Kathryn Featherstone

Day 16 – Thursday Sept 22 – Lower Sackville – Peggy’s Cove – final destination - Halifax

Day 16 – Thursday Sept 22 – lower Sackville – Peggy’s Cove – 10am – Halifax arrive at noon – Point Pleasant Park – arrive at 2pm – total 100km 

So the drive to Lower Sackville was a pleasant and quiet one – there are very few of us in our RV now – it seems ours is the quiet one – the place to come if you need to write in your blog or have a nap – no complaints – I was pretty wiped out from today’s ride so I had a nap on the couch – toque pulled over my eyes and a blanket – OUT – for a couple of hours

AS we pull into our destination in Lower Sackville I realize it is the parking lot of the Lower Sackville Recreation Arena – cool – and the New York Fries sponsor is there cooking away a storm!!!  Lobster Bisque – awesome – Lobster Tails – Outstanding – a Grilled Mixed Veggie dish – some Vegetarian Stews – and some beverages from some of the sponsors – It was simply outstanding and a great way to fill up my belly for my sleep tonight – I think it was 11:30pm or so when we got there  - and there was a time change so I am pretty confused as to what time it truly is – But I am not going to argue to go to bed as our morning start is early – and it’s our last day – ear plugs, eye mask, heat run on legs – ready to go

Good morning – Well I wake up having to get to a washroom so not concerned about time – just gotta go – When I return I realize it is just before 6am so that is fine as the wake up call isn’t far off – So I get up and start gathering my kit to wear today – and start to sort out some of my other items as today is our last day – WOW – I can’t even believe it – Happy and Sad – Happy and Sad – but when we are finished today we have to have everything off the trucks and OUT – so I am going to try and gather as much as I can this morning – As I figure I will be tired and in a rush to get showered and ready for our party tonight –

Another delicious breakfast – scrambled eggs – potatoes – Tim Horton’s coffee – yummy yummy – It isn’t too cold this morning which is nice but it is brisk and I feel a little bit of fog in the air – I am told this is normal in Nova Scotia – dressed and ready to go – Derek has come to hang out with me this morning – kids are still asleep and with Granny and Grandpa – I think he is starting to get the feeling of what my mornings have been like – the preparation – the bikes – the timelines – We have our getting ready routines when we ride together – or do Ironman together – but this is different – I am totally ready to go – So excited – Happy to get going –Happy to be done – but sad that it is over –

I have been thinking about this day for several – as I figure I will have some sad and happy tears – but I don’t really look at this as the end – more like the beginning – of something so much bigger for me than I can even comprehend right now – A new chapter in my life – and a new chapter in the life of all of my family – for I now have found a purpose or a drive that means so much more to me than just accomplishing a physical challenge – I have realized that I can use my talents – my physical abilities – and help make an impact in helping shape a better future for children in Canada – I also know that I haven’t even touched the surface of my abilities or talents to help in the quest – This event that I was so fortunate to participate in – was just a way for me to get my feet wet and figure things out – I am an observer by nature – in any new adventure and when I meet new people – I am always quiet to start and I watch and observe before I start to get myself too far in – I like to feel prepared and knowledgeable and look for a trust component before I really start to share.

I am ready to share – and so when I see everyone at the end today – all the new friends I have made – it will not be goodbye – but more of a see you later – As I know I will see them again – probably sooner than later –

Ok we are off at 8am – Today Patrick will speak – instead of a dedication to a child this morning – he dedicates today’s ride to all of us – and the inspiration that we have given so many – It is very touching to know that we have been able to help make a difference - I kiss Derek goodbye before he leaves and find Terri – I would  like to ride with her today as much as I can  - we have been fortunate enough to realize that we are very similar in personality and visions – and have been able to form a stronger bond than I for certain realized – I wish we didn’t live so far apart to be honest as getting to know her and Marc over the last three weeks – I have realized that Derek and I would really really love to spend more time with them – Terri and I both work for GoodLife in the same department and usually get to see each other 4 times a year in meetings but this year is probably going to be a little different so I am hoping we will get to see each other at “Coast to Coast” activities now instead.

So initially I am thinking – 100km – not a big day – it should be enjoyable – Which is funny – How many of you think about cycling 100km in a day and think that is an easy day? LOL – funny how perspectives change –

Well – we are sadly mistaken – first off Jeff Rushton is leading our group out – Jeff is full of JET FUEL – or something – so I am worried he is going to have us HAMMERING the whole 100km – Well I was pretty close to correct – he was reminded to hold it back a few times – LOL – but it wasn’t just him – It was ALL THE DARN HILLS in Nova Scotia – Holey Moley MaccaNoley!!!!  What the heck??  Not sure if my legs were just done from the 193km from yesterday or perhaps the past 15 days of cycling – but man oh man – even though we were able to get up these hills – it was nothing short of a miracle that we got up them all – Wow WOW wow – I think this was the hardest combination of hills in the total of our 16 days – good thing I had a little adrenaline in my system from being excited to be done today  - oh and I am stubborn – and I had a few hills with a strong hand on my back from Patrick – until my legs really relaxed and then I was ready to go – the scenery was incredible – riding right beside the water all day – As we rolled into Peggy’s Cover – I was overwhelmed with emotion – Beautiful shoreline of huge rocks etc and we pulled into the SwissAir III crash site memorial – off in the distance you can see a lighthouse and I realize we have made it to the Eastern part of our country – and I start to sob – for pride – from exhaustion – from sadness for those that lost their families at the site we are standing at – for appreciation of the beautiful country that we live in – everything all together – I need a moment –

Ok back on the bike – back to the hills – surprisingly after 16 days the one thing that isn’t too bad is my bottom – maybe it is the double pair of chamois shorts – the aquafor cream – the butt butter – or the fact that my legs are burning more – but I don’t have to worry about it –

I decide to try and help lead the peloton so up I go to the front of the pack – I feel pretty strong at this point – legs have started to relax – I do have my confidence back after over a week of being cautious – I finally feel that I am more than capable of riding at the front again – I am proud of myself for this part of my journey – after falling – I can’t believe the mixed emotions I have gone over and over after that day – I questioned whether I had the right to be out here – What I could have done differently to avoid the fall – I can’t remember if I told all of you what actually happened – but let’s just say – if I had been riding by myself it wouldn’t have happened – but I managed mentally to get over all of it – I am able to re-establish trust with all the riders I am with today – and I know that I do have knowledge to share with others and that by continuing to ride after my fall – I have been a even stronger and more significant role model to others – to never give up – no matter what – When bad things happen to you can choose to run away – climb under a rock – give up – OR you can persevere and  never give up – I chose the latter – mostly because again, I am stubborn – but because I was out here for the kids – and didn’t want to disappoint –Trust me – every day since that day there was at least two instances per day that I almost stopped and got into an RV – but I didn’t  - because I knew, I could do it – break it down into smaller goals – just another 10km – a rest is coming – 15 more minutes – whatever I told myself – I stuck to it – and gotter done –

Anyway – here I am in the front of the pack trying to lead – and I am so terribly proud of myself – little me – Kathryn Featherstone – 39 year old mother of 3 and wife – at the front of the pack of an elite cycling group – riding across Canada on our final day – Oh Yeah!! That was cool

One last pit stop – and then we are heading into Halifax – as we come over the hill and see the big blue sign “Halifax”  it takes my breath away for the second time today – and I start to cry again – OH MY GOD – I did it – I cycled across Canada – I am brought to tears now just thinking about it – I never – in a million years – thought I would ever, ever do this – The best thing about it – Is I did it because I chose to – and because I could – Josh has been quoted as saying “Ride for me until I can do it myself”  There will be children that can never do it – So I did it for them.  And I hope that someday, I can do something like this WITH MY children.

As we pull into the Halifax Shopping Mall, there are my three children (Kaitlyn, Kyla, Kampbell) and my husband Derek standing and waiting for me in their Louis Garneau jerseys that I purchased for them a few days ago – I jump off my bike and bury my head into my kids chests and just bawl – For so many reasons – All I want is a hug right now – poor kids are asking me what is wrong – I tell them nothing – I am just really happy to see them  - I get kisses from Derek – I see Granny and  Grandpa and get to meet their friends Bev and Chuck – they are going to stay for an extra week here and visit –

Then I see Kim Rogers – and Janice – wow wow wow – So cool- and SO GREAT to see them – Pictures pictures pictures – with myself, Terri and Christine Cairns – super shot for CanFitPro and GoodLife – Girl Power!!  We listen to some wonderful speakers here – a young lady that is a cancer survivor and has caught the Coast to Coast fever helping out at events – a father spoke of his daughter Olivia who was diagnosed just in February with Leukemia at age 11 – but she is recovering and managed to start Grade 7 in September- so that was great news – It was the little extra spark that we needed as we had to more stops to make until we are done –

This is the ride along portion as well – 10km – with the kids – Derek has Kampbell on a trail a bike – Kyla is ready to go – Kaitlyn is ready but I can tell she is nervous – we get going with the group but slowly end up at the back as Kaitlyn doesn’t want to get moving – I ride with Kyla for a while ahead and then decide to stay back with the rest of my family – as we turn one of the last corners I feel a bang into my back tire and realized that Kaitlyn has run into the back of me – as I have cut her off on a corner – UGG like mother like daughter – I didn’t know she was there and had asked her to tell me when she was on my right or left – but I guess I turned sharply and she couldn’t – over she goes and lands on her shoulder and knees – bike goes onto the bike rack and into one of the cars she goes – it wasn’t bad as she wasn’t going at any sort of speed – but she is upset and I feel badly – she rides in there until we get to the hospital for the children’s visit – We get to the hospital IWK and go into the children’s park and meet Olivia – I spoke of her earlier – she is a lovely young lady –

Back on the bikes to our final destination  -Atlantic Ocean to dip our wheel and finish our journey – we are brought to the beach with BagPipes – Ben and I are a little behind the group as I asked him to help me ride with Kaitlyn so we could get her to finish her ride – She didn’t want to ride again but I told her she needed to finish this – It was super cool

A toast to us from Jeff Rushton – the most beautiful medals with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride emblem given to each of us – an opportunity to write a message on a large banner for all to read – then down to the water with our bikes – dip the tire in – cool

Then we take our rocks that we collected in BC (I give one to Derek, Kaitlyn, Kyla and Kampbell that I kept for them) and we throw it in – Awesome

Our journey is done – Our mission is complete……………………………………….For now

Day 15 - Fredericton to Lower Sackville - One Day Left

Day 15 – Wed Sept 21 – Fredericton – leave at 7am – Cambridge – leave at 9:45am – Salisbury – leave at 2:15 –Moncton – leave at 5:30pm  - total 182km -  shuttle to lower Sackville –

Fredericton – WOW – we arrived last night 10:30pm but 11:30pm their time – it was pitch black outside – most of us were dead asleep in the RV as yesterday took such a WHACK out of us – we arrived in the Sears parking lot to sirens – seriously, I thought we were in trouble for doing something wrong and they were coming to charge us or arrest us – LOL – BUT it was the local fire department and many many Sears volunteers at the store there to greet us – We had truly not had this big a reception anywhere else – it was pretty overwhelming – A handful of the volunteers would be staying in the store overnight watching movies – so that the store could stay open all night – anyone was able to use the washroom and in fact, anyone was welcome to sleep inside on the beds or couches – WOW that was cool – Since I was happy with my little bed arrangement in the Bunkie I slept there – I am quite comfortable in my sleeping bag – with my blankets and my own pillow so I was fine – They even had fresh pizza ready and waiting for us – So we nibbled on a couple of pieces and then off to bed – our wake up call was 5:15am so that we could ensure we left at 7am – and 5:15am in Fredericton was really 4:15am Ottawa time – YIKES

Ok off to bed – zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz – wake up call came through early and I was ready – not sure I got enough sleep but I was on autopilot  - there was a lovely breakfast waiting – and coffee from the Keurig – yum – we are going to try and ride 200km today so I put heat rub all over my legs – tiger balm on my sore hips – took two Motrin to help with swelling – my vitamin – and I was ready to go

As I went outside there was my family – they had walked from the hotel right beside the Sears – that is where they stayed last night – They are so sweet and looking so cute – the kids follow me around to help me get ready – they put my water bottles onto my bike – I get lots of hugs and kisses – lots and lots

Today’s dedication was for a little girl named Maddie – the letter was written by her mother Jennifer saying thank-you to everyone involved in this whole organization and the hospitals – Maddie passed away but her time spent in the hospital when having treatment and the ladies that made times fun for Maddie – even when she had her IV’s attached to her arms – and she wasn’t  feeling well after treatment – her mother was so forever grateful to – She appreciated knowing these efforts that are being made and the monies are being put to good use – It made us feel  - again -  like we are helping make a difference -

Ok get my bike – ready to go – big breath in – ready to go – 200km or bust

I am back – I can’t believe I did it without any issues – no bike issues – no body issues – felt strong – a few moments where my legs felt done – but then only minutes later they were ready to go again – and I felt strong – I helped pull at the front of the peloton a couple of times – it was great – my confidence is back and my body is pain free – with the exception of sore muscles – but no  pain from injury – So very exciting – The scenery today was pretty incredible – the roads are purely horrible – bigger holes in the road than yesterday – with only small opportunities of nice paved road – but the scenery was gorgeous and the weather was fantastic – The sun and warmth can make any day better for sure –

When we stopped for lunch my family was there again too – It was wonderful to see their happy faces  - we eat quickly as we have 30 more km to do before the next stop but it was delicious – vegetarian stew – scrambled eggs – and half a baked potato – and a handful of almonds – that was a power lunch – hugs and kisses – and off we went to get to Moncton –

Another beautiful ride – rolling hills – I am not saying we didn’t have some challenging hills to climb today but all in all – it was a great day for riding – as we pull into Moncton we see a large crowd – that is exciting – 193km – we rode 193km today – I could have gone more but I really wanted to be done – so I was pleased when we pulled in – our bikes quickly go onto the truck – and then we are walked over to the group by a bagpiper and we walk underneath a bridge of boat paddles held up by a group of ladies – that are all breast cancer survivors – and it is pretty awesome – And my family is there – Derek walks over to me and gives me the biggest hug – and won’t let go – he is emotionally moved by all of this – Wait until tomorrow – I think it is going to be overwhelming – he is proud of me – and I am pleased with the strength that I feel this has already given our relationship  -  and the kids give me hugs and kisses – and my inlaws – Eleanor and Peter – aka Grandpa and Granny – are there as well – I am happy they are there – we are served a lovely meal – AND there are five tables set up with massage therapists waiting to treat us – ALLELUIA – I go and lie down for a leg rub – it was amazing – I almost fell asleep and was very whoozy when I finally had to get up and walk away -  Off for a shower at GoodLife – Yahoo – Now we are getting a Tim Horton’s coffee – so excited!! And now a shuttle to Lower Sackville -

Day 14 - Rain Rain Go Away - Come again After Sept 22nd

Day 14   - Tues Sept 20 – leave Levi 7:30am – Montmagny – leave at 8am – St Anne de la pocatiere – leave at 1;45pm –St Pascal – arrive 3pm – total km 144 –

I slept with the eye mask last night and the ear plugs – so when I pulled out the ear plugs in the morning when I woke up – I was shocked to hear pitter patter sounds on the roof of the truck – it sounded like a torrential downpour – ugg – rain??? Really??? I thought it was supposed to be sunny and around 17 degrees??? Uggg –

As I surface from the dark truck I realized that it isn’t raining that hard – but the sky is totally clouded over – ok long shirts – sugar knickers (my favourite capri cycling pants with the best and thickest chamois – raincoats – 144km today – we can do it

As I finish breakfast and come back out to the parking lot – I see the truck with Derek -  Eleanor – Kaitlyn and Kyla – everyone tells me that Kampbell says good morning – LOL – he  didn’t want to get out of bed so Peter stayed with him

The girls follow me around as I get ready – which is cool so they can see all the prep work – and then it is time to go – the roads themselves were off and on good today – so strips of highway were fantastic – other strips were horrific and you were holding onto your bike for dear life – the ride today was very lovely – a few climbs here and there but nothing unmanageable

I CANNOT say the same for the weather  - it was horrific – rain rain go away – and it wasn’t so much the rain that was falling – but the water that was splashing up in our face from the back tire of the bike in front of us that we were following – and the sludge that was spitting up from there – by the time we finished our first 52km – we were ALL covered in dirt from head to toe – we looked at each other through filthy glasses and laughed our heads off – we looked like we had been rolling around in mud puddles – seriously – it was HILARIOUS – well sort of – our feet were soaked -  slushy – our legs were soaked through – by the time we had stopped and gone to the washroom  -  we  were all freezing – ok get ourselves psyched up again – just another couple of hours until lunch –

Or so we thought…………………same yuckiness – rain – puddles – dirt in the face and mouth – I was chewing on gravel for most of the afternoon – the ride again wasn’t bad – until we found out – after climbing a big monster hill – that we had made a wrong turn – which would have been fine – except we had already enjoyed going down the other side – so turn around – and climb up again – make the right turn and we ended up at a visitor center right on the water – again , very lovely – but several extra km’s added to what we thought would be a ride just over two hours – it just seemed to drag and drag – my toes were so cold they felt like they were going to fall off – my legs were black from dirt – socks absolutely soggy –

Lunch was awesome – veggie burger with a slice of sweet potato on top – the most delicious and hot tomato soup – tim horton’s coffee – some grilled veggies – it was great - 

Washed my face – dropped my cycling gloves in the toilet – oh YES  I did – put on dry socks – put on a dry coat under the rain coat – MY FAMILY arrived just before we were going to leave for the last 37km – so I got more hugs and kisses – I was COLD – but I was ready to get this done for today

Off we went – and just like most days – HAMMERING OUT OF THE GATES since everyone wants to get this done -  it was fine to start – but then we ended up with a wind in our face – and for this last part I  had decided to stay near the back – and it was really really difficult to stay on the line – holey smokes it was tough – especially since we had just eaten – but we go through it – and it was done – Another successful day – done – memorable yes – because of our mental toughness –

Showers at the arena – great dinner that some of us brought into the RV as we weren’t ready to eat yet – cheese ravioli – a lovely salad – and the yummiest desserts – brownies – butter tart squares – AGAIN – no wonder I can’t lose any weight – but well earned today – this was a tough day –

On the shuttle for 440km shuttle – several hours – but our destination - Fredericton

Day 13 - Montreal - Quebec City - Louis Garneau - Levis

Day 13 – Sept 19 – leave Montreal Terrebone 8am – shuttle to Trois Rivieres – leave 10am St Anne de la Parade  leave 2:45pm – Portnuef – leave 5:15pm – Louise Garneau – leave 5:15pm – Quebec City Place Laurier – total 138km – shuttle to Levis–

I should have known that today would be interesting – because – after all – that seems to be the way the days have been going lately -

I was very excited because I knew Derek, the kids, Peter and Eleanor  - would  be meeting with me at the end of the day today – and they will be travelling down with us the rest of the way – every day I would have a little more ambition and motivation to get things done

Today’s dedication was for Jamie – when she was 6 years old she was diagnosed with kidney cancer – she had it removed – she is now 9 years old and a very happy little girl – She now plays net ball, is a dancer – and got to go to dance camp at Disneyworld in the summer as her Wish – and had a special gift of being a part of the Disney Parade – Awesome awesome – Linda did this dedication and spoke about how Jamie was such an optimistic little girl  -

It was feeling like a good morning – it was supposed to reach a high of 20 or 21 today so that was awesome -  still bundled in the morning though –

Off we go – and let’s just say – we got lost – again – it’s all a bit of a blur – but it seemed like we went one way – and it was the wrong way – at one point we went down a road – that then turned into a gravel road – and then we realized we couldn’t go any further – and so we had to turn around – and get shuttled further to our destination for about 25km so that we would leave enough of a ride for the day – but ensure we arrived at the Louis Garneau offices in enough time for us to meet Louis Garneau himself – have a little tour – and then do a little shopping in his outlet store next door –WE were warned before we started this adventure that there would be days like this – and we would just have to roll with it – so at this point all I could do was have a giggle and be happy that the sun was shining

Well we pulled it off – and actually the ride was very lovely – the sun was shining – very little wind – the scenery was very beautiful – and just as we were approaching Quebec City some riders pulled up behind us – it was Team 2!! And Ben was there – yahoo – I could have a great chat with Ben at the back of the Peloton – I missed him – so this was a cool time to have a catch up - Then Louis Garneau led us out for our last 20km ride to our final destination – and holey smokes -  We think he planned a route that took us through all the darn hills in Quebec City – WOAH – The last one was a real humdinger – if I didn’t sweat until that point I sure did then – eeekkk – OK – NOW I am exchausted – We had a lovely dinner made for us by New York Fries – a Vegetarian Stew  - Veggie Burger – Salad – Baked Potato – whatever I could get my hands on – hungry hungry hungry – no wonder I can’t lose any weight on this darn escapade –

Pop back into the RV to head to Levis – for showers – we end up having to book 4 hotel rooms so that everyone can go in and shower and change – and then  shuttle to our Pit Stop for the  night – the parking lot of the Sears in Levis -  Derek and  the kids and Peter and Eleanor have already arrived so they head over and book hotel rooms and then come back to see me – IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE THEM – even to get hugs and good night kisses – this is what will keep me going to the end no matter how tired or sore –

I give them each a gift – I had three of the yellow “Doo Rags” that you put on your head that I received at one of the Sears locations with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride emblem on  -AND I give Kaitlyn, Kyla and Kampbell – and Derek – a beautiful blue cycling jersey – one for each of them – that I purchased at the Louis Garneau store – for them to wear in Halifax on Thursday for the 10km ride along at the end of our journey – I am so excited to have my family cycling their bikes in with me to the end – They put them on and they look awesome – I also bought one for myself so that when Derek and I teach RPM together we can be “matchy matchy” LOL

It is nurse Linda’s birthday today as well – She said there is nowhere else she would rather be today – Doing something that she loves to do on her birthday – and we were privileged to be spending this day with her – Terri, Marc and I bought her a jersey for her birthday as well – She had planned to purchase it at the outlet as well so while we were paying for our purchases we paid for hers as well – We hoped she would like the surprise –

So everyone gave me another round of hugs and kisses and then they went back to the hotel to go to bed – I had some yummy birthday cake and then headed off for a nice slumber - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Day 12 - on the road again - to Montreal

Day 12 – leave Ottawa 8am -  shuttle to Hawksbury – arrive 9:30am – leave at 10am – Rigaud – leave 12 – Marina de Point Claire – leave 2:30pm – arrive Montreal – Carrefour Agrinon – arrive 5pm – total 109km

Up at some foolish hour to make sure that I am ready to get back to ST Laurent – some fresh clothes – more supplies – kids dragged out of bed – oatmeal – yogurt – coffee – in the car – LET’S GO

We arrive before 7am at ST Laurent – and go into the Sears store – the kids get to see how my mornings go – they hear the dedication and I think they start to understand what it is that we are truly doing – and how lucky they are to have their health –

The dedication for the day was a little girl diagnosed with brain cancer at a very early age – this was a good news story as she is now in remission and able to go to school – I remember Erin mentioning that the little girl was ok with going and staying at the hospital as there was lots of things for her to do there as well – but she did miss quite a bit of school – Erin also mentioned that her mother’s friend was going in for a second mastectomy tomorrow so she was also in our thoughts -

When we come out of the building we are greeted by my wonderful sister-in-law Michelle and the puppies (Sneakers and Shasta)  What  a wonderful surprise – hugs – licks – wiggly tails – what a great pick me up – The kids and Derek have to leave then so everyone goes – and then I see one of my wonderful instructors Donna Brooks wandering around – How lovely that she had come out to see me as well  - Very touching – Ok into the RV – but WAIT – there is Abi Johnson – WOW I am feeling pretty special that all of these people had come out to see me – it was really lovely

Ok RV is leaving – and then a little while later I get a message from Trish Roche – that she and her son Thomas had also been trying to see me but just missed us and watched our RV pull away – oh darn – Thanks so much everyone for all of your efforts – it is very flattering –

SERIOUSLY?? SERIOUSLY!!!We arrive in Hawksbury – ready to go – I am standing with my bike and we are just about to push off – and a hornet flies under my arm – AND STINGS ME – I am not kidding – What is going on with my luck?  Seriously – OW OW OW – ok we gotta move so I will wait to show Linda – It stings  - good grief – but we ride – eventually we pull off the road for a quick stop so I run to Linda – she gives me a Benadryl and sprays something on the bite – off we go again –

This day was full of wrong turns – turning around – stopped as directions are unclear – dangerous traffic – more wrong turns – eeeeekkk – It was one of those days

I must say – the scenery was absolutely spectacular – riding beside the water was magnificent – the roads weren’t magnificent but the homes were lovely – the little towns were charming – it was a really beautiful ride and the sun was shining – All in all it was a lovely day  -

Day 11 continues - OTTAWA OR BUST

Shuttle – to Ottawa – ST Laurent – arrive 8:30pm

Ok well – 8:30pm came and went  - we landed at about 9:15pm and I was greeted by Stephanie, Jimmy and Gabe – Gabe was asleep – poor dude – then my car pulled up and I was jumped on by three really happy children – Kaitlyn, Kyla and Kampbell – the loves of my life – kisses kisses hugs and kisses – and then Daddy – Derek – big hugs and lots of love –

We took a tour of the Bunkie truck – showed the kids my bed – in the dark – just so they had the true experience – and the RV so they could see where we sit when I am talking to them on the cellphone – I think Derek wanted to see the RV to see how cool it was – He would like an RV

Off we went to home – it was cool to go home – Keisha (my cat) was very happy to see me – see meowed and meowed and as I rubbed her head she pushed her head back into my hand and purred and purred – awe unconditional kitty love

The kids were following me around suspiciously and watching me where I was going so I was figuring out something was up – finally my son said “Mom look in  your closet” So I did – WOW a whole new beautiful closet organizer – THE BEST PRESENT EVER –all my clothes were neatly organized and in their place – I L OVED IT – Thanks Derek -  xoxoxo

Ok next – laundry – two loads – and a leg rub – and sleep – I did have trouble settling because I was worried about missing the alarm and being late the next morning – but It was lovely to have my husband beside me in my own bed – and Keisha came to find me in the morning so I could feed her – she is my personal alarm clock –

Day 11 - OTTAWA OR BUST

Day 11 – Saturday Sept 17^th – leave Pickering at 8am – Newcastle at 9:30a – leave at 10 – Cobourg leave at 12:30 – Brighton leave 2:30pm – Belleville arrive 4pm – total 156km

OH MY LORD – I wake up with two tree trunks attached to my hips – my legs feel like bricks – yesterday was clearly a blow up –

Crossing my fingers that today won’t be too tough – 156km – eek – up by 6am – ready to go quickly after breakfast – broke a second pair of sunglasses – I only have one pair left – OH and I rubbed Tiger Balm over my calves, quads and my hip – really hope it helps

Leg number one of the ride was quite nice – good pace – great conversations with Terri – and then 40km done in no time – quick stop in Newcastle – I made the mistake of commenting that it felt like a Bike Tour – it was quite lovely

UG why did I say that?  Because of course – You know what happened – the hills appeared – Who the heck knew that there were hills out here?  Darn it – the hills appear and it starts again – my hips freak out and my glute freezes and my legs can’t move – oh lord – is it really going to be another of these days? Twice I consider while climbing two separate hills – contemplate – hopping in the RV - - but I am too stubborn – or dumb – one or the other – and again – mental toughness – tell myself to suck it up – we are almost done and I can get a massage or Tiger Balm and rub the heck out of my IT Band – Glute – and Piriformis as best I can – and stretch

When will this be over? Crazy – Ok we pull into Cobourg and I remember that Shelley told us she would come to see us – Yeah – something to look forward to – and another 40 km done – Yahoo

As soon as we roll in and I rack my bike – I find a space of grass and lie down – and stretch – and stretch – and stretch – ok surely that will help – Shelley arrives and that lifts my spirit – with her daughter, her two friends and her cute puppy – So sweet of her to come – and so great to see her

Linda gets to run Tiger Balm on my hip – and I am ready again – At least I tell myself that I am ready – I   am soaked through with sweat but I don’t take anything off for fear I will get even colder – another 40km or so to go – This leg of the ride is lovely – just lovely – a few hills – but so picturesque riding through all the beautiful little towns – ok I think the worst is over – same for the last 36km we did – it was great – my legs burned etc but I knew I could do this – so thrilled when we are done – quick shower in Belleville -  and I realize I am going to get to see Derek and the kids tonight and sleep at  home – I am thrilled -

Shuttle – to Ottawa – ST Laurent – arrive 8:30pm

Day 10 – Friday Sept 16th - barrie – nobleton – etobicoke sherway – Toronto dundas square – 119km

Day 10 – Friday Sept 16^th - barrie – nobleton – etobicoke sherway – Toronto dundas square – 119km

So I had a rough sleep last night – not exactly sure why – but it wasn’t as settled as I would have liked – but when we got outside it was pretty nice – briskly cold but warmer than many of the mornings so f ar  - very excited today as there is a ride along so there will be lots of people – exciting – and riding into Toronto is cool – and my friend Nikki and her family are coming to visit too – Yahoo

BOOM BOOM POW!!!!!! That’s all I can say – oh my lord – the morning was not at all what I expected – we hammered out of Barrie like we stole something – Shocking really as we blew away from the group of people  - apparently someone’s pants were on fire – WOW - 

As soon as we left the Sears it felt  like we were climbing hill after hill – and not nice hills – Who knew Barrie was so darn hilly?? My hip started to freak out and was so unbelievably tight that I couldn’t get my legs to move well – but then I also decided that I couldn’t pound the hills like this so I found my new friend Jim – as rode to the first rest stop with him – Jim drove our RV and he is the nicest man and I really wanted a chance to ride with him – so I was thrilled when I found him – poor Jim had been sitting and driving for two weeks so getting on the bike must have been thrilling – I can climb the hills but since my hip isn’t feeling 100% yet and I can’t go very fast on the downhill when the wind is in my face and I can’t catch a draft – I slowed down quite a bit – but when we got to the pit stop – quick bathroom break – refill my water bottle – and a stretch

We were off again – ok refocus and suck up the pain in the hip – No sooner have I said that the hills have been tough but they were ok – they get worse – far worse – oh my lord – and I am pretty smart about hill climbing – I have learned over the years of endurance bike riding – stay light in the gears – but holey lord – I could use a push up the hill – ugg

Ok got through that leg – oh my gosh – no seriously – this was the HARDEST day yet – then I realize we are headed to Etobicoke – Sherway Gardens – my brother and my mother are going to be there – cool –

Surely to god this whole day isn’t going to be too rough – ok this leg of the ride was better – but still a few tough hills – mental toughness mental toughness mental toughness

I can tell that we are close to Sherway Gardens – and when we finally pull into the parking lot – it was overwhelming – there were a lot of people there cheering us in – It was so cool – I am moved to tears – I see my brother and start to tear getting a  big hug from him – of course my mother is wandering around and finally comes back and finds me – hugs – only time to have a quick bite to eat – We are then led out of the parking lot by a Piper playing the bagpipes – Very very cool and we have a police escort to downtown Toronto – that was cool – no lights – super  - we get to Dundas St and holey cow – the crowds were remarkable!! There were 100’s of people – again more tears from me -  I feel so proud of myself – I am so happy to know that our efforts have helped so many of these people –

We run an Inside Ride in the middle of Dundas Square across from the Eaton Center – and the National Riders have a few bikes assigned to them – so we all take turns riding as fast as we can for 10 minutes – for a total of 6 riders for 60 minutes – unfortunately there was a mix up of our RV’s and can’t find our running shoes so we have to ride in our bare feet – ouch – that was a little painful – Dance Music playing – people in costumes – It was really really fun – a great team builder for us  - so fun

Showers – changed – at Ryerson and then to HTO park parallel to Roger Center – on the water – BBQ and again 100”s of people there – it was cool – and then – even cooler – Nikki, Vic, Bodie, and Bree arrive – I am so thrilled and honoured and flattered that they drove all the way over here to see me – we got to visit for about a half hour - and that was lovely – But I am beat – back in the RV and shuttled over Pickering Center – when we get there we run over to the movie theatre to go to the washroom -  and then right into bed – and I fell asleep instantly -

Day 9 - Sept 15 - Wawa - Spanish - Espanola - Sudbury

Day 9 – sept 15 – wawa – shuttle to Spanish – espanola – walden – Sudbury – ride total is 138km - shuttle to Barrie

Up at 5:30am this morning – sleep was ok – no wind noise but not as solid as sleep as other evenings – we ordered Chinese food to be delivered to the parking lot last night at about 9:20pm to take the edge off the hunger pains – it was really quite awesome

We all shuttled to a nearby restaurant thinking we would be the only people in there this morning – half the restaurant was already full with local patrons and they were all staring at us confused as we all piled in – delicious big bowl of oatmeal with raisins, syrup and brown sugar – banana – coffee – apple juice – ready to go  - back on the RV to shuttle to Spanish Ontario – over 400km?  enough to stretch for sure so no excuses of over the top tight glutes today – hopefully today will be a good riding day – I am tired of feeling gimpy –

Stay tuned –

Wawa general store – We stopped here along the way for a bathroom break and discovered the most beautiful store full of wonderful handmade items –free coffee and lovely people directing us to the washrooms -   I ended up buying a toque for myself as I am tired of my head being cold in the mornings – It is purple – so I bought a pink one for my other daughter and a cute frog hat for my son – all handmade by a lady named June – June was working at the front cash so I paid her for the lovely hats and we were back on our way –

The hills and the water were so picturesque along the way – light rain here and there  - and then we were fortunate enough to see not one – but two beautiful full rainbows – that was uplifting and  made me believe it was going to be a great day

We arrived in Spanish – already ready in our gear so we were ready to go – The Country Store also a Sears Catalogue Center was our quick host – treating us with warm Apple Cider – which just hit the spot – it was just what we needed – but darn it – it was cold – again –

We were hoping for wind at our back but unfortunately as we started out on the day’s journey – it was in our face, and the freakin rain started – arggg – AND we were hammering out of this little city – unfortunately we started our day out an hour behind schedule already due to a miscalculation of travel time – so I guess there was a little more urgency to get moving – if the wind had been at our back it would have been great to be going 35km/hr  - Terri and I were riding side by side with Bob behind us yelling SLOWING like a TROOPER and unfortunately we were having a hard time getting a draft  - so we felt like we were spinning our tires – and leading a whole chunk of the riders – it was insane how hard it was  -

Then the rain fell harder – to the point that my glasses were steaming up and the drops were obscuring my view on the lens – good lord – we ARE a stubborn group as there was no intention of stopping at this point – but I am not going to lie – I sure thought of it a lot today – again – mental toughness – I just kept saying to myself – suck it up – it is a small amount of time relative to the amount of time that some of these poor kids spend even in treatment at the hospital –

Our dedication today was for Kristiana – born in in the 90’s – and then a roller coaster ride of tumour after tumour – being found – removed – having treatments and ultimately after 10 years – lost her battle – it was probably the saddest dedication so far as her life for herself and her family was full of despair and then optimism and then despair and then optimism – and then ultimately total disappointment and sadness – everyone was in tears  - however, it sure gave me something to ride for today –

more coming - stay tuned

Day 8- wed sept 14 – thunder bay – - nipigon – ride total is 117km - shuttle to wawa

Day  8- wed sept 14 – thunder bay –  - nipigon – ride total is 117km - shuttle to wawa

If we have ever had a day to challenge our mental toughness – I think today might have been the day for all of us – or most of us – I suspect most of us didn’t sleep well last night, not because we were cold, but because the wind was so strong that it kept blowing on the doors in and out – and the plastic on top of the roof was blowing up and down and sounded like someone was going through their kit bags and plastic bags most of the night – The wake up call came at 5:30am and that was most  unfortunate –

We ate at the Sears location in Thunder Bay and at 7am we were on our way to the Terry Fox Memorial – Today’s dedication was a sad story – as the child that had been diagnosed – had been treated for about 10 years and eventually lost their battle -

Feeling a little deflated – and uber uber cold we hop on our bikes almost in the dark and off we go – AT this point in the morning the only way to describe it was frigid – not sure how far above 0 degrees we were but I suspect  - not much

Off to the Terry Fox Memorial - WOW – That was incredibly overwhelming – For those of you that do not know what I am referring to -  There is a Terry Fox Monument up the top of one of the hills in Thunder Bay – we rode our bikes up into the area – trees on either side of the road led us up an archway of green into the beautiful space – as we overlook LaKe Superior we see this beautiful statue of Terry Fox – made of bronze created by a sculptor from Oakville – there is a beautiful inscription – I have to look at my pictures to repeat what it says – and then I am totally moved to tears -  Terry Fox   was  the pioneer of fundraising to try and find a cure for cancer -  He never really understood what  a Hero he was – As I look at Josh and realize that he is with us today because of what Terry created  - I am moved again to tears – As I think of all the people that I know that have had some form of cancer and are cured – my tears continue – lightly as I am also happy that my loved ones are still with me –

I am super tight in my left hip where I fell – because I need to stretch – I need a massage and I am so cold everything on me is pulling inwards – Today I am wearing full tights – riding shorts – a long sleeved underarmour shirt – cycling jersey – vest – long jacket and I put on my rain coat as it is starting to rain and I am not interested in getting cold – plus it works as an insulator as it doesn’t breathe – oh and a toque under my riding helmet, long gloves and slip over boots on my shoes –

Off we go down the hill from the memorial and the wind is brisk – the air is cold – daylight is here but the sun isn’t helping much – We are going to be riding on the highway – part of it is called The Courage Highway  - the first hill out of the city HURT LIKE HELL – it was right in front of us – we were cold – and it was steep and long – ugg – my butt was so tight my legs didn’t want to move at all – This is going to be a tough day if this continues –

A couple more hills and I am starting to panic as nothing is loosening up – and I am truly having trouble keeping up to the group – Ugg I have become the back of the pack rider that can’t keep up –

Two hills – Blake comes beside me and helps me up the hills – I so appreciate his help but it is bugging the heck out of me that I need his help – I am stubborn

At this point, if I am not mistaken – it starts to rain a little – or it might have been sleet – or snow – not quite sure – Ok so it is freezing – it is crazy windy – this appears to be a highway that lots and lots of big transport trucks use at all times of the day – not precipitation is hitting us – and my legs don’t want to move – For a flash moment I think it “I can’t do it today – I should quit now “  I have had these thoughts before today, but I haven’t told you about them – cause I always tell myself to suck it up – it is only for a few hours a day – Think of the pain and length of time that the kids go through – sickness – surgeries – treatments – suck it up –So I do

As soon as we stop I lie down on the ground to stretch my glutes – this is for a good minute or more on each side – ok that loosened up a bit – we only have another 20km or so until lunch stop – I will find Emilie and beg her for a massage

It is crazy scary on this highway – the trucks drive fast – close – there is very little shoulder – and not only is the wind in our face – but when the trucks race by – they pull us forward with their wind – and then the wind comes back and smacks us in the face – many times it feels like we could be lifted off our feet – I am not as petrified as I was the day after my fall – I was holding on for dear life that day and trusting no one – I did have some trust and confidence back today – All I needed was to get warm and stay loose

We stop for lunch and I find Emilie – we get into an RV to stay warm – and she stretches my glute, IT band and my piriformis – NOW STOP -  and listen – “ALLELUIA”  That is me singing out loud – for when I get back onto my bike – the pain in my butt has stopped – completely – ALLELUIA – I will ride again!!!

I am totally excited – I can climb – I make my way back into the pack  - No help needed any longer today – I will redeem myself and help the team – I help a couple of other riders up hills with positive coaching or advice – or just staying close behind or beside – and then I have this blast of energy and I am ready to move up the line – So Off I go – I no longer care that it is cold  - I have regained feeling in my toes and fingers – my rain coat as created a sauna for my body – I am dripping with sweat on the inside of the jacket – but I am warm  - It is awesome – I am just thrilled – and I do it – I getter done –

I am so proud of myself for getting through this – another day – trying to recover from scrapes and bruises all over – and the challenge of overcoming the mental soap opera going on in my head – I DID IT -  It was the toughest challenge today physically – hardest  hills – not the longest distance – only 119km – but definitely the toughest climbs – and the coldest weather – it didn’t get above 8 degrees today – but I did it – Today was our halfway mark – I am going to do this – I am stronger than I was yesterday – Physically and Mentally and I am only 3 days away from seeing my family – So I have more energy than I know what to do with when I finish – I give Emilie the biggest KISS and a huge thank-you -

We are at a rest stop that has wonderful showers – individual rooms with large – HOT – showers – I get in and never want to get out – but I have warm fuzzy trackpants and sweatshirt to get into  - so I turn off the water

Dinner was made in one of the RV’s by the wonderful volunteers – pasta and sauce and veggie sausages – they snuck more veg into the sauce too so that is great – I come back to my RV and have a couple of peaches – and I am good

Now a long shuttle to Wawa – What lies ahead for tomorrow – hmmmmm

Hopefully a good sleep tonight as I need it – I feel windburn on my face – Oh did I mention on the RV I got a fantastic massage again?  I am hoping tomorrow I will be  back to about 85 or 90% -

Day 9 – sept 15 – wawa – shuttle to Spanish – espanola – walden – Sudbury – ride total is 138km - shuttle to Barrie