If someone told me that my first ride on Florence was going to be on a beautiful and sunny Sunday morning, I would not have been surprised. If they had said it was going to be on February 21st, I would have pointed my finger straight at their face and labeled them a liar. However, this was the case. The day looked too wonderful to pass up. It also made me wonder how anyone could deny the existence of global warming.
Opting to pass on testing out my road shoes, I was decked out in F-troupe boots, baggy lulu pants (with the right leg tucked into ridiculous knee-high thermal socks, no less), two sweaters, and a neon green windbreaker. What a sight I must have been. I kept the ride light and limited to about 50 min, but I do think all my spinning paid off: I was able to keep my shoulders down and relaxed, as well as tackle a couple of hills that I previously would have been inclined to walk up.
Most importantly, now, I get it. I totally get it. When I was a driver, I was guilty of statements such as, "Does that cyclist have to take up THAT much space on the road?" and "I don't drive on the sidewalk!" The sides of Toronto roads are in poor condition, and it's much easier and safer to ride a bit further out and make yourself visible. I can't wait until my next ride, but I do regret not picking up some thermal leggings that I was thumbing through at Racer Sportif yesterday. Cycling is right up there with a book you can't put down, a song that you always have to listen to from beginning to end, and a Wallace.
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