Training for the Himalayas...

Dream? Maybe... maybe not...But here's where I wanna go soon...

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Bronte Creek Cycling in Autumn

One of the most beautiful experiences one can experience as a mountain biker is enjoying God's creation!
And this I do every time I take a ride to Bronte Creek; my usual haunt.

This is the only place that's only 7km from home and where I go for my weekly short 25km rides.
As a terrain, its simple and I'd rate it as a single star as far as difficulty is concerned. There's only a tiny slope of about 100m to climb and any ardent hill climbing MTB-er would have to do the climb several times in order to achieve any hard breathing. (pictures available via link titled 'Autumn at Bronte Creek') Well, there are several of these tiny climbs all over Bronte Creek. That being said, this place really is a wonderful and great place to ride regardless of skill level.
The scenery and the air itself is worth the ride.
During this autumn, I noticed several dead salmon in the creek (picture above), and it seems its the usual time of year where these hardworking fish come upstream to spawn. Several will die in the process.
If you're a recreational rider, this is the place for you. If you're wanting to sweat out a bit more; just go a little faster. If you're a hardcore hill climber, just do several laps of the hills here. So regardless of your level of skill, this place is really filled with fun. Lots of fast single trails to try out.

Ride for Heart - Toronto, Ontario

My first ever road ride on the highways of Toronto! Or for that matter, my first road ride anywhere in the world! 

Truly a memorable time; what with 13000 other riders, all riding for a good cause. 

The ride consisted of 3 different categories; the 25km, 50km, and 75km. I took part in the 50km, with Gabe and Amelia. 

The weather on that day could not have been better. A lovely cool and cloudy 18C with mild breeze. 

The Gardiner expressway and Don Valley Parkway highways were both closed to any kinds of traffic except us riders and officials!

We started the morning by driving downtown to the main parking area and then unpacking our bikes, and meeting the rest of the Bank of Montreal team for a lovely all-you-can-eat breakfast, consisting of sausages, croissants, eggs, drinks, fruits. 

Because it was not a race, we took our own sweet time eating and finally began our ride at about 8.30am. 

The highway was a good mix of small short climbs and smooth downhills. We stopped at various places just to take some photos. Don Valley is known to be quite scenic. The riders' starting times began from 6am till 9am, which made everything less rushed and crazy. Imagine if 13000 riders started at the same time!

Well, not much need be said about the ride itself, and quite honestly, I know now why I mountain bike and not road ride. I cannot imagine myself riding on the road for hours. It can get quite monotonous actually. Nothing like the ups and downs of good mountain biking. 

So yes... I guess MTBRogue will remain a mountain biker. And the occasional road rider for charity.