Hi All

With only 2 days left before the 2010 Wheel to Heal, its almost over to get some karma points and sponsor me.

Time is almost up.. and I am so close to my target… And in case you are wondering, yes, I will probably do it again next year, as well as the Ride to Conquer Cancer which is a two day event from Vancouver to Seattle.

Will make sure that Mick takes some photos on Sunday to post them!

Later

M

And the week of the race finally arrives… With 6 days left to the 40 km ride, its all systems go. I successfully completed my three rides of 30+ kms last week, and was planning on taking it easy with short relaxing rides this week. Seems its going to have to be more than just relaxing…

My bike developed an annoying creak, which is most likely caused by a crushed bearing in the handle bar joint. So it is going in for emergency surgery tomorrow afternoon to be collected on Thursday evening. Not a happy day… but at least they assure me it will be well enough to ride on Saturday…

Otherwise I am all ready for the race and really looking forward to it. I really hope that plenty of people turn out on Saturday to support the riders and the event. For those wondering where a great place to catch the action is, the Start/Finish at David and Pinetree, and the intersection of Creek and Victoria, as both locations we pass by twice. Here is a link to the map if you want to pick your own spot.

Remember, you can also go and sponsor me here! Go on, its good for your Karma…

Ok so last week was a bit of a slow week for me.. however I did manage to complete the 40 km route for the Wheel to Heal in just over 2 hours 30 minutes. And by the end, I thought I was never going to get finished. The last 5 kms felt like they were the last 50. So this week I have set a target to complete 4 rides over 30 kms. With good weather from this afternoon till the weekend that should be easy, and then next week to just do some short rides to get saddle time.

I have less than 2 weeks left to prepare, not that I can do much growth in 2 weeks, but at least get the stamina up.

So now we get to the important part… we need riders! So if you are in the Vancouver area and want to do something fun and improve your karma, sign up for the Wheel to Heal. There is a 10 km, 40 km and 80 km – your choice and no judgements on it. Its all for a good cause.. This all benefits the Eagle Ridge hospital which serves the Tri-Cities community.

Oh and for those that are far away, and can’t ride – you can still do some good…. Sponsor me

Later

So I am keeping up the cycling, which is good, especially as they published the route map for the Wheel to Heal next month. We will let everyone know where to come cheer me on closer to the time.

The last week I have completed 3 rides, a 20 km, 31.5 km and a 26.5 km. Now I can start ramping up to the 40 km distance. With only 19 days to go, training time is getting short. The good news is that I am seeing improvement. Despite the very heavy head winds along the Pitt River section today, I had my fastest average speed of 15.28 km/h across the 26.5 km route.

I have been very lucky to have some very generous friends, so here is a shout out to Alan & Lisa and Bill & Barry for their sponsorships. I am now more than half way to my target. Would love to exceed it too So for the rest of you, go here… do some good… Karma time…

Further to my comments about the Poco Trail in my last post, it is good to note that a section has been opened through the First Nation land to complete the circuit from Colony Farm to Red Bridge. Thanks to all parties concerned with making this happen.

So the next few days are not looking too good weather wise.. most likely rain till Friday, but then the sun should be out for the weekend! Woohoo!

Later

M

Ok, So I have now completed two long rides in the last week. Mick and I did a 22.7 km ride on Saturday along most of the PoCo trail, with a stop at the Gillnetter – it was a beautiful day although a bit chilly in the wind when not riding. It was certainly good to get out and ride together.

This morning I did my second ride of 31.6 km. Let me just say that if the 40 km ride on May 16 includes David Avenue, it is going to be a rough one! However, I did manage to ride all the way up David Ave without stopping, so that is already a major achievement.

As I am cycling the area more and more, the one thing that is definitely needing to be addressed is the PoCo trail between Colony Farm and Red Bridge. Really, it has been almost 3 years since it has been closed, and no progress has been made on getting the trail repaired or relocated? I realize that this part of the trail is under the control of both Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, but is there any need to drag something like a bike trail repair out for so many years?

Anyway, till I catch up with you all later

Martin

Ok, so the first week didn’t go as well as I would have hoped.. Only managed 3 days of solid exercise. But was back on the bike again today, and managed to get a full hour on it without dying.

Hopefully in the next day or so, with the sun coming out, I will be able to get on to the road and do a couple more hours. With only 38 days to go, its getting tight.

Thanks to Lisa for donating towards my fund raising effort. It is much appreciated. With so many friends, I should be able to make much more than my target. Yes I am challenging you all!

Click here!

Later

M

Ok, So I have in the last couple of years led a relatively sedentary life, and always blamed my work hours for not getting enough exercise. This is no longer a valid excuse for me. Even the weather is not an excuse.

So in an attempt to motivate myself and to help get myself fit again, I signed up to do a 40km charity cycle race here in the Tri-Cities: The 2010 Wheel to Heal.

This week I started in earnest with my preparations, despite the weather outside. My plan is to spend 5 minutes more each day on the bike – whether its the stationery bike in the house or my mountain bike around town. I have 47 days to go to get fit enough to do 40 kms and to raise at least $300 for the Eagle Ridge Hospital, which is our closest emergency medical center and who need much needed funds for new and improved equipment.

As of today, I have been able to spend 55 minutes on the bike and have raised $20 (Thanks Mick!)

Check back again to track my progress and click here to sponsor me!

Martin

This so completely describes our home:

see more Funny Graphs