Each and every morning I, like many others I work with, suit up for the bicycle ride to work. Getting on the bike is a psychological challenge after days of sub-zero temperatures. Those breaks in the temps, when they soar to the teens, are a time for rejoice. I was dreading this past winter's days of aching and tired legs before it even got under way. I was dreading the back and forth commutes along the same roads, on the same bike(I'm spoiled, I know).
To keep the winter doldroms at bay,
Ryan and I made a pact that we would drive in early on Wednesdays, work a full day, and then hit the many kilometers of groomed ski trails right out our
employers back door. Cross Country Skiing is new for me. Last year I purchased a used set of classics from Frank at
Cyclova XC. I skied a few times last year, played around, but didn't really focus on anything more than getting out with friends.
This year, with Ryan and my pact I got out at least 10 times, once a week. With slightly more frequency I was able to get more comfortable on the skis and begin to build some basic foundation. Half way through the season another friend who has moved further south shipped me his skate setup to play on. Each time we got out I planned on bringing my camera, but rarely did. We would ski as the sunset over the park turning all a golden hue. Last week, the last week, was no different. The sun hangs a few minutes longer each night.
Once a week, that was all it took to break the monotony and stimulate my brain with something new to learn. Each week I looked forward to the break from the bike and the time on the skis.
Maybe next year it will be twice a week. Maybe.
