A Man Can Never Have Too Many Pockets

Did a great ride on Saturday, 88km and ZERO falls. Still managed to get my chain off once but on the whole my technique seems to be improving. I am trying each week to push myself a little further so the 88km was a result. I tried to persuade Harvey that after riding to the ride, riding the ride and riding home from the ride we should "add a bit on to make the 100". It seemed like a good idea at the time but in retrospect I am pleased that I was told to "be quiet and jut get home without falling off for once". 


The ride itself was very pleasant going through what must be Toronto's equivalent of Mayfair with the most extravagant houses I have even seen. 

Click on the pic and notice the limo and chauffeur outside. Very posh. There are also some truly horrendous houses built to look like castles but frankly I wish had the chance to own a very expensive tacky house.


Whilst all dressed up in my usual shorts, top, heart monitor, long pants, windbreaker (jacket to the uninitiated), under-hat hat and long fingered gloves the most remarkable thing happened - it got warm. The sun actually appeared for the first time since the days of Canadia Land winter -25c.


The joy was slightly short lived as after helping Harvey off with his pants (its an age thing) and I realised had nowhere to put my recently disrobed windbreaker. I removed the camera from the pocket and tied the jacket round my waste. No where to put the camera so I thought that putting it down the crotch of my long pants would be okay. No points for guessing that was a mistake with my camera making its way down to my left knee whilst tearing down a hill with a car behind me. Not Smart.


Had to stop AGAIN, and had no choice but to put my jacket back on and the camera back in the pocket. Starting to realise that some of the little girly baskets/containers on other peoples bikes actually have a purpose rather than just being a source of amusement to me.


So off I go to the local cycle shop to buy some the little compartments that I so badly need. I get a little pockety thingy for under my seat which I have earmarked for camera and instant energy bars and gels etc. Instant access in front of the seat, toolkit and tubes etc behind the seat. Impeccable logic.

Also bought an aptly named "Camel Back" which has lots of pockets and cubby holes and also can carry 2 litres of drink which can be drunk through a little hose contraption off to the side. I used to laugh at those too. Not once did it cross my mind to fill it with beer.  


Slowly finding the challenges that the training rides are intended to flush out and addressing them so that hopefully by the time of the the rally I will be absolutely ready and kitted out to make sure I can concentrate on getting where I need to be and not wondering whats in my trousers working its way to my left knee - at least not whilst riding anyway.


Decided to push the helicopter draw and I have flyers in Woodys, the Boutique Bar, the dry cleaners and my barbers. It's not drumming up much interest so resorting to the emotional mugging of people I meet which seems to work.

Only 120 tickets going into the draw to date so pretty good odds at the moment so will keep persevering until June 8th when Harvey is very kindly allowing me to promote and make the draw at his fundraiser. I must get a 10/10 for effort. 


And just prove I am becoming a bike geek - check this out:- 

$3500 worth of bike. Beautiful isn't it? Pity it's missing a few places to put things.  

TTFN
David