Feeling It

I haven't felt too good about myself for a while now. Not exercising anywhere near enough, eating too much, putting on weight, knowing it and not doing much about it. After dim sum with Jen and Curtis, some groceries and a Shoppers stop I went for a ride. It was about 11 degrees and gorgeous. The little kid 2 doors down was out without a shirt. I pumped up the Continentals, adjusted the front brake on Molly and put her outside. I changed and was on my way, looking for dry pavement. I headed west to Rosslyn then up 130 to Oliver, down Golf Links and home. Just under 40km. Rosslyn Road on an old steel frame is pure torture. Molly's gearing is low. Getting her moving is tough and climbing any sort of hill is a chore. But once you get her moving she flies. Quietly. And she seems to roll forever. I'm sure I'll feel it tomorrow but right now feels pretty good.

Another One in the Books

The Northwood playoffs wrapped up this afternoon and what an afternoon. The 'Best of the Rest' game saw a 3-1 final in a closely contested battle, but nothing like the Championship game. Scoreless through 3 periods. Our overtime sees each age group get one shift and then it's sudden death after that. The eventual winners score in the second shift before sudden death. A rare penalty probably saved a goal for the winners. As the penalty was being served a goal is scored to tie the game with 3 seconds left before the man advantage ends. In the sixth period a player who I can't remember ever even having a shot scores with 17 seconds left in his shift. It was a wild scene. The lights in the Gardens dimmed in one end during the fifth period. The parents were screaming and people who were coming in for the junior game after were getting into it. We've had OT before but nothing like this. I'm just thankful that it was a clean goal, nothing to argue about. Lots of tears in the losing dressing room but all of the kids have experienced the wildest finish in Northwood history.

I was looking over the Best of the Rest trophy as this will be the end of its use, 20 years. The first winner in 1990-91 was the Beavers, the team Mike played for in his first year of hockey. I can't say I'm sorry to see that old piece of hardware retired. The damn thing is huge and a real pain to lug around or store.