The Long Road out of Ontario.
[that's our dashboard view - pre monsoon]
We had the pleasure of riding out of Dryden and into Kenora smack dab in the middle of a lightening storm and accompanying downpour. If you have ever wanted to know what it feels like to be riding exposed on a highway with transports flying by you at 120 km / hr ++ spraying you as you fly by, I can assure you its very exciting.
There were points through the night we had to duck in between the support vehicles for shelter and safety (we’re working hard to bring you the actual footage of a transport in the rain fly by).
Some challenging decisions tested our group for the first time in terms of logistics / pace & exposure as we have certainly missed some media opportunities because of the speed of this journey. On one hand it’s about raising as much exposure and awareness as possible while on the other, it’s a grueling pace to generate more exposure, which can help generate more exposure when we return home. The media team (Dave, Suzzane and Kim) have done a great job of adjusting & organizing the schedules to make sure we stay as dialed in as possible.
As Kyle eluded to in his blog, the days are starting to wear on not only the mental stamina of the entire team, but the physical as well. Stretching, sleeping and eating are KEY parts of the ride that cannot be compromised for even 1 shift, or they will sneak up on you and knock you out. Have to hand it to Kyle, who has to not only ride, but then be whisked away to media events and pull out to meet thankful families – full plate.
Right now we are stopped in Winnipeg meeting families and preparing for the push across to Saskatchewan. We’ve had a great breakfast and are ready to get some much needed rest prior to pushing off.
A MASSIVE thanks to everyone who’s been writing words of inspiration, thanks & well wishes and to all of those following along – it’s great to hear your words of support and comments on the blogs. We read them to each other every time we log in & log on and it’s so great to know you are eagerly following us. For those who are at home, we will be there soon and miss you all. Some say the toughest part is yet to come, however I think the toughest part was making it to the Sept 14th starting line. Now we are simply executing on what we prepared 9 months for.
Cheers
[pre ride warm up inside the van]
33 Comments:
Hi Guys! Words cannot describe how proud I am of all of you - riders and volunteers. What an incredible group of individuals you have put together for this epic event! I get goose bumps every time I read one of your updates. You are getting tired and sore, but keep digging deep and remain focussed on your goal - you CAN do this! Keith, when you think you can't make it up one more hill, just hear us yelling "Nicoll, is that all you've got?!!" If I can figure out when you'll be home, I'll be there to greet you all! Stay safe and see you soon.
Barb Pearce
Most would agree that the bleak prairies and the vertical mountains ahead are daunting and that the physical challenge will be grueling. While it’s true that you have trained your bodies for it, you have also honed your mental and emotional determination. Some of us desk-top jockeys could handle a one hour ride in a light drizzle, but a dark, stormy, three hour ride (especially after 7 or 8 shifts) at 3:30 AM in the middle of nowhere, is to us, overwhelming. You are our heroes! You WILL get through this and come home to tell us your battle stories. Ride safely – we want you back.
hey there
Leo and I have been following your journey everyday and I can't believe you are more than halfway there..unbelievable that in a few short days you have done what most do not accomplish in a lifetime...you are all truly inspirational humans (and I do mean that for the entire team,riders and support people). I am so touched by the poignant entries by Taylor, what an inspiration for other children and what an incredible gift you are all giving her personally and to all children aflicted with JD;and K, you are the most incredible Dad, lucky girl! Keep pushing guys and we will try to find you when you get back home!!
shirley
The Mike's Bike Shop peloton from Moncton is sending you a virtual tailwind to Vancouver. Feel the power!
From my daughter Adele and the entire population of people living with Type 1...
KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!
It must be said that these blogs and photos are our lifeline to..what is turning out to be a historic fundraiser and physical feat.
Thank you so much for this venue. It is nothing short of brilliant, which is what you men are as well. As has already been said, an epic test of endurance, mental and physical, and of the human spirit.
We were talking this morning about the sheer focus of concentration when you are out on those dark and stormy night rides....only two lanes. Your brain must be fried at the end of the shift!!
Finally figured out to actually zoom into the photos so saw that Willie was getting a calf massage there. Wild you guys...so organized!! And spinning in the same space!
We love you,
Leslie
You are a remarkable team that is enduring an extraordinary test of what your mind and body can overcome if you persevere. Your blogs are the highlight, well highlights, of my day. I continually check for updates as I'm sure do countless others who are so completely inspired by your commitment to this challenge. Be safe. You'll soon be home to dip your tires in the salty waters of English Bay and hug your families tight.
We are so proud of all of you! Halifax certainly feels the same to have acknowledged your special feat and make Sept.14 TeamH2VDay. You are truly exceptional and we feel if anybody can raise the money to find the cure to this horrid disease, it will be you. No more dread of finding our child in the midst of a seizure, or worse. Your updates are the first thing we go to in the morning. Cannot imagine even having a coffee before, knowing where you are, and imagining all the aches you are feeling-all for thousands out there. Keep strong, keep safe!! Our love and thoughts are with you. You are heros to thousands!!!
Steve, Heather& Hayley
I cannot possibly thank you guys enough for the amazing effort, determination and perserverance as you travel across the country for a cure for JD. From our family, with a child diagnosed at 1 yr. old, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you and we are with you on your journey all the way!! Keep up the great work, and best of luck in reaching your ambitious goals! You are all heroes and an inspiration to all of us that together, we will find the cure! Ride safe...
By the way Matt, on a lighter note....love the duct tape holding the ipod in the ears!! Is that for the wind or the rain? Now that must hurt when you rip it off!
Hi guys....it has been great watching your endeavors. One can only say WOW!! Things are getting tougher but, hey, you all have amazing willpower and courage for this adventure. It is your constant and determined effort that will break down all the resistances and obstacles you will face. We are all rooting for you. Keep up with your incredible goal.
Hey Team, Way to Go you are more than half way there and I am proud of each and every one of you(riders and support personel). You are living 'the dream' and the pain will pass but the memories will last a lifetime. The cure will come with your efforts. You will do it! and we look forward to seeing you back home safely in Vancouver.
We are enjoying Taylor's letters. They bring an important dimension to this journey.
Please keep them coming, Taylor!
over and out,
Penny
I give my heartfelt American thanks for doing this for all people with Type 1, including my son.
As a matter of fact, I can't thank you all enough.
It's extraordinary. You're all good souls.
Hello H2V Team
You may not realize this but there are probably thousands of people, like me, who check your progress several times each day. I am so impressed with your courage, determination and will to keep going. Just riding across the country is an amazing feat in itself, but what keeps me glued to your progress is that you are doing this for people like me and generations to follow. I am a Type 1 diabetic and have been for 22 years. Keep going, raise that money, and help them find that cure. I have no doubt you will conquer the Rockies and I hope to meet you in Stanley Park on Saturday (or sooner).
Rob Ogilvie
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" (George Eliot) You guys are certainly living large in this capacity. Sounds like hell out there sometimes. Just know that for the rest of your lives you can holds your heads just a bit higher for all that you are doing. A journey that will define you forever! Ride well, ride safely. xo
Keep rockin it you guys! Can't imagine how drained you must feel...push on...every pedal a little closer to the goal. Every push a little closer to home.What a journey! What an experience! ...Love reading the updates and seeing the photos! JUST AWESOME!!
Heather Wubs
I warned Leslie about those blinding Prairie rain storms at the So-cial kick off.("Keep your right wheel on the white line!!") Sounds like you guys made through alive. Go Dogs, Go!
Leo
keep it up boys!!! good to hear you're "settling in nicely".keep up the cold leg baths and the stretches! just think Will, 2 more provinces and then you'll be in you're element.hills! :) :O
Andre Weaver
You guys are rockin' it! Keep up the good work!
"..riding exposed on a highway with transports flying by you at 120 km / hr ++ spraying you as you fly by, I can assure you its very exciting.."
I've seen most of you in a hot tub before - the good news is - you LOOK GREAT WET!
As my good friend Ted W. Engstrom said - "The rewards for those who persevere far exceed the pain that must precede the victory.”
Keep it up and cherish the downhill!
You all are my heroes!! I am excited each day to wake up and see where you're at and how far you got the night before. It brings tears to my eyes to read "9 days. 5 riders. 2 coasts. 1 goal. Cure Juvenile Diabetes" because I think sometimes we forget just what that means. I've lived with this most of my life and to think that somebody out there has the strength, determination and willingness to fight back really means a lot to me. Sometimes you really feel powerless and you guys doing this ride reminds us that we all have a power if we believe. What a jouney! "Thanks" just isn't enough. Keep up the great work, and be as proud of yourselves as we all are of you. One mile (or Km) at a time... BJ
Wow - riders - you guys are rocking this journey - unbelievable. What an inspiration. And the support crew, hats off to you as well for your amazing efforts. We're constantly checking the blogs and marveling about the "incredible H2V team". Can't wait to cheer your arrival here in Vancouver. Ride and drive safely group. See you soon!
Deanna
We are so thankful for the awareness you're bringing to this disease and can't say how honoured we felt when we got to meet some of you here in Moncton. What an amazing group of people you all are. Here's a quote I heard once and I hope it helps when any of you are struggling to get up "that" hill,,,,"tough times don't last, tough people do!" Stay strong and thank you for everything you're doing...take care of each other,,we're all rooting for you!! The McKinley family --
This message is for Taylor...I had written a message before I got to read your blog and saw that you mentioned meeting Keeley in Moncton (she's the 2 1/2 yr old with the pump) I cannot wait to tell her in the morning! I want you to know that not only are your parents, the other bikers and all the volunteers with you guys, an inspiration but so are YOU! It is fantastic to see such a smart, beautiful girl do so many things and not let diabetes stop her. You are Keeley's hero ,girl! We wish you all the luck in the future and feel very honoured to have met you and your family. PS- Keeley also loves "Umbrella" :0)
Here's to the H2V team. You are all exceptional people to undertake such an endeavor for the fight against juvenile Diabetes. Taylor and the whole team are an inspiration to everyone.
Thank you for keeping us all at home and along the way informed, updated and on track with your epic journey. I look forward to my emails and messages so I can follow along with you.
I am cheering you all on - riders, support people and drivers alike all the way home to Vancouver.
Cheers to you all!
Karen O'Brien
O.K guys...If you keep up this blistering pace, I'm not sure that I can count on B.C. Ferries to get me to Vancouver in time for your arrival.. How does a nice hiatus at Harrison Hot Springs sound ?? No, I thought not...Determination like this knows no boundaries....Be safe....See you sooner !!
dashhound... saw the duct taped ear phones.... i got a business idea for you when you roll back in to town.... tapeless sport ear phones. I 'll get to work on the patent.
way to go boys....see you Sunday!!!
feel the love
Dalts
The word legacy just doesn't seem to cut it. In fact, I'm not sure thewre are any words. Just know that as someone who hopes to inspire others on a regular basis, I am left stumped at how to express my amazement at what you are doing. As much as I try I have trouble appreciating exactly what you must all be going through (riders, support and behind the scenes). We are ALL better through your association and the impact you have had an will have for years if not generations to come.
Stan Peake
UNREAL! I'm double checking the calendar to confirm this is really only Tuesday Sept 18 and you are already in Brandon MB! What a phenomenal team effort, such an inspiration. We'll be following your progress from the spin bikes at Kits IF, as well as from our desktops. Keep up the amazing spirits and Stay Strong.
Niki & Chris
Holy Cow! you've passed Winnipeg! You guys are rockin! Absolutely unbelievable...we are all pulling for you!
I am duplicating the many many heroic accolades that have been continuously sent to you via the blog, you deserve each positive thought, every kudo, every cheers that has been sent your way. Above all else please know that Irwin's are right there with you in spirit. When we wake.. the computer goes on and throughout the days the site sits on my laptop, refreshes every five minutes, with every update a call is made to Jay (even though he's already aware)... and the laptop has also become a constant dinner companion of ours. We wish that we could take a shift for you, during the downpours and during the lightening too or even a hill climb.
Know that we are so very proud to know you, and thank you along with each and everyone that has thanked you before for continuing down the road, and pushing the pace that results in the lives millions being touched and ultimately changed for the better...
It's not often you get to know a real life hero.
Gitrdun boys, it's the home pull.
Namaste,
Erin
It was great riding with you guys today sorry we couldn't ride with you across the whole Province. We also ordered the wind from the wrong direction today so I have ordered a change of wind direction to take effect by midnight when Keith has to do his next shift so get ready for the tailwind. Thanks for allowing us to share a part of your journey for a great cause and best of luck, keep the rubber side down and the speed up.
Tim, Ollie, and DJ
Team Woodcock Cycle Works
Absolutely stunning. I follow you as much as I can. Right now it is 5.45 am in Fenelon Falls and the first thing I had to do was to see where you guys are. All the best to you all. You are in my mind the whole time.
Jan from Fenelon Falls.
Keep it up Matt.
Just woke up and you guessed it! I'm logged in to this magnetic field.
Began thinking that you men and women are all together by the law of attraction, and just look at the results!!!
And ponder on the mighty "wheel". Van wheels, steering wheels, and tire wheels. Please take great care of them because they are carrying GOLD, in the true sense of the word!!! You are all golden in our hearts, so please ride/drive safely.
Leslie
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