Our new 2010 GearUp4CF Rider's Journal

We have embarked on a new adventure. Check out our new Rider's Journal at  http://gearup4cf2010.blogspot.com/

See you there!

- Stan

Welcome to my GearUp4CF 2009 Journal!

This Journal charts the preparations and the actual day-by-day account of a long trek that officially launched in February. It ended on June 29th, as we flew back from Calgary, with two major tasks being fulfilled.

The first task was to pump up air in my Trek 5200 bike and start pedaling on June 20th 2009 with my GearUp4CF friends, and keep pedaling, with a few stops to catch my breath and, hopefully some sleep, we reach Banff on June 28th, followed by a shuttle to Calgary and a flight home the next day. One thousand two hundred kilometers, in nine days. Was I crazy? I'm sure there were more than a few of you reading this that may have been asking themselves the same.

But I did not mentioned my second task, which was going to be a massive undertaking in its own right. I needed some help with that one, however. For this journey is all about raising awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis research and support through http://www.gearup4cf.org.

GearUp4CF is a major fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis here in British Columbia. I have lots of reasons to help participate in this. Yes, I love cycling. I've done some wonderful rides in the Colorado Rockies, and in the interior of British Columbia. If you are interested you can see some nice photos of these rides (and some AMAZING photos of how bicycles are used around the world) at http://www.pbase.com/kmsvw/cycling .

However, the real reason, the one that motivated me to even consider something as arduous as this would be, was the memory of two very special people I have known who have had cystic fibrosis. One, who I knew for many years, died when she was a young adult. The other is a lovely child, the daughter of family friends, who is now ten years old and doing well through the tremendous support she receives from her family, the medical community in British Columbia and the work done by the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

And yes, anyone who has seen my short 'bio' located at http://www.gearup4cf.org will know, my wife is a physician at BC Children's Hospital who has led the drive for newborn screening for cystic fibrosis, with the goal of improving outcomes through early detection. And, by a remarkable coincidence, I did my own Ph.D. research a few years ago in a laboratory across the hall from that of David Speert, an equally passionate cyclist, and who also happens to be a world recognized CF researcher. I know, therefore, from first-hand experience, what research can do to help save the lives of children and young adults with cystic fibrosis.

And so, even though the ride is complete, I would still like to ask for your help, especially this year, to make supporting CF a priority for you. We simply cannot let the wild uncertainty in these economic times slow the work that must be done to find a cure. What a difference you can make. For my goal was not just to reach Banff. It was to help find a cure for CF, and do it soon. Our children and young adults who have cystic fibrosis cannot afford to wait. Please give your full support toward my goal to raise both awareness and important research funds for this vital cause.

Want to learn how? Just go to the GearUp4CF web site at http://www.gearup4cf.org. and make a secure, on-line donation right now. You'll have all the more reason to do so when you read this journal and see what had to be done to get this 52 year old body into shape for a 1200 kilometer cycling tour. And, if you think it was a worthwhile cause, your support just might encourage me to do take on this ordeal again next year!

P.S. There are lots of photos in my journal account below. Click on the photo itself, and it will display a larger version on your screen. Some of the photos during our ride to Banff simply must be seen this way.

BONUS: Even MORE photos, collectively submitted by participants on this ride, can be found at my supplemental photography web site, at http://www.pbase.com/kmsvw/gearup4cf2009

BTW, You can add future posts to your favorite web reader. Just click on one of the buttons below:

Subscribe in a reader

Thank you!

I am delighted to announce my sponsors to date, as of  October 1st 2009:  

David Bogoch 
Ron Bakonyi - Bakonyi &Co. 
Sur Baycroft 
Dick DeGruchy 
Debbie Descrochyes 
Carla Dodek 
Ron Fulton 
Michelle Gerber 
Anna Hart 
Ian Knipe 
Gaynor Levin 
Yolanda Lilliquest 
Sharon Madison 
Jerome and Ruth Marburg 
Eileen and Graham McIntosh 
Kathy and Rob McJunkin 
Warren Milman 
Sorèl Leinburd 
Betty Pearson 
Max & Leona Pinsky
Leah Pomerantz 
Charles Ramey 
Dave Richardson 
Alan Ross 
Mark and Heidi Shaw 
Terry and Grace Shaw 
Tamara Shenkier 
Ian Taggart 
Paola Telfer 
Hilary Vallance 
Joe Vallance 
Susan and Alastair Vallance 
Maelor Vallance 
Wendy Vallance  
Ian Worland  


If I've missed anyone please let me know. Remarkably, together with my own contributions, we have now reached:
$7,477.68  
for a grand GearUp4CF 2009 team total of $72,2006.49  


Your generous financial support, together with so many who have been actively assisting the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a significant difference in the lives CF kids. Thanks so much for joining our team. Whether you were pedaling your way up the mountains to the Canadian Rockies or not, you were riding with me, and I was thinking of you.   


Some donations are still coming in. Every dollar counts towards research and improving treatment for CF kids. If you would still like to contribute, please go to our GearUP4CF web site and do it now, before moving on to do something else.

Epilogue - Home at last after 1193 km / 741 miles

I had a luxurious rest last night. Brewster's lodge is a small but lovely hotel with a rustic theme, set in the heart of Banff. After we packed up our gear into Tom and Joyce's waiting van and trailer, they left in the morning for the long drive to Vancouver. Tom has offered to store our bikes at his business until we can pick them up, likely sometime Wednesday. I had a few hours to spare before our shuttle left for Calgary airport, however, to be honest, I think most of us were quite content to just sleep in or read a book for the morning. We had seen so much over the past nine days, it was great to simply relax and reflect on what we accomplished through this ride.

<--Brewster's Mountain Lodge in Banff this morning, on the day of our departure

Packing our bikes into the trailer for a long journey home-->

It also gave me time to reflect on the achievement we all made, including you, our sponsors, in supporting Cystic Fibrosis children and young adults. I learned a great deal about CF these past few days. Riding and living with fathers of CF children and friends who intimately know these children, and researchers who are actually engaged in finding more effective treatments, has made a huge difference for me. You may be interested to know, if you have not seen it already, that one of our riders, Sherri and her fifteen year old daughter Emma created a Youtube video (click on the link to view it) telling the story Sherri's best friend and her three children, all of whom have Cystic Fibrosis. The song, "Over the Rainbow" was sing by Connie Talbot, a six year old girl who was a finalist on Britian's Got Talent two years ago. Connie's manager gave Sherri permission to use it for this video. I met those beautiul children when I was in Harrison, and played ping pong with Roman, the eldest child. Seeing the video, and learning what they are facing, and what they have to go through on a daily basis, brought home to me why we were all here.

<--Time to return to our families, to work, and, perhaps, to meet a new and equally difficult challenge. But if we work together as a team, as we did on this journey, anything is possible!

The goodwill we encountered along the way was inspiring:

- through the many hours Kinsmen and Kinettes gave to provide lunches and dinners for us in various communities along the way.

- through a restaurant owner that opened up his kitchen just to serve us first thing in the morning, so that we could get an early start

- through a hotel operator who gifted us a room when an extra one was unexpectedly needed

- through appreciative hallway conversations with guests in the places we stayed

- through friendly beeps of encouragment from cars passing us (yes, we could tell the difference!!).

- and through our corporate sponsors and you, our personal sponsors

This has quite literally helped to carry us up over the mountains in our goal to find a cure for CF. It won't be forgotten.

Our way home took several different directions. Sherri's return last night to Prince George, as she rightly pointed out in a jubilant email sent to us today, fully qualifies her for the prize for "Best Wildlife Spotting of the Tour" for 2009. 

Sherri's grizzly bear-->

For, while Brian and Sherri were driving back through the national park, they found, on the side of the highway, a grizzly. I think that automatically qualifies her to return next year to defend her title, don't you agree?


Most of us took the shuttle to Calgary Airport. As the plane took to the skies, I could not help but smile at how ridiculously efficient air travel is compared to a bicycle. It took us NINE DAYS to get to Banff, only to be flown home from a city that is even farther away, in one hour and twenty three minutes. But no one on that plane, other than us, could possibly experience what we did by booking a plane ticket. And the friendships I have gained through this ride have been truly priceless. If anyone, after reading this journal, is thinking that riding for Cystic Fibrosis next year might appeal to you, I have only two pieces of advice: start training now, and be prepared for an incredible experience.

By the way, if you are interested in reading the perspective of some of the other riders, check out James and Chris' blog, located here .

Day 9 - Invermere to Banff 150 km - WE MADE IT !!!

This is a very quick note to announce that we've made it safely to Banff. I'm in my hotel room now and am about to get a shower and head off to a celebratory dinner at Earls restaurant with the rest of the GearUp4CF team. The last day of the ride, through Radium Hot Springs and onto Banff was absolutely spectacular. Personally, I'm feeling great. After riding on my bike for 1193 kilometers in nine days into the Canadian Rockies, I have absolutely no major aches or pains, and, thankfully, no injuries. Look for an update here late tonight.

But, before I head out for dinner, I would like to thank so many of you who are following this journal for sponsoring me on this ride. Your support has been tremendously motivating for me. You are truly part of our team here, and share the credit for what we have accomplished together.

If you have not yet made a donation, it's not too late. Just click here . It will take you to the official Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation GearUp4CF web site. There is a 'sponsor me' button on the web site located there. Take a look at the bios of the other riders on the site as well. It doesn't matter who you sponsor - all of the funds go to the same great cause, and that's what really counts.

BTW, I've mentioned this elsewhere, however, the photos on the way to Banff are particularly beauiful. Try clicking on photos of interest - a larger version will appear.

<-- Our route today, as recorded by the Garmin GPS unit on my bike.

<--Our elevation profile, recorded by my Garmin GPS. That first hill was pretty tough. After reviewing the GPS data, James was astonished to find that, in fact, we climbed more today than we did on that monster Hill between Trail and Creston on Day 6. For more information about the route, including a larger map, click here .

Our day began at 5:30AM. We packed up our gear and quickly had a rather spartan breakfast before heading out along Highway 93/95 just as the sun began to break over the top of the Eastern mountains.

Sherri's husband, Brian drove for over ten hours from Prince George the day before, so we had an extra support vehicle. Since they were planning to drive back home after we arrived in Banff, Sherri, Susan and I left together about an hour ahead of the others, with Brian driving along, providing support.

<--View of the mountains in the morning outside our motel in Invermere

The air was chilly, with a moderate wind that kept us working hard along and drafting close behind each other to make our group riding more aerodynamically efficient. It wasn't long before we arrived in Radium Hot Springs, about twelve kilometers down the road. From there, we turned up into Kootenay National Park on Highway 93 and our first major ascent of the day.

The first big climb was a brute, touching an 11% grade in some places. But it was equally beautiful as well, with rich, green forests and towering mountains at either side of the road.

<--Susan is in the distance

Susan continued up the mountain with, as we joked later, the stable, steady cadence of a freight train. Sherri and I worked our way up a bit more slowly. The long journey had been hard on Sherri's knees, so progress was painfully slow. But, with assistance from Brian, we found ourselves at the top of the pass. From there, we began a fast descent into some of the most spectacular country in Canada. At every turn, a new, magnificent vista opened up.

Thankfully, the surface at the start of the climb was exceptional, making riding on it a pleasure.. It was obviously newly paved. After riding over a thousand kilometers, literally feeling every bump along the way, we were becoming 'asphalt connoisseurs' by now.

A bit further on, we discovered why the road was so new. Re-surfacing was still in progress on the mountain, with road crews working on sections up to the top of the mountain pass. It was there, however, that I met one of the most inspiring individuals on the trip.

Shawn-->

His name is Shawn. I met this smiling, friendly man as he was directing traffic around construction up the mountain. It turns out that he actually owns the company engaged in directing traffic at this and several other construction sites. An intelligent and articulate young man, he was clearly enjoying what he is doing, there on the mountain. What is more remarkable is that he was standing, directing traffic for hours on end, without asking for favors from anyone.

The ride this morning was so beautiful that I found myself reaching for my camera frequently, juggling the bike with one hand to keep cycling, and taking a photo with the other. To my dismay, however, I found that the display on my viewfinder was quite useless while riding into Banff. The sun was so brilliant, I could not see a thing. I was delighted to find the ones you see here in this journal turned out so well. I guess that means that, over these past nine days, I've become pretty good at this rather dangerous technique. I once saw Sherri , a relative newcomer to road cycling, try to do what I was doing. Watching her, however, scared me to bits. If she crashed while taking a photo, I'd never hear the end of it!

It was not long before I found myself at the top of the first peak. We began our descent, always a thrill after working so hard to get to the top. Partway down the mountain, a viewpoint appeared at a bend in the road, and suddenly we found ourselves presented with one of the most magnificent vistas I have ever seen - the Canadian Rockies, stretching along a long valley corridor as far as the eye could see. My little camera could not possibly do justice to the enormity of the scene, and the grandeur we all felt. You have to be there, to feel the wind on your face, the rushing sound of the mountain stream, the chirping of birds hidden in the trees, the rustle of populars in a gentle breeze.

But what struck me most was not the vista itself, but ageless timelessness of this place. The mountains will be there in equal splendor tomorrow or a thousand years from now. And they will wait patiently for us to return, to marvel at its majesty again and again.

We continued down Highway 93, past towering, snow-capped mountains, rich green forests and turquoise rivers.

Sherri, enjoying the ride down the mountain-->

<--the color of the river shown here does not come close to the uniquely luminescent turquoise green color of the river, produced from melting glacial water.

The closest we ever got to seeing Cariboo-->

Throughout our journey, I had been looking for wildlife. Then suddenly, by the side of the road, there appeared a deer, looking at us intently. I raised my camera and clicked. Even though we were at least a hundred yards away, it visibly twitched. I took another picture. Click. The deer, clearly startled, fled into the forest. We continued on our way.

Unfortunately, this beautiful national park has not been immune to the pine beetle ravaging forests throughout British Columbia and now into Alberta-->

A few minutes later, Sherri's husband, Brian, pulled up beside us saying, "look just beyond that sign up ahead". I could not see a thing, but kept riding silently, wondering what he had seen. Sure enough, a beautiful white tailed deer came into view, it's tall tail waiving like a flag.

Cycling through this great valley was an exhilarating experience. I didn't want it to end. And, yet, with every pedal stroke, we came closer to our final destination on this, our last day.

<--Lunch at a rest stop located in the heart of the park.

Trevor, relaxing during lunch. He was one of our strongest riders on the tour, despite the fact he only took up road cycling a few months ago-->

<--John, in the middle of one of many entertaining stories he told during our ride.

Is THAT where we're going?-->

<--Susan, ready to head out on the road

On her way again-->

<--- .... past a brilliant turquoise green mountain stream near our lunch rest stop

And towering mountains.... --->

<-- The day was so brilliant, I could not see what I was taking a picture of through my camera. I could only pray that it was capturing what I was seeing. Thank God it worked.

James at the British Columbia - Alberta border. Susan, Tom and I were there as well... lots of photos were taken!--->

<--View of the mountains at the BC - Alberta border

Finally, we started ascending our final mountain pass of the tour. Climbing the this last hill was much easier than the first of the day, and somehow I felt stronger, perhaps the strongest I have been since before I broke my ankle last year. I got off my seat and pumped my way joyously over the last five hundred metres. Simon, who knows the route well had told us to look back behind us once we reached the top. There, on the mountain was a glacier in the crevice of the summit.

I took a final photo of Brian, James and Susan, ready to descend with me. Their smiles speak of the triumph we all shared on reaching this last major hurdle. Then, we descended, a wildly fast hill leading to the junction of Highway 1 and 1A. Tucking myself into the bike, I let myself go as fast as I dared, about 70kph. Even then, a strong gust of wind would sweep across the highway and the bike would shake, forcing me to grip the handlebars to stabilize it. You never knew when the next gust would strike, adding a bit of suspense to the descent. Sorry, even I could not risk taking a photo of our descent!

Reaching the bottom of the descent safely, I started taking photos again as the familiar mountains of Banff came into view. Rather than take Highway 1 into Banff, we chose to take the more scenic route, along 1A. Along the way, we arrived at a designated meeting place, in a campground a few kilometers from town. With everyone spread across the mountains during the climb, it took awhile for everyone to arrive. Once we were all together, we proceeded as a group towards the city.

But, one last wildlife surprise was in store for us, literally right in front of us after rounding a sharp bend in the road - a family of big horned sheep. I had never seen them in the wild before. They were such stately creatures, I hardly thought about the possibility that , at any moment, they could have easily rammed one of us off the bike.

Another (non-wildlife) surprise was in store for us in the afternoon. However, this one required even more caution. It was a cattle crossing, with round pipes as bars, set apart by at least six to eight inches to keep cattle, or possibly other wildlife (moose?) from entering the town. I got off my bike and gingerly stepped on the bars of the gate crossing, doing my best not to slip off. After coming all this way injury-free, I didn't want to end my perfect record here. We proceeded downhill, gaining a bit of speed on a final, short hill. And then, our final, and rather frightening surprise - a SECOND CATTLE CROSSING!!!










<--A final challenge, literally yards from completing the tour. I'm at the front, Sherri is behind, with Susan in the distance.


I guessed I must have missed the comment about it during our nightly briefing. At any rate, by the time I recognized what it was, Sherri and I were going much too fast to break to a stop. I hung on for dear life and rode my bike over the cattle gate, praying that the tires would not slip off the slippery bars. Thud, thud, thud.... and then I was over it. Sherri did the same and somehow managed to get across as well. Susan, who who tended to head down hills a bit more cautiously, was completely vindicated in her careful approach. She managed to stop in time and walked her bike safely across.

And then, we were DONE!!!. Just a few yards down the hill from that last heart-stopping moment of the tour, we came to Banff's sign welcoming us to the city. The photo shown here is the official photo of our journey. The exhausted, but happy faces in the photo only hint at what we have seen during these past nine days. Well done, everyone!!

I always find the completion of a tour a bit anti-climatic. There is nothing in the last moments riding into town that comes close to the elation I felt when on the top of the last summit.

Banff, at last. What a beautiful destination to complete this journey--->

We arrived at Brewster's Mountain Lodge, a lovely hotel in the heart of Banff. After locking our bikes safely away in storage, we took our gear to our rooms. Sherri had to leave early with Brian to make the seven to ten hour journey (depending on construction) back to her home in Prince George, so she said her final goodbyes early. After riding nearly twelve hundred kilometers together, it was an emotional moment for all of us. I showered and fell on my bed, exhausted. Just before losing consciousness, I managed to set an alarm to wake me in time for dinner.

<--Chris and Trevor

Susan and Tom. Tom was such a wonderful help as a support driver for the tour-->

<---Simon, smiling in converstation with John and James (outside the photo)

Our final celebratory dinner at Earls Restaraunt was memorable. We could not help but talk about highlights of the tour. There were so many. Of course, the most brutal, miserable conditions are the ones that are also the most memorable. There was lots of talk about the ascent into Manning Park as being one of the highlights in the misery category. And yet, we were all there, together. I regret that I was unable to get a decent photo of everyone who was there at the dinner, but the real memories of James, John, Brian and Joyce, who were at the dinner but are not in the photos above, are in this journal already. Doug, who left our group early to be in Kelowna with his daughter, and Sherri , who was on her way to Prince George, were clearly missed at the dinner. They were both so important to our team this year.

After dinner, we went for a short walk through town. It has changed so, much since the last time I was here, in 1987. The town reminded me of Whistler Village, with a distinctly European flavor, set in the shadow of the Canadian Rockies towering overhead. It was a lovely evening, and a fitting end to this great adventure. Tomorrow, we pack our bags and bikes into our support vehicles. Tom and Joyce will drive them home while most of us will be flying back to Vancouver. In a few days, I will put together my epilogue of the journey. But, for now, it's time for a warm bed and a good night's rest.