- You really can pee anywhere.
- Yes, you can fit 15 people into an RV with 15 bikes
- Directions are important and necessary to reach your destination
- There is more to life then accomplishing your own goals
- Giving is better than receiving
- I now know how to change a flat in 30 seconds (thanks Greg)
- Childrens play houses are not meant for adults to climb on
- It does not matter what you look like, everyone farts in their sleep.
- Laughter really is the best medicine
- Shit does happen.
- When you are in need - ask for help - people do care
- Canada is one big beautiful country - we are very fortunate to live here.
- Being away from your family makes you realize their importance
- You do need to shower daily
- Wet socks are not fun to wear.
- Laughter really can change the dynamics of a tense situation
- Unexpected things will happen - you cant change it - so just deal with it.
- Being Impatient does not solve problems
- Greg and I both have a warped sense of humour which is awesome
- Spontanious ideas are usually the best
- Making new freinds is good for your soul.
- Sunsets are gorgeous no matter where you are.
- Rainbows have new meaning.
- Clothes stay warmer in your sleeping bag
- After 6700 kms of staring at butts I can now identify the 2011 SNKCR riders when they bend over.
- People do appreciate our efforts
- Complimenting someone when they do something good can excellerate them to new heights when they do it again
- Butt butter is NOT a condiment
- Mountains are not all the same
- Generosity is rewarded with hospitality
- Negative news can be turned into a Finntastic opportunity
- I am emotional
- The power of one can make a difference - the power of many can change lives
This has been an incredible experience and one i will never forget. Stay tuned for my closing comments.
Peace out MG
Today our ride would take us all along the St Lawrence river up to Quebec City. One again the weather was perfect with the sun shinning minimal breeze and perfect temps. As we passrd through all of the towns, the riders clipped along very well averaging about 31 km per hour. Again the views were spectacular. Each village we pass through have huge churches that can be seen for miles away, very cool.
As we turned the corner heading into St Ann de La Perade a huge 2 spire church looming over the entire town, i was able to get some shots of the riders heading towards it. The local sears catalogue store hosted us for lunch and supplied a much needed bathroom break. Ironically, as the riders drive to lunch workmen closed the road and started to rip it up before the chase vehicles could get through, and as a result we had to find an alternative to get there. When we left we also became directionally challenged as we headed down a country road which kept getting narrower and narrower until it became gravel. From lunch we were heading to see Louis Garneau and have an opportunity to shop at the Garneau store. Keeping this in mind and in order to maintain our schedule we loaded the bikes and shuttled them out of their.
Once back on the road we had 1 hr and 45 minutes to get to the Garneau factory - we put the challenge out to the riders and with a ave speed of 35 km we rolled in to meet Louis Garneau. After a brief break and chat with LG we all headef down to the outlet store - it was like boxing day in September, with everyone looking for that elusive deal. Once the sopping was done Louis jumped on his bike and took us for a spin to our final destination. For the riders this was a pretty cool experience to be able to rife with a former olympian cyclist. The evening ended with a fantabulous meal from the New York Fries guys - thsnk you thank you thank you, showers at the Comfort Inn and the to our night time destination.
Toaday was also my road mom, Linda’s birthday. Once parked we all enjoyed some cake, some beverages andsome laughs. We also said goodbye to some relay riders and hello to some new ones.
JM # 3
As the chase vehicle we are the first to encounter any rider issues, which could be anything from a flat to cuts and scrapes, to pee breaks. Josh pees alot when he rides, he evidently has a small bladder as a result of his chemo treatments. At one stop I helped Josh get off his bike and go for a pee. Being new to this i asked Josh what I needed to do, he looked at me with his little grin and said “I can get it out and pee, but you have to shake it cause I’m crippled” nice!!!!!
Gotta go - yet another flat. Peace Out MG.
This morning was slightly warmer, well you couldnt see your breath so therefore it was nice and i was able to maintain my commitment to not wear pants - shorts and flip flops very comfy. This morning we headed out from Hawkesbury towards Montreal. This started as a very scenic ride along the Ottawa river. Right off the hope we went the wrong way and ended up going 10 km the wrong way - oh well, we spun the riders around and got back on track. The route we took was once again beautiful with amazing views and gorgeous houses. The big difference today was the agressiveness of the drivers - holy crap, even when riders would block traffic, they would simply go right around them - scary.
As we approached Montreal things stareted to get interesting, the GPS unit suddenly stopped and did not guide us any further, which is a good thing because it was leading us over a bridge that was on a highway. At this point the rides nede to detour around the bay, and we had to leave them - not good - we then drove to where we assumed they would come out on the other side. We ended up in a very cool little suburb that was comprised of cafes, shops and very narrow streets. After much stress and huge time delays we met up with the riders ( finally) and then joined up with a group of ride along riders. The ride into Sears was a bit crazy, luckily one of the local guys knew the way and was able to lead the way - thank you.
The day ended again with dinner, showers, and some chillax time - on reflection the day went ok. The riders and volunteers then spent the evening chatting and getting to know the new relay riders and reflecting on the days events.
JM # 3
Today we entered Quebec, if you have ever driven in Quebec you know that the roads……well they suck - very rough and broken up. The riders all said how much they were bounced around on the road and how tough it was on their arms. Roger drive the tandem today to give Mark a well deserved break. With Josh on the back, he, like all the riders, was tossed around and all shock up which unfortunately took its toll on the young fella. When Josh got off the bike he said “these roads are so rough, I’m toast - but since we were in Quebec, l am french toast”.
Hopefully the roads are better on day 13.
Peace out kids MG.
As the sun rose on another perfect day the riders got up to begin their 158 km trek to Bellville. Although a little cool it was a perfect day for riding. This morning seemed a bit hectic, with new riders, new crew and distribution of new route books and electronic gadgets - it just seemed different. I think the highs of yesterday, the departure from freinds and family really took its toll on the dynamics of the team. Big Bobs wife and fan club showed up with balloons banners and tons of support - which is just what Bob needed.
Today was the first day where i really started to miss home, perhaps because so many of the riders saw their fanilies yesterday - but today i really missed the kids and my dog and home. I also know the sacrifice we all have made to be away from our lives, is for the greater good - its also a valuable lesson for our kids to see and learn from. I believe that our whole family has realized that there is so much more in this world than just us - its about we and its about giving, paying it forward so that others can have a better life. This while adventure is amazing.
The ride today was gorgeous along Lake Ontario, through winding back roads, open feilds, awesome views, and great back drops for pictures. Due to the narrow roads we had some close calls on the road - the dynamics of the new riders entering the group and not understanding the set, speed and styles of the riders. This constant change in personel can really cause some near miss situations on the road. Combine that with idiot drivers on the road and, well lets just say the two do not mix well.
JM # 3
The other day when we were at the Terry Fox memorial the weather was cold and wet with ice pellets and snow in the air, we were all cold, emotional and inspired. Josh was very, cold, very emotional and felt that he was not in any shape to ride - and for his safety he stayed off the bike unil he felt ok to climb back into the saddle. Josh knowing that Terry Fox never gave up said, “Terry Fox was a really great man, but that f*# >er set the bar way to high”, ah Josh man - you crack me up. LoL.
Anyway cats g nite - Peace Out. MG.
Well today we were up at the crack of stupid to get ready for the big ride from Barrie to Toronto. Many past SNKCR riders showed up in the morning for the ride along with the 2011 riders. It was nice to see family and some familiar faces from home. The ride started with a fast pace and it became clear that some of the cyclists were going to have a tough day ahead. Some of the 2011 crew even striped off their volunteer shirts and got into their gear for the ride - and i must say - they looked better in their volunteer shirts, not to mention any names ( cause that would be wrong), but Linda Kay, you are one lucky women. Seriuosly Jim, we miss you already (opps sorry).
Toaday we are also loosing Linda H, Erin Burger - ah quiet, cool and willing to do whatever was necessary to make the riders life that much better, Tim and Doug the hardest working dynamic duo / RV drivers on the planet - thanks for cleaning my underwear boys, and finally my new freind Jim Kay - Jimmy i really dif not know you before this trip - but you are one hell of a guy, your calm, caring demeanour, your ability to calm people and get things done was remarkable and much appreciated - thanks buddy you will be missed.
The ride into downtown Toronto was impressive - police motorcade from Sherway gardens right to Dundas square - very impressive. The crowds were large, the cheering loud, and the atmosphere electric. We met the inside ride crew here and we were even able to jump on a stationary bike and go for a spin - just what the riders needed. Since i am such a nice guy I volunteered my legs to spin and give the riders a break - it was fun. In the evening we heafed down to the water front for a Bbq and the lighting of the CN tower. Terri, Katherine, Bob and myself took an opportunity to step away and get some Thai food away from the craziness - it was very nice and great food.
JM # 2
Josh rides the tandem bike with Mark Burger, at one point Josh got off the bike and Mark rode alone for a few km into the next rest stop. To help Mark on the hills, Greg, the mechanic, jumped on with Mark and rode in. When they got off the bike Josh approached Greg and offered him his glasses - he then said ” Greg, you will need to wear these because Mark farts alot and these wil prevent stink eye”. OMG - funny fuuny kid.
Later MG.
Today we awoke with chilli noses, cold feet and frost on the ground, luckily we had to shuttle first thing so the riders avoided the bitter morning cold. We drove what seemed a very long distance and stopped in Spanish to off load the bikes, visit a local Sears outlet and then hit the road. You could tell we were back in Ontario because the weather was brutal and very weird. We would be in full sun one minute and then cold sideways wind and rain the next. I dont think we exceeded 10 degrees all day.
Although we had a safe day riding, following the group today was very nerve racking. The narrow highway was very busy with trucks and they drive very close to the pack - it was scary at times, and extremely dangerous for the riders - but at the end of the day we counted heads and we had the same number we started with so I suppose we did OK.
The day ended by riding into Sudbury - the sun was shinning brightly and the winds had calmed but there was a bitter cold in the air. The Sears store gave us a great welcome complete with Ben the bear, who kept following me around (creepy), clowns - which Greg is scared of, so of course i asked him to stand with the clown so I could take pictures of him - of course i was doing this for theraputic reasons to help him subside his phobia of circus freaks, small furry woodland creatures and clowns. And honestly I think it worked. Anyway - we had a quick dinner some speaches, and off to the shiwers we went. The showers today were at the Sudbury Goodlife - wow what a nice club. I took the oportunity to have a quick workout and to stretch my muscles after 10 days in a sardine can ( better known as our car) - it was a much needed break in my day. We then headed off to Barrie to spend the night.
Josh moments - these are snippets from days gone by, where Josh says or does something that just cracks us up.
JM # 1
A rider, Harry, snapped a spoke on his rear wheel just outside of Thunderbay. The day was very cold and wet and the riders shivered whenever we stopped. Greg the mechanic was speaking to Harry and exolaining to him that the spoke that broke was a unique shape, and unfortunately the spokes he had, had a vurved nipple on the end. The spokes Harry needed, required a hard straight nipple that would fit into the rim of the wheel. Without missing a beat, Josh says, in a cold and shakey voice, ” hey Greg if you need hard straight nipples - I got two here you can use”
He is a funny kid.
Later Cats MG.
