Day 1

Day 1 is complete and Team 3C is breathing a sigh of relief!  The day started at 6:30am at our Headquarters loading bikes and luggage into the support vehicles then on to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre for the event opening ceremonies and departure. 

We were shocked and impressed to see such a great turnout of support from hospital staff, family and event partners at the kick off.  Deputy Chief Steve Beckett was on hand and Deputy Chief Brent Thomlison spoke and gave his thanks for our community's support for Ride Of Your Life.  Ron Caudle of the Grand River Hospital Foundation also spoke and thanked the Team for their fundraising efforts and let the crowd know that as of this morning our event had raised $26,000.  Our three year total is an astonishing amount of just over $80,000!!!

The Team said their final goodbyes to friends and family and Hailey Cole presented each rider with a homemade bracelet made from blue and red thread to represent policing and yellow to support the fight against cancer.  We made one ceremonial lap of the Cancer Centre ring road and that commenced our journey.

I started today's blog saying that Team 3C is breathing a sigh of relief.  We were immediately met with heavy fog making our ability to be seen on the road difficult for passing vehicles and a head wind for most of the day which made it increasingly demanding on most of the riders.  The route was changed slightly for this years event resulting in more challenging hills and plenty of sore legs.  The day ended in rain as we entered New Market and finally to our temporary home at the Comfort Inn met by the support staff providing recovery drinks for all! 

The day could not have been such a success without the commitment of the support crew to ensure the team was well fed, hydrated during the brief stops, and kept safe from passing motorists. 

The team were in need of some nutrition and off to supper we went.  I have never seen so many riders nod off during the first team dinner as today!  In spite of that we are a tough crew and are committed to supporting each other and the reason for this event.  We will get stronger as the week goes on!  We can only do that with the support of our friends and family so please post some continuing words of encouragement for our Team 3C riders.

Scott Richardson

Hailey Cole presenting Dr. Craig McFadyen with his Team 3C bracelet

 

Final line up before departing

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Sloden carefully packing up the bikes for departure for the Cancer Centre

Daisy needs refueling too!

Matt brought his "Go bag".  Not sure his gels and chamois cream will fit!