Victoria International Cycling Festival

Jump Ship is all dialed in at Victoria's Inner Harbour!

A lot of talk went into a culmination of events that many have been heard to say, “It’s about time!”

True. Victoria is the Cycling Capital of Canada.

Cause we can. Ride that is. Like all year round.

Sure. We’ve got some bragging rights. Well more then that.

We’ve got folks with vision, charisma and gusto to walk their talk. To make it so.

I was stoked when I first met Rob Fawcett the guru behind the vision. The Victoria International Cycling Festival. He talked the talk by forming the circle. Bringing in the players. Delegating.

I heard it. Then I saw it.

Never thought I’d see a little mini Crankworx in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The Jump Ship – lots of dirt on a barge for the World Class Freeride Competition. Complete with live DJ’s. A festival of food, beer garden and artisans.

Then a short stroll to the Harbour Sprints in front of the Legislature.
I remember zoot suites when they were in. The punk/pop era of the retro British wave. The dudes were happening. It wasn’t all spandex racing the 300 meters on their fixies. Run-off for the slow-down. Look ma no brakes!

Wicked cool is all I can say.

I watched the bike polo dudes as they dialed in their rides. Readying for the tourney on the streets tomorrow.

Three a side. Where’d they come from?
San Francisco, Idaho and California.

How cool is that.

The bike culture is like kids on a playground.

Doesn’t matter who you are. You can all play together. Have fun. Talk. Show some camaraderie for each other.

All around were smiles. On everyone’s faces.

Wild colours screeched by us to the finish. Cheers, cowbells and whistles were heard.

Later it was the win from the Canucks.

Tonight was epic.

The Victoria International Cycling Festival continues all weekend.

Ya gotta check it out.

Just sayin’.

Belly Laughs

It’s good for you. Releases some kind of magic in the brain. Makes the pain go away. Like the endorphins that escape when you run. Except that way you get a little high.

Somewhere I saw a woman devastated with cancer who elected to bring laughter into her life everyday to ward off the darkness. She watched funny movies. Read funny books.

Last night I went to see Bridesmaids with my son and his girlfriend. I knew what it would be, as far as a movie goes. The laughter rings hinged me on seeing it on the big screen.

While I stuffed myself with popcorn I reminded myself how grateful I was that I could hobble into the theatre!

It’s now two and half weeks since I fractured my pelvis in two places and my clavicle falling off my road bike – yup going way too fast crossing slippery when wet train tracks.

While the drama unfolded in front of me I savoured the knee slapping moments. Laughter is good on the pelvis and the clavicle!

Made me think of my dad. He was paralyzed on his left side from a stroke for over 30 years till his passing. His medicine in the day was to find the humour. He listened to funny audio tapes and watched comic movies on television.

All the while cracking the one-liners to those around him.

What a spirit. To live each day with laughter.

That’s the best medicine of all.

The belly laugh.

Look at the Good

Never sure at the time when something bad happens or you find yourself not exactly where you want to be, what the reason is.

“Everything happens for a reason, you won’t realize it now but you will later.”

That’s what mum always said.

Gratitude is my key word these days. When I stand up I say it.

“I am so grateful I can stand.”
Walking still hurts. So does sneezing. But progress is being made.

Yet I am reminded. Others are not so lucky.

This tempts me to preach. While so often I don’t, I know I should.

Simply. Think about the good. Don’t focus on the bad.

Eliminate the negatives. Cultivate the positives.

Like the tomato ripening on it’s vine. Water it daily and it will grow. Through your nourishment.

Stop asking the why.

Think about the now.

Today.

What is beautiful in today?

I can see the sunshine. Smell the air. Feel the wind. Touch the water. Taste the food. Hear the music.

Time now.

To only look at the good.

Empty Skies

Lightning flashes. Sparks.

Near misses.

While darkness awaits.

Streams flow the cheeks.

When is the next epiphany?

I can cross my legs now.

Right over left - at the knees.

While the dreams fade grey.

Still the mind reminds me.

Patience.

I am healing.

It is temporary.

Although stopped in my tracks.

Told to sit down. Shut down.

Here I squander.

When the new day breaks.

Will the dreams ignite those empty skies?

That’s Enough!

Comfort in food. I know it. Who doesn’t?

My challenge, given my healing path (fractured pelvis and clavicle) doesn’t involve cardio or weights.

Not much really.

Kegels. Thigh pinchers. Calf raises.

About what I can manage.

Now for the calorie count!

I count out the almonds for breakfast. Bookended with some fruit.
Waddle through the day chanting “Low fat, no fat!”

Tonight, the family angel descends with low-fat (brownie points) pita chips and… (don’t want to know the fat content) dip.  Yummy dip.

Needless to say I indulge. I savour. I delight.

The call already went out earlier in the day for frozen yogurt (chocolate).

Heave ho there I go. All gone!

But missy Lorraine had some wise words before she left me to my own devices.

Some therapeutic teachings. A visualization with the end result being to tell yourself, “That’s enough.”

No getting up for more. Settle in for the sighs.

Enough is enough.

Haven’t got the frozen yogurt yet. Am promising to practice telling myself before I reach the bottom of the container.

“Yup, that there my dear is enough!”