Preparation

Preparation began over the last 4 years and gradually picked up during 2016.  In the meantime, I encountered physical challenges: a pulled ligament in leg, lower and upper back issues, etc. Solutions: vary exercise, regular visits to physiotherapist, more stretches, more biking!

Long Edmonton Bike Rides 

Bixi in Montreal 

Yoga Stretches for Back Pain Issues- Physio Visits 

Bi-weekly Hour Spin Classes before Work 

This biking challenge amazes me by giving me a sense of purpose, that integrates intuition, body, and adventure. This purpose has helped me balance professional and non-professional priorities.  

Always, I recognize that that once of having seen 'the pyramids of Egypt' (reference to Alchemist) and stepped through the 'Star Gate/ Porte des Etoiles',  ( completed the tour), I will know that the 'point' was not the bike tour, but the process. 

Offshoots of  this Adventure Choice

I have been able to amalgamate my love for language learning with this adventure. It has spurred me on to continue learning Spanish, a hobby I have had since I first went to the Dominican Republic in 2004.  A hobby I revived for my visits to Mexico, Cuba, Panama, and Costa Rica.  One of my favorite video online teachers is Senior Jordan with his friendly, short, manageable language videos. 

Another offshoot of the the upcoming tour has been the discovery of language learning with a Meet-up group. We bumble along in our beginner Spanish over coffees calientes. Each week a new venue and in the summer I biked across city to new cafes I would not otherwise have visited.