My personal lantern rouge

My cycling obsession has had another unexpected consequence: a newfound appreciation for the excellence on display at the Tour de France.

The riding quality on the Tour is not “next-level stuff” for a Cat-7 rider like me.  It is not even next-next-next-next-next-next-level stuff.

So just how awesome is it?

The writers at CyclingTips had a cunning plan. Rather than following the race leaders, they are reporting on the lantern rouge, the name given to the rider at the back of the pack. (That’s lantern rouge, as in the red light at the back.)

Their tone is a blend of humour and respect, because most of us would be lucky to hold this guy’s rear wheel for a few seconds.

In fact, take a look at this; none of a group of serious, experienced riders based in Calgary could match the time of the lantern rouge on the first stage of the Tour, even when re-creating the stage conditions on a much easier local road.

"I'll quit when I fall off my bike"

I am reminded that:

• A little practical experience can transform your appreciation of greatness
• The road is long, so it’s perfectly ok to be pleased with consistent, novice progress
• Cycling is an analogy for everything

[Update, Stage 16]: To the right, pure inspiration for the next time I’m grinding up a hill –

[Update, Stage 17]: With Kenny now in hospital,  his words seem sadly prophetic …

This one time, in Dublin, I was cycling along minding my own business, when a car passenger carelessly opened her door into the bike lane.

She’d given me just enough time to slam on my brakes and think “oh noes–” (or localized cussing equivalent) before I received what I now know is called a door prize straight across my helmet-protected face.

It can be a lot less funny and significantly more tragic.

So I am relieved to move swiftly on to report –

2. Proposed Changes to Toronto Cycling Routes will reduce your odds of winning a Door Prize!

The Toronto waterfront along Queens Quay is under review for a major redevelopment that, among other benefits, would make it significantly more cycle- and pedestrian-friendly.

It would “mend” the waterfront cycling trail, which currently suffers from an unpleasant discontinuity downtown.

If only Toronto's Queens Quay looked like this...!

The shortlisted plans in this document (.pdf), found on the WATERFRONToronto site, would improve “active transportation” and go a long way toward revitalizing the waterfront.  The sketch above is from the consultation report.

For more information, there is a summary report here (.pdf) which includes upcoming meetings at which the public can comment (including City of Toronto Executive Committee Meeting June 2nd, and Council Meeting July 6th).  Head to WATERFRONToronto to learn more.

You may be interested in one thoughtful cyclist’s recent concerns regarding the current state of the plan.

The redevelopment, of course, is about much more than cycling.  But for cyclists, it could offer a very welcome change.

(Also, in case you missed it, earlier this week Toronto City Council approved a bike lane on major north-south artery Jarvis as well! Woohoo!)

3. There is a vibrant biking community here in Toronto!

The 2009 Toronto Bike Summit was a packed house

I met some of that community today at the 2009 Bike Summit, which coincided with this week’s launch of Bike Month in Toronto.  The image above is from Ralph Buehler’s session this morning about Freiburg, which is widely considered Germany’s most sustainable city. The ways in which Freiburg’s infrastructure and culture accommodates cyclists provided the case study for Buehler’s very interesting presentation.

Considering I’ve been cycling like crazy of late, I’ve created a “Toronto Cycling” topic on this site, and what better way to kick it off than with a link-list.

Toronto cycling resources, publications and bloggers:

The Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation (TCAT) co-hosted the summit today.

The City of Toronto’s cycling site includes a .pdf of the Toronto-area bike map.

The Toronto Bicycling Network, and BikeToronto, and BikeLane Diary, and IBikeTO.org sites all offer Toronto cycling community news and insight.

Roadrash chronicles the escapades of a Toronto cyclist who’s en route to cycling 1,200km this summer.

Dandyhorse is a new print publication – elegantly designed, clearly a labour of love, and filled with insightful and well-written articles about everything “Toronto on Two Wheels.” More love for Dandyhorse here at Eyeweekly.

I’d be very happy to hear of any other Toronto cycling resources you know of out there.

See you on the roads and trails!