Back in the saddle for another EZ Rider Season also means a new DIET to shed the excess BLUBBER!!!

The past weekend, I wimped out on the 2nd EZ Rider Saturday get together due to near freezing temperatures forecast and the hint of hail and snow witnessed the Friday afternoon. Nevertheless, Sunday rolled around and +13 was just enough excuse for this gal to saddle up again.

I went out solo but definitely not alone. The trails were filled with people just Getting Out There be it walking, biking, on their roller blades, or even jogging. They were out with their friends, their families, their partners, and their canines. What a beautiful afternoon it was.

My legs were wobbly and it will certainly take me some serious discipline to shed off an accumulation of too much love for apple pie and poutine this past winter. Today, as I grasp my loose buttocks and pinch an unwanted belly, I've decided to commit to more 'quick' rides after work (weather permitting) and immediate diet changes.

The new diet would actually mean absolutely NO SUGAR, WHEAT, DAIRY, or COFFEE... plenty of FISH, NUTS, FRUIT, and VEGGIES plus a minimum of 6 glasses of water EVERY DAY for at least 1 week consecutively! Oy! If this doesn't clean my gut and kick start my metabolism, I don't know what will!

Although, I'm not known to be a quitter...Meh, we'll see how long I can sustain this for. Giggles. For all you readers out there I'm very happy to report that today is my Day 1 of my new diet and so far so good. I've been eating like a rabbit and craving donuts every other hour but rest assured, I did not cheat. Yay! LOL ;)

Be well and stay healthy boys and girls. Tomorrow is another new day!

First Ride of the Season

It was 18 degrees outside. Winds were calm and the morning air invited these recovering legs with great anticipation. I finally got the "ok" from my doctors. "YES, you should definitely go riding this weekend" said Dr. Ho. "How far should I go and how fast am I allowed to pedal?" I asked, not fully confident with his encouragement. "Just ease into it," he replied. "and you can go as far as you want so long as you're not experiencing any 'uncomfortable' pain."

I gave a big smile and took his advice like a kid taking home his first ribbon. A little bit of pride and excitement boiled in the pit of my stomach. Was I nervous? Definitely, but getting the thumbs up from the doc was the just boost of confidence I needed to get back in the saddle.

I've been so afraid to engage in any activity this winter 'cause Norton had boldered me, not once, but TWICE, in the dog park leaving my ankle swollen and the muscles in my left leg all twisted and sore. Ye~ow! 'Cant really blame the dog for my anxieties, but one can never be too careful when it comes to their own safety (and the safety of others). Rehabilitation has always been challenging for me. It was never the physical pain that prevented me from being active this winter, it was the overwhelming fear of never cycling again. Stubbornness runs in the family and I was not going to take any chances on getting injured again.

So when the sun came up this morning I jumped out of bed with a smile on my face. I cranked up the radio, slipped on my spandex, pumped up my tires, and put on my bright yellow EZ Rider jersey.

The rest of the gang left Finch station just after 8am and were well on their way down the Don Valley trails by the time I hit the pavement. Despite a few mechanical issues (a blown valve, broken chain, and a broken derailleur) there were no injuries.

I was riding solitaire taking the lakeshore route and started to pedal East towards the beaches. As I approached Princess Gates, I fell into place next to 3 fellow cyclists who just happened to be heading in the same direction. I kept an easy 25km/h pace next to Carlo most of the way and next thing I knew we were exchanging memories of last year's cancer ride. Funny how small this world really is.

Time faded into the morning and when we reached our destination, we took a group photo and said our goodbyes. I wished them a safe ride home and sat on a bench with another big smile on my face. What a beautiful day I thought to myself. I couldn't imagine anywhere else I'd rather be.

I sat on the bench watching the cheerful dogs and relaxed locals meander from one end of he beach to the other with the sound of the waves crashing along the shore.

Soon a critical mass of EZ Riders flooded down the path. I was reunited with my family once again.

Hug, hug, kiss, kiss. Ok! Time saddle up gal!
Tim Horton's here we come!

What a wonderful ride.

Click here to view my captures.

PowerPoint presentation by Mark Roza:

Good Food, Great Friends, and Amazing Memories

It's that time of year again when the EZ Riders gathered together to celebrate the season with booze, food, and gift exchange. For those who weren't able to join in the festivities, you are in our thoughts and deeply missed.

There was certainly no shortage of culinary expertise and laughs. In fact, everything was better than perfect! Despite all the time and effort that must have gone into the preparation, Joan made it look effortless - she is truly an amazing hostess.

Click here to view my captures.

To all my fellow EZ Riders, friends, and families, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and have a safe and memorable holiday!


PowerPoint presentation by Mark Roza:

In Memory of the Ones we Love

It was certainly a beautiful ride and for those who stayed indoors, you were missed. It was 8 AM. Temperatures had dropped to a chilling 6 degrees and the empty streets whisper signs of winter fast approaching.

One lone EZ Rider lifts her nose in the air and braves the calling of the paths once again. Bundled in 6 layers around the core, double layered spandex, woolly socks, shades, and something to keep the ears from falling off. Starting off from Princess Gates she heads Westbound. Winds were gusting at full force stripping the landscape half naked - fallen leaves of gold build layers along the path where geese and swans meandering in abundance.




Nine AM - Prince of Whales Park the EZ Rider stops for a chat with fellow dog walkers and ask for directions.

Sandy's new bike experienced its first flat and by the time we got her pedals back on her mountain bike it was time for a pit stop at Tim's. Fully caffeinated and all pumped up, the two EZ Riders continue on the journey back to Toronto.

One of the prominent sitings on this ride were the GHOST bikes - the act of painting a bicycle white can represent many circumstances. Some were victims of hit and run, others were victims of cancer. As we paused to pay tribute to the memory of those we've lost, we remind ourselves of the reasons why so many of us chose to be a part of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Our sweat, tears, and pain represents more than just a challenge - we ride because we care to make a difference in the world. We ride for love and hope for a cure in our lifetime.

RTCC 40-50km Training Ride

As we kick off another season of training, I would like to take this opportunity to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to all you. It was with your support that made our 2008 journey a true success.

This year alone has been one of the most emotionally challenging year for me. I've attended many funerals, recovered from numerous injuries, and have shared many wonderful memories and tears with my friends, family, and colleagues. As we all go through the roller coaster ride of what we call LIFE, it is with great honor that I am able to share photos from our Ride to Conquer Cancer and Tour for Kids.

A special thanks goes out to my partner, Adam Muise for inspiring me to be a part of this journey, to my bosses Kevin West and Sandra Kenney for showing their support throughout my injuries and time away from the office, and especially to all of my fellow EZ Riders and Teammates who have, from Day 1 rode by my side every week and supported me throughout my challenges.

Time is the most valuable thing you can give someone so thank you all for being such a wonderful part of my life. I hope that I will continue to inspire you to help Conquer Cancer.

Please help support our 2009 Ride to Conquer Cancer!

Thank you!

Mark (fellow rider), Sandy Deegan, Andrew Penn

Advanced Cyclists (30km/hour plus) - 50km Route



Steamwhistle Brewery
November 2, 2008

Last Group Ride of the Season

The autumn leaves are falling and the rich colors invite us out to enjoy another beautiful morning through the Humber Trails of East Toronto. I breath in the crisp air slowly and deeply; reflecting back on the year that has passed and looking forward in anticipation to the events forthcoming. Soon winter will approach and the snow will mark the end of the our 2008 cycling season. Most of my fellow EZ Riders have already claimed defeat against the rapidly dropping temperatures. This weekend they are taking their training indoors and we wont see those skinny legs again until the next Groundhog Day. I'm determined to bundle up well and enjoy ONE more ride.

October 18th, 2008