Cycling: Sears National Kids Cancer Ride - Day 1

Friday, June 06, 2008 - 07:27 PM

Today is the beginning of the next 20 days. I have mixed feelings as myself and my team arrive at Kipps Beach in Vancouver for the ceremonious wheel dipping in the Pacific Ocean. 19 days later, I am one of the hopefuls that will dip my wheel in the Atlantic Ocean in Halifax. I feel I am trained. I feel I am ready, but still there are butterflies in my stomach.

I have cycled 600 km’s in a weekend, and I have cycled more than 6000km in total to prepare for this trip — but I have never cycled 20 consecutive days, on limited sleep and in primitive conditions. I think I am ready for this challenge. I don’t want to disappoint the children I am riding for, and I don’t want to disappoint my generous donors and sponsors, and my patients. I am grateful to all those who have donated on my behalf. I carry this responsibility greatly on my shoulders.

As I arrive at Kipps Beach, I am thinking of my mom, who passed from cancer, my older brother, Frank, and my good friend Dave. I am riding for each of them. Here is a photo of our ceremonious wheel-dipping — the start of what we believe, is something great for the families of children of cancer in this country:



Opening Ceremonies: BC Children’s Hospital:

The day started with a dedication to our own members of group 2. Two of our National Riders are young cancer survivors and know first hand the devastating effects of cancer, as they have battled the disease themselves. We felt it was important to acknowledge them for their courageous fight, and now their dedication to children with cancer. Each of them, so positive, have a great spirit for life and adventure. Following this dedication to our fellow riders, we departed Hope at 4:14 pm and climbed our way through 120 kms of climbing and included the famous Coquihalla Mountain, which boasts drops of 300 feet into deep gorges. We were challenged by 27km climbs straight up the mountain and rewarded by 13km descents reaching 85km per hour. The beauty of Mount Coquihalla is breathtaking and can be seen here: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/coquihalla/index.htm

National Riders and Volunteers were amazed at the wildlife as black bears and deer populated the sides of the road – showing no intimidation of us! We averaged 28 km per hour during this stage ride and crossed into Alberta at 12:35 MST. Goodbye British Columbia — hello Alberta!

Upon conclusion of this leg, we were shuttled forward to Clearwater where we ate and collapsed into fitful sleeps in the 27’ transport trucks, outfitted by talented volunteer carpenters, with 23 wooden bunks with mattresses – the 5 star, 5 hour rest location. The previous evening, for various reasons, we had only 2 hours of sleep and I am looking forward to a fitful 5 hour sleep now – we are going to need it. Tonight, at 10 pm, we will mount our trusty steads and climb through the last 200km of mountains. The temperatures are cold and I am glad for the warm clothing that I layer with. On the other side of those mountains is the 2nd stage ride which starts at the West Edmonton Mall. Rider check-in opens at 7:30, opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 with community and National Riders departing at 9 am. Registration is open for riders in Edmonton who wish to join us in this great community ride.

Allan Jeffries,
Sears National Rider