Day 17
Date: June 7 , 2009
Distance: 26 km
Time in Saddle: 1 hours 35 min
Maximum Speed: 52 kmh
Average Speed: 17 kmh
Chase driver: Kirsty (aka The Commander)
Riders: Ken and Bruce Michalski
We got up at base camp Lac du Bonnet this morning and made the drive just east of Rennie where we hooked up with the Trans Canada Trail. I didn't go very far at all before it became evident that I would have to forgo the first part of the path. (I took a pic.) The 5 foot drop offs might be a challenging hike but proved impassable on a mountain bike. I got back on the road and caught up with trail further along where it became more navigable.
Along the way I encountered a celebrity guest rider in the form of Bruce Michalski from Harvest. Bruce and I flew down the descents and soldiered over the uphills at the Manitoba-Ontario border.
After that we went to a reception at The Lake Pines Resort around East Braintree where we were greeted by Susan and Andrew, from Manitoba Pork, who, as the principal sponsor put on the event.
If I haven't given Dana Todd enough kudos it is because it would be very difficult considering all that she has done. Dana has been the driving organizational force behind Food Cycle 2009 since just after the ball started to roll. With Colleen and Bruce she has enthusiastically recruited help, reached out to sponsors and marshaled the troops to make it happen. What a great effort by Dana and everyone at Winnipeg Harvest. Special thanks to Steve, The Commander, Champlain, Sacagawea, Magellan and Buck Rogers.
Well that is it. I am glad the ride is over in the way that you are glad when you, say... build a fence. It provides a feeling of accomplishment. You can stand back and look at it but you wouldn't want to take it apart and build it a second time. Our original goal was to raise $30,000 but thanks to the support of our sponsors; Manitoba Pork, BMO, Bikes and Beyond, Certigard and everyone else who lifted a finger, made a pledge or even had occasion to give the problem of hunger in our communities a serious thought we have raised at last count, June 2nd, $45,000. I thank you as does The Manitoba Association of Food Banks and Winnipeg Harvest.
Thank you for emails, encouragement and support through the last 17 days.
Ken
