In between the snowy and windy days, we actually managed to go for a cycle trip finally. There are so many bike paths everywhere around us and we have been waiting for the weather to improve for ages. On Sunday we decided to venture out early and take a short trip along the Bow river to explore Calgary West. The path starts right next to our building and continues along the river. There were many people who had decided to come either jogging, walking or biking. Some were out with their dogs and it was only 10 am Sunday morning. The path was quite flat and there was snow still on 3 different places on the North bank. It felt great to be out and cycling around rather than walking or driving. Going west there were really no problems at all besides a lot of people on the path and some snow – I had to dismount since the slushy snow got my bike wavering and I thought better safe than sorry. We did a little tour in a local neighbourhood and checked out how people live outside the downtown area – everyone has a porch and barbecue and lots of cars parked were quite big.

When coming back the wind was against us and quite chilly +7C, but with windchill it seemed less. I was thanking the training hours in the gym when pedalling against the wind gusts and trying to keep pace with my husband. Coming back on the other side of the river, the road was shorter somehow – we made it back in 30 min inspite of the front wind whereas it had taken us 50 min going the other way. Part of it was also touring the neighbourhood.

We were quite happy to see that we had cycled 23 km on our first trip this year and were looking at alternative routes for next weekend. They say it is going to be warmer, but who knows – the weather here changes so quickly, so it is better to check right before heading out, what’s waiting for you there.

Our first cycling trip was finished with a bottle of beer and some habanero chilli sausages on the barbie – tasted fantastic and helped forget the bit wobbly thighs from all the pedalling.