Alice Smith

SNKCR Day 16 (Last day) – Alice Day 10

I woke up before Rich’s morning wake up call.  I did not sleep well.  Too much on my mind with my Dad, Natalia leaving, me staying and the last day of the Ride.  It’s an emotional day as it is.

NYF crew made their last meal of 2011 and they did not disappoint!

Families impacted by cancer are united in a very exceptional way.  Jeff introduced 2 extraordinary families; the Sullivan’s and Pace’s.  Both lost sons to cancer.

http://patricksullivan.snkcr.com/

http://lenpace.snkcr.com/

Although they had never met, (the Sullivan’s live in BC and Pace’s in ON), they came together to form a Relay Team.  “Team Finn-Axle.  Two families.  One country.”

http://patricksullivan.snkcr.com/post/9876590630/team-finn-axle

Patrick Sullivan started in Vancouver and finished in Winnipeg.  Brain Reesor went from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay.  Kate Pace-Lindsey went from Thunder Bay to Toronto.  Ron DiFrancesco from Toronto to Quebec City.  Len Pace from Quebec City to Halifax.   Patrick join us  in Lower Sackville so he could meet Len and Frances, and  ride into to Halifax.

Patrick and Len wore 3 jerseys (Team Finn, Team Axle and SNKCR) and around Len’s neck hung a chain with Len and Frances’ Superman rings, Patrick’s Finn peregrine and a Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation dog tag.  This chain started around Patrick’s neck and made its way across Canada.

Patrick’s asked to do the dedication this morning.  As 50+ people stood in a circle hugging, he talked about “changing the story” around cancer in general.  This can mean many things: better research, earlier detection, safer more effective treatment and care allowing a better quality of life.  He dedicated the ride the Riders and volunteers of SNKCR.  There’s wasn’t a dry eye in the circle.

The Riders had a 3 motorcycle police escort.  The road to Peggy’s Cove is quite narrow and winding.  We had to pull over 4 or 5 times to allow traffic to pass us.  I could the Riders speaking to each, I’m sure reflecting on the Ride.

I was driving ahead and pulling over so Jess could get photos and then speeding passed the Riders again for more shots.  We arrived at the Swiss Air Memorial long before the Riders. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggys_Cove,_Nova_Scotia#Swissair_Flight_111

After they arrived we watched the fog roll in and blanket Peggy’s Cove.  We did stop at Peggy’s Cove but we were not allowed to cycle up to the restaurant.  Even from the lower parking lot we could not see the lighthouse.  

We continued the next 45 kms to the Halifax Sears store.  This is the 2^nd last stop before the end.  A lot of the Rider’s families came.  There was a band, lots of food and speeches from the Sears Store Manager, IWK Foundation, Sears HO folks and Jeff.  Hannah Mackenzie spoke again this year.  She talked about helping with Tour for Kids Atlantic and Ontario and considering riding next year.  Barry Mason spoke passionately about his daughter Olivia, 11, who was diagnosed with leukemia in February.   He talked how his perfect family changed when they heard the diagnosis and about Olivia’s bravery and commitment to beat the cancer.  Then we headed to IWH to meet some patients and Olivia.  Josh and Olivia spent sometime chatting.  To quote Linda the “Fighter & Survivor!!”

Again Jess and I left before the Riders so she could set up at our final stop, Point Pleasant Park.  Family and friends had gathered.  The SNKCR tents and banners were set up.  The champagne was ready to be poured.  CBC and CTV were there, as was the Mayor of Halifax.  The Riders arrived to loud applause, cheers, and bag pipes. 

Drew and Rina were filled with emotion as they saw Josh and Mark finish their cross Canada adventure.  The wheels were set in motion for this day after Josh’s emotional 2009 speech that ended with “Ride for the kids who are battling cancer now. Ride for those who will be diagnosed in the future; and Ride for me, until I can ride with you.” 

In 2010 Josh cycled across Ontario.  In 2011 Josh cycled across Canada.  Josh truly is an amazing young man.  http://joshnelson.snkcr.com/   Check out Josh and Drew’s CBC Radio interview: 

http://www.cbc.ca/islandmorning/episodes/2011/09/21/josh-nelson-rides-across-canada/

Jeff toasted the Riders and volunteers, presented each of us with medals and ask us to writing our heartfelt commitment to the cause on a banner.  He then asked each Rider to pick a volunteer (Mike picked me :o) as they walked their bikes to dip the front wheel into the Atlantic.  Their final act was to take the stone they picked up on the beach in White Rock and throw it into the Atlantic.  Many more hugs, tears and photo ops followed. Then we headed to our hotel.

Remember I said you only got your hotel room key only after your vehicle was clean and all technology (cell phones, tablets and gps) was returned.  It was bedlam.  Quick showers, change into non-SNKCR attire and a taxi ride to the World Trade Centre for dinner.  It was a night to celebrate our accomplishments and acknowledge our successes.  I believe the Ride has raised >$1M.

Please read Jeff’s final words and view the 2 videos.

http://www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com/ride/snkcr-2011-final-word/

We were fortunate to have Larry and Tracy from Cape Breton play for us after dinner.  Jeff 1^st met them at Tour for Kids Atlantic.  They were playing for another event.  Jeff spoke to them and learned Larry’s daughter is a cancer survivor.  They were so well received that Jeff flew them to Toronto so they could play at Tour for Kids Ontario.  He rented them a car to drive to Haliburton but neither had a credit card.  It was Alice to the recue at the TO airport.  It was so great to see them again in Halifax and to hear them play.  Larry’s sister and Tracy’s son joined them on stage.  Larry’s finance Shauna came (they got married 2 days later) and Tracy’s wife.  A real family affair!  They ended the night with “Barrett’s Privateers”.  Lots of dancing.  The best moment was to seeing Josh surrounded by “his angels”, some of the Riders.

Although Mike had to get up early for the final clean up and I was coming home early Friday morning, we did go to another bar.  All in all is was an excellent way to finish this incredible adventure.

SNKCR Day 15 (2nd last day) – Alice Day 9

Although I had my own “room” last night, it was not as comfortable as Mike lead me to believe.  I should have known better.  He can sleep anywhere.  Only 1 more night to find a place to sleep.  Since all the lower bunks are taken, I’m hoping I can get a couch in an RV again.

It’s hard to believe that today is the 2^nd last day.  It was my warmest morning yet, 12 degrees.  Sunny and a west wind…prefect for the T2 Riders.   The Sears Home Store in Moncton put on a wonderful breakfast or maple sausages, honey ham, hard boiled eggs, bagels, toast, cream cheese, jam, peanut butter, cheese, raspberries, juice and real mugs for our coffee and tea.  Apparently they won the “Best Rest Stop” award in 2010 and are looking to keep their title.  They also have dinner for T1 tonight and are preparing steak, chicken and Caesar salad.  We threatened to come back.  

Paul, the RMT, came back to join T2 and Sue, Scott’s better half, arrived last night.  Paul was right back at it, massaging the Riders.  Sue jumped right in to help too.

Dan from Give to Live came out this morning.  Give to Live partnered with C2C to hostthe 1^st Tour for Kids event in Atlantic Canada.  Dan was taping the dedication and planned to post the video on their site.

The Riders left and Mike, Jess and I headed to the car wash to clean the van.  All the vehicles have to be returned tidy.  In addition to being together for the last night, cleaning is one of the activities in Lower Sackville tonight.  Apparently there is a prize for the cleanness.  And if your vehicle or the bunks are not clean and electronics are not returned, you don’t get a key to your hotel room in Halifax.  This includes the Riders.  Motivation to help is sometimes key.

We met up with T2 at their first rest stop, on side road 950 in the driveway of a fish smoke house business.  We followed behind, beside and ahead of the Riders so Jess could take pictures and videos. Very beautiful country in NB.  We drove ahead and stopped to take a few pictures of the Confederation Bridge.  I would love to come back on vacation.

The bridge is very impressive; almost 13 km long, it is the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water.  It took 4 years to build and opened in 1997. 

http://www.confederationbridge.com/en/design_construction.php

The names of 300+ people that worked on the bridge are engraved on bricks around a monument on the PEI side.  Dan “the Builder man” Gallant was one of them.

We had a rest stop in Borden-Carlton on the PEI side.  It was a short visit.  Mike was then summoned to Halifax to help with the planning and arrangements for the final day.  Danny and Alex arrived at the hotel this morning.  Because we missed the Riders showers, we used theirs.  It’s great when no one is waiting for you to finish.

While we were there Natalia called to say our Dad had been admitted to hospital.  I made arrangements so Nat could fly back 1^st thing Thursday morning, arranged a hotel (thanks to Alex for sharing) and confirmed transportation to the airport.  Mike and I drove to Lower Sackville.  Once Nat arrived with T2, I drove back to the hotel and back again to Lower Sackville to the Fitness Complex where we’d be spending the night.

Dinner was being made by the NYF team again.  They made an incredible meal of lobster bisque, chicken, lobster, shrimp, backed potatoes and a few vegetarian entries.  Mill Street Breweries, another sponsor, provide much beer.  Eating, drinking and cleaning began.  Everything had to be emptied out of the RVs.  The Riders took their personal stuff out and then there was the food.  There was way too much.  It had to be garbaged or loaded onto the cube van. 

Many folks remised and partied into the night.  All the incredible people and their stories of strength, perseverance, heartbreak, hope, faith and courage.  All the Riders who cycled over 2,000 kms.  And all the volunteers, who did whatever needed to be done to support them.  Tomorrow is the last day of the 16 day odyssey that is SNKCR.  And then back to the “real world”.

My last night I got to sleep in the RV bed.

SNKCR Day 14 – Alice Day 8

What goes up must come down. I wake before 6:00, take out my ear plugs, hear what sounds like torrential rain and the need to pee. Rich comes through 15 minutes later with a cheerful “Good morning. It’s Day 14.” He also informed us that the rain sounds much worst in the trailer and it is not raining that hard. Carlo, my “Bunk Angel”, helped get down from my bunk. Coming down was much more lady-like than going up, but I’m sure his view was no better. A light drizzle was coming down but it was obvious that it had rained most of the night. After breakfast I watched as the Riders layered up and put on their rain gear. They put shower caps over their helmets, tape around their ankles and glasses on. Roger and Josh were riding the tandem. After 50 kms they came into the 1st rest stop in Montmagny just covered in grit. They were dirty, wet and cold but still have big smiles on their faces. When they took their glasses off, they looked like Rocky Raccoon. After a quick break, they were back on the bikes again. The next stop was La Pocatiere. The New York Fries crew set up at the Information Centre right on the St. Lawrence. It was still overcast. On a clear day it must be spectacular. The Riders had burgers (beef and veggie), grilled veggies and hot chocolate. Linda the T1 medic had the hot packs out that riders were putting in their jerseys. The big concern was whether showers been set up. Eventually yes they were thanks to Emilie, who in addition to being the T1 RMT, is bilingual. Showers were much needed and much deserved!!! T1 shuttled to Fredericton for a PJ party and to spend the night. As we left Quebec we lost an hour. Mike, Jess and I headed up to Woodstock, NB for showers and to meet up with the T2 Riders. I had my 2nd shower at a Truck Stop. Who know these places existed? They have been clean and the water is warm. Thank you Murray’s! You learn to appreciate the small creature comforts. After dinner was done we shuttled 260 kms to Moncton. We arrived at 12:15 am. I had my own room tonight…in the front seat of the car. I did not want to tackle the upper again :s

SNKCR Day 13 – Alice Day 7

We enjoyed a great breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage at Valentine across the street from the IGA parking lot.  It was the last day for our Toronto Ride Along Riders.

We are following T2 from Terrebonne to Quebec City Place Laurier.  It was a beautiful, sunny day but not too hot.  Because T2 is so small the rest stops are less formal.  They cycled along through Louisville, Trois Riviere and Portnuef.  An “executive decision” was made to shuttle forward some 50 kms so they could join T1 at the Louis Garneau offices.  M. Garneau is a 1984 Olympian, World Class Cyclist and founder of Louis Garneau, one of C2C key sponsors and provider of the Rider kits.  After a meeting with the Riders and some shopping at the outlet store, photo ops and helmet signing, M. Garneau rode with the Riders to the Sears store in Place Laurier.  There is a great picture of him helping push Mark and Josh on the tandem up a hill.  It was like meeting a Rock Star for the Riders.  Me, I’m still looking for Jon Bon Jovi ;o)

The New York Fries crew, comprised of Craig, Sharon, Lee, Mac, Emily and Sam, put on a great dinner of salmon, kebobs, vegetarian goulash, baked potatoes and salad.  We also had 2 cakes to celebrate Linda Hughes birthday.  I concur with Tim…there is no lack of food.  Great for the Riders who burn ~4,000 calories per day…not so good for this volunteer.

Showers were arranged in a Comfort Inn.  We had 4 rooms for 50 people.  T2 was just finishing up as we arrived because they had a 250 kms shuttle to Riviere Bleue.  I was in a room with 7 women.  Can you say “navy shower”.  While waiting our turn, we turned on the TV.  We watched little “Dancing with the Stars” and the 1^st 5 minutes of “Two and a Half Men”.  Spoiler Alert - Charlie dies in the Metro in London.

Since we were with T1 tomorrow, we had a very short shuttle to Levis.  I had to find a bunk to sleep in and only top ones were available.  They are 6’ up.  I couldn’t get up with a 2 step step so I took a ladder from one of the RVs.  Carlo propped the ladder on the top bunk (of course it not long enough) and held it as I walked up.  I still could not get my knee over the edge. Poor Mark Burger had to give my bum push.  Very lady-like.  Very grateful there were no cameras.  Here’s hoping I don’t have to pee during the night. 

Alice Catching Up

It’s SNKCR Day 13. Alice’s Day 6 and its Monday, right?  This is a whirlwind.  I have to say the days blend together.  That’s what happens when you’re old and don’t write down your thoughts every day.  Mike’s is driving and Jess it taking pics so I’m in the back seat of the van trying to catch up.

Even though I’ve been “involved” with SNKCR for the past 3 years, it’s been from home.  I’ve watched Mike and team do the planning and thought I understood the logistics for getting 50+ National and Relay Riders across Canada in 16 days, but you can’t really appreciate the changing nature of the Ride unless your part of it.  As the expression goes “stuff” happens.  Being proactive, flexible, patient, supportive, encouraging and remaining positive is key.  Everyone has to remember that no matter how “difficult” things may seem, this is nothing compared to what children and their families go through when they first hear a cancer diagnosis. 

As part of the Community Events Team with Mike and Jess, we spend time with both Team 1 and 2 Riders, sometimes both in the same day.  Because the teams do not always spend the night in the same location, we keep our clothes, sleeping bags and pillows with us in the van.  That way we can sleep anywhere.   Sidebar:  Did I mention that Jess is 19?  Those of you with teenagers know how they keep their rooms.  Now imagine our van  ;o)

Jess finds an empty bunk in a trailer, which is more difficult with T1 as they have the National and Relay Riders.  I have been fortunate to have been able to sleep on the couch in RV 1A most nights.  Mike has been on the table and always goes to bed later and gets up before us, as do the Crew Chiefs, Rich and Scott.  They discuss the plans for the day, confirm any changes and wake everyone up.  Rich knocks on the RV door, greetings us with “Good morning, it’s Day X, washrooms and breakfast are…., and the song of the day is…” which is playing on his BB.  It’s predawn and cold but a great way to start the day.

Most of us walk like lemmings, quietly, towards the washrooms.  Most are quite crowded.  You pee, wash up and brush your teeth.  Then you make your way to breakfast.  Rich goes through the day with everyone, Bob shares a message for the day and someone reads a dedication to the person we are riding for.  All the stories are touching… some have happy endings, some do not.  Survivorship has its own challenges.

And so the Riders head out.  Sometimes preceded by an RV marking the route or by a police escort, and always followed by the support vehicle with medic, bike mechanic and content person, and sweep RV.  It is quite a convey. 

SNKCR Day 9.  Thanks to the Delta in the Soo for letting us use their business centre to do some much needed catching up from days in the northern Ontario Internet waste land.  Jess uploaded pictures and videos.  Mike read and replied to 80+ emails.

We headed out of the Soo to catch T2 in Blind River.  While the catalogue store hosted lunch, Marian and George Gleason pulled up on their recumbent tandem bike loaded up with many saddled bags.  Marian and George are 70 and 71.  They left Bellingham, WA on August 2^nd and are cycling to Maine.  Incredible.  Marian made notes about our cause and promised to make a donation. 

At the end of their days, both teams had long shuttles; T1 from Sudbury to Barrie and T2 from Spanish to Brantford.  So we decided to drive ahead and make a stop at the Carol Smith “B&B” in Bracebridge.  Carol is Mike’s mom.  It was great.  I did our laundry, we all had showers, ordered Bill’s Pizza and again Mike and Jess worked.  Mike’s sister Shelley and nephew Sam came over as well. 

T1 was expected in Barrie around midnight so we left Carol’s at 11 and found them on the exit ramp.  I left Mike and Jess, and drove back to Bracebridge.  Carol is spending the week with our teenage boys, Connor 18 and Devon 16, to make sure they eat properly while we’re gone.

Carol and I left Bracebridge at 5:30 to make breakfast in Barrie.

SNKCR Day 10 was a busy, emotional day.  It was Toronto so lots of family and friends come to see the Riders and Volunteers for the 1^st time since leaving for Vancouver.  It is also where 2 Ride Alongs happen. One from Brantford to Burlington, and the other from Barrie to Nobleton, both meeting in Sherway Gardens. 

Thanks to Sue and Alvaro for getting Devon, his bike and our car to Sherway.  And to Sandi for coming by.  Gary was there too because Steven was cycling from Burlington.  Big hugs all around and brief catch ups.  We are so fortunate to have such great friends!!!

Jess wanted shots of all the Rides coming into YDS so we left Sherway shortly after they did.  What an event.  Lots of media, people and the National Inside Ride Tour was set up.  The 150 Riders pulled in to great cheers and applause.

After the Inside Ride and showers, all the National and Relay Riders headed down to HTO Park for another event hosted by Childcan, the Gold Ribbon Campaign and the National Inside Ride Tour.  Hundreds of people gathered to hear emotional speeches by childhood cancer survivors (Adam 10 years, was a natural and spoke about Camp Ooch), Jenn Davies from C2C and others.  Jenn introduced Lorraine Fedosoff who spoke about her 17 year son Adam, who was diagnosed with Leukemia for the 3^rd time in December.  She talked about all that they have endured as a family and Adam specifically.  It is stories like these that put our daily gripes into perspective.

Anne, a hockey mom, her son Derek and fellow player Kyle took the Go Train to Toronto to join the HTO festivities.  I also saw my new friend Carmela and her daughter, and cancer survivor, Erica.  Many more hugs.

All these organization came together to recognize many heroes and commemorate a milestone…the lighting of the CN Tower Gold, to honour Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Tim drove our car home with Carol and Erin Burger.

Tim and his T1 RV driving partner, Doug Snow, were leaving the Ride (sometimes work gets in the way). My sister Natalia and Rob were joining as their replacements.  Doug updated them on what their role was in just over an hour…initiation by fire.  There were some deer in the head lights looks.  After HTO we shuttled to Pickering for the night (>9 pm).  Jess and I invited Nat and Rob to come with us to get ready for bed at a McDonalds.  And they are off…

SNKCR Day 11 we followed T1.  Eight new Ride Along riders joined.  All went very well.  Beautiful sunny day, Lake Ontario to our right.

We had a 3 car police escort through Cobourg, 1 more than in TO.  Very cool flashing lights, one car in front, one behind and the 3^rd blocking traffic at intersections.  Loved it when 1 would speed by to get to the next intersection.

So Jess can get the perfect shot, we drive ahead of the Riders and stop so she can set up.  Most times I get out and cheer.  When it’s quiet, the sound of the bikes speeding by is very cool, almost like whisper.  Somewhere between Cobourg and Brighton at one of these stops an old dude in black leather and chaps on a Harley pulls over.  It was none other than Doug.  He just can’t stay away.  I think he caught up with his wife for a few hours Sat morning and jumped on the bike to find T1.  What an excellent surprise.  Lots of hugs, chap comments and pictures with Doug and the bike.  Christine rocked the jacket.  Doug being the big hearted guy that he is told us that he participates in several charity biking events a year. 

Dinner was at the Sears Distribution Centre in Bellville.  They presented C2C with a cheque for $9,600.  Over the last 4 years they have raised over $110,000!  The Riders were off to shower and shuttle to Ottawa for the night.

We decided to call ahead and see if there was room at the Jill Smith “B&B”.  Jill is Mike’s other sister.   It was great.  We got to see Jill’s new place, have showers and refreshments, and watch Mike work.  Jill was the local Camp Quality Volunteer Coordinator this summer and is committed for 2012.  Great news is she is all excited about hosting an Inside Ride for her company and for Camp Quality early next year.  When we got to the St. Laurent Sears store at 10:30 T1 was already there.  T2 arrived at midnight.

SNKCR Day 12 Ottawa to Montreal.  We were with T2.  They are a group of 4 riders so Mike joined them for the 1^st 45 km.  During the route to Montreal we saw glimpses of the Ottawa River.  Another beautiful day.  Lunch in Hawkesbury courtesy of New York Fries, who have joined us to Halifax to cook many meals.  Quick stop at the Flying J for Internet access, showers and poutine!  We made our way to the dinner stop at the Sears store in Carrefour Agrinon.  T1 cycled in with 14 Ride Along Riders to enthusiastic greeting.  We heard stories of about local children, fabulous dinner and more media present.

We shuttled to Terrebonne and set up in an IGA parking lot across from a Sears Catalogue store for the night.

SNKCR – Day Ten by Tim Douglas

Robin and I arrived in Brantford around 1:30 in the morning.  We quickly said our goodbyes…she was off to the bunk truck and I was supposedly heading back to Barrie.  I thought the better plan would be to head home to Mississauga and catch a couple of hours of sleep in my own bed.  My head hit the pillow at 2:30 and 5 minutes later (or so it seemed) my alarm clock was telling me it was 5 am and time to get up.  After a quick shower and shave it was off to Barrie where the T1 National riders and a slew of Ride Alongs would be heading into the city.

As I neared the Sears store waiting for the light to change a couple of riders in national gear turned the corner right in front of me.  I flipped on my flashers on followed them in.  It turns out that this was two 2010 National riders Linda Kay and Paul O’Hara Hoke!  It was great to see them again!  Hugs all around!  I also ran into another favorite of mine Super Dave Campbell.  He got the nickname Super Dave because in year one of the ride he came in at the last moment to save the day when we had some volunteers bail on us.  He has been involved all three years prior but a horrific skiing accident last winter prevented him from participating this year.  He still has a long way to go in his recovery but at least he is up and about now hobbling around in crutches.  Great guy…great family!

This is our first time in Barrie, but judging by the reception we received it certainly won’t be the last!  It seems the whole town was there!  The mayor welcomed us, Sears was its usual hospitable self, 2010/11 rider Blake Hunter spoke some inspiring words and cancer survivor Adam Mason emotionally thanked us for being there.  Adam Mason was riding with us into Toronto.

So off we headed, about 50 riders strong heading to Yonge Dundas Square (YDS) via Nobleton and Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke.  Doug and I were marking the route today because when there is this many riders it is easy to get spread out and people do get lost.  We had a passenger for the day, Mike’s mom Carol who came down from Bracebridge.

It was a good day to ride and yes people did get lost but they all made it to Sherway…eventually.  We had a lot of fun with the riders hooting and hollering encouraging them to go on.  We even got far enough in front of them at one time to pull over the RV and do a 3 person wave…this cracked the riders up!  As we were driving through Etobicoke the route was taking us past the local Hooter’s restaurant.  Doug wanted to stop in to see I few could get some of the waitresses to come out and cheer but I thought this would be in poor taste so I said no.  (I’m gonna hear about this one!)

The crowd to greet us at Sherway was loud and proud!  T2 and their Ride alongs arrived just moments before and finally some media coverage…both local and national…about time guys!  Jessie’s Mom, Dad, Brother and Gramma were there to see her and exchange some clothes…you could see it in their eyes how proud they were of Jessie.  Our great friends (and huge C2C supporters) Sue, Alvaro and Sandi dropped by to say hi and offer encouragement…they were a sight for sore eyes!  Sue and Sandi were still cracking up about Alice putting on the track pants backwards…sorry Al!

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hear any of the speeches or partake in the BBQ because we had to get our replacement drivers Nat & Rob up to speed.  We had 1 hour to tell them what we have learned in the past two years…good luck with that!

It was off to YDS, then HTO Park at Queens Quay…and then home.  I’m having trouble finding the words right now expressing what this means to me and how appreciative I am of all the love, encouragement and support I have received from all my great friends and wonderful family so I think I will stop right here for now.

More to come.

SNKCR – Day Nine by Tim Douglas

It is early Sunday morning; I am sitting in the warmth of my basement coffee in hand collecting my thoughts feeling guilty as hell.  I should be out there with my team mates helping them get ready for the day.  I miss them terribly!

My last two days on the road were a blur.  We started the day with a hearty breakfast in Wawa in a warm cozy diner.  We were hosted by the local Sears where the owner basically said “whatever you need just let me know and I’ll get it”.  From Wawa, we had a long shuttle through the park past the Soo to a place called Spanish Ontario.  It was a beautiful drive but very long…longer than anticipated and we were already an hour behind schedule.  The riders had a difficult day in front of them but they were getting some help.  Joining them today were two 2010 National Riders Frank and Ulana…they were a sight for sore eyes!  It was hugs all around (Frank nearly hugged the stuffing out of me)!

A very nice lady who owned the local gift shop had yummy snacks set up for us.  Doug read the dedication…it was very moving…he did a great job.

The riders finally go on their bikes and were off to Espanola for lunch and from there we would be heading to Sudbury.  Our job today was to mark the route and we had Emily (T1 RMT) with us for the day…the proverbial rose between two thorns.

The roads were not the best for riding…no paved shoulders and very uneven.  This put us further behind as we rolled into Espanola for lunch.  The Sears store had pizza waiting for the riders not the best nutritional value, but they loved it anyway!  But it was still 70 kms to Sudbury so Rich and Carlo made the decision to shuttle ahead 30 km and ride in from there.  Doug and I were tasked with the job with finding a safe spot to drop the group…not an easy feat on a busy highway.  Anyway we finally found a place, dropped the riders and in our haste to get in front of the pack and mark the route we left Emily at the side of the road.  Luckily the sweep RV was still there so she wasn’t stranded but she still gave it to us (deservedly so) we she caught up to us later!  She did laugh it off and forgave us, but I am not certain that we will remain on her Christmas card list!  Sorry again Emmy!

During the day, Mike was trying to solve a logistical nightmare.  A National Rider (Robin) has been riding with both teams since we left Vancouver and she needed to be with T2 Friday morning in Brantford because her biggest sponsor and inspiration was going to ride along with her to Sherway Gardens.  If our day was running smoothly time wise we would have crossed paths with T2 near Espanola but we couldn’t make it happen.  I still hadn’t done a lick of driving and since I was coming off the ride in Toronto, I volunteered to drive Robin from Sudbury to Brantford and then get myself back to Barrie .

We left Sudbury around 8 pm (after a trip to Starbucks).  It is funny…you put two total strangers in a car together for 5 ½ hours and by the end of the journey they become friends.  Robin has had some frustrations along the way that I hope she can put behind her.  She has done a great job so far and I discovered that she is also one of the top fund raisers with over $30,000 in donations and counting!  You rock Robin!  I wish you well!

Hmmm…this is getting lengthy.  I’d better stop here.  I’ll fill you in on my final day later.

SNKCR – Day Eight by Tim Douglas

6 am Thunder Bay…

We are up and moving getting ready to trek over (via police escort) to the Terry Fox Memorial.  Alice is doing what Alice does best…getting organized and helping others get organized.  She is resplendent in her Sears track suit…we got these in Vancouver but I haven’t worn mine and probably won’t.  For those of you my vintage who remember SCTV think of the Johnny LaRue character brilliantly played by the late great John Candy…I don’t need to rock that look!  Anyway Al is wearing hers (and not looking like JLR) but something is still not right….she then realizes that she is wearing the pants backwards!  I laugh and Mike just shakes his head…(Alice here…know that I could have deleted this before posting…but I’m a bigger person than that :D

It is a very cold Northern Ontario morning.  The riders bundle themselves in layers as we head out on the short 15 km ride.  I begin to feel reflective.

For those of you who have yet to visit the Terry Fox Memorial, it is something you really should try to do.  It is set on a rock side ledge overlooking Lake Superior…an unbelievable view!  The monument itself is breathtaking and powerful!  It is outstanding what this young man accomplished and it blows you away when you realize how many millions of dollars has been raised in his name for cancer research!  He is the genesis of why we are here.  Mike said a few words in his eloquent way marking the halfway mark of our journey.

I must admit, I got pretty emotional thinking of Corey.  Jessie came up to console me she could see that I was sad.  This is hard for her to fathom as Corey passed 5 years before she was born.  She wanted to know what he was like…he was just an infant so how do you answer that? I told that her that I bet he would have been 50% Scott and 50% Chris (Corey’s younger brothers).  She thought about combining her two cousins into one, smiled and said “oh gawd”!

We departed Terry Fox full of raw emotions but inspired!  The riders had a day a head of Northern Ontario rollers, huge winds and bitter cold.  But it was coming together for us a team which is astounding if you think about it…most of us were strangers 9 days ago.

The day went off without a hitch (other than having to shuttle through some construction) and as we were showering up and having a meal at a truck stop outside Nipigon, a young lady dropped in to visit.

Naomi is a young mother and an 8 year cancer survivor.  She wanted to meet us (especially Josh) and tell us her story.  She told us that she felt so alone and isolated in her battle and her goal is to educate others, including her children.  Rich made the decision that we make a quick detour to visit her and some of the local children at the Helen Lake Reserve…Naomi was thrilled!

When we got there we went to the community center and stood in a great big circle….riders, crew and children.  Naomi and Josh spoke and then Rich had some of the riders and crew speak how and why they were here.  A very touching moment.

As we were leaving I gave Naomi a hug and told her that she was not alone….her glistening eyes and huge smile will be with me for a very long time!

This marked the end of a very emotional day…now we had a long shuttle ahead of us to Wawa where we are going to spend the night.  I decided that our RV needed to have a little goofy fun and create some good karma.  We were driving past White River the home of Winnie the Pooh.  For those of you interested in the origin of Winnie the Pooh, google “White River, ON” or “Winnie the Pooh origins”…it is a Paul Harvey rest of the story kind of thing.  Anyway we went to Pooh Park, did the photo op thing and jumped back into the RV and were on our way in 5 minutes flat.  Sharon (one of the riders) asked me what the good karma was…I simply said that we were out here for the kids and you don’t get more “kid like” than Winnie!  Sharon whole heartedly agreed!

Our RV will forever remember White River Ontario as our “Pooh Break”!

SNKCR – Day Seven by Tim Douglas

Northern Ontario…..

We rolled into a small mining town called Atikokan (pop 3300) in the wee hours of the morning.  You could tell by all the “For Sale” signs the poor economy has taken its toll on the area.  But you wouldn’t know it judging by the warm reception we received from the community!  We were supposed to be cooking our own breakfast but when the “Atikokians” heard this, they were having none of it!  Once again, small town hospitality was front and center…there was enough food to feed an army!

A cool thing happened during the ride, the riders rode from Central to Eastern time.  Most people think that the time changes as soon as you reach Ontario.  Not true, it is actually on the other side of Kenora.  Hmmm…just re-read the last paragraph…pretty boring stuff talking about the time change…move on Tim!

As messed up as we were yesterday, we ran like a fine Swiss watch today!  All the rest stops went off without a hitch and the weather co-operated for the most part.  Doug and I were the follow RV and were joined all day by Drew Nelson (proud papa of Josh) and Jack “the maniac” Hoke.  We’ve shared the RV with Jack the past two years and he has taken a lot of “guff” from us and he keeps coming back for more…great guy that Jack!

As we rolled into Thunder Bay, the riders did a quick pit stop at a gas station for a bio break.  Curiosity got the better of a couple of the local townsfolk and when they learned what we were up to the donated $25 to the cause!  Nice!

I know that I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but the folks from Sears did another great job hosting us!  And around 11 pm a shiny, bright and familiar face showed up…my co-blogger Alice!  Woo hoo!  It was great to see her and I will be passing the blog baton to her over the next couple of days…

Tomorrow morning we visit the Terry Fox memorial…