Initially I wasn’t going to write a report for this event since technically it isn’t a “race”. However, I thought a review might be useful since it can be a training ride or a fun day out with the family. My purpose was for the former. I did the 75 km ride in preparation for the summer triathlon season. In addition to this distance, there are 25 and 50 km routes. All three routes go along the traffic free Gardiner Expressway and up the Don Valley Parkway. The 25 km route turns around at the Bayview/Bloor exit, while the 50 and 75 km routes continue on up to turn around at the York Mills exit. Once back down to Bayview/Bloor, those doing 75 km turn around and head up to York Mills again.
Overall, it is an enjoyable ride. Nothing beats being able to ride along the city’s major highways traffic free with 13,000 other cyclists. When I woke up that morning I was questioning how much fun it would really be. With howling winds and heavy rain I knew it would be tough going. Figuring out what to wear was a quandary as well but I ended up going with my pink running shell, knee high pink Smart Wool socks and Running Free trishorts. I may have looked goofy but I was warm and colour coordinated!
The 75 km riders get an early start, which helps avoid the slower moving recreational riders and families. After finding a parking spot and registering I only had a few minutes to spare before the start. At this point the rains were fairly light and it was slow going until we actually got out onto the Gardiner. From the Exhibition fairgrounds there is actually a short section where you head west before turning around and heading back east towards the DVP. I was full of pep and anticipation and started out at a good clip. The light rain was short lived and we were all soon drenched by the downfall. After turning northward onto the DVP the wind also became an issue. Strong wind, pelting rain and an uphill ride soon sucked all the joy out. However, there was a real sense of camaraderie as everyone was in the same boat. There were many comments about what the heck we were all doing out in this weather and everyone seemed to notice my pink socks. Even still, it was a grind.
Finally, we reached York Mills where there was a dangerous bottle neck of riders at the aid station. I stopped at the side, ate a Cliff Bar and briefly chatted with a speedy couple on a tandem. After wiping the rain off my glasses I headed off for the fast portion of the ride, heading downhill with the strong wind at my back. At this point I was seriously considering preempting my ride and just doing the 50 km as the prospect of heading back up hill into the wind and rain was daunting. Before I knew it I was back down to the Bayview/Bloor exit and as I approached the turn off, I realized the rain had stopped so I told myself to suck it up and headed back up the DVP once more. Without the rain it was somewhat more tolerable and the fun of doing the super fast downhill section was also motivating.
Even with the early start, by this time the slower 25 km riders were on the course and it was crowded. At the Bayview/Bloor exit turnaround, we were all funneled down a narrow section. I had a near miss when one young woman riding to the left stopped suddenly, in an attempt to cross the median to get to the aid station. With a throng of riders behind me and wet pavement, it is a miracle I was able to swerve around her and not crash. Before stopping dead in her tracks she didn’t even look behind her and the fact that she was wearing an ipod made her even more oblivious. I certainly hope this year that all such devices are banned from the ride for the obvious safety reasons.
After that jump in my heart rate, the rest of the ride was pretty uneventful. Once we arrived back at the Exhibition grounds there were plenty of goodies and entertainment. This is an event I look forward to every year and will definitely be including it in my training schedule for 2011.
hi, i just read your story and i feel even more excited for this day on June 5th.
This is my 1st time doing a ride this long and actually i just bought my 1st road bike about a month ago and i have began my training but i would like to know whats the best way to train for this type of ride.
The longest ride i’ve done so far is 43kms…Do i need to start doing longer rides or should i wait a little bit closer to the ride.
Do you have some tips on how to train for this and what to expect from this ride.
Thanks in advance,
Tony
Hi Tony, thanks for reading my article. Training for this event really depends on your goals. If you will be riding at a more leisurely pace and just want to finish then keep up with what you are doing and perhaps increase your long ride to build your endurance and confidence.
If you have a time goal in mind and will be riding hard, then in addition to simply going out and completing longer distances you may want to consider adding in a little tempo or hill work in as well. If time permits, you could add in a shorter ride during the week where you focus on hill repeats. The hills on the DVP are long, somewhat gradual inclines so find a similar hill if possible. Start out with 2 or 3 repeats and build from there. Technique is important for riding up (and to a lesser degree, down) hill, so check out any of the many resources on line to help you. Coach Troy Jacobson of Spinervals has many tips and video clips on his website/blog that I’ve found useful.
As they say, if you want to get fast, you have to ride fast and that’s where tempo rides come in. Again, you can do a short mid-week ride or possibly integrate it into your long ride. Starting with a 20 minute interval, ride at a pace that you can just barely sustain for that entire time. And yes, it will hurt. But hurt in a good way! Gradually increase the length of the interval each week while still holding that same pace. Again, there are lots of good online resources for cycling training programs and if you want more detail, I would urge you to check them out.
Finally, just a word of warning. There are many cyclists with different levels of ability and experience on this ride. Always be aware and exercise caution, especially around children and young riders who can be unpredictable. Good luck and enjoy the ride!