For The Record

• I am a recreational cyclist. I love cycling, but it is something I do for pleasure.
• I bought my first street bike in May 2010.
• I completed several duathlons (run/bike/run) in 2009 using my beloved hybrid (heavier bike with upright handles). These duathlons were sprint distances though and the cycling element was usually completed in less than 1 hour.
• The longest distance I have ever cycled in one day was 115kms in August of 2009 (yes on my hybrid). I got home from that and slept solidly for 3 hours before even being able to function. I even forgot to go pick up my kids I was so tired!
• Cyclists registered for the Ride to Conquer Cancer (a fabulous annual fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto) also travel 200+ kilometres. Spread over 2 days.
• The Cycle for Shelter will be completed within 10 hours.
• The Cycle for Shelter distance is equivalent to an average stage distance in the Tour de France.
• 200 kilometres is approximately the distance from Toronto to just north of Parry Sound. It is also the same as going from Ajax to Napanee Ontario.
• Yes, I am a fitness instructor and I do teach beginner to advanced spinning classes. That being said there is absolutely no way that a 45 minute spinning class alone can prepare one for an endurance ride of this length. It comes right down to getting outside and logging the kilometres. Lots and lots of kilometres.