Another Snowy Weekend

Well it was sort of snowy. But for this time of year in Ontario we are seriously lacking in the snow. And yes I'm complaining. It isn't nice enough to ride outside, and there isn't enough snow to do much of anything else. Back country skiing is pretty much out I think for the rest of the winter. I did manage to get out on the groomed ski hills for a few tele turns. It was fun just to be on skis again, but the conditions were less than perfect- read ice, and ice on telemark skis is not fun. I'm considering investing in a new pair of skis just for Ontario ice skiing. Especially since next year I will be skiing with a hula hoop that a little munchkin is holding onto. Yes- Winston will be on skis next year. Yikes!

Despite the lack of winter weather we had a great time up north. We had wonderful guests for the weekend who loved to help with the little man, and spoil Wiki. They brought some wonderful wine, cooked some delicious food, and even helped clean up. Amy and Mark you are welcome back anytime.

When we went to bed on Saturday night is was snowing and we all had full intentions of hitting the slopes bright and early Sunday morning. Well the snow stopped and really was probably less than 1cm and Brad and myself were pretty tired and didn't feel like skiing. Luckily our guests didn't either and we all decided a Sunday brunch was in order. Before we could blink we were off to the the Flying Spatula in Flesherton. They do an amazing breakfast buffet with salads, waffles, pancakes, crispy bacon, chilli, roast beef, ham, omelets, and tons more. I left there not needing to eat again until dinner. Make sure to check it out if you're in the area. You can also get your hair done there.

Then it was back to the city. The little man was getting feisty on the drive so we decided to stop at the Shed Coffee Bar in Belfountain. It was there no more, replaced by a general store. Which did have coffee but no where to sit. Apparently the Shed is opening a new store in Erin. Guess I will have to plan a different cycling route come spring. At least it hasn't disappeared completely.

Skiing and more skiing

After a few days of recovery from Louisville we headed up to Collingwood to check out the snow. Lucky for us there was some and we put the Chariot to good use. First up was Brad's brilliant idea of combining the Surly Pugsly snow bike and the chariot on skis. I seriously had my doubts but it worked. There was some pushing when the snow wasn't packed down enough, but he was able to ride most of Loree forest. I trailed behind on my skis.


Then we hit up Bruce Wine Bar in Thornburry for a delicious dinner. It it small plate style so you can try at least 5 different items between 2 people. The wine selection was a little limited by the glass, but the bottle selection was excellent. I might have had a little too much- 3x3oz glasses got me tipsy. It's been a long time. Worth checking out this nifty place if you are in the area.

The next day Brad kicked my butt at Nordic Highlands. I'm still not sure how he manages to go so fast even while towing Winston. Oh that's right- he's super human. I have a feeling that me playing catch up with the boys is going to be a big part of my future. Luckily we met up with Kate and Scott to refuel after my humbling skate skiing experience. I slept well that night.


We were feeling a little lazy this morning (Sunday) and decided to check out a new to us breakfast place- The Orchid. This is our new favorite place in the area. It was delicious. We ended the weekend with a quick back country ski with the main purpose of tiring out the dog. It worked- sort of. An hour and a half isn't quite long enough for her. Now it's back to the city for the week.


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Master Cyclocross World Champs 2012

Race weekend has come and gone and a fun time was had by all.

Thursday we went out in search of a local bike shop for some necessities that we had forgotten ( I had forgotten). Turns out this shop carried Cannondale bikes, and just happen to have one in my size and on sale. Same price as I paid for my used one online. Lucky me, I left with a new bike. Now I have the same A and B bikes. And Brad was going to use the Kona as his back up bike. Good day.

Friday was Brad's qualifier and the course was a treacherous mess of frozen ruts. They even delayed the start to de-ice the flyover. The course was so hard you really couldn't go fast. It was all about just staying upright and finishing. Brad had a good race earning him a third row call up for the main event.

Saturday was the big day for the Soigneur Race Services house. I was up first at 10:20am. Luckily the course organizers had moved the tape slightly to create a safer line on one side of the course. You still had to criss cross the frozen ruts because the line changed sides, but at least you could ride it now instead of having to run. My race was packed with super heroes. I lined up beside Lynne Bessett, Betsy Shogren and the top 3 at US cross nats. It was a who's who of cycling. It was amazing. I had a bad start and ended up caught behind at least 4 crashed on the first lap. Then I had my own crash and somehow managed to crack the plastic buckle on my shoe. A stop in the pit, a little electrical tape, and I was back on my way. As the sun kept shinning and the weather warming up, the course was changing every lap. It was getting slicker as the time went on. Managed to pick off a few more riders in the last two laps and took 10th place. As Peter Mogg put it, my brain hurt. I have never had to focus so much in a race before. There was no where to turn off your brain. You had to pay attention at all times. One little mistake and a rut would grab you and you'd be on the ground with no warning. It was great. I loved every minute I was out there.

By the time Brad's race came around, it warmed up considerably and the course was a muddy mess. Good thing he had the back up bike. He was changing bikes every lap, sometimes after half a lap. It was a power course of just survival and strength through the mud. Reminded me of some of the Belgian races I did, or the New Jersey race 2 years ago. For a guy who doesn't train at all, Brad snagged 24th place just eeking into the top 25. Go Brad!

After a great team dinner, and some sleep we were back in the car for the long drive home. Winston handled the drive really well, and was nice enough to let us stop for ice cream. We will be back next year for sure.

Photo credit:Christopher Jones

Driving

Brad and I are in Louisville Kentucky for the Master World Cyclocross Championships. We had the brilliant idea of driving through the night to get there for pre-riding Wednesday. It worked wonders for the little man as he slept the entire drive. However we were exhausted when we arrived and Win was ready to play. Not sure we thought that through properly.


After a short nap by Brad we went and registered for the race. Brad drew start number 12 for his qualifying heat. Great for him as that means second row and for a 30min race that is key. I somehow drew a second place call up. Happy about that for sure except it makes me a little nervous cause I'm not sure where my fitness is at right now.

Next up was riding. It had been hard all night and day so the course was perfect (for me). There is a long muddy field section, a fly over with the steepest/biggest stairs (they come up to my knees), and a crazy backside of the course that is either a run or run/ride section. If the weather keeps up its a perfect course for Brad and me. But, the sun is supposed to come up so I really have no idea what the course will be like on Saturday. We will just have to wait and see.


To top up a busy day we hit up the local Whole Foods. This was our best idea yet. They have tons of grass fed beef, butter, milk. The grass fed butter is so good, Brad is eating it straight out of the package. We will be stocking a cooler for the drive home for sure. Time to go enjoy my breakfast.


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Location:Crossgate Ln,Louisville,United States

New Year New Post

I wish I could say my new year's resolution is to post more frequently but I know that won't happen. The little man is taking up all my time. Any free moments and I'm either sleeping or working out. I am not complaining cause I am loving the time I get to spend with him. Back to work is creeping up slowly and I know I won't be ready for. It's hard to leave him for a few hours, I can't imagine what an entire day will be like. But until then we have been having tons of fun.

Both Brad and I got to do a few runs at the local ski hill. I went out on the teles with a friend (first time in 2 years). It really wasn't too bad but boy did the legs hurt the next day. While I was skiing Brad hiked with the little one from our place to the ski hill. Then we traded off and Brad got to snowboard for a bit. It was nice having the friend up cause then we didn't have to ski alone. The little man loved watching all the skiers. Next year it will be his turn. In the meantime he is already practicing his wheelie drops thanks to a little help from dad.

I can't believe how nice the weather has been for January. Though I am a winter girl for sure and I am missing the snow, I have still been enjoying these warm days. When we are in the city our weekend usually consists of a trip to the Carrot. This allows the dog to play in the park, Winston to sleep in the stroller and us to stock up on food for the week. This past Saturday we made a pit stop at Off The Hook- a new fish and chips place on Broadview. It's the best I've ever had. We got the normal (which is organic) halibut but you can get cajun or gluten free. There are other types of fish you can choose from and tons of sauces (we opted for the wasabi one). I can't say enough about how delicious it was. And the best part was sitting outside on a sunny January day and enjoying our treat.

Next up will be a post from Louisville Kentucky where Brad and I will be racing the master world cyclocross championships. But first, a ten hour drive with a baby. Wish us luck.

Happy Holidays

Wow- have we been busy. It's that crazy time of year: Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The holiday season started out for us with a Greek Baptism of Winston's NICU neighbor. It was insane- in a good way. There must have been at least 200 people (mostly relatives). You were greater by shots of Bailey's or Ouzo and never ending food. It was a fun night out.



This year was one of the rare times that Hanukkah and Christmas fell at the same time. This meant many celebrations in a short period of time. Winston got spoiled with presents and really enjoyed opening them- especially his mini piano. He loves banging away on it. Not sure I'm going to like it so much after hours of it.



We hosted Christmas dinner in Collingwood again (thank you grandmother and Auntie H) for helping watch the little one so Brad and I could cook. It was really nice having all the family together. There hasn't been enough snow yet to ski but we have been out and about hiking. We invested in a Deuter Kid Comfort 2 pack and it is getting some good use. Win seems to love being outside. Hopefully the snow will come soon and we can get on the skis.



Brad and I agreed on a budget for gifts for us, and that they had to be stocking stuffers. I might have pushed it a little but he really needed some slippers. Brad stuck to the plan but managed to get me an awesome and very suitable new coffee mug.



Hopefully things are calming down now and I will have time to blog a little more.
I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah. Now pray for snow.


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Life

On the morning of my grandfather Poppi's funeral I can't help but think of all the memories I have had with him. He lived to be 102+ years. Not many people can say that. He outlived 2 wives, has 12 grandchildren (not including significant others) and most importantly he got to meet and hold his great grandson Winston. I look forward to the day I can show the little man the pictures of him and his great grandpa. I know I should be sad, and I am, but really I am happy. Happy that I was lucky enough to have a grandfather for 34 years and make all those memories. Now I look forward to Winston making his own memories with his grandparents.