I wrote in my last post concerning bicycle rides that we were going
to Living Forest Campground in Nanaimo for a few days so I could
practice riding my bike on paved, quiet roads that are throughout the
campground. My husband has no problem riding anywhere. Part of the
trip was also so we could test out our new screen tent which I am happy
to say, went up easily and is bigger and has better roof coverage than
our previous one. This is our second Outbound purchase this year and I
hope that it serves us as well as the gazebo we bought a month or so ago
has done in rain and wind. We also took our Copper Canyon tent which
we never sleep in, but use to store things and it seemed a good idea to
store our bikes in the tent. Just as well, because there was a sign
posted on the washroom building saying that there had been bikes stolen
in the campground and to be careful. Here is a photo of our camp. The
site is large, surrounded on three sides by trees, really a lovely spot.
But getting back to the main reason for our going.. to practice
riding on paved roads. It was clear to me at the start of my ride that
this was not going to be easy. The campground roads are more hilly than
I remember, and I haven’t figured out how to change gears and
concentrate on my riding at the same time. Riding at my senior age is
not coming easily. At one point my husband who was in front of me,
called out “car coming” and so I went to the side of the road and almost
fell over onto the gravel at the side. Thank Electra for their flat
foot technology in moving the pedals forward which enabled me to catch
myself. As it was, I walked the bike up the rest of the hill and then
white-knuckled it down the other side, riding the brakes to slow down.
After that it was smooth for a time but then we turned onto another road
in the campground and I almost fell off again. So that was it, shaking
I walked the bike back to our camp. I really think that my fear of
what might happen if I fell is most of the reason for my problems in
riding on roads. I am defeated at the thought of breaking a bone just
before I am due to go on Saturday to the hospital for my kidney
ultrasound and on Sunday to my granddaughter’s dance recital. And how
is this trusting the Lord? I know that my attitude is not good and that an adjustment is necessary.
So after a couple of hours, I wanted to come home. The campground is
only an hour away so at least it was not a long drive. My husband was
not happy with me but this morning I made him some pancakes for
breakfast, and today we plan on going to a farm market that is starting
today in Chemainus and then riding this afternoon on the Cowichan Valley
Trail which is our familiar place to ride. Husband says it will be a
long time before he suggests going camping again, but next time we will
leave our bikes at home when we do go camping.
This past Sunday we had our fourth bicycle ride on the Cowichan
Valley Trail. One thing I am learning is that the look of this trail is
ever-changing, as are the challenges and obstacles you might find.
As usual, there were several avid riders on their expensive mountain
bikes who were ready to take on the trail, I wonder what they think of
old fogeys such as us who wear everyday clothing and ride cruiser
bicycles. Also there were hikers and people riding horses (although all
we saw of them was fresh piles of manure), and this time there was a
family of four: mom, dad, and two small children one in a stroller.
They also had a Jack Russel Terrier that was not on leash at the time we
saw it. Thankfully this dog did not bother us but seemed more
interested in the smells and sounds at the side of the trail.
I must admit that off leash dogs are one thing I do not want to run
into on this trail because I still am very insecure and drift from side
to side on the trail. We had previously ridden this trail to a spot
where Sahtlam Road has an entrance to the trail and we decided to go to
the road instead of riding our bikes into the heavily forested area.
This is a quiet dead-end road with a gradual incline but as we were
heading up the road there was the sound of large dogs barking loudly and
running towards us. Thankfully there was a high fence which kept them
in, but this incident showed me that I still am not ready for riding on
public roads. I wonder if I ever will be?
