Day 2

Today is Day 2 and we traveled a total of 172 kilometers and it seemed like it was only hills up, hills on a curve and hills after the last hill.  What was missing was the down portion of the hill. 

We were blessed with a wonderful day of weather from the moment we started the ride in New Market to the completion of the day in Campbellford.  Mr. Sunshine followed us all day which was a welcomed team member from yesterday's dense fog and moisture from the rain.

 The morning had the Team riding together as a group at a steady pace.  We were treated to wonderful hydration and nutrition by our "unsung hero's" partnered with their welcomed smiles, enthusiasm and motivation.

 After lunch the Team split into groups going at their own pace and conquering the hills at their own speeds.  Once again the Waters Edge Inn welcomed us.  Chris took a plunge into the cold waters of the Trent River and Jenn did one better by dawning her tri-suit, cap and goggles and went for a swim. 

After everyone enjoyed the heat of the showers the Team met and went to a local restaurant and were treated to a great meal to replenish the calories burned on today's ride.  The Team were tired but not as many nodded off as last night. 

Tomorrow is our long day at approximately 190 kilometers and they are calling for rain, rain, more rain, head wind and cooler temperatures.  Due to this fact all Team members were happy to hit the pillow early.  Even though we are expecting less than desirable weather all members are unmoved on their motivation for this event.

 Thank you to the posts from family members.  Your words of encouragement are priceless.  We miss you all!

 Scott

Hailey Cole

Hi Mom,

Keep up the good work.  It was nice to be able to see you leave on your ride.  I'm glad I could be a part of the ceremony.  I love my jersey as you can see in my photo.  I hope the weather is good for all of you.  I also hope no dogs have chased you.

Love Hailey

Go Daddy Go!

It was great to get an update on your ride yesterday.  Thank you!  You made great time despite the weather so congratulations.  We wish you lots of luck on this hilly day and can't wait to see you Friday around Westport.
... Does anyone else think $100,000 for a three year total is achievable?
Cancer seems to take away so much, but please remember what it can't do: It can't corrupt the soul, or stop the healthy from doing their part to dismantle it.

Thanks Team 3C for doing your part!

Isabelle and Sarah Mae

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!

The unsung heroes of the ROYL team

Who are those folks at the back of the photo?  They're the unsung heroes of the ROYL team...the support crew.  From left to right are Pete Y, Greg and Karen, Roxy, and Peter V.  These are the people who make sure the team is fed, safe, and healthy.  They drive the vehicles that lead and follow the team, map out the route the team follows, carry extra bike tires, and generally keep this well oiled machine going!  Next time you see any one of them, give them a pat on the back for the great work they do for the Ride of Your Life!

And they're off!!

The Ride of Your Life Tour kicked off in front of the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre with a great crowd cheering them on!  Ron Caudle from the GRH Foundation, and WRPS Deputy Chief (and Rider) Brent Thomlison said some great words of encouragement (and thanks) before sending the team out onto King St and onward to Ottawa. 

Safe ride Team!

A quick THANK YOU before I leave.....

The road ahead....

First off....Matt you are awesome!  Hope you enjoyed my home town of Windsor and have brought some nice weather with you back to Kitchener.  Good for you for going over and above but that is what this Team 3C is all about.

I want to make sure some people are acknowledged for their help and support of me in my trek to Ottawa from Kitchener.  First it will be my family.  They have supported me through the winter months on my trainer and through out rain and shine the past few months.  Hailey!  What a kid.  She has made a bracelet for each rider in the colours of red and blue representing Police and incorporated yellow to signify Cancer awareness.  Just amazing!


 I also want to acknowledge a fine group of individuals that I spent two weeks with at the Ontario Police College.  This class of 20 officers from around the province from services such as O.P.P., Niagara Regional, Peterborough, Ottawa, York Regional, and Chatham-Kent (I hope I didn't miss anyone) we generous enough to lend me their ear and allowed me to explain this ride.  They also were presented with the video that is linked to the ROYL home page and astonished at the amazing difference that the Cancer Center has accomplished.  With that they collectively donated $355 to the cause.  Thank you!

The current recruit class met me at OPC and surprised me with an envelope of $300 that they also collectively raised to help the members of our community and support this ride.  Again, another amazing group of officers that will soon serve our community proud.


Also, thank you to South Division Platoon #2 who raised funds in support of the ride.  They were treated to a breakfast cooked by retired firefighter / current police officer, and my husband, Bruce Cole.  Thank you for your support.


 For all of those who have donated online, in person and have provided words of encouragement I thank you all.  I could not have done this (and do this) without you.  As of tonight, currently 10:16 pm the night before the ride you have all helped me raise just over $1600.  My goal was $1280, which was $2 per kilometer, and you have all helped me surpass that.  This ride has everything to do with helping the members of our community who have, are or will be affected by Cancer and the support of funds received will benefit them all.  Thank you!


Tanya Natyshak-Cole