Mountains, beer and legacy.

As predicted, Calgary did not disappoint! The escort, the crowds and the traditional White Hatting event that basically indicates we are cool. I speak on behalf of the whole team when I share it was a top 10 moment in our athletic careers.

As well, we got to ride as a team again. All of us, same time chatting like the training days. Although we have spoken throughout the trip, Kyle, Will & Keith are in one RV while Richard and myself are in the other. While we have had our competitive moments and idle banter about who’s worked harder and has it better, no one has even gotten beyond themselves or lost the scope and focus of what & why we are doing what we are doing. That’s what makes this team a great group to hang with and be around and that’s exactly what’s going to be needed as we complete the journey through the mountains.

And let’s get to that because immediately after the high energy celebration in Calgary I found myself getting my @#$ handed to me in headwinds heading into the mountains. The wind is strong today and it’s not at our back however we will likely play with the shifts to ensure we are all fully charged.



Now for the request…. and I have 2 more (besides passing on our message, coming out with your bikes and donating monies)

Beer:
A very special group of people we have on board this trip is the mechanics. There are 3 of them and they have been pulling off 12 hour shifts at a time. While the transport vans have the luxury of taking breaks, Tom, Jay and Robert do not. As they are mechanics, there is a special affinity towards beer. So, for those coming to the finish line in English Bay, the team request is that you bring ‘a’, ‘some’ or lot’s of beer to labeled mechanics to show our appreciation for their excellent work. Beer, how easy is that?

Action:
As Mike and many others have eluded to, H2V cannot be a 1 off. If you are reading these blogs and are a member of the JDRF board or know someone who is, please know people are going to have your name and email address and are going to be contacting you to make sure this event is annual. Relay style – coast to coast – combining as many people as we possibly can for years to come. It is going to be a ride across Canada and the groundswell has to come from YOU. We have provided the spark and initial flame, but its up to all of us to feed the fire with wood. We are leaving that to you guys. We’ll help with ideas, we’ll take care of BC in 08, however you have to mobilize your provinces! That’s the deal.

So… Mountains, beer and action – sounds like a Kokanee endorsement but it’s not, it’s our LEGACY.