Day 4 had a cool start, but a spectacular day for a big ride. Given the weather forecast for Day 5 and fitness of our cadre, we combined two rides into one. We headed out into the countryside north of Courtenay for a loop before heading up the hill to Cumberland for coffee. Only two wrong turns, so the overall distance was only slightly more than we had planned. Note to self: have on last look at the map before heading out.
Coffee at the Cumberland Grind was refreshing and the time off the saddle, welcome. We headed down Royston Road to the Island Highway for an extension out toward Fanny Bay. The wind was light but we could tell that we would have a quick trip back to town after lunch.
Lunch at the FBI (Fanny Bay Inn) was delicious as usual. We were all pretty enamored with the chowder, but all agreed that it’s a meal in itself. Thank goodness for Gaviscon! The staff are always helpful and friendly and we will return, next time with a better memory of how much food to order (Note to self #2).
The ride back to Courtenay was indeed a fast one with the wind at our backs and food in our bellies. We took a little pause at Royston for a little bike maintenance and as Phyllis pointed out – we no longer had to schedule a tire-changing session into our week. I had that covered – several times. It really helps to be prepared and I was sadly, not. I had an extra tube, but it had been patched. I had several CO2 cartridges – thankfully. The first two were expended on the replacement tube whose patch had dried up and no longer held air. Another quick patch job and a third cartridge – and we were on our way. One tire, several changes, no speed records broken unless we get points for the slowest tire change, ever. Note to self #3 – be as prepared as you always encourage others to be. Yeesh.
One last thing is that I have be goaded regularly by my trusty partner that I should be wearing a mirror so that I can keep track of those whom I guide. I finally caved in and attached a mirror to my helmet and although I won’t admit this to him directly, it works quite well. I’m not happy about it and some of my cycling buddies may laugh and call me names (Lisa)- but being able to easily see who I’m guiding – actually helps. Note to self #4 – Gord was right, again.
With dirty hands and full hearts – we finished our day and our week, with a little over 80kms and the feeling of satisfaction that we had accomplished the week’s 4 planned rides and kayak tour in 3 rather than 5 days.
Giddyup.
A great week with our small but mighty team. Yahoo!
LiveSplendidly!
