Finally got to a computer where I can update my FB page! Its been quite the ride so far. Our first night was spent in Port Alice where we were the recipients of some pretty terrific Island hospitality. We were hosted at the Legion for a huge feast of salmon, crab, and prawns. We moved on to a live auction fundraiser where the locals raised approx. $10,000!!! for Tour de Rock. Such a small town and such overwhelming generosity. The next day we rode out of Pt. Alice on the first official day of riding. Theres a bit of a hill on the way out called 21 mile hill. Any guesses on why they call it that?? Our rider who left his pancakes at the side of the road can tell you! We rode to Pt. Hardy for more fundraising and were honoured by a lovely welcoming party of the local junior Rangers, WWII Veterans (including Canadian hero and flying ace, Stocky Edwards), and Legionnaires. We pedalled onward to Port McNeil where the Black Bear Resort warmly hosted the team. The next morning dawned wet, rainy, and foggy. We pedalled out at first light for our longest ride of the Tour. We logged (or waterlogged) 142 km over the day. We stopped in Woss where the 6 children at the Elementary school (and only school) turned the several hundred dollars they raised for children with cancer. Kids helping kids. We were all really touched that such a small community, and six young children raised such a generous amount of money. One young boy handed over a big can of rolled coins and proudly announced that his mother had put ALOT of money in there. We finished our day in Sayward where the people in the community put on a massive potluck dinner and again, this community of 500 people raised thousands of dollars and proudly turned their checks over to the team. They raised enough money to send about 15 children to Camp Goodtimes. Over the next couple of days we rode from town to town. In Campbell River a woman came to a headshave specifically to meet the team and tell us her story. Her little girl Natalia is battling cancer. They are 1.5 years into a 3 year treatment regime. She told us in heart wrenching detail of the story of her daughters diagnosis, how they had to leave home late at night, leaving their youngest daughter behind, and fly to Childrens Hospital to get her daughter lifesaving treatment. She also shared with us their trip to Camp Goodtimes this summer. She said their visit to the Camp was the first time in 1.5 years she could relax and not worry and they could just be a normal family. She talked about what Camp Goodtimes meant for them and condensed it into two words - fun and freedom. For a family whose life revolves around a rigid treatment regime for a sick child, trying to keep their healthy child happy, on top of the daily stresses of life, a week of fun and freedom meant the world. We were in Courtenay/Comox last night. What can I say, more awesome people. We went to an event where two local business ladies had a fundraising rivalry. The contest would end with one of them shaving their head. Well they both raised the same amount of money -$5000 each - so they both had to shave their heads. All their friends came out to watch and support them. One of the ladies was a hairdresser! While we were there I chatted with a woman named Terri-Ann. She told me shed had a rough go and was currently waiting for some test results. She was waiting to find out if she had breast cancer. As I promised her, Im wishing the best for her. Maybe all you folks reading this can send Terri-Ann good thoughts and energy for some negative test results. Weve had some crazy weather. I dont even have to exaggerate even a little when I say we had driving rain, gusting head winds, and sleet. As we approached Campbell River I couldnt see, the rain was coming down so hard it was pouring into my glasses. I just kept focussed on the wheel ahead of me and I knew I was going in the right direction. As my fellow rider Tour de Rock Steve says, Ive taken dryer showers. Over those three days of nasty weather I chose to think of it more as a cyclists facial...intense hydration, followed by a road grit mud mask and exfoliation. Happily, today dawned sunny and mild. Highlights included my team mates Heather Hunter and Lori Lumley doing their best impression of sizzling bacon - in front of an entire elementary school of screaming children (Lori and Heather had to fry as long as the kids screamed). Fun for everyone - especially the team. This evening included a speech from a 14 year old girl, named Olivia Davis, battling a cancer with a name I cant possible pronounce. Sadly, the name (which just SOUNDS evil) rolls over her tongue. This girl is a prize fighter though. Shes still undergoing treatment but is also playing rep hockey and is proudly rocking the bald look. One thing that has really touched me on this crazy ride, is how people open up to us and share their stories of the loved ones they have lost, or who are still fighting, or their stories of their own personal battles. Suffice to say, this is more than just a bike ride. Well be rolling through Duncan/Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Ill try to get more details of where well be and when on my page. Until, then, well be keeping the rubber side down and rolling onward. Ive attached the TDR blog below. Each day a different rider is responsible for a posting. Today was my day. tourderock.ca/2014/09/25/day-5-comox-valley-to-parksvillequalicum/
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 05:29:29 +0000
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