UBC REC Tri Du – My First Tri Blog

Another gorgeous day! How did I spend it? By biking 46km of course.

This morning’s bike ride was insane. I had to map it out because I still don’t believe it.

I biked from my apartment to Iona Island in Richmond and back. Although the ride along SW Marine wasn’t too great, once you’re on the causeway the ride is pretty awesome. Because it was early in the morning there were maybe five cars on the road and when they passed me, they left more than six inches of space between us (thanks!). The road goes along YVR so you can watch the planes land and take off, which is awesome. At the end of the causeway are the jetties you can walk along as well as some small beaches. I wish I could’ve spent more time there; I’ll definitely be making a trip out there again soon. If you haven’t been out there, you really need to go. Even if it’s not for a bike ride.

The ride in was all sunshine and lollipops, but the ride out… not so much. I didn’t really take into account that while riding in you’re riding with the wind, on the way back you’re fighting against the wind. One way I was averaging about 25km/hr, but on the way back it was only around 18km/hr. I now have a lot more respect for wind.

There were still some downfalls to the ride. First, no matter how padded my seat or bike shorts are, biking is still painful. Granted it’s a whole lot better than without, but my ass would enjoy a bit more of an improvement. Second, even two pairs of wool socks aren’t enough to keep my toes warm. And third, I still can’t get up the damn hills. Going up Dunbar from SW Marine was pretty rough, I once again had to get off my bike and walk a few of the remaining blocks. Even though I’m on my lowest gear, it still feels like I’m pedalling in cement that’s drying way too quickly.