prairie girl musings

Tag: cycling

On Improving My Most Important Relationship

Cadence’s 8-week challenge wrapped up a few weeks ago, but I intentionally waited awhile before writing my final update. I needed to give myself time to soak in the experience and reflect on what I took away from pushing my body a little further than I usually do.

Doing a challenge of any sort is a big commitment. Prior to starting my classes at Cadence, I was going to the gym two or three times per week. By the end, I was exercising five, sometimes six days a week and feeling it. I actually had to invest in the occasional sports massage because my muscles were so sore. Having previously dreaded going to spin classes of any sort, I absolutely adore the variety at Cadence. My favourite classes are called “More Than Just Cycling” because you’re off the bike just as much as you’re riding. Even when I tell myself I’m going to take it easy, slacking off is impossible. The classes are designed to push you to the limit and I always leave feeling accomplished.

In terms of numbers, I didn’t lose much weight. I stayed the same, but gained a bit more muscle and a lot more confidence. When I started the challenge, my anxiety levels were the highest they’d ever been. I was always on edge and self-care simply wasn’t a priority. What I’ve noticed over the past few months is a shift in attitude, not just towards my body, but towards my abilities in other areas. I’ve also prioritised my mental health and listening to my body. The challenge wasn’t about fitting in as many classes as I possibly could, it was about knowing when to take a day off and rest. We forget that sometimes.

Fittingly, Cadence is now offering another eight-week challenge that focuses on self-love. Their Self-Love series involves three classes per week (cycling, circuits, yoga and pilates) and a seminar with Body Love‘s Courtney Durr. For me, that’s what exercise is all about: learning to love our bodies and ourselves. Visit the Cadence website to learn how you can take part.

This post was written in partnership with Cadence, but all opinions are my own.

Photography by Ana Galloway

August 14, 2018
Christchurch Creatives: Radler Tours

One of the things I harp on about constantly is cycling. I’ve never particularly enjoyed cycling as a sport or a rigorous form of exercise. For me, it’s a practical way to get around. In cities like Toronto and Stockholm, residents cycle almost year-round. Even a little bit of snow on the ground isn’t much of a deterrent. When my sister spent a semester in Umeå, she immediately purchased a second-hand bike and along with the other students, regularly fell into snowbanks on her way to class. When it snows in Christchurch, it melts almost immediately, so winter cycling is all the more appealing.

Even so, when Nick pitched his idea for a bicycle and beer tour, I was initially skeptical. While cycling in Christchurch is relatively accessible, it’s by no means the preferred way of getting around. But with designated cycleways a top priority for the city, more and more people are taking to cycling. It’s also a great way to enjoy a night out. Cycling after a few beers is 100% legal and a lot safer than driving.

And so, it’s with much excitement, that we announce the launch of Radler Tours. Radler is the German word for cyclist, and like the Bavarians before us, our tour will encompass, in equal measure, bicycles and beer. Our aim is to cater to both locals and tourists, as a fun way to see and experience Christchurch. Oh, and we’re excited to be regularly visiting some of our favourite Christchurch bars and restaurants:

Radler Tours was founded with the aim to provide a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to experience Christchurch’s best hospitality. Following the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Christchurch lost over 130 unique bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes. Many have re-opened in and around the CBD, but are no longer closely clustered together. Consequently, there is no focal point for the city’s entertainment and hospitality scene. Both tourists and residents are unaware that new and vibrant establishments have emerged on the fringes of the CBD, all within a leisurely biking distance of one another.

At the moment, we’ve been testing out the tours with our friends and planning an inaugural tour with a few Christchurch locals. We’ll keep you posted as to the launch of Radler Tours, but for the meantime, please visit our website for updates!

Follow @radlertours on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

February 28, 2016
The Capital of Cool: Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is one of my favourite cities in the world. While my younger sister was studying abroad in Sweden this past semester, I had to opportunity to travel much of Scandinavia with family, friends as well as on my own. I spent four days in Denmark following a stint in Oslo with my friend, Brenden. It was my first time travelling solo, and I have never felt more liberated! Copenhagen is amazing on so many levels. First, it’s compact and walkable. I was able to navigate from the airport (I flew Air Baltic) to the central train station to my hotel to the downtown amenities seamlessly. I packed very lightly, which was a tremendous feat given the size of my wardrobe. Speaking of wardrobe, Copenhagen is the capital of design, it plays an integral role in the fashion and industrial design industries, and The Dansk Design Center was one of my first stops upon arrival in Copenhagen. It features exhibitions by local artists, cutting edge Danish designers and advocates design driven innovation and works to improve public products and services through society projects. If you ever have the chance, I’d highly recommend spending a day here. There’s so much fun to be had, and it truly is an engaging experience! Danish architecture is also highly impressive with its recent boom in modern architecture. Its pastries, of course are second to none. My favourite spot being Lagkagehuset, which can be found in several locations throughout the city. The window displays are especially enticing on a cold February morning, and their hot chocolate is simply divine!

Copenhagen has several Michelin-starred restaurants, but also a myriad of more affordable and equally delectable options! If you’re a fan of Carlsberg beer, I’d suggest checking out their brewery as the Danes are very generous with tastings and samples. I also admire how progressive Denmark is as a country.
As you probably already know, Copenhagen has the highest rate of bicycle ownership per capital of ANYWHERE in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll see fashionably-clad Danish beauties aboard two-wheelers. The frocks on bikes trend we’ve seen emerge over the past few years à la Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) and Garance Doré have clearly been inspired by the Danes.

Recently, the New York Times revealed that a new super highway was being constructed for Copenhagen citizens, encouraging further bike use! Check out this video posted on the NY Times twitter page:
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2012/07/17/world/europe/100000001632565/a-green-light-for-copenhagens-cyclists.html?smid=tw-nytimes

I’m a huge advocate for sustainable transport. I truly realized the value of public transport while living in Auckland. Auckland’s an isthmus, which makes it difficult to implement any sort of viable transport. Furthermore, the auto-dependence is outrageous with more than 80% of Aucklanders driving to work and new motorways constantly being built. This is nothing new to Aucklanders who’ve grown accostomed to their gas guzzling ways. Europeans however, sharply intake almost immediately upon arrival in Auckland as decent public transport is ingrained in their mentality. Copenhagen’s decision to implement and promote physical activity and sustainbility is what makes it such a pleasant place to live or visit!

One of my favourite pieces of artwork by Edgar Degas, The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer

Every city should have a town square, this is a wonderful place to congregate in Copenhagen.

Dansk Design Center

July 18, 2012