I just enjoyed my second biking vacation, this time in Niagara Falls.  Last year I went on a biking trip to PEI, Canada, which was a lesson in endurance, courage and accomplishment.  However, it doesn’t compare to this year’s experience which was absolutely amazing and empowering.

Last year my trip was one of the catalyst’s to start my weight loss journey.  When I went on that bike vacation, I had only lost 30 lbs at the time, and had brought my trusty Townie bike.  This meant that I did the entire 200 mile trip with more weight and on a bike that wasn’t made for speed or long distance. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my Townie, but I worked hard on that vacation and learned some valuable lessons about life, strength and courage along the way.

This year, I came away from the trip with such a sense of empowerment.  I went with Woman Tours and was it ever a treat.  There were a total of 20 woman bikers and 2 guides. This year I was down 96lbs and I rented one of their road bikes to see if I was ready to get one of my own.  I don’t know why, but I was shocked at the change in my skill level between last years trip and this one.  Of course I was carrying 66lbs less then last year, and I was on a bike that was meant for speed and distance which helped dramatically I’m sure.  On the inside, I was jumping with joy and excitement at the power I felt in my peddling abilities.

On the first night during dinner, several people kept offering me the bread and encouraging me to partake.  I originally had no plans of telling anyone that I had lost weight and was still trying to eat healthy as in my head I still saw myself as the extremely large person who was crazy to even attempt this trip. Finally when offered again, I said, “while I would really love some bread, I need to pass.  I’ve lost 96lbs, and I really want to maintain while on vacation and bread is a big trigger food for me.”  The response I received was nothing short of amazing from these wonderful woman I had just met that day.  No one looked at me like I was a freak or gasping at the thought of how big I must have been, or anything else you can think of, instead they gave me words of congratulations and encouragement.  Their kind words gave me such a sense of pride at what I had accomplished to date instead of shame for the fact that I had to lose weight.  What more could you ask for?

I learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of during this trip.  Our second day started out in the rain – there were several of us thinking there was no way we could ride in the rain – it’s too dangerous.  Guess what?  We did it!  It’s 100% possible to not only ride in the rain, but to have a good time doing it!  This gave me confidence for the future.  Soon the rain went away, and we continued on our way.  The larger group had split up, and I was riding with a group of 10-12 of us and every so often we would stop to take pictures and let everyone catch up.

Then something happened – one of the girls got a flat tire.  Now we did have support that could come, but the van was setting up for lunch if I remember correctly, and the sweeper (the guide riding in the back to make sure we all safely made it) was a little ways behind us.  So there we were waiting for support.  Now, Drew had taught me how to change a tire, but I was hesitant because I hadn’t actually done it all by myself.  Then Robin spoke up and she had taken classes at REI.  This was the encouragement I needed to speak up and say that I had been taught too.  We gave each other some encouragement and support and guess what –

We did it! Together we changed the flat.

After we finished, I felt such a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.  I would never have to worry what I would do if I’m out riding and I get a flat.  On the last day of the trip, I actually had a second opportunity to change another flat, this time on my own without Robin there for support.  However, all the girls with me, had the faith that I could do it, and I DID!

The majority of this trip was on flat bike trails.  However, on the third day we had to ride a few miles on a busy road.  I was nervous for two reasons, the first of course was the traffic.  The second reason was that I was afraid that I couldn’t keep up.  Well, the traffic, I just had to deal with, but I had no problem keeping up.  It felt great to be able to ride in a large group instead of being the last one way, way, way behind the group.  Now, I know that someone always has to be behind, and I personally think it takes more courage to be the one in the back and to keep going no matter what, but it felt amazing to know that all my hard work was paying off and I could ride up front.

The final day of our trip, was a challenge on the hills.  I’ve never been that great at hills or inclines, so I was just a bit apprehensive about the day since they mentioned the one big hill and the inclines we would travel that day.  After all, we were heading back from Lake Ontario, up to Niagara Falls and Lake Erie so what did we expect other than inclines and hills.

When we got to the big, steep hill, I started out with apprehension as usual, but I also had a lot of determination driving me inside.  I was going through the mental checklist of all the tips I’ve been giving in the last couple years, and then I went for it!  And guess what,

I made it! Thanks to granny gear and sheer determination, I peddled the entire way.

It is such an tremendous feeling of acheivement to visually see and feel that the training and dieting is paying off in tangible ways!  I felt like I was walking on clouds.

I had one more challenge and fear to face in the last 1 1/2 miles of our trip.  The BRIDGE and TRAFFIC.   I’m not a fan of heights and I definitely don’t like bridges.  However, if I wanted to get back in the USA, I would have to deal with both.  Originaly we had been told to walk our bikes across the pedestrian path, but the guard insisted we were vehicles and had to go in with the cars – which happened to be backed up the full length of the bridge and then some.  Once again, I bit the bullet and went for it!

This trip was truly an incredible journey, and I came away with such a sense of empowerment and accomplishment that I don’t think I stopped smiling all the way home for the 5 1/2 hr drive.  I turned all those I can’t’s into I cans and I don’t ever want to lose that feeling.  Now, I know I won’t always feel like that, and very soon the doubts and fears will return, but I will be able to look back at this trip and remember that yes, I can!

After all, I want to see more sights like this in my future.