Thursday was a day off for the Princesses.  They had their sights on two things: a hike on the KVR and a little wine touring.  What they also HAD to do was have three of four bikes serviced for minor issues.  Freedom Bike Shop staff was very helpful – but they were going to take most of the day to work on these bikes – so the Princesses took advantage of that and spent the better part of the day on a) the hike and b) the wineries.

What they ACTUALLY experienced included watching a bald eagle teaching her babies to fly, learning the right way to sip-chew-sip, learning exactly HOW much sriracha sauce is too much and finally learning the meaning of the red-letter day (a three dessert day). Expect the unexpected at Princess Pedal Camp.

This all gave me time to think about how lucky I am.  These camps are by far the busiest weeks I have in my life right now.  They are hectic, physical, exhausting – and the most rewarding I could ask for.  To see these riders arrive apprehensive about their skill, the distances and whether they are capable of ‘keeping up’ and then finding themselves within a day or two – into a rhythm.  I love it!  If I may say so – they empower themselves by testing their physical and mental limits (ok –  scaring themselves a bit) and growing as a result.

I am also really very lucky to have a partner who is willing to work shoulder to shoulder with me keeping the Princesses comfortable, fed and watered.  I couldn’t do it without him and his easy going manner makes life very simple.  He keeps me grounded which is not only good, but necessary.

I am also really fortunate to have had a friend recommend Reflexions Yoga Studio.  Rose has been our instructor from the beginning and she has perfected the art of focusing on the key areas of our bodies after a long ride.  If you are ever in Penticton, a visit to this studio is a must.

Finally, I feel really lucky to have found our Vacation Rental.  The owners are unbelievably accommodating and are very gracious to let us run these camps out of their house.  The house accommodates our needs, perfectly.

Today we have rain so we’ll have a discussion about our options and find something new to challenge us.  It’s already been suggested that a triathlon of sorts might be an idea… swim, hike, wine tour – or hike, wine tour and lunch – or something.  Whatever, our day will be modified.

LiveSplendidly!