Winter Western Edge
Permanent Brevet #219, 200 km
Ride Date: January 31, 2022
by Deirdre Arscott

Deirdre checked in with this message after her ride. It was a new route, with a special feature. A second new route (P#218 "Ross's Remembrance Ride") began at Ross Nichol's home and then headed to Deirdre's home to collect her for their ride through Richmond - a route based on the 2021 Eleventh Hour 200. Keith Nichol joined them.

Hi Eric,

Here is my control card for the Jan 31 permanent.

It was 4C in the morning with no frost or black ice, and sunny with a high of 7C later in the day. For a January ride, that is as perfect as it gets. Strong winds on the Delta flats though. Yes, I was the weakest link! Keith was as strong as ever. There was NO power in my legs by the end of the ride. I'm not sure that I have ever had that before. It took 10:41. Which I don't think is that bad for an old lady at this time of year. A few years ago I would have been appalled at that time!

The route was essentially the same as the Nov 11 ride. In the afternoon, coming back eastbound towards the Alex Fraser in Delta, River Rd was backed for a number of kilometers. I have a feeling that there might have been an accident on one of the highways, or construction. As a result, Keith and Nichol never want to do the route again. They think it might be regular weekday traffic. I would be willing to try it again in case it was just an accident. I left Ross and Keith at 59th and Ontario. My route home across town could improve - too many places where it takes too long to cross roads. Or did it take me 40 mins to do 8 k because I was completely dead?!!!!

It definitely made me realize how out of shape I am and that I need to start working, especially on hills!

So we might use your Happy Elephant route for the next ride or I might register the "Boatyard to Barnyard" brevet route as a permanent.

Thanks for all your work. It is very much appreciated.