Team H2V Conquers Rogers Pass
Today Team H2V hit two huge goals. First, we made it back to B.C., as much as we loved every province that we have ridden through, and enjoyed meeting all the people that came out to cheer us on and DONATE, it is nice to back in our home province. Second, we conquered Rogers Pass, the epic climb that has destroyed many a RV!
Rogers Pass started with Willie pulling a huge 3 hour shift through Kicking Horse Canyon, huge climbs, speedy descending and Rain like you wouldn't believe. Then Keith pulled an hour and half shift just as the sun was coming out, the views were Epic, as were riding through the 5 tunnels, very scary, narrow shoulders, big Rigs and darkness. But it was all worth it when i saw the Rogers Pass visitor station, absolutely beutifull. I then passed the torch to Matt who with Richard are going to split there shifts into shorter pulls so they can get more power and speed for the climbing.
7 days in and we are working like a well oiled machine. I could never think of anyone else i would want to spend this time with, whether it is the riders, or the support crew, what started off as a TEAM is turning into a Family. We have dinners together, share stories, cry together and will complete this EPIC journey together.
Matt and Richard, finish off Rogers Pass like i know you can!!
Got to go, we are up in an hour to take the team into Revelstoke, then tomorrow morning a rendevous with Nel Peach, a diabetic who is part of a group called the pumpers, should be entertaining. Then off to Kamloops for some media hype, and a JDRF meeting.
Vancouver we are coming, get ready for the party of the year!!!
Team H2V, RV1, Keith
13 Comments:
Wow....Night time is certainly creepy in the mountains...so be safe out there Keith. Richard and Matt, you are probably just finishing your shifts..."shorter pulls for more power and speed for climbing"! - indeed. Where do you get the energy from? We're running out of superlatives and are reduced to...Wow.
Just got back from a killer workout, and riding the bike for short bursts, all I could think about was, "how are you doing this?" It still blows my mind.
Richard, I recall you making a comment that you could hardly wait to get to the top of the mountain, so you could BLOW down, but I hope you are getting the message from all those that love you, to TAKE CARE.
Your dad and I send our love.
Big hugs and kisses.
Victoria
Keith honey, I love you!
The GPS has been down since 5pm and we were all on edge as to what was up and where those beautifully decaled RV's were.
You are one amazing biker.....scare factor in those tunnels, yikes.
Rest fast,
Leslie
There really aren't words to describe what an incredible goal you are achieving. Not that I ever had any doubt.. with the team of riders, mechanics, drivers that has been assembled for this cause... there was no doubt that your adventure would be anything but AMAZING!!!
I have to admit that I have become a blog junkie...I go to the site at least 5 times a day and I can hardly believe that an RV can get across the country that fast let alone a group of bike riders.
You have been a source of inspiration for me many times this week... going for a run in the rain, thinking 'this isn't so great' then I remind myself... this is awesome! Having my butt kicked at a 6 am workout... again, I think to myself... work harder... the H2V team is riding at 39 km/hr.
Stay safe...I am keeping my fingers crossed that you don't run into snow!!.. say Hi to Nel Peach (I worked with her husband Gordon for a number of years... small world).
Congratulations!! looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Hey Team,
Welcome to BC - Bring those stetsons to Vancouver for a huge home coming party! Can't wait and a big thanks for all the hard work of everyone. Ride safe.
Even Lance Armstrong is in town for your home coming. See you Saturday.
Ken Southam
Keith, I have to tell you that I am one of those who has been following along since day 1. Any time I am at my computer I am checking in. It has now got to a point where I am checking in regardless of whether I need to be at the computer or not. I was on the phone today to people (cyclists) I know in Salmon Arm and Kamloops to make sure they come out and ride with you or cheer you on. Count me in, as well as a few of the other reps, for your arrival on Saturday. I am just deciding on whether I will be there with my bike or with beer. Ok, I'll be there with beer.
I am very proud of you and, as many have said before me, you and the entire H2V Team are truly amazing. I admire the cause behind your motivation and the goal H2V WILL hit, but I have to tell you that your efforts are also providing endless personal inspiration to all who are following your journey.
I will be travelling back to Vancouver tomorrow from the Okanagan. How cool would it be to see the H2V convoy in action!!? I have my fingers crossed.
Be safe, and if I don't see you out on the Hwy tomorrow I will see you (with beer) on Saturday!
Nancy
this is one for Denise ...the lady , that knows my Hubby Gordon ..it is a very SMALL WORLD ..us all getting together for DIABETES and our support system is in place
;-) ...I am in TEARS ....and more tears ...I will SMILE , when we see you in PARADISE ...
I will have to go for my 1/2 Team Diabetes marathon training later; Oct. 07 , Kelowna is my big day ...in the mean time I hope the Power Pioneers at the Penticton Jamboree do as they did 2 years ago : donate, donate , donate...lots of love to all from the peaches ...
welcome home boys!!!!!!!!!! Will you're a freak. god love ya for it!!!! the oceans calling boys and so are all of us.!!! keep it stong!
weev
Ditto to Ed. Logging off for tonite.Can't imagine the nite ahead for you. We will be there to salute you on your return to Vancouver. As we have said many times before, you are heros to us; but we also look at the wonderful people you have beside you taking care of EVERYTHING.God bless them
Steve, heather& Hayley
Hello. I have been following your progress across the country and reading the postings and comments with many emotions (my dad was a diabetic). I have never "blogged" before and I wanted to let you know what a fantastic job you are all doing and how moving one's commitment into action brings great things. Can't wait to welcome the team home on Saturday. Keith, your growth as a person has come a long way from the R&R days. Stay safe. Linda
I can't take it anymore....Matt's reference to Jack or Kyle's blog about parents of Type 1 kids. I feel so inadequate sitting in my office or at home, while the guys grind out the miles.....I am getting in the car, heading towards Revelstoke.... see you soon...
Jack's Dad
YO, boys, just saw you on the morning news with Lynn Colliar and it had Kallym jumping up and down yelling Daddy, that's my daddy and he is amazing! Now if that didn't bring tears to my eyes... Keith you better have enough strength left to be ready for a huge run and hug from your daughter as she is pumped to ride in from Science World with you all.
Great job Kyle on the phone interview and getting out the message for people to get out on their bikes and join your team as you surge into the city... i will be up early bringing a truck load of friends up to join you in HOPE and let the North Shore Athletics colours ride with TEAM H2V!
Enjoy the COQ and Keith just remember how emotional you felt driving home from Mabel Lake in August, well you are now making it a reality! God only knows what you will want to do next... Matt don't give him any ideas?!?!?!?!
all our love,
Laura and Kallym
Hey Keith and all the rest of the guys (as well as all of the support crew)....it has been great reading all of your adventures all week. I give credit to each of you for what you have done. It is such an amazing endeavor and goal to set before each of you. All the best on the rest of the ride back to Vancouver.....everyone is cheering you on.
Karen Hillmann
Bra-a-a-ack!
Congratulations on your exemplary display of athletic prowess and eleemosynary commitment.
Crackage?
Bra-a-a-ack!
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