The Big Day

Today was the big day - what I have been working toward in training, fundraising and injury rehab!

I got to the staging area a little early, checked in my bike and headed to the breakfast function. The food was great and everyone was upbeat and positive. After getting through the obligatory dignitary speeches, Lance Armstrong took to the podium and gave a very informal but good talk - mostly about cancer research, treatment and prevention and the differences between the US and Canada in those fields. Then, we headed to the staging area where there were more speeches and introductions of a bunch of people who were going to ride with us. Most notably, Lance, Axel Merckx (14 year pro cyclist and son of the great rider Eddie Merckx), Steve Bauer (Canadian cyclist who held the yellow jersey and had a 4th place overall finish in the Tour de France) and Phil Liggett (the bike race commentator for OLN).

The VIP group of riders left 5 minutes before everyone then the 90 km riders. I was in the front of the pack through the start and we caught the VIP group at the Camoson hill. Lance peeled off to catch a flight but the rest stayed with the pack. When we finished the 2nd UBC loop and turned onto SW Marine, I found myself alone and out front. I slowed down and let the others catch me as we headed out to Iona Park. I managed to stay toward the front of the pack the entire ride until we were back in Vancouver just onto SW Marine. My chain came off so the pack flew by as I fixed it. I tried but I could not catch up. I was fine while I was able to suck the wheels of a peleton but my legs had enough when I was pushing it solo. Also, my mishap happened with about 6 or 7 km left so we had already ridden more than 90 km.

Despite the chain problem, it was a great ride. The weather was nice - the wind was up in places but the pack acted as a shield. The riders were great, especially Axel Merckx with whom I was able to chat a little. Most of all, I had never ridden in a pack like that before. It was fun and a lot easier than riding solo. It gave me a new appreciation for big stage race riders when they have a mecahnical problem. Of course, they draft team cars and teammates usually drop back to help get them back in the peleton. Even so, 3 or 4 riders in a bunch do a lot more work than a big bunch.

Reaching the finish was exhilerating and a relief. Elena, Jordi, my mom, Elena's mom and our friend Olga were cheering me on. Because I was separated from the pack, they made special mention of my name and the fact that I was riding in Don's memory.

My ride data is a little off today because I walked my bike around a little after the ride and the computer was recording it as if I was riding a 5 km/h. So, my average speed was a little higher and my total distance and time were a little lower but you get the idea. It was a pretty fast day for me. I remember my total time was 3:00:31 at the finish.

Distance: 98.64 km
Time: 3:04:59
Average Speed: 32 km/h

I hope I get a chance to do this again next year. Thanks again to everyone.