It was another great ride, and the weather totally co-operated. It was sunny through and through.
More than 60 cyclists, young and old, participated in the 3 different distances. Most rode the middle distance of 17 km. A few of the younger folk rode the short route of 4 km from the second food stop (at the old Riverdale Store) along the quaint Riverdale Road and 20th Side Road. And a few of the more experience riders chose the newly introduced 37 km route.
The longer route went through our beloved Chippewa Park, along chilly and pwoerful Lake Superior with the occassionly view of the Sleeping Giant, through Brulie Bay via the causeway. into an east-coast like underneath the formidable cliffs of Mt. McKay, through the Fort Willian Indian Reserve, then back onto the main route to indulge in some of the refreshments and snacks put on by Bicycles for Humanity (B4H), and Camp Quality (CQ).
Another added bonus this year was Paul Morallee's video recording of the event. He captured the ride and connected it to one of the 60 inch screens in the Neebing Roadhouse bar for everyone's enjoyment. He captured the essence and spriit of the event. It is on YouTube at the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRwMcNxiBNA
There was another surprise: Dilico had a protest on the Swing Bridge. Fortunately the road was still passable. And, also on the Swing Bridge for the first time in MGR history, a train came over the bridge while we rode over the history Kaministiqua Rive. Lots of action on that bridge.
At the Neebing we were greeted with the soulful sounds of Caleb Hawkings playing his original songs accompanied by his guitar. Then the main act of the blues duo of Southern Comfort. Dave Jonassen on slide guitar and Smedley B on piano. What a great duo! Both acts brought more colour to the evening. I had the fortune of sitting in with them for a few songs with my harmonica. Also, even my nephew Russell filled the air with some of his guitar playing prowess when the band had a break. Very exceptional playing for a 17 year old. Classical Gas was one the tunes he played. Way to go Russell. His sister and cousin came up to the front to hear and encourage him - he's got fans including me.
Another added twist. Charlie Wilkins, a renouned Canadian author gave away eight of his books as draw prizes. Not only did he donate them, but he was there to sign them. Cool huh? Only a few months ago he was nominated for the Steven Leacock award, and right this minute he is a nominee for the prestigious Trillium award. And, by golly, he was there! The two sets of books were "Circus at the Edge of the Earth" and "Walk to New York".
Oh, one more twist. We had way too many draw prizes. It was fun to auction the Victorian Inn's Free night's stay and breakfast for two. We had a flurry of bidders of which the sale went to Mike Yuan, who's a B4H volunteer. Enjoy it Mike.
Amongst all the fun, we raised.$1200 dollars! Yahoo!
I thank everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered. Terri and Jennifer for setting up and operating the first food stop (B4H). Paula and her kids at the second food stop (Camp Quality). Darlene with managing the prizes. Joelle for helping with the prizes and accepting the donations. Paul for doing the video. Caleb for playing his music. Dave and Smedley for there awesome blues, and Neebing for supporting us again and helping with some of the expenses.
It was another great ride.
See you next year.
-Frank Pollari
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