August 25, 2013

August 25, 2013 Toronto --> Whitby, ON - 54 miles

We left our rest day "retreat" at approximately 10:30 am not quite knowing what to expect with regard to how difficult it would be to get across Toronto to the east side, and after that somehow get back on the Waterfront Trail (WT). We did find a good city bicycle map during our visit to Toronto on rest day, and that was our starting point. The plan was to take a route north of the city and ride available bicycle trails as much as possible in avoidance of traffic. Again, we had perfect weather conditions.

After a few glitches in following the directions on my part, we accessed the Eglinton West Trail within the first few miles and were rewarded with a paved and divided path running through pretty neighborhoods and often shaded by overhanging trees. There were quite a few runners and Sunday morning cyclists out for a ride. I felt almost festive and light-hearted.




The Eglinton West Trail ran out after 3 miles or so, and we had to negotiate some rather heavy traffic and deteriorating roads in search of the York Beltline Trail. "In search of" are the operative words. The maps were not always on point, and it was quite stressful at times finding the way. We did finally access the York BeltlineTrail, and although this trail was paved it was much less scenic and ran through some more rundown areas. By this time, some of my earlier euphoria had worn off.

After a few miles, we left the York Beltline Trail and returned to the streets in search of the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, which would take us in a southeast direction after passing over Toronto to the north. Although this trail was unpaved and mostly gravel or crushed granite, it weaved among and under large shady trees and alongside some beautiful homes. There were many people out on this multi-use trail enjoying the day. I felt less stressed and my spirits starting rising again. Alas, at the end of the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, we were again faced with less than clear map directions and floundered around a bit trying to get back on the planned street route. I was stressed and my spirits starting to sag again. As we were stopped by a cemetery, a woman out for a ride came along and asked if we needed help. I emphatically said "yes", and she helped direct us to the best way to get back on route. Affected once again by the kindness of yet another stranger, my spirits rose and I felt less stressed again. Then, we were confronted by miles of heavy traffic and less than ideal road conditions. Plus, navigational challenges. This went on for several miles. By this time, we had spent 3-4 hours covering approximately 12 - 14 miles to get on the east side of Toronto, and I was feeling tired, discouraged, and frustrated. I could tell Randy was feeling frustrated as well. We pulled over to re-assess a way to get off the busy roads and access the WT along Lake Ontario. We were both a little testy at this point. Randy wanted off the road, period. I told him to pick the route, and after a few minutes he just started riding down the nearest side street without a word. At first, I was a little irritated that he didn't at least tell me what he had in mind, but then just settled in to following. It was like a miracle - a parting of the sea. After a few turns, we were in the midst of a really pretty neighborhood with no traffic whatsoever. Then, another miracle - Signs with arrows directing us to the Waterfront Trail. I almost wanted to cry with joy. And my irritation toward Randy was transformed into gratitude. From his body language, I think he was relieved as well.

We stopped at Subway for a bite to eat - by this time it was 2:00 pm and we still had another 20 - 30 miles to go. I thanked Randy for getting us off that road, and we started riding again re-fueled and encouraged. Soon, the WT route became a separate paved trail running alongside the shores of Lake Ontario, and again my spirits soared. Stunning views, gorgeous wildflowers, lots of little coves and parks full of people engaged in Sunday afternoon barbecues and sporting activities. There was a huge diversity of cultures and people on the trail and in the parks. One problem we did encounter frequently was people not paying attention as they wandered aimlessly. I felt myself annoyed at their lack of common sense and consideration for others. I did find myself wondering who all these people were and conjuring up their life stories. Some looked happy, others sad or lifeless. The mass of humanity. I kept thinking, "We're all just here doing the best we can in this life. Who am I to judge anyone? Rather, how can I do it better and make this world a better place?"










As we approached the town of Pickering during part of the WT ride, there was a very large wind turbine next to a power plant.




Randy told me that he had done a google search of what the possible health hazards of wind turbines were - you may recall we saw signs protesting wind turbines earlier. Apparently, there are no known physical health hazards as such, but some people claim that the whirring noise of the wind turbines has an adverse affect on their mental health. I, of course, love the whirring noise and find it soothing rather than mentally disturbing. Just more confirmation that I am "odd" from most normal people in the way I seem to view life. I also love rain and thunderstorms and find that they actually elevate my moods, rather than make me feel down as a lot of people claim. At any rate, how we choose to approach life makes a huge difference in our capacity to enjoy life. And the older I get, the more I find that I can choose to find enjoyment in almost any circumstance. I find this preferable to finding the negative in every situation. This reminds me of one of my recent morning readings by Rohr:

"If we put our energy into choosing the good - instead of the negative and largely illusionary energy of rejecting the bad - we will overcome evil in a much better way, and will not become evil ourselves....the best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better."

As we approached our destination town of Whitby, we exited the WT and got back on narrow and congested roads that required a major exercise in patience. Also, it started spitting rain, and I became concerned that we might not make it to the motel before it began raining in earnest. Randy told me that the next turn was at Brooks Rd. I saw what I thought was Brooks Rd, but as I got nearer found that it was Brock Rd, so continued on. You can see where this is going. A mile or so down the road, it became even more narrow and pot-holed. We stopped and checked - in fact we were supposed to turn on Brock Rd. Our collective senior eyesight had betrayed us. We continued on and eventually reached the motel after a couple of extra bonus miles. I felt happy and relieved.

If I had to label today, it would be emotionally "schizophrenic". Up and down, and very stressful at times. Requiring a lot of patience and problem solving skills. Yet accompanied by some exhilarating highs. Life.

The forecast for tomorrow is for 60% probability of thunderstorms. So, I am getting prepared mentally for a wet day.