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Ride Journal

Pre Ride Day SlideShow

We have put all our bikes together and these have been serviced by a local bicycle shop. Gears tuned, brakes tightened and buckled wheels straightened. Bruce then lead us out for a shake up ride into Montreal. We covered 33 miles at a leisurely pace using the superb bicycle tracks into the city. It was bit overcast with a smattering of drizzle, and a very pleasant 16 degrees C. Stopped half way for a quick bite to eat.

Day 1 - 24 September - Montreal to Sherbrook 91.5 miles - 6 hour 20 minutes in the saddle - 14.4 miles average speed

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We cycled along the old railway road and met some interestomng people; guys from Granada who were fruit pickers and had nothing to do, Jacques met people who he used to work with and Riette and John had a close encounter with a snake. The road eventually came to a dead end and had to retrace out steps back to our meeting point in Waterloo at the lake.

A fantastic spread awaited ravenous bodies all set up by the 'sag team' load of sandwiches, fruit. cookies and drinks. The support vehicles are fantastic and without Steve, Johnnie, Wouter and Irene this trip would be impossible. Jacques left us at the this point, feeling his job was done, we should have no problems navigating out of Canada - little did he know. We progressed at a good pace through the forest getting closer to Sherbooke, a number of challenging hills were overcome by spinning legs. Afternoon entertainment was provided by Peter, who proved yet again that even using a GPS he is geographically challenged. Bob averted distaster, re-directing the team back off the interstate. Route masters and support vehicles got us safely to Hotel Delta Sherbrooke and without fail this ended with a steep uphill as well.

Day 2 - 25 September - Sherbrooke to Sugar Loaf Mountain - 112 miles - 6hours 59 minutes in the saddle - 14.2 miles average speed

SlideShow Hills, Hills, Hills and more Hills - a FEW of them down!!!! The route were Route De Sommets, meaning trail of summits. A few stops by construction workers caused a few delays and even more delays at the border crossing by the numerous passports from 9 different countries which were presented to them. Some of us weren't as lucky and had to complete even more forms to be enter America. Karen realised that she had lost her passport after leaving the toilet which resulted in phoning customes that night, just to realise that she didn't loose it in the toilet and that Philip had it all the time.

Lunch was set up at the Chain of Lakes, a real KODAK moment. Riding along the lakes during the afternoon was and will be probably be one of the most scenic routes with maples turning brigh crimson and birches with yelloe leaves contrasting with evergreens and the lakes reflecting the brilliant blue skies. Our first day in Maine.

After a traditional uphill and past the golf course we arrived at John and Debbies mountain retreat for a warm welcome with snacks and drinks and a pasta enriched meal later that evening.

An evening of laughter and fun unfolded with the men unpacking all their gadgets and trying to download all the days photos, Steve changing his name to Muffin, and has yet to explain this to his wife. Phillip owned up to having Karen's passport after Debbie had employed her Quebecquois french skills to explain that Karen had dropped it in the toilette. After blowing up mattresses and everyone finding a place to sleep another day of opportunity for bodies to experience the challenge of the road.

Day 3 - 26 September - Sugarloaf to Brewer - 106 miles - 6 hours 30 minutes in the saddle - 16 mph ave speed

SlideShow A cold and crispy morning ( -3 degrees, 27 F) with frost on the pumpkins. John and Debbie, previous 2006 riders, joined the group for the day and John and his guitar have decided to continue along to Portland where Debbie will await him with envy. For some riders this was a unique experience seeing all the winter gear that came out to survive the wind and chill. The morning greeted us with some interesting sites ranging from Wayne in his terrorist getup and Karen with her mother in-laws legwarmers whithout the suspenders. Roxy continues to entertain us with her daily change of socks which range from giraffes to prison garb.

Bruce and Peter set a furious pace assuming they were behind riders and couldn't understand why they were not catching the others. Finally the chase vehicle found them 30 miles from the end. Jealous of the fun we were obviously having, and the inadequate biking styles we were exhibiting, and tired of following Riette, Wouter decided to join us for 40 miles. First Wouter had to stop at a bikes shop to buy a pair of shorts, getting Phillips bike adjusted and instruction of how to tighten his helmet he was ready to prov ide us with the appropriate biking style. Little did he know how important support vehicle were.

They agreed to represent with dignity and honour in front of the local TV cameras and reportes from The Bangor Daily News. Our hosts, Cheryl, Ross and their son Brock Bradford had alerted the local media to our arrival. Their marquee displayed welcome sign for all the GIST riders and Ken from Wabi TV were waiting for the riders to arrive and interview Dylan and Wayne. The owners of Vacationland were so impressed with the effort and cause that they provided all the rooms without charge and arranged for a dinner at a local Coach House restaurant at half price. This meant a lot to all the riders who are from all over the world and paying their own expenses. Little did we know that the next morning Brock was riding with the team and his mum and dad joined as support team. Also a big thank you to the lady who gave us her last 50p.

Day 4 - 27 September - Brewer to Bar Harbor - 43 miles - 3 hours 20 minutes in the saddle - 13.5 mph ave speed

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The roads have yet to receive stimulis money overdue them. Todays ride included some rain dance and cloudy spells and more up hills, not sure where they all come from!!! And more construction work, delays and bumpy roads. Four flats, broken chain and buckled wheel and a broken chain kept the support team busy and a quick visit to the local Bar Harbor Cycle shop bike shops.

A short ride and welcomed by all to recover sore muscles and other tender parts with an afternoon off the bike. Some enjoyed a tourist experience in Bar Harbor, some lovely lobster sandwiches and local ales and some shopping for the families left behind.

Day 5 - 28 September - Bar Harbour to Belfast - 105 miles - 7 hours 22 minutes in the saddle - 14.2 mph ave speed

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An early breakfast with bacon and eggs set us up for good start although it was misty and rainy. The riders took a scenic ride through Acadia National Park. Unfortunately the clouds spoiled the spectaular views it is renowned for. We are still encountering lots of road works. A ride around the island resulted in loosing the riders several times. Eventually we all caught up and stopped for lunch. The clothes came off and the sun cream can came out. The clouds lifted for the afternoon and we rode in sunny weather the rest of the afternoon and by now every one can brag about their cycle short tan!!!

Wouter got on Phils bike and was chuffed with his 60 miles for the day. Wouter owns a horse and must have the most upright position of all the cyclists. A very elegant picture. The support people are all joining in now, and the spirit of joining the team is rubbing off.

In the evening we all met up for dinner. John, Simon and Suzie O' Regan joined us to take over from Phil and John.

Day 6 - 29 September - Belfast to Yarmouth - 99.4 miles - 7 hours 27 minutes in the saddle - 13.3 mph ave speed

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It is becoming more difficult to get up at 5h30 am. An Egg McMuffin and orange juics has never tasted so good!!! Injuries and aching muscles are becoming more apparent and the painkillers, muscle creams and butt creams a now necessity.

This morning wasn't a good start as someone took off with the keys of the truck. Luckily we found it and Johnny could get on the road to support the riders.A couple of hours later Muffin (ala Steve) took off with the keys of the van.So enthusiastic to try a bit of road biking rather than his usual mountain biking. The change from being in the support van, must have been an experience. Now we are working on Johnny (Cupcake) to get on a bike as well!!! Hopefully before the end of the trip.

By now we have a long list of losts and founds, from passports to keys, to butt cream, red shoes, trainers, gloves, jackets and Lineu's contact lenses while he was riding.

We arrived at Bob and Marcia's house which overlook the water. Just the most magnificent setting for a glass of wine and some snack, not to mention all the lovely neighbours and friends who were welcoming us and taking care of the food and sleeping arrangments for everyone. After a few glasses of wine and beer and a good cleanup we sat down to a lobster feast. For some it was a first and got instructions of how to eat the fishy beasts. It was amazing. Not to mention the corn bread, salads, spare ribs, BBQ chicken and Chocolate Sundays. A cyclists dream after a 100 mile ride. A big thank you to all those who were so hospitable on the island of Cousins.

Day 7 - 30 September - Yarmouth to Salisbury - 111.8 miles - 7 hours 41 minutes in the saddle - 14.6 mph ave speed

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We woke up at at several houses around the island of Cousins with our host families and to regroup took a bit of time,so we left heavenly Yarmouth. Everyone got a copy of the Portland News who ran an article on our ride. See article http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=286416&ac=PHnws

Sadly Bruce Torrey left us today. Today's ride followed the Maine Cost and lots of opportunities to enjoy the ocean views. It was a very windy, cold and long day. We couldn't resist stopping off at the and get our toes and bums wet in the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque York Lighthouse was a must and worth the detour.

Marcia's friends baked the most delicious cookies and the team appreciated the homebake. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making our ride easier. All the left overs were also enjoyed at lunch.

Peter Campbell and Bob broke the law at the end of the day by not walking their bikes across a bridge. Lineu just followed and thinks he did not break the law. Luckily they did not get a fine.

Day 8 - 1 October - Salisbury to Orange - 106.3 miles - 7 hours 45 minutes in the saddle - 13.6 mph ave speed

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The frost is still on the pumpkin. Today's ride was into some picturesque areas of New England. We turned away from the coast which we have been following for the last three days in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts ands turned west towards our goal at Rockland's State park. As we depart the coastal plains, the topography begins to change, but the climbing is not overly aggressive, now that the legs are strong from previous days and miles. At tea break Steve got on the bike to attempt a new record distance as by now the statistics have become very important. Little did he know what was lying ahead.

Without failure we got lost yet again and nearly took the road to Purgatory!!!

A 7 mile long hill, 70 miles into the day was still a gruelling experience to some and it was a first for Johnny to end up with 6 bikes in the truck. By this times it was freezing with a cold wind chill and riders were pleased to stop for lunch and hot chocolate from the local service station. Suzy had a good ride and a personal best for completing yet another distannce equivalent to the Argus tour.

Simon completed the full distance today which was a major achievement. Unfortunately he was wiped out by some kids who were playing chicken, which resulted in a pile up of several riders. Luckily no major damage and he continued the ride. John O' Regan did so well today and we are all looking forward to celebrating his 70 th birthday tomorrow. What a pleasure to ride with a former British County cyclist in the 1950's.

After lunch some riders enjoyed the comfort of the cars while the hard core relied on their own body heat to generate a 30km/h pace. Wouter and Uwe got back on the bikes and enjoyed the afternoon ride.

Steve and Irene had time to take their eye off the road and engaged in some interesting discussions about skunks, cats and arga stoves. Looking forward to the day when we can find a spray for skunks in the retail outlets.

We ended with a lovely meal at Herricks in Orange. Another day awaits us with a 107 mile read and a departure time of 6.45am. Looking forward to the day we don't have to get up so early.

Day 9 - 2 October - Orange to Sharon - 105.3 miles - 8 hours 16 minutes in the saddle - 12.7 mph ave speed

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John turned 70 and we were all in awe of cycling with this former British County Cyclist. The group ranged now from Dylan who had just turned 11 and John being 70, what a fantastic sport to share across all ages. John who has now retired in Cape Town celebrated his birthday riding with his daughter Suzy and son Simon. The weather was overcast and drizzly, but everyone was keen to get on their bikes. The day started with an 18 mile climb. A 8 mile ride along a woodland trail ended in the morning break. We were spoiled with "popovers" and apple butter. Some of us preferred it with peanut butter. We crossed the Connecticut river and saw familiar name places such Southampton, Hampshire.

A quick lunch was had and Wouter ordered us to taking our places in the parking bays for a Le Mans start. We left the lunch spot and immediately hit a hill which wasn't on the map. This hill was so steep, walking up it with cycling shoes were worse than actually being on your bike. By this time the firing squad for the route master. The hill turned into a 30 mile down hill through a beautiful valley. We finished just before the night set in and had to get ready for the birthday celebrations and also be reunited with some of thr riders who joined us again. A lovely meal and some birthday cake were enjoyed by all.

Day 10 - 3 October - Rocklands State Park - Congress - 75.4 miles - 5 hours 18 minutes in the saddle - 14.2 mph ave speed

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A much later start than planned, with maybe a few tired bodies from the night before. The last day started with high spirits. Although it was drizzling, music was blaring out the mini bus and Marcia and Pete entertained us with their moves.

Tom Anderson read about the ride the previous week when they visited Sloane Kettering hospital. Tom’s wife has GIST and he was doing the last leg of 85 miles for her.

The ride wasn’t difficult at all, but with a few mechanical hitches we got held up on the road for longer than we would have liked to. Roxy sabotaged Karen’s wheel and ended up in a half an hour delay and a few unexpected flats on the last day caused some delays, not to mention the stops by the high sheriffs and explaining what we were doing. One even offered to help Wayne with his flat and when he heard what we were doing, became very emotional as he had just been diagnosed with cancer.

With all the delays we missed Fox news reporters who had to get to another assignment, but were happy with the huge welcome by friends, family and Robert and Tania Stutman. For the last three miles Riette and Dylan lead the team to the finish line in Rockland State Park.

Wayne represented everyone with a certificate and medal and Dylan received a trophy for his mighty effort in riding in this event for his dad.

This was a life changing experience and the camaraderie and friendship amongst all will be remembered long after the aching muscles have recovered.

Dinner with GCRF Charity

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After a good cleanup and a few beers we all arrived at the celebratory dinner organised by the GCRF charity.

During the dinner, Tania Stutman gave a speech on the vision and objectives of the charity. The dinner was attended by patients, carers, researchers and doctors as well as all the riders. To hear the patient's testimonials made the riders feel that the 1000 miles and aches and pains were all worth it as we were raising money for a cure into this devastating cancer. The researchers were hopeful that they were making advances in finding a cure for this disease. Certainly our contribution of over $40 000 will benefit the hospitals to find a cure.

Sadly all good things come to an end and after the last group photos, riders started departing and going their own way.

Some continued to celebrate into the early hours of the morning and staying behind for the walk in Rockland State Park.

Walk at Rockland State Park

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4 October, a beautiful sunny morning in New York. What more could we ask for. More than 500 people gathering for a walk and to remember those who we lost through GIST, those who are suffering from it and those who care about the cause.

Just after 10 in the morning the team arrived at Rockland State Peak to participate in the annual walk round the lake. Hudson Valley Television was there to greet the team and interviewed Wayne, Riette, Dylan and some patients and doctors.

The mood was changing amongst the team members and we knew our time together was coming to an end. We enjoyed the three mile walk and reminisced over the 10 days we had together.

The walk was followed by a typical American picnic in the park. More goodbyes were said. Some members of the team decided to spend the afternoon in New York City and others preferred to dismantle their bikes for the journey home.

Thank you to each and everyone who made this event a huge success and helping to keep Peter's memory alive.