On June 1st, with thousands of other cyclists, I’ll be riding my Specialized Ruby road bike 75km in the Becel Ride for Heart. Its another unique fitness challenge for charity event taking place on the closed course of the Gardiner Expressway and DVP highways skirting downtown Toronto. Its a fundraiser for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, which seems to have become my charity of choice through many of my favourite fitness challenges (e.g. Ride for Heart, the Running Dead).
While the ride will be taking place on a closed course with a smooth paved roadway, it nevertheless poses challenges in both distance and elevation. I’ll be encountering some steep inclines on the DVP portion, as you can tell from the profile graph I’ve posted here:
So to help with my training, I’ve included lots of lower body resistance work in the gym in addition to my long distance training rides. Exercises such as squats, lunges, leg presses and quad extensions will help give me the additional leg strength needed to get up and over those hills. Every cycling enthusiast should be including these exercises in their workout routines.
If you’re not participating in the ride but would still like to contribute in another way you can make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. I’m still accepting donations for the cause and the link to my riders donation page can be found here:
Whether you’re a rider, supporter or survivor, I look forward to seeing you out bright and early on Sunday morning, June 1 for the big ride!!
