Researching A New Area

 I do spend time sometimes looking at an area on Google Earth Satellite view seeing if can spot something new. Or  it is something that I noticed while looking for something else not related to riding.

It is probably not something new as in never been ridden before. Just a track that is rideable and is new to me. Or it is a neglected and forgotten unmaintained road that while it might take time and after numerous recce trips. It can become part of a route.

And a few days ago found a spot while searching for something else that I didn't know was there near Trenton. It is apparently a provincial wildlife area. Similar in idea to the one near Gananoque which have visited numerous times. After a bit of online checking it seems like it might be good.

Brighton Provincial Wildlife Area

Have to say though I do find it interesting that this area is listed on a site for Peak Bagging. Something that I would think was a thing in Ontario. But hey someone had fun doing this it seems. And good for them.

But till take a trip later in the year and recce it. Won't know if it will workout. But that is half the fun is checking these out and seeing if their pan out. And even if it doesn't it was an adventure and can still go ride Batawa after. Then sit by the water in the back of the truck before heading home.

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Today Was Not A Good Ride Day- Jan 7th 2021

Today was not a good ride day. I rode the protected the bike lane on Bath Rd as have mentioned before that since the 2019 incident have a hard time near traffic on the road. Only way around that has been to ride on sidewalks, so far over the gravel shoulder almost in the ditch on any busy road, and so on. With elevated heart rates and paranoia if have to be on the busy road itself.

At the light to cross over like am supposed to and crossed when it was green. A woman turning right ran the red light and almost nailed me. Of course this triggers the PTSD from getting hit in 2019. Fortunately was able to get away before things degraded further. But reality is that it isn't simply the end of it. What no one sees is the rest of the ride me trying not to spiral or over think it all. And that is the problem with trauma. 

2019 Incident

 Trauma when it comes to mental illness like PTSD isn't seen as easily. And even if triggered while out for a ride in the woods it is to easy to say "Oh, it is no big deal. Your exaggerating and being dramatic" type assessments. But the reality is even if you where some PI following me and saying "Oh, he looks fine" reality is I will be trying not to be more angry at people or not over thinking, and what ever else my messed up brain might decide to do.

 Good part is after a while things got better mentally. But it did provide a fresh reminder that I do need to continue with the ways I have found to get in rides.

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Abundance of Gloves For Winter

 Winter when every day can be a different temp in Ontario. Especially around the Kingston area. And even between the start and end of the ride. And even during the ride it can change.

So have various types of glove to ride with depending on the weather. Which will go into further on another post with more detail.

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The Snow Was Meh

 Saturday was the first snow ride of 2020 and it was a barely passable. Good thing the decision was made to ride to a section of the Collins Bay trails. And on the way find that something was done.

Local Muni had decided to plow the bike route to near the trail section was going to. So this was a treat. Who knows if they will plow it again. But in truth this would be the most rideable of the ride. As once on the trail it was a bit more challenging.

Wet snow made for less than optimal traction. It left much to be desired as it became a alternating ride then hike then ride and so on. 

In the end other than mileage the ride itself was barely passable if that. While the time in the woods at the Dirt Camp was ok.

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2020 Riding Totals

 Well.., the end of the 2020 ride year came yesterday. And it was the final ride of 2020 just before the sunset.

And with that the next day came across the desk of Team NFI the end of year data from Strava.

With that it is the end of the year and will leave it at that for now. And wait to see in the coming weeks if any ideas come to mind for little goals and such. 

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