What a week it was.  Three Princesses, daily new adventures and so many tales.  The week began a little uncertain for me.  After our first ride, I thought we might have to alter some routes to match the skill and fitness in the group – but I was once again surprised and delighted by the courage and willingness of the Princesses to take on the challenges of the week.  No adjustments necessary and in fact, they wanted even more by the last day. Go figure.  Never underestimate the strength of a Princess.

If you spoke to the Princesses – they might have the odd thing to say about some of the nuances of the week.  They had a few comments about some of my descriptions of routes and things to expect along the way.  Having become accustomed to phrases like “little kick-up hills” and “flattish roads” or “beautiful sweeping downhills” they were a little put-off when I didn’t quite include all the details.  You know, like when there were maybe one or two more hills than I mentioned or when I’d get the distance to the next whatever – not quite right.  What’s life without a few surprises, right?

In all it was another wonderful week.  These riders gained enormous confidence on the roads (including navigating some gravel) from the vantage of their bike seats.  They took in the beauty of the Okanagan Valley with all that it has to offer.  Breath-taking vistas, wonderful roads, courteous drivers, friendly ladies to chat with at the ice cream shop, turtles sunning on logs,  a baby Grizzly and … two unicorns.  What more could one ask for?

Sometime during the week, each of the Princesses had an ah-ha moment.  Maybe it was clipping in (and out), maybe it was climbing, or descending.  Maybe it was getting to know their bikes a little better.  Mostly though, there was a little bit of getting to know themselves as riders.  My main goal with these camps is to encourage ladies to get on their bikes more often, fearlessly but not recklessly.  We learned to ride safely and with confidence.  The second goal is to make the week as much about RnR and pampering as it is about satisfying a need to work hard and go home fitter. These ladies took time for themselves, developed their cycling habit and I have no doubts that they are hooked for future riding indeed.

Thanks Princesses.  It was a great week and I look forward to spending more time in the saddle with you again soon.

LiveSplendidly!