We are about to embark on day 3 of Princess Pedal Camp #2 and my head is so full of stuff to write about I don’t know where to begin.
First – we are a small but mighty group of 3 (plus the two of us holding it together) but we are in no way without our stories.
Day 1 we undertook the technical skills required for riding both in the city and once we hit the open road. The Princesses mastered the skills, nailing everything from the obstacle course to the parking lot ‘slow race’ after which we took a tour out to Naramata to visit the painted rock. Spectacular vistas for us as we honed some gearing and squelched some fears.
Before I continue, allow me to introduce the cast of characters.
Princess Twenty (dollar bill) – our fearless hill climber who loves a good challenge, is rarely in sight – but if behind, not far behind. Currently rebuilding her bike, one part at a time… more later.
Princess Star-gazer – truly new to cycling but riding a mean machine that turned heads at the bike shop, creating a bit of a stir but oblivious to the coolness of her ride. This Princess enjoys the journey and oddly, the bumps in the road.
Princess No Surprise (but surprises-herself) – who claimed to be a novice rider, fearful of speed, uncertain of clip-in pedals – sped past me on one of the downhills on the first day emitting a “weeeee!” as she went by (in a tuck – ringing her bell I might add). Fearful indeed!
Now for the goods.
Day 2 we headed south – twice actually. Princess Twenty had a tire blow-out (and I really do mean blow-out) within blocks of home – which delayed our true start a bit but we had the opportunity to practice our tire-changing skills, recognize equipment deficiencies and correct for them – which is always welcome. Everyone learns for certain.
Once we really got rolling – we tackled the hill known in the area as “The Wall”. Yep, you get the visual. All Princesses got up the hill without incident and enjoyed the beautiful ride through Willowbrook where our chief cook, master of the bread-making and BBQ met us with lunch. No bears (that we could see) this time, whew.
Our return trip however was not quite so slick – or, actually maybe it was slick… a little too slick. The combination of plenty of sandy-gravel in the tight switchback turns of the said “Wall”, a little too much speed and relatively bald tires – Princess Twenty took a little tumble creating (what I hear) was a spectacular rendition of Charlie Brown’s “Pigpen” or perhaps the Road Runner’s Wiley Coyote dust-up… I’m not sure – but it was a goody. Fortunately, minor scrapes and a sprained thumb – but nothing broken and the brain intact!
The day was without question – a new milestone for most of these ladies. New maximum mileage attained. Skills they didn’t know they needed, let alone had and some great laughs along the way. We got to practice some first aid, watch diligently for wildlife, eat lunch at the side of the road while watching carefully for bears, sweat a bucket or two, use the odd ‘green door’, participate in a stretch/yoga session at Reflexions Yoga Studio with Rose and – enjoy a beverage at the end of the day. What else does a Princess do with a week’s vacation?
LiveSplendidly!