Day #364 Purpose: Because It's There?

Cattail Fluff on the Snow

PURPOSE: Why Cycle The Trans Canada Trail? Why Blog it?
Well, for fun, of course.
And to share my countdown with others until the day when I leave,
as well as some of the days on the Trail, if possible.
For the love of country and seeing all of it, or what one would see from a trail that is 18,000 km. in all, including a northern route which I'll put off for awhile.
What an accomplishment the building of this Trail is - by thousands of volunteers. It's AMAZING!!!
For the meeting of old friends and new.
For the excitement and the experiences.
To photograph nature at its very best.
To FEEL and experience nature at its very best.
Why NOT do it? It's there for us, for free, this miracle of a trail.

In the fall of 2002, I began using the company gym to walk the treadmill and to pedal on an exercycle. It became such a pleasure that I hated to stop to go to work. Often I found myself getting upstairs just in time, but without time for a shower so having to sit at my desk damp and sticky for awhile.
The more I walked the treadmill, the more I pictured myself walking on nature trails - while staring straight ahead a blank wall. There was always music playing in the gym so I could add interest by exercising in time to the ever-changing beat but it was pretty boring.
Gradually, I came to see myself walking the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) but soon realized that this is unrealistic because of the dangers; and the fact that I walk so slowly. Always have.
In the fall of 2003, I was invited to a function in PEI, and decided to book an extra week off work so that I could cycle the Confederation Trail while I was there.
When I learned that a favourite school friend, Sandie Gallant-Sexton, had died of breast cancer just two years previously, I decided to do the ride for The Cancer Society in her honour, and earned them almost $2000. Thanks so much to all of you donors.
In PEI, I earned my 'Tip to Tip Certificate', Sept. 12/03, at the western end of the trip. I had to ride back to my van at the end of each day, so I actually did the trail twice. One certificate is enough, though.

Now I want to try the TCT in my 65th year, after I retire in February/08.
I plan to go from west to east as, hopefully, there will be no snow on Vancouver Island in April when I start out from Victoria; not to mention that in going west to east, most winds will be at my back.
However, I'd rather start at Calgary in the spring, go to Newfoundland, and then come back in fall and go from Calgary to Victoria, thus missing the hungry bears just out of hibernation (if I were to go through the mountains in early spring). That's not been decided in my mind yet. The gathering of more info' will determine my decision on this issue.
This to-be cycling trip of the Trans Canada Trail west to east by a 65 yr. old senior female is what this blog is all about. That, the preparation required for such a trip, and the giving of down-to-earth tips on cycling, expecially as an older person, and cycling as inexpensively and easily as possible.
Also, to give you tips on everything that I learn, and have learned cycling, and other ideas that may help you avoid pitfalls of your own, for cycling or any other activity, if possible.
This blog will have many personal anecdotes, as well, and photos from my archives.
I do hope that the reading of this blog will come to be very enjoyable, even for those of you who may never go outdoors.
On February 2/07, I started a countdown to my first day of retirement. Every day from now on will be numbered. It will drive my lead, Diane, crazy. Feb. 2/07, the first day of the countdown and my Bday, was day #365.
I will mention other links that I come across re: cycling or items of related interest.
This is a copy of my first addition, Saturday, Jan. 13/07, which was on a former blog site.
Kindest regards, everyone. Enjoy, and thanks for looking in.
Karen Smith