Sears Kids with Cancer ride- Team Member Peggy Tobin

My friend Peggy is participating in this year's Sears Kids with Cancer Ride.  She has had various fundraisers this year including poinsettia sales, pub night, and a silent auction.  She has to raise $25,000 for it, and she has $15,000 left to go!

I visited her at Sears in Pine Centre Mall for her latest fundraising event, riding a stationary bike for a few hours.  I originally was coming to take photos and say 'hi' but after returning home to get camera only to realize it had no card in it (d'uh!) I realized that there must be another purpose to me being there.  I sat with her a while, till a friend came and donated.  He helped me pass out pamphlets, I don't know why I didn't think of it.  A photographer from the local newspaper came and took photos.  He also gave us hints on how to solicit donations.   I am glad I helped her as we raised $200 today!

Here's mention of the fundraising day in the local paper from the other the day.  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/article/20100805/PRINCEGEORGE0101/308059986/cyclist-fundraising-for-ride-across-canada


She is thinking that we will have an opportunity to raise more money there again on another weekend.  I would definitely help her out!  She'd get a few bikes/trainers and some people to help out.  I'd love to do some stationary pedalling for her cause.

I am glad I popped by her at the entrance to Sears, and did something good today.

Here is also a link to Peggy's website and to the profile on the Sears Kids for Cancer Ride website.

Way to go Peggy!

(I looked at the Sears website again and it looks like the team members will relaying their way across Canada.  That's not quite as insane sounding as biking across Canada in just 2 weeks- Sept 9-23)  Still...

Tour De Jasper continued - Part II

Second day of cycling, from Purden Lake to La Salle Lake.  Photo taken by fellow cyclist, Janice Fast.

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Now that I am home and have a day to get settled, I can do some more on my blog.  Sorry for not posting much during my holidays, I had such a enjoyable time, much of it away from a computer.  But here I am now.

Let's go back in time, back to Tour De Jasper.  In my first Tour De Jasper post, we had bicycled from Prince George to Purden Lake, a distance of 65 kms (40 miles).   Here's a map of the first days' ride, we bicycled Highway 16 East of Prince George, and that's the highway we take all the way to Jasper.

After a good evening's rest, we enjoy a big breakfast in the morning.  Today we will be biking 110 kms (68 miles) from Purden Lake to La Salle Forestry Campsite.  I sort of know where La Salle is, but it still seemed like the longest of all the days.  Here's a map of Day 2.

This is the most remote part of the trip, there isn't much of human settlements in this area.  There are lots of grizzly bears though.  A few people ran into a Mother and cubs and the Mother didn't like that, she charged the people who were unfortunate to be behind her.  The others ahead of her biked hard to get as far away from her as they could.  Thankfully for the people being charged at, a vehicle soon came to their rescue and scared the bears away. I'm sure they breathed a sigh of relief, you don't want to mess with a mother, it can get nasty.

I was lucky, I only bumped into a black bear as I was entering La Salle campsite and it was as surprise as much as I was of it.  As I was biking alone for most of the trip, I often sang out loud, and that was a day that I did it alot!  Keeps the wildlife away.

I started feeling sore this day, the last 10 kms were the hardest and I really wanted to get off my bike. My butt was the sorest part, and I sooned learn, it wasn't going to get better.

The first thing I would do when I arrive in camp every evening was to set up tent and stuff.  Then, I'd go off for a beer!  I needed to take a bath in lake at one point, but so hard to do that right after a long day out on bike.

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Purden Lake has a nice beach to relax at.

My tent and bike are on the left.  

It was cool that another person had an MSR tent, bigger then mine (on right side)

We had lots to choose from for our breakfast.  As the days progressed, I found myself eating more and more.  A good breakfast would give me a few good hours on the road before needing to snack.  We were fed so well!

With all that good food in my stomach, I was all ready to hit the road.  I woke up at 6 each day so I could take my time enjoying coffee, dismantling tent, packing up gear, and eat a hearty breakfast.

I had to stop at the Ancient Forest along the way. This is before our pitstop.  This is in the area that others met up with angry Grizzly bear mother and her cubs.  Near here is Red Mountain which has the highest concentration of them in one area!  (I am hiking there this Sept)  Heh, I painted THOSE posts for the sign in May.  :)

As we head East from Purden, the scenery starts to get breathtaking as we enter the Rocky Mountains.  I like to hike in this area a lot.

Fellow Cyclist, Dianne.  I helped her earlier that day to change a flat tire.  I like groups like this, we all help each other out in time of need.  You were truly never left on your own!

Above:  La Salle Lake with Harley (official dog at Ruckus) who joined us on this trip.  He loved you if you threw sticks in water for him to fetch! One couple went last year and brought dog biscuits this year, he was their best buddy!

Above:  Setting up camp, an evening ritual.

Sis-in-Law's dutch bike

I got to try out my Sis-in-law's dutch bike...it's pretty sweet.

It was interesting riding it as it is heavier then my bike.  But I really liked it.  It has a pump with it and a lock too.  She hasn't used it for a year since she had a baby.

I am so glad she let me try it out though..and I sure will use it when I visit again as its' such a fun ride!

Oh, I do miss my bike!  I am having dreams of riding it on the California Coast, or inland across Canada, or even on Vancouver Island.  I saw the same Rocky Mtn bike on the island, but it was much taller then mine.

Today, going to see Pride Parade with Sis-in-Law, last night we saw big fireworks.  I'm staying at hostel because I got life time membership this year and the hostel is close to the action!   A few more days, and I'm home.  But first, I get to go paragliding on Monday!  Woot!  Right up my Alley, can't believe I get to try it out.  OMG!!  I like doing crazy things!

Regina 2010

I've been here a week visiting my Sister in Regina, and have had such a great time.  I am sorry that I haven't posted, but net access has almost been non-existent.  That's ok, I needed a break from it!

Here's some pics..

Camped at Buffalo Pound Lake, saw tunnels of Moosejaw, visited site of Corner Gas, and had fun with Sis!

First bikes...saw this one the Provincial Legislature building in Regina. 

My Sister's boss who owns the Dairy Farm that she works and lives at, he's on a basic bike with no brakes!:

I borrowed my a coworker of my Sis's bike- Rocky Mountain. Not built for me, not comfortable..too high!  Yellow Bike.

My Sister and her Boyfriend

Moose Jaw - Little Chicago

Above: Corner Gas set in Rouleau, Saskatchewan

Me and my Sister

It's so easy to dry my tent!

Well,that's it for now...on to Vancouver tommorrow.

RCMP Heritage Centre- Regina Visit

Today, me and my Sister visited the RCMP Heritage Centre/Boot camp in Regina.  It's been around since the 1860's.  It was nice to get out of the house for a bit.

Anyone who wants to join the RCMP has to train here as a cadet first, before being given employment by the RCMP.

I skipped the line!

Parade day

Above:  Original Northwest Mounted Police Building (before being known as RCMP) Whatever you do, DON'T step on the square.

I apologize if I don't post all the days that I am here, there is no internet access at my Sis's.  But I will try when I can...except, when going camping.