Medical driver Don Fix (this is his third year as a volunteer) said it best, year one; "You harden into the routine."
That's what it feels like today - it feels like I've been doing this for months - but at the same time it feels like we just started, and all things being equal, we'll arrive in Bee Cave just outside Austin tomorrow evening.
What a trip it's been! The snow, sleet and wind through Montana and Wyoming have made the teams even more appreciative of the superb weather we experienced today. Little or no wind, and any that blew up came from the flank; sun and warmth was welcomed by all.
I caught up with Team 2 around 9:30 this morning and rode with them for a few hours. It's quite the treat to get behind Ty Rhyno, the Rhyno express. It's like drafting behind a wall.
They rode until noon, turning in 125k, then were followed by the wild ones, Team 3. The group had a great ride going until the road conditions got pretty precarious. A kiss of her front tire to the back of another brought Ann Corbett to the pavement. She cracked her helmet in half, ripped her jersey and suffered some road rash to her right side. But in the tradition of the others, she was back on her bike and finished the ride. What a trooper!
We left the group as team 4 moved south along highways 385 and 87 toward the finish of this great ride.
The alarm is set for 3am, and we'll get some shots of Teams 5 and 1 as they do their last rides of the big trip.
35 comments:
Stay strong Ann! Hope you recovered from your fall. Will be thinking of you as you ride over the next few days. Will be sending you some good thoughts. Turbo up!
Shawna
Wow - you folks are nearing completion of this awesome trip. Congratulations. Stay safe and know that a group of people support you all over the world.
Pam - Your Dad would be enormously proud of you, as I am.
Love
Mom.
Vanessa (mom) ride as fast as you can, but no crashing. We are sure Captain Jim or Pirate Jim is keeping the peloton in a tight pack. Have fun riding into Austin, you said that was fun last year. Have you seen any bats on the night rides in Texas , remember the bat bridge in Austin. We are all thinking of you and are so proud of our mom. Go Longhorns.
Josh .
Mom, I just heard you on the radio! Im so proud of you and all of team 5! Way to go!
Love you!
Katie
Hi Bobbi, it's mom here.
It was nice talking to you on the phone honey. Love to hear that you are having a blast.
Just reading the blogs and I want to reassure you that you don't need to worry about the mess that the Jimstick has left behind, it will be tidied up before you return home. As for the kids, I will be sending out a search party this evening and they will all be safe in their bed upon your return, no need to worry, I will have everything under control.
Congratulations to all of the team members. Kudos to you all.
Love Mamma Bear
Auntie Bobbi;
Congratulations on your long bike ride. I am so proud of you.
See you soon, hope you had fun.
Love Julia
Congratulations to everyone. You are almost to your destination.
Bobbi, you are an inspiration to all of us. When you read this you will be done your final transition ride, with only the final pedal into Austin.
Can't wait to see you. Take care and all our love.
The Griffles
Be honest! What do you think?....Do these pants make me look Fat?? Your just saying that to make me feel better. They do... they do don't they, I knew it uugggh!
You said you'd call, you didn't call and you said you would, why didn't you call!! Is it too much to ask for you to pick up the phone. Who were you with? Was it that fluzy Patti.... Oooohh I knew it I just knew it I....... oooohhh I'm sorry Bobbi, I'm just not feeling myself, my hairs flat, my calves are killing me and my tummy hurts, do you know where the Mido isl. You know how I can get if I don't get my 8 hours sleep.
Hey Great news, woke up this morning and we've got all 4 kids back! I had no idea they were as old and as as big as they are, hmmm wonder if I should lay off the Crantini's and juiced up Shirley Temples for while. I'm just so happy they all came back, but b'tween you and me I thought it was just a girl and 2 boys. Woooaahhh don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, the youngest drove the rest to school and work this for me. I have to admit though that oldest one, Kyle, has been very disrespectful and the attitude, my goodness. He keeps calling me " Scary Lady Man from down the street". Where does he get off with such hurtfull comments. You can darn well bet I'll be talkin to him when he gets home from his classes tonight.
I think I speak for all of us when I say, we're all looking forward to having you home, especially Crissy. She hasnt forgiven me for stretching her LuLu Lemons.... aren't they one size fits all, I thought they were on size fits all, they are aren't they? Wellll They should be..
Just so there are no surprises when you get home, please don't get upset. I bought some new
TupperWare, ohh no no this is stuff we really need. We can now get rid off all those boxes in the cupboard and it'll keep everything soooo fresh. The seel is so tight things will never go stale, plus you'll just love the way it organizes everything so nicely. Oohh and I did buy a few Avon items "and" I did pick up a little something at LaSenza's but that's more for you than it is for me, if you know what I mean.
Ok well say hi to the boys for me. Why don't you have them over, why do you always have to go out why..... ooohhhh sorry I'm doing it again aren't I.
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Disclaimer:
All topics, subjects and comments are not to be taken literally, and in no way reflect the actual bahavior or mannerisms of the said party's. It is strongly recommended, do to community reprocussions, that these actions not be attempted at home.
Laurel, I have been following the ride and was just thinking of you. You guys are doing so well. Your mom is smiling down on you Laurel and she would be very proud of you. Keep up the great work.
Good luck on the rest of your journey.
Jennifer Webb
To Graham Reiser and Team 4.
Congratulations!!! U ALL... You are almost there. We are so proud of everyone, Can't wait to bring Lynda down and join the FUN!!! Be safe your last leg, and please don't break a leg!!! See you Friday
Love Heather Dave Cory Jackie & Brandy and families....
You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sounds like you have faced some adversity with weather, mechanicals, a spill etc. As Clint Eastwood once said (can't remember the name of the movie) "when faced with adversity; adapt, improvise and overcome". Sounds like you have done that and more. Way to go Pam, Team 4 all of the other teams and volunteers, you are doing a superb job! Ride safe.
Kelly
As always buddy Bill, you make me a proud father.
Dear Old Dad
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM #1 ON YOUR AMAZING FINISH! Wes I am sure after a few Margaritas, you won't be feeling the pain with your IT Band or any symptoms of the flu. We are so proud of you all.
To all the people that work with Wes; thank you for all the support that you have shown to Wes over the past several, several months. Thank you for participating in the fund raising, the Gala and allowing him to be out of the office during this time so he could participate in this amazing journey.
We can't wait to see all of you in Austin on Friday. Hats off to you!!!! You have all done amazing jobs.
Shawna, Seiren & Kiera
Amazing. I'm so proud of all of you ... you leave me speechless. Concerned about your tumble Annie. I hope all is well and you're on the mend. Can't wait to see you in Austin!
j/
Hi Bobbi,
Well how does if feel to have your last leg done. What an accomplishment. Proud of all the teams and what they are doing. Way to go.
For the jim stick this song pops into my head Mother Duck called quack, quack, quack and all her ducks came back, but wait I think you have an extra. Better check on that.
Love Michelle
AWESOME JOB!!!!! What an amazing Group!!!See you in Austin...sounds like a lot of people are gonna be there!! I sure hope someone takes care of that "fluzy" Patti until Claire and I get there to get her under control again.
Gentle" You all Rock" Hugs...
Carol
Howdy Bill Darling - Team 3!
The whole 5th floor is so proud of you!!! Soon you can relax in the sun! We've been depressed since you've been away, but don't worry we'll clean up the party mess by the time you get back!
JUST KIDDING! Enjoy yourself!
to chris goodman
hey dude keep up the good work. the security staff are cheering for you.
Hello Doug - the Lamonts have been thinking of you, congratulations - what an amazing event to participate in. Take care and we look forward to your return home and getting the details first hand.
Greg and Karen Lamont
Heh Ian,
Almost done! Awesome. Great ride. Can't wait to hear the stories, unless what happens on the road, stays on the road.
Cathy and Joe Bolla
Congrats everbody! This is Tim Slocombe, formerly of last years Team 5. You are completing a great journey that will stay with you for a long time to come. Me and some of the other Team 5ers were out riding last weekend, reminising on how much more fit we were a year ago......you should all be very proud of what you have done. Have fun on that last run into Bee Cave......that traffics a killer! They don't like cyclists on the freeway at rush hour.....Enjoy the next few days in Austin....go to Sixth street and have some fun for us who cannot be there.
Tim
And a big congrats to Laurel!!! Way to represent Edmonton baby!
Tim
To Christopher Goodman
Way to go Chris - the whole family is proud of you (especially BVPete). We will see you next week.
Mom & Dad
Congradulations to all teams on an awesome ride for a truly worthy cause!
Having ridden with many of the riders this summer I had no doubt they could, and would, ride through anything for this cause.
Jim Maguire
Hi Patti - just wanted to say HI, and congratulate you (and the rest of the CTAPP crew, of course) on a great endeavour. I hope you have a good weekend when my mom and Claire get there. Again, thank you for giving my mom (and all the other warriors) this wonderful opportunity. Take care.
Shona.
Congratulations team 3 on finishing the ride. You should be done by the time this comment is posted, but maybe that is a big assumption considering the weather, deer pursuit and crashes the team has endured. Anyways finish the ride safely and enjoy your time in Austin.
Did anyone get any Vinokourov type post crash photos of Ann with her ripped clothing? Her sister Syl will be so proud of her with her road rash.
Ann - Eric, Bianca, Mia and I are so proud of you, we miss you very much and can't wait for you to get home. We are still smiling in Calgary and hopefully our mini peloton can ride out the final week of our tour without crashing and burning in the sprint.
Love
Mark
Team 5 reporting in....
Sorry to not respond in a few days but we've had problems with the web browser.
Last couple of rides went like this...
6-Midnight Shift (Don't know what day)
We transitioned with Team 4 at the Okalahoma border and presented them with the 'Class Act Hat's', they are a fun team with the right attitude.
We had little bit of rough road, and then just before Texas, the black top was smooth as silk. The gent's of the team were kind enought to let the 'Yellow Roses' ride us into Texas. It was a good ride as the weather was warm and we didn't need a tonne of extra clothing.
Next ride: Midnight to 6 AM
We transitioned right in some place in Texas (name escapes me at the moment). Team 4 came to the hotel we had booked, we tried to catch an hour or two or sleep. The transition was the best ever!
We headed off to truly crappy pavement (really more like rocks glued together). This takes a toll after 6 hours, but we prevailed through it and put in the miles and had a great ride.
As that was our last ride (or so we thought) we headed to the Bee Cave. Arrived at our hotel, some of us took advantage of a massage, went for great Mexican food and a Margarita, then back to the hotel for a swim. We were all realaxed, then we got the news.... Team 4 wanted us to ride into Bee Cave for the last 20 KM of their ride. We accepted. As it turned out this would not have been safe, so we took over 36 km from the hotel. It was an amazing warm evening and we dressed very lightly. Followed the rolling hills (yes in Texas) back to the hotel to a warm welcome from all of the riders and volunteers. It was truly awesome.
We leave Bee Cave tomorrow at 11:00 Austin time with a police escort. We can't wait to see all the family who will be joining us in Austin.
Thanks for your well wishes and we'll see you soon.
Team 5
Bobbi Here,
Jim Stick: It appears you are infamous and everyone can't wait to meet you. I am quite concerned that you have lost the kids, taken up smoking, are hangin out with other Mall Moms and have gotten a perm. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON??? I'm a little nervous about what to expect when I get home...
To everyone else for logging in and sending me your well wishes I thank you. This is truly an experince I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can't wait to share my stories with you all.
Anita:
You are so brave. You say that my job is harder than Chemo, I've got news for you - you're wrong. What you and all Cancer Warriors are going through is so much more than what we are doing. We're just out for a bike ride, you are fighting for your lives and I'm in such awe of your courage and strength. Don't give up the fight, know that everyone of us on this ride is cheering you along in this battle.
I can't wait until you arrive in Austin, becuase it's going to be a weekend to remeber for a long time to come!
Love you all, thanks for the support.
Bobbi
Team 4 The Team With More, checking in with an update;
We completed our final ride tonight - trading off with Team 5 about 30km from Bee Cave where all 5 teams are spending the night before our final cycle in to Austin in the morning.
Our shift last night went well - other than the last 25kms or so being on some of the roughest roads that we've ever experienced. It was like sitting on a jack hammer for an hour! Felt a little guilty passing off to Team 5 not knowing how much further the roads would be like that.
We are really appreciating the warm weather - it's a treat to be able to cycle in the middle of the night in just shorts and a jersey.
We are looking forward to arriving in Austin tomorrow and getting ready for the warriors who will be arriving on Friday.
Thank you again to everyone for sending your comments and encouragement.
Well done Riders!
This is a big hug filled with pride for my big sister (pam) on Team 4. Well done for an awesome journey and enjoy the festivities as you embark on Austin.
Lots of love from South Africa,
Mer
On a more serious note,
Everyone dreams big at one point or another but few really take a chance to act on their dreams.
Brian McGregor is one who has done just that and in doing so he has helped hundreds realize a dream. My hats off to you Brian for this amazing ride. I know Bobbi and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving her this opportunity of a lifetime.
This ride and its cause has such a huge ripple affect. What a positive impact it has and will have on the riders, warriors, crew and all the families who will directly benefit from the Wellspring facility. Again, thank you Brian.
For me closer to home, it has brought to the forefront for my children the value of friendship, generosity and caring for another in need. I am so incredibly proud of, not just my wife, but also all of you who donated so much of yourselves to this years CTAPP. You all should be extremely proud; you truly are top-notch role models to my family.
Finally, thank you T5 for getting her down safely, that in itself means the world to me, as does she.
Love you Bobbi, will see you soon.
Wow - Nibs, you One Eyed Jack - on the final stretch. Your big sis is very proud of you. For a half centry and some guy, you've got spark, energy and carisma. You are top CLASS man! I need some of that.
Went for coffee with Dad yesterday and took him more to read on this trip. He wasn't talking to me, he just lapped up those pages and kept reading. He got a little emotional when he read about your spill. But recovered and kept reading.
After taking Krista to her vocal lesson, I stopped in at Mom's and hung out there for a couple of hours while Krista was at volleyball practice. She will get the info from Dad to read.
I've enjoyed reading the day to day comments and info on the ride. All of you riders are an inspiration to the world. Your determination is outstanding and commedable. God's Blessings are wished on each and everyone of you.
We were too far away to be able to pich up the radio broadcast. So this blog was a wonderful way to keep track of everyone and loved ones dedicated to the cause of the ones fighting for their lives and survivors of the C word.
Norbert you are one special brother. Hope you take some time for your self, soak those aching bones and get those stiches out before you get back to work.
Have a fun time in Austin and keep in touch when you get back home.
Love yah, Theresa
There are many reasons to do this ride. The primary one of course is to be a part of something that makes a difference at a time in people's lives when they may need it most. CTAPP's clarity about doing just this - through it's support of Wellspring Calgary - is powerful and palpable.
There are of course also other reasons to do this ride. For me, there is Carol (my indominatable warrior) and all of the other Wellspring members, riders, and people that I am privileged to meet who show such resilience and spirit and great humor as they work to heal body, mind, and spirit.
Then there are the even more personal reasons. On this ride for me for my dad never left my mind. He would have been so all-over this experience! Riding his bike to Banff on birthdays, building igloos to test out a winter sleeping bag, voyager canoing across Canada - he lived life big and set an example - and I have been proud to have learned from that.
This ride has layer upon layer, but underneath it all is a huge collective heart beat of compassion, comaraderie and a sincere belief in wellness and community which in turn makes Wellspring's programs, services and supports available.
It has been a privilege to be a part of it. On behalf of all the members, our Board, our volunteers, and upcoming members - THANKS!!! to all the riders, to the volunteers who make this possible, and to Brian - the 'idea man' for committing time, talent and mostly heart. I hope some day you will all have a deep sense of the tremendous difference you are making in the lives of so many!
With hugs and gratitude!
Patti Morris
Wellspring Calgary (and now feeling more officially - 'Rider')
Patti...I was/am so honored to be your Warrior! It was great spending time with you and Claire!
A week-end in my life that I will never forget!! As I always say" there are many perks to having cancer!" This was a huge one!!
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart!
Gentle Hugs...
Carol
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