Toronto "Conference"
As part of my previous job at work...I did some travel to various destinations. In May of 97, I was able to travel to Toronto for a conference. The usual conferences of this type offer little for me other than a glimpse of some future projects and mostly I use them for some sightseeing and getting away from it all. So I decided to take my bike along for the trip since I drove. The drive up isn't too bad and quite scenic from Pa through New York, a stop along the way at Niagra Falls then a brief leap across to the other side.
Upon arriving in Toronto, I was pleased at how clean the city was and the temps being relatively warm...I knew I would be eating a good meal and heading out for a night ride. Most of the other members of my work environment had opted to see Phantom of the Opera...but I knew, A great supper at Remo's Italian and off to the Royal York Hotel to get the bike unloaded from my car, out of the parking garage and straight into the city nite! I could tell I was going to be having a memorable time. Weather was pleasantly cool...no rain. Streets at night were calm and traffic light. I headed down toward the CN Tower and was flagged down by some Rickshaw runners, they were asking me about my Bianchi Cross bike and making small talk, seeing me they immediately knew I wasn't a regular. I got the scoop on where to go and where to ride...and off I went again.
I think the thing I liked best was the lack of potholes that were visible on the roads where I was biking, the lack of traffic was ideal and I could pretty much buzz from lane to lane without hesitation. Of more recent times, I have read some articles about Toronto and the increase in traffic and some fatalities...the difficulties with coping with bikes and cars together living in peace on the same roadways...But I have to be honest and say, on these days I visited...it was Open riding! I hope things haven't changed too much. Back to the night at hand, I ended up riding til about midnight and returned to the parking garage, wheeled my bike onto the elevator and ventured up to the 12th floor, walk on down the hall and parked my bike firmly against the wall in the room, hot bath and good night's sleep followed!
Conference day #1:
Opening day, make a good first impression and appearance, look interested and gather much info quickly...eat the meals provided and split out at noon...off for a day ride. I ventured down to the Lake and began meandering up the pathways and roadways along the lake. Traffic was far faster and furious during the day but once again, I was relatively impressed with the "give a little and courtesy" I was extended while lane shifting and turning. Once through traffic, I found numerous trails and roadways along the lakefront, I buzzed along for endless miles past dozens of fishing places and some boating places, factories...all of course probably boring to the locals but all new and interesting to me. After traveling for what seemed like only a short time, I revealed to myself the fact I was starved. I grabbed a bite to eat once i came to a little community, turned around and headed back. My return trip was just as nice but better with a good tailwind. Traffic was far busier upon returning to the hotel because the stock exchange and tramways were buzzing. I got back in time for a shower and supper...covering close to 50 miles...a short nap and then a obligatory get together with fellow co-workers...which was similar to another little nap!
Conference day #2:
An up early breakfast, brief scan through the conference areas, info gathering from the various "education" sessions that would be taking place again throughout the day and then back up to the room, like superman in a phone booth, I was changed and off again. This time following some advice from a older gentleman who gave me some directions to venture out of the city and into some vineyards...what a day. Great riding again, pleasant weather and some very long miles covered. A few winery visits as well and several meals along the way! Total distance was around 85 miles for the day. A LONG NAP and then nighttime meal with comrades...the following day was reserved for in city sightseeing by our group.
Day #3:
Some conference crappe again...then off to the ETON mall, The walk was actually beneficial because my legs were tired from the miles the days before. Trip over to the CN tower was amusing because I was greeted by the Rick-Shaw runners as if we were old friends, my fellow workers were a bit baffled...as I smiled and though...I have a whole different night life outside those boring social drink gatherings you guys have. Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe overlooking the ball field and return to hotel...we would be leaving the next day. So I made sure I got out for one last enjoyable brief social ride the last night...talking to some of the guys I had gotten to hang with the first night and listening to their tales of riding in traffic and other general hilarium.
Last Call:
Up early and out for a ride down to the Lake...almost as if saying Good Bye and thanks for the wonderful trip. I headed back and showered, down for the last breakfast and then off for home. All in all...this was a great conference, at our friday department meeting...we talked about the conference and details..."I agree. It was one of the most informative and beneficial ones I have ever attended!"
Written by Walter Skrzypek
*note: I no longer work in that department...so I can now write my tales!*