Tuesday 17 August 2010

Tuesday's Tidbits

The weekend after my epic bike tour in Up State New York was the Rona MS Bike Tour to raise funds and awareness for this incurable complex disease.  It was fully supported with so many fantastic volunteers, sag wagon's, Ottawa Police and food.  Have I mentioned the food?  I think this has been the only cycle tour I've ever been on where I've most likely gained weight!

We left Carleton University for our 175 km two day bike tour to cheers, music, throngs of well-wishers and luckily great weather.  The route was so scenic and flat, compared to the weekend before it was beautiful!!!  There were "pit stops" along the way with tables laden with fresh fruit, cold drinks and clean port-potties (always a bonus).  Half way to Kemptville we were guided into Rideau River Provincial Park where we stopped for an incredible barbecue picnic, complete with burgers, (veggie burger's for me), salad's, tabbouleh, hummus, pita breads, chips, cold drinks, and jelly beans!!!  It was fantastic to get off the bike's and sit by the River and relax before we carried on our journey.  Once we left the park we were on a stretch of rough road and yes, I had another flat tire.  (six flats since March I might add).  Luckily a very nice fellow stopped to see if I needed a hand and he helped fix the tire, then he sped off but not before I got his name.

As we continued our ride we were on beautiful, peaceful  flat roads that took us through small villages were people were out at the end of their driveways, clapping and cheering and encouraging us along the way.  We finally made it to Kemptville College.  As we made our way up to this beautiful college there was music, cheers, a very helpful group at the sign in table.  I could go on and on about this ride, it was incredible!  Between the silent auction, the 50 / 50 draw, the bonfire, the food, have I mentioned the food??  Leaving on Sunday was a faster, different route than on the way down, which was wonderful as we were trying to beat the rain storm that was creeping up behind us. It was a most memorable ride and certainly one I would do again.  I'd just like to say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you who donated to this worthy cause and supported me on my ride, THANK YOU!!!  (unfortunately I do not have any photo's of the trip, silly me).


On a different note, this past weekend was just crazy weather.  Saturday was beautiful, hot and sunny and Sunday the wrath of the weather gods were upon us.  The storm started just after 4am and lasted over nine hours overhead.  The lightening and thunder were relentless and the deluge of water unbelievable.  So much so it washed out the main road where I live.  Yesterday afternoon I was finally able to wade my way into my backyard to see what damage had occurred due to the heavy rains and strong winds.  Luckily my new back lawn did not wash away, however,


Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

11 comments:

Marlene said...

You have been riding your heart out this season! So glad you had such a wonderful experience at this event. I'd almost (ALMSOT) do it for the food! hehe

Wes said...

YES! Quite the cyclist!! well done...

Unknown said...

Great job on your ride.

And yikes! What a storm apparently!

KovasP said...

That's a great photo of the tree limb reclining and admiring your new lawn.

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

good thing you weren't enjoying a glass of wine in that chair at the time of the mishap...

Anne said...

This sounds like an ideal ride - and for such a good cause - though you can keep the rough weather that followed.

Gotta Run..... said...

Events that have such great support are just awesome. Great job on the miles and being part of something SO important!

Jo Lynn said...

Aaaaw, poor chair! LOL

Grey Beard said...

Nice to know you are taking up all of the slack for me as I focus on other things this year. MS is a great cause.

Kudos on getting your chair to pose with the new lawn, and to even take a bough. Looks like it was all torn up about you being gone so long, and maybe even a bit tippy. Must be your drinking chair?

Anne said...

Sounds like such an amazing experience, with awesome weather...and all for a great cause! I can't believe how much mileage you biked this summer...wow!

Amy said...

Well done! Glad it went well!