I have never seen before and landed on her backpack. In a flash she popped up and told us she was fine. GO KERI! Then off to the steep downhill. A sign posted at the top of the hill says "cyclists dismount." It's a paved pathway with gates to get though. A light dusting of gravel covered the path. It brought back memories of a road ride I had when I was much younger. I was speeding at max speed on a down hill, made a tight left turn, hit some gravel, slid, hit a curb, ENDO and SPLAT...not sure what happened next but I had gravel head to toe in my skin, broken shoulder, collar bone, ligament damage...I woke up for a bit to say my name...then again in the hospital. Still don't know how I survived but I won't road ride anymore. That was my fear when I saw that hill - what if one of the girls gets hurt? I have my cell ready in case...Everyone was fine - a bunch of pro riders if you ask me!

As a group we rode some trails. Then Shane sent us off to race a lap. The same trail we had just completed. I didn't pay attention - just played the follower - when I had to ride, I made a left turn - oh oh, had to turn around and head back...sorry girls, lost the lead. I learned a valuable lesson - PAY ATTENTION! Always be aware of your surroundings. I took it for granted, someone else would lead the way. NOT!

We rode along the river (check out the racedayrush.com website to see the action!) After a refreshing dip in the river (yes, with my cell) we headed back to the steep climb we previously road down. I stayed on my bike in my granny gear...almost to the top. Couldn't breathe any deeper...hopped off and walked the last bit. Shannon made the climb all the way to the top...NICE WORK SHANNON!

A very enjoyable ride back to our cars and then we were all rewarded with SUUNTO heart rate monitors. COOL SWAG..thanks Neil and Shane.

BTW - Shane said to put my backberry in a paper bag with rice...next morning...all was good!

Can't wait to do it again :) HAPPY TRAILS!