Victoria

I caught the 7am ferry over today and rode my bike over to Victoria to cheer for my friends in the Half Iron race. This race holds a special place in my heart – as my first big triathlon. I found a spot at the top of the hill just after McTavish Road. As soon as I was settled, the motorbike for the lead male zipped bye. Perfect timing. I brought my bell, and cheered for all the racers. I had fun cheering for all my friends… and lots of fun cheering for all the rest of the racers. Loads of smiles and good comments came my way. One racer even said, “Wow! You’re exactly where I needed you.” Another comment, “Less Bell, more Push” – from a big guy struggling up the hill. [laugh] It was a good time. I then rode to the Elk Lake to catch up with everyone on the run, and hang out with my friends. We caught the 4pm ferry back home, enjoyed some good laughs, and I had a nice chat with Steve King. Another successful Victoria Half Iron – this time as a spectator.

Here’s a photo of my friend Erin at the finish,
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Garden pictures

Triathletes like to eat…. so I’m posting these awesome pictures from my garden.

I can tell you that food from the garden tastes especially good after riding a bike up Mt. Baker.

I had to get a VISA to enter the US. Cost me $6… The VISA form had a question, “Are you a terrorist?” Yes / No. After paying my $6, getting fingerprinted, and answering all “No’s” to the questionnaire, they let me in.

A great ride with a small crew to Mt Baker. Beautiful scenery, huge trees, lots of climbing, very cold descent, good people, and an excellent wheel home. A recipe for a good ride.

ride stats
3h40 to the top of the hill, 5h49:02 home, 143.7km
24.7kph avg (tons of uphill), 60.1kph max (wet downhill descent so had to take it easy)
141 HR Avg, 164 Max, 3061kcal
81 avg Cad, 107 Max