We have had a fantastic rest day in Moose Jaw. We toured the infamous Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Ken had a massage, we soaked in the mineral spa, we got caught up on some administrative stuff (yuck!) and we saw a movie ("The Internship"). We are both a little worried that we will suffer another rest day hangover tomorrow, however, it will help that tomorrow is a pretty short ride to Regina at about 75 kms.
We don't want to bore you with details of our rest day, so we thought that instead, Cam would share some of the things he has learned on the trip so far...
We don't want to bore you with details of our rest day, so we thought that instead, Cam would share some of the things he has learned on the trip so far...
Cam's Top Ten List of Things He Has Learned On The Trip So Far...
Number 10 - Why my fingers don't work any more.
I noticed after a couple of days on the road that the pinky and ring fingers on my right hand were numb or tingling like they were asleep. The sensation progressed to the point that I can't straighten those two fingers, or move them any closer to the other fingers than shown in this picture... The things that are most impacted by this so far are writing with a pen (I write like a 5 year old), holding a fork (I have to hold it with my whole fist) and using toilet paper (sorry, but it's true...).
Ken and I had both read about this issue impacting long distance cyclists and I've since done some research and learned that when you ride you compress the "ulnar nerve" and it causes numbness in this way. My bike shop specialist advised that I should invest in high quality riding gloves (which I've done) and also that I add extra padding to my handlebars (which I've done). It seems that it is not getting any worse, so I am hopeful that I've mitigated the issue. In my reading, others have said that it takes about 2 months for the issue to reverse itself. I'm hoping it is much quicker!?!
I noticed after a couple of days on the road that the pinky and ring fingers on my right hand were numb or tingling like they were asleep. The sensation progressed to the point that I can't straighten those two fingers, or move them any closer to the other fingers than shown in this picture... The things that are most impacted by this so far are writing with a pen (I write like a 5 year old), holding a fork (I have to hold it with my whole fist) and using toilet paper (sorry, but it's true...).
Ken and I had both read about this issue impacting long distance cyclists and I've since done some research and learned that when you ride you compress the "ulnar nerve" and it causes numbness in this way. My bike shop specialist advised that I should invest in high quality riding gloves (which I've done) and also that I add extra padding to my handlebars (which I've done). It seems that it is not getting any worse, so I am hopeful that I've mitigated the issue. In my reading, others have said that it takes about 2 months for the issue to reverse itself. I'm hoping it is much quicker!?!
Number 9 - Information is key.
It may not come as a surprise given that I was a CFO, but when I am riding - real-time information is critical. The picture to the right shows my cycling computer which provides a variety of useful bits of information. Speed, average speed, distance, cumulative distance, time and maximum speed. I also use Strava on my iPhone that uses GPS to track our ride and also provides the daily map of our ride that we post on the blog each night. I never realized the importance of information until my cycling computer stopped working while riding the Rogers Pass in the rain on Day 7 and I had no information for 3 days. You have heard us talk about setting targets and objectives during our ride that help focus us on getting through certain parts of each ride. I also set smaller targets for myself that rely upon the information provided by the cycling computer. For example, when we were climbing the Coquihalla "5.3" kilometres on Day 3, I started by forcing myself to go 1 kilometre before taking a rest, which declined to half a kilometre before I got to the top. Once you are used to riding with this kind of real-time information, it is very difficult when you don't have it, and I found myself constantly asking Ken for details of our ride.
When I got to Calgary, I took my broken computer into the store to replace it. However, they only had units that also provide "cadence" - which is the number of times you turn the pedals in a minute (RPM's). At the time, I thought "why would I ever need cadence?" However, because they only had cadence units in stock I took it. Well....cadence has become my new best friend (sorry Ken!). Using cadence helps to cycle at a consistent energy output, regardless of incline or wind, and has made me a far more efficient cyclist. At this point, I am most comfortable riding at a cadence of 80 RPM's, but Jorin at the Cloud 9 Cyclery in Swift Current tells me I should be shooting to increase this to 90 - 100. I'll be working on this over the rest of the trip.
It may not come as a surprise given that I was a CFO, but when I am riding - real-time information is critical. The picture to the right shows my cycling computer which provides a variety of useful bits of information. Speed, average speed, distance, cumulative distance, time and maximum speed. I also use Strava on my iPhone that uses GPS to track our ride and also provides the daily map of our ride that we post on the blog each night. I never realized the importance of information until my cycling computer stopped working while riding the Rogers Pass in the rain on Day 7 and I had no information for 3 days. You have heard us talk about setting targets and objectives during our ride that help focus us on getting through certain parts of each ride. I also set smaller targets for myself that rely upon the information provided by the cycling computer. For example, when we were climbing the Coquihalla "5.3" kilometres on Day 3, I started by forcing myself to go 1 kilometre before taking a rest, which declined to half a kilometre before I got to the top. Once you are used to riding with this kind of real-time information, it is very difficult when you don't have it, and I found myself constantly asking Ken for details of our ride.
When I got to Calgary, I took my broken computer into the store to replace it. However, they only had units that also provide "cadence" - which is the number of times you turn the pedals in a minute (RPM's). At the time, I thought "why would I ever need cadence?" However, because they only had cadence units in stock I took it. Well....cadence has become my new best friend (sorry Ken!). Using cadence helps to cycle at a consistent energy output, regardless of incline or wind, and has made me a far more efficient cyclist. At this point, I am most comfortable riding at a cadence of 80 RPM's, but Jorin at the Cloud 9 Cyclery in Swift Current tells me I should be shooting to increase this to 90 - 100. I'll be working on this over the rest of the trip.
Number 8 - Ken doesn't know the proper lyrics to the song unless it is a gospel hymn written prior to 1960...
No explanation required - I believe that Ken's family knows what I am talking about!
No explanation required - I believe that Ken's family knows what I am talking about!
Number 7 - Lose weight before you start a cross-Canada bike trip
I told Ken the other day that this Cross-Canada trip hasn't really been a dream of mine, rather it's just a "get-fit-quick" scheme! In retrospect, I recommend to others thinking of doing this that they should lose weight before the trip. It's really best not to try to climb the Coquihalla Highway when you are fat - I promise...
(ps - I was just kidding when I said above that this wasn't a dream of mine...)
I told Ken the other day that this Cross-Canada trip hasn't really been a dream of mine, rather it's just a "get-fit-quick" scheme! In retrospect, I recommend to others thinking of doing this that they should lose weight before the trip. It's really best not to try to climb the Coquihalla Highway when you are fat - I promise...
(ps - I was just kidding when I said above that this wasn't a dream of mine...)
Number 6 - Don't create false expectations
Corollary - Try to create correct expectations...
We learned on Day 4 when we thought that the day's ride was going to be downhill from Merritt to Kamloops, but ended up climbing for 55 kms, that having incorrect expectations can make for a very demoralizing ride. On the other hand, when you have correct expectations and know that you are going to have to climb all day, you are prepared for it and it "is what it is". For example, when we rode the Roger's Pass, we knew that we would be climbing for 75 kilometres and so it wasn't as difficult. We have therefore learned that it's best to do your best to try to get a proper understanding of the ride the day before so that you don't get the big demoralizing surprises.
Corollary - Try to create correct expectations...
We learned on Day 4 when we thought that the day's ride was going to be downhill from Merritt to Kamloops, but ended up climbing for 55 kms, that having incorrect expectations can make for a very demoralizing ride. On the other hand, when you have correct expectations and know that you are going to have to climb all day, you are prepared for it and it "is what it is". For example, when we rode the Roger's Pass, we knew that we would be climbing for 75 kilometres and so it wasn't as difficult. We have therefore learned that it's best to do your best to try to get a proper understanding of the ride the day before so that you don't get the big demoralizing surprises.
Number 5 - Things to do to pass the lonely time on the road
A trip like this makes for very long days on the road - particularly through the prairies - and we are finding that we need to find ways to cope.
Ken has learned that his secret weapon is music and he can often be seen drumming, demonstrating new dance moves, and singing at the top of his lungs as we fly down the highway.
Cam has taken to talking to cows... A typical conversation:
Cam (in a strong Parisian French accent): Hallo cows! How are you today???
Cows (heads turn in Cam's direction): ___________
Ken: Mooooo (in what Ken believes to be an incredibly realistic impression of a cow)
Cows (blank stare): ___________
Cam: What are you doing today???
Cows (blank stare): ___________
Cam: Okay then, goodbye. See you at Burger King!
Pretty sad I know, but 8 hours is a long time on a bike in the prairies...
A trip like this makes for very long days on the road - particularly through the prairies - and we are finding that we need to find ways to cope.
Ken has learned that his secret weapon is music and he can often be seen drumming, demonstrating new dance moves, and singing at the top of his lungs as we fly down the highway.
Cam has taken to talking to cows... A typical conversation:
Cam (in a strong Parisian French accent): Hallo cows! How are you today???
Cows (heads turn in Cam's direction): ___________
Ken: Mooooo (in what Ken believes to be an incredibly realistic impression of a cow)
Cows (blank stare): ___________
Cam: What are you doing today???
Cows (blank stare): ___________
Cam: Okay then, goodbye. See you at Burger King!
Pretty sad I know, but 8 hours is a long time on a bike in the prairies...
Number 4 - Use Happy Fanny Shammy Cream
Sue tells me that the number one question that she gets from people is whether I am having trouble with saddle sores. When we started, Ken bought some "shammy cream" that is a lubricant and antibacterial cleanser that you spread on the shammy of your riding shorts before you start each day. Cam didn't and figured he'd give it a try without cream and see what happens. Well, after a hot, sweaty Day 3 climbing the Coquihalla, there was blood involved (sorry, but it's true...!) and so Cam became a convert to the shammy cream. I've used it ever since and have had no further signs of saddle sores. That's not to say that 8 hours in the saddle isn't uncomfortable. Both Ken and I have found ways to relieve derrierre-discomfort. My typical pattern is:
(1) ride for 5 - 10 minutes,
(2) stand up on the pedals and take 5 or 6 RPM's,
(3) sit with the left cheek across the saddle,
(4) stand back up on the pedals for 5, 7 or 9 RPM's (any odd number),
(5) sit with the right cheek across the saddle,
(6) stand back up for any number of pedals,
(7) sit back down easing into the saddle.
This routine stretches out the muscles and gets the blood circulating, helping to relieve the discomfort. I think that my butt is getting stronger, but then again, I don't want to count my cheeks before they hatch... (sorry, couldn't help myself!)
Sue tells me that the number one question that she gets from people is whether I am having trouble with saddle sores. When we started, Ken bought some "shammy cream" that is a lubricant and antibacterial cleanser that you spread on the shammy of your riding shorts before you start each day. Cam didn't and figured he'd give it a try without cream and see what happens. Well, after a hot, sweaty Day 3 climbing the Coquihalla, there was blood involved (sorry, but it's true...!) and so Cam became a convert to the shammy cream. I've used it ever since and have had no further signs of saddle sores. That's not to say that 8 hours in the saddle isn't uncomfortable. Both Ken and I have found ways to relieve derrierre-discomfort. My typical pattern is:
(1) ride for 5 - 10 minutes,
(2) stand up on the pedals and take 5 or 6 RPM's,
(3) sit with the left cheek across the saddle,
(4) stand back up on the pedals for 5, 7 or 9 RPM's (any odd number),
(5) sit with the right cheek across the saddle,
(6) stand back up for any number of pedals,
(7) sit back down easing into the saddle.
This routine stretches out the muscles and gets the blood circulating, helping to relieve the discomfort. I think that my butt is getting stronger, but then again, I don't want to count my cheeks before they hatch... (sorry, couldn't help myself!)
Number 3 - Don't do a ride like this with someone unless you are truly compatible
It has been no surprise to me that doing this with Ken has been awesome. We are both very similar in many respects and are highly compatible. I can't imagine a better companion for this adventure - Thanks Ken!
It has been no surprise to me that doing this with Ken has been awesome. We are both very similar in many respects and are highly compatible. I can't imagine a better companion for this adventure - Thanks Ken!
Number 2 - Canada is real big...
No explanation required. June 2nd when we started seems like a long time ago but we are only 25% of the way across the country. July 31st seems like a long ways away. But then again, this is what makes our trek a worthwhile adventure!
No explanation required. June 2nd when we started seems like a long time ago but we are only 25% of the way across the country. July 31st seems like a long ways away. But then again, this is what makes our trek a worthwhile adventure!
And The Number One Thing That Cam & Ken Have Learned Is:
 | We have the best wives in the world to let us do this and be gone for two months! We love you and miss you! Cam & Ken |  |
Tomorrow's destination: Regina - 71 kms.