Last September 2023 a friend asked me to join them in riding a section of the Cataraqui Trail from Perth Rd to Chaffey's Locks. A ride had done myself like 10 years prior on a Monstercross bike had built up. Though back then it was a straight out and back with less social and fun.
Riding with a friend this time makes it far more fun and less about head down. Grinding away till the turn around and return just isn't the same as riding with someone else and not worrying about speed and time.
Riding For Ice Cream is Better Then Racing 2023
Last year's ride was done a year after major knee surgery and to be honest it was more about just getting out for a ride. At least for me. My friend who had taken up riding a gravel bike had wanted to do this section but was nervous due to that a large portion of this section of the Cat Trail has limited cell service. We did it, ate ice cream, and most importantly had a good ride. Though there would be a surprise this go which will be shared later.
This year we went again. Same starting point, same route and distance, and same end point. Only difference for me was 2 years out from major knee surgery. So while didn't think of it before hand this would kind of be a test of where was at 2 years on from major knee surgery.
A Gravel Roadie and MTBer Gravel meet for a Ride- Ice Cream Still Better Than Racing
This year saw a wee challenge added to the ride with a section being slightly flooded. Nothing like a wee bit of fording flooded sections for a small bit of a challenge.
Though 2024 would add a wee bit more excitement closer to Chaffey's Locks with a Porcupine deciding to chill out for a wee bit at the side of the trails. He started ambling into the underbrush before fully stopped and got to take a photo. There was no blind corner and nearly T-Boning a Porcupine type of excitement this time round.
Got to Chaffey's and like last year did the chill out and enjoy ice cream under the shade of an sun umbrella.
On the return trip to Perth Rd spotted some more wildlife. A family of Swans nesting on the far side of a swamp. If one watched carefully you could spot the movement of little Cygnets as they sat in the nest besides mom.
After checking out the Swans it was back to riding and the last few KM's to the trail head parking lot at Perth Rd. Up the little climb before crossing Opinicon Rd and then it was the the last stretch to Perth Rd Trailhead and the parking lot. And once crossed Perth Rd we where done.
Remember I mentioned there was a surprise earlier? Well later on that evening at home looked at the ride GPS track on Strava and had a surprise. We rode the ride about 10-15 minutes faster then last year. Looking back did nothing special riding and training wise beyond riding everyday. No planned interval days nor sessions. Just lots of riding especially on the trails.
End result after a good ride with a friend was that we both ended up improving our riding over the last year. Guess there is something about just riding your bike and enjoying and having fun while doing it does help improve one's riding.
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