TRULY ONLY in Canada

I was going to do my usual blog recounting the last two rides and the accomplishments of the last two weeks but something truly unbelievable happened today. 


One of my biggest concerns over the last few weeks has been "what happens if my bike gets stolen?" In Canada, I obviously have no "contents" insurance and given that my bike cost $2500, if it gets stolen I have no recourse whatsoever and frankly I can't afford to buy another. As a result I am a little guarded about leaving windows open etc. as the consequences would be difficult to say the least. 


This morning I got up and went for a 55km ride with Harvey and Chris, got home, showered, fed and as usual put my bike in the little yard I have off the main drag to wash it down. 


I ran out at 3 pm to a fundraiser organised by my friend Allyson. We then went to Woodys and to cut a long story short I get back home at 9 pm. As I walk up the street to my door I see my bicycle still in the little garden where I must have left it. 


6 HOURS in plain view of the street. Easily accessibly and there for the taking. 6 HOURS.


Imagine leaving a $2500 bike anywhere in London, on a busy street, for more than 2 minutes before it gets stolen. UNBELIEVABLE.


For all that I compare Toronto to London and find it lacking in some ways the honesty of people here is truly staggering and should be envied by much of the world.


So .... after that the rest of the news seems a little tame .....

I did my first 100+ km ride last weekend which felt like a huge accomplishment. Up at out  6.45 am with only the little black squirrel that the neighbors feed to see me off.
The route was a git, 82 km with 40km uphill, so doing the ride + 20km to complete 102km was a huge confidence booster.



As summer has arrived in Toronto the rides are becoming more and more enjoyable with spectacular views and an appreciation of the many nature trails that run in and through the Greater Toronto area.

Riding up and down the trails surrounded by other riders and picnickers is so much more enjoyable than putting in the km's on the road in the rain.


I had so much to talk about but am blown away by my bike being left alone whilst I was out that I will save all the news about my little training mutiny until next time. 


TTFN
Dave