The Grand Finale

My final ride during the Challenge was the quickest of the month at 25.5km/hr.

I need to thank my biggest helpers.

Paula, she helps persuade me to continue supporting the cause and putting up with my absenteeism during the month, treating me with meals when I am tired and hungry. Thank you.

Mike Tame for riding with me most times and pushing me to go farther and faster. He makes me want to be a better cyclist. lol

Jacquie and the M&Ms for joining the challenge and being so enthusiastic to ride with Opa!

My donors! Without all of you, nothing could be done for the kids.

Well done!

Ciao.

The final ride.

Sad that it’s over but it’s been a good ride. Beautiful day tomorrow August 31 for a morning ride for some grade A coffee at Grounded Coffee in Midland

I would like to again thank you all for the support this year, you amazed me with the generosity and inspiration I needed.

“A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness”

“Cycling never gets easier, you just get faster”

Cheers!

The Homestretch!

August is a month of ambivalence. I am enthusiastic about supporting my favourite cause and helping those young kids in need, yet frustrated by my difficulty of finding the time for riding my KMs. Sure I could ride less but I also feel the need to endure some pain and stress, this creates my bond with the plight of the families fighting childhood cancer.

It’s sad when it’s over; summer is basically over. All of our summer plans are wrapping up; kids heading back to school. I’ve done all I could do for these kids, I now wish them all the best and I’ve brought out the best in all my friends and associates.

I’ve done my best…

Started my youngest grandson’s addiction!

I finally took my 12 year-old grandson Mason, on our first road biking adventure. We left his house while his mother was worried about his safety going down a busy Burlington Main thoroughfare during Friday rush-hour. I gave Mason many instructions before and along the way to instill some safe habits. Trying to get him to understand his vulnerability on a bike with so many cars moving around. He did great! We travelled as many trails as we could get to trying to stay off of the main roads. We got down to the lake and continued along the beach strip until we got to Hutch’s Beach restaurant. Mason loves poutine so that’s what we had. On the way back, we were stopped by the Hamilton lift bridge. We watched one of the big iron ore carriers go through the canal. Then we continued on the trek back home uphill along Brant Street. Way to go Mason!! 28.4 km is a very good start. Less than 300 km to go before reaching my month end total.

Blustery evening ride to squeeze in KMs

From Home to Beach strip, big waves rolling in from the Eastern winds. Wind helped me by being from the side and slightly uphill at my back. Good ride

Vacation is over. Now KMs get harder

With being nearly 60% done after my vacation, I’ll have to squeeze the other 40% of my kilometres into my working days. Wish me luck.

7:30 Ride to Port Severn 72km

Morning ride Midland to Port Severn; 72km round trip, with a coffee stop in the coolest little cafe called The Cabin. Crème Brûlée coffee and a protein bar. Got hot quick by the end. Thanks followers and donors!

Match Day! What a day!

A very successful day! So many new sponsors. We raised over $5000 for the kids and the families fighting cancer. My wife Paula joined me for a 50km ride ( she has an e-bike thankfully) to lunch spot and a coffee spot. She was unbelievable since she doesn’t really ride. The ride was slower taking over 4.5 hours with breaks but a very nice afternoon.

Final day of 3 day ride

During our Epic GCC ride of 300km over 3 days, Marcus and I are ready to start day 3 soon. We are in Collingwood at a holiday inn enjoying the comfort.

Both of us are feeling it in our calves today. We will power through it.

My knee “bullet hole” wound is heeling up with the Tegaderm patch.

Gotta ride 100+ today to Bayfort Camp.

LETS GO!

Tomorrow the challenge begins!

Come follow and support my effort to raise money to aid these beautiful kids and their families fighting cancer at Sick Kids hospital. Cheers!