Today

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Sacramento 2010.
 
First day of the Tour of California.
 
Andy Schleck, my favourite rider—on the far right in red.
 
So much world-class cycling talent sprinting to the finish.
 
I watched them in the rain a few days later.
 
Standing on the side of Oakville Crossroad and CA-29.

Between Yountville and St. Helena.
 
The only person around.
 
***
 
In my last two years in Stratford, I cycled with a club.
 
Bought a custom second-hand road bike.
 
Perfect size. Like it had been waiting for me.
 
Got doored by a cab my second ride in Toronto.
 
Hung it up in the garage—then sold it.
 
***
 
So many steep learning curves riding in a peloton.
 
The agony of bridging the gap on early rides.
 
Out on jet-black paved rural roads first thing on a summer morning.
 
Grateful to be alive.
 
***
 
I wish I’d been put on a road bike as a young girl.

Because I could fly.
 
Did a few triathlons—won my age division once.
 
Took a few women out on a big incline.

The sweet feeling as I passed them. 
 
***
 
I love city cycling. 
 
The training with the club gave me confidence. 
 
I’ve been off my bike for two years because of my knee.
 
I missed it a lot.
 
Building strength now.
 
The spirit of it is still strong in me.

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2009