Is the constant stop and start / dodging cars / getting beaten up by crazy ex-cops of city road cycling getting you down? Have you ever wanted a nice, wide, straight strip of asphalt to cruise down in the pristine morning sunshine, surrounded by fellow riders? Friends and fellow cyclists, welcome to the Ride for the Heart.

It's hard to be a cyclist in this city without being at least peripherally aware of the day every summer where they close the DVP and let the bikes on, although for most of my twenties that day came went with only a cursory "man, I really oughta get involved in that next year."

Fortunately, a couple of years ago I actually got ahead of the curve, and rode my first 50K Ride for the Heart in 2005 to raise money for Heart and Stroke Foundation research. I'll be tackling the ride again this year. And if you're interested in joining in, online registration for the 25K, 50K, or 75K rides is still available until tomorrow.

The good news is, though the marathons may seem daunting, they're actually a lot easier than you might expect. So much of a cyclist's energy in road cycling is taken up with the aforementioned stop and starts, navigating traffic, and keeping oneself from getting slammed by Mrs. So-and-So driving a Fiat while talking on her cell phone. The straight(ish) ride up the DVP is significantly easier, and more fun.

Bring plenty of water and don't forget the sunscreen! The Ride for the Heart takes place Sunday morning, starting at the west gates of Exhibition Place. I'll be back Sunday afternoon with a follow-up.