Heading to Hamilton (Day 1)

The rain did taper off as we rode through the Flamborough area and, by the time we got close to Dundas, it had completely stopped.

In Dundas, we reconnected with the cyclists who were on the 200 km course. It was a shock, after riding in small groups on the country roads around Erin and Rockwood, to suddenly find ourselves in the company of the rest of the 4100-odd cyclists in the Ride (we found out that 4100 cyclists started on Saturday morning during the announcements. Not sure if it was the weekend's weather, but the total number of cyclists and the number of 200 milers was lower. The key number, though was the $16 million plus raised for the cause). It was like hitting full-blown rush hour traffic by crossing an intersection.

We collectively started the climb up Hamilton Mountain. This is the biggest challenge of day one. Aside from the long line of cyclists trying to get up the mountain, the car lane is also stuffed with cars. There's not a lot of room to manoeuver between the two, but the key is to maintain a steady cadence and keep going. It was one of the places where I appreciated the new road bike. It's a much better bike for hills than my trusty hybrid.

After the mountain, there is a brief journey through a reasonably posh area of Hamilton and then it's back out onto a main arterial road, which takes the group past a long line of outlet shops and an exit ramp for the 403. It's one of the more nerve-racking areas of day 1. Cars are moving at speed and jumping around lanes trying to get to their exit before anyone else. If there is one part of the day 1 trip that should be eliminated, it's this area.

As we crossed the 403, the rains returned. As we moved through the residential areas leading to Mohawk College, the rain was bouncing off the pavement and the resulting mist brought visibility down considerably. It was a good thing that I knew this part of the route quite well and knew that the camp grounds were just a little ways ahead.