Did I continue to cycle commute for the balance of 2016? – YES
Did I manage to keep exercise built into my daily routine? – YES
Did I return to a healthy body weight? – YES
My last Blog post was in April 2016. This time also aligned with the move from winter cycling to summer cycling. I thought it was more than overdue to provide an update.
As evident in the above before and after photos, I have lost close to 50 pounds over the past year. I returned to a healthy body weight in October 2016. Cycling was a large component of that transition the other was properly tracking my calorie intake and ensuring that I was getting enough to eat and making healthy food choices. I follow the Weight watchers plan, because I need the structure that a program like that offers.
CONCUSSION
The year was not without setbacks, in the late summer, the front wheel of my hybrid bicycle slid off a trail edge near a gated entrance. I, of course, fell bringing the bike with me. I cracked my bike helmet in this adventure and I received a concussion. At the time, my stubbornness reared its ugly head and I addressed my concussion symptoms for about 3 weeks, after which I deemed myself good-to-go. I know…I know…where did I get my medical degree from? and yes Dr. Google should not be relied upon.
Honestly I felt great until about November at which time my concussion symptoms seemed to really flare up. I don’t know why it happened in November, but I have been receiving treatment for the concussion symptoms. They did curtail my cycling for November and December, but I am cleared to cycle now.
PROUD MOMENTS
Cycling all of 2016 was, in itself a big achievement for me and one that I am thankful I took on. In September I decided to stretch my comfort level and support Waterloo Regional Police Sgt. Pete Viol in his fundraising efforts for the Grand River Hospital cancer Centre. This saw me and my friend Barbara cycling for 5-days straight on and off 60-70 km/day each from Riviere-du-loup to Chambly Quebec. This was an amazing adventure. Much of the time was spent on the off-road Route Verte (http://www.routeverte.com/e/) in the beautiful Province of Quebec. Training for this ride then undertaking it created wonderful memories.
DOUBTS
As January 2017 approached I doubted my ability to winter commute. I suspect my concern was founded in the fact I was off the bike as a part of the concussion recovery. This blog, was a game changer for me. I re-read my entries from 2016, I considered the weather I already proved I could ride through and I reminded myself I can do it I just need to gear up and make it happen!
So I am back into a routine of winter cycling, my “Batpod” Norco Fat bike continues to be a stable ride that increases my comfort level on snow and ice. The daily exercise helps clear my mind, ready me for work and build my physical fitness levels.
I am not alone and routinely see other winter cyclists on the road. The key to winter cycling, in addition to having a ride you feel stable on is LIGHTS, REFLECTORS and more LIGHTS. It more important than ever to see and be seen in the winter so I ride with highly reflective gear and a flashing rear tail light day and night.
Diane Freeman, P.Eng., FEC, FCAE 