Please click here to sponsor me and support Cystic Fibrosis research

Funds Raised: $7265 (updated June 25th, 2010)

Thank you everyone for your support! Our team has almost raised $120,000 for CF research!

Check out the GearUp4CF rider's blog

Day 9: Invermere to Banff

From the Kootenay Park lookout

Our final day was a long, moderately difficult but mostly sentimental ride from Invermere to Banff.  At this point in the trip, nothing was going to stop us from making it the final 150 km.  We started off with a brisk ride to Radium hot springs and headed into the Kootenay National Park where we climbed up an impressive 11% grade easing into a steady climb to the Kootenay Park lookout for photos and a rest.  On our climb to the top, we passed two magnificently large horned sheep watching us closely from the roadside; we were quickly accompanied by a humbling feeling that we were just visitors passing through.  Lunch break was another 40 km away and we finished up any remaining food and had our last hummus and salami wraps, chocolate milk, bananas and coke for the ride.

I'll miss the vastness and the openness of the Rockies

Our final climb of the trip brought us up to the Continental Divide, the border between BC and Alberta.  It was an emotional transition to finally make it across the border and the climb felt difficult because we pushed hard.  At this point of the trip, the scenery had transformed once again and we were now surrounded by brilliant rock faces blanketed by trees at their base.  The Rockies are so high that the peaks are barren and still covered by slivers of snow.  Some of the mountains nearby were grey with the remnants of a massive forest fire that swept through the region over 8 years ago.  The trees that remained wrapped the mountains with an eerie ghostly looking forest and after all those years, there was no evidence of any regrowth.

The continental divide, half the bike in Alberta and half in BC

Description of the wildfire

The only wildlife I was able to snap

Martina's only wipe out, off the Esso

Following the Continental Divide, we descended into Johnston Canyon for an ice cream cone and to wait for the rest of the team before making our final ride into the city of Banff.  The final ride was quiet and peaceful as we sped through a back road, surrounded by trees, a sentimental return to my first training rides up Seymour mountain.  Finally merging onto Highway 1, which we hadn’t seen since Day 1, we made our final ride into Banff and the sense of accomplishment finally set in after hugs and cheers by the welcome sign.  Our ride had finally come to an end and in some ways it felt like we had been riding for months, in others, it felt like we just set out yesterday.  It seemed so long ago since we were joined by the other riders up Manning Park, almost even a different trip altogether.  Regardless, together we’ve been able to achieve what we set out to do: to raise awareness, to educate and to raise financial support for cystic fibrosis research.  Undoubtedly, my life has changed as a result of the ride, I’m just not sure how.  However, my only hope is that together we’ve been able to change the outcome of those with CF, but there’s still so much to do.

The final stretch before reaching Banff; I'll never forget it

One last turn

Arrival at last

Ride Statistics:

Total Distance:  150.96 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: a bit less than 800 m
Average Speed: 25.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 72.9 kph
Total Time Spent on the Saddle: approx. 6 hours

The Strange's reunited

Carter lives with CF; that's why we ride

Complete Ride Statistics:

Total Distance:  1205.8 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: Approx. 8100 meters
Total Time Spent on the Saddle: Over 51 hours

***

After returning home today, the buzz of the trip still painting pictures in my mind, we pulled into a Chevron station and the man filling his car in front of us looked strangely familiar.  We looked at each other and I knew I had to step out and talk to him.  It turns out, I was introducing myself to Dr. John Yee, Eva Markvoort’s surgeon and the director of the BC Lung Transplant Program.  I spoke with Dr. Yee briefly about the $120,000 the ride has accumulated for CF research.  Unspoken, we acknowledged Eva’s legacy.  What a way to bring closure to this journey into the world of CF.  Cystic fibrosis is around us and near us; let’s make sure we don’t forget.

Day 8: Cranbrook to Invermere

Have you ever wonder what it would be like to live with an incurable disease?  One that doesn’t have a chance of removal or remission, instead one that persists daily, follows and effects every part of your life.  I find it incredible that even with such a remarkable prognosis, the one thing that will forever persist in mind during this trip is the sense reality of hope that is taking place.  It is like a movement, a rush of excitement and to be part of this is a not just an honor but a privilege.  Money is fleeting in so many circumstances.  What was the last purchase you made and how long has it lasted?  Yes, even in research, money can also be fleeting but it is undeniably life-altering.  When is the last time you’ve purchased life over death?  If you wish to donate to CF research, do not hesitate.  Yes, I do keep this blog to share about my journey to my friends, family and whoever has ventured onto my journal but this is also my opportunity to have you consider donating an amount to CF research.  Yes, I’ve hit my goal and my ride is close to over but this isn’t about me.  If you have been following my journey, I encourage you to act as well.  My greatest thanks goes out to you, who have donated and shared in the passion to find a cure for CF and let children live the life that we’ve been able to so undeservedly.

***

Heading toward the Rockies

We rode from Cranbrook to Invermere through heavy headwinds across the long remaining stretches of the #3 Highway.  The ride was long but not overly difficult; the challenge laid in the beating that our bodies had taken in the past 7 days and the mental hurdle that a headwind forces upon us.  Breakfast at the Cranbrook Denny’s, which turned out to be much better than any Denny’s in Vancouver (but only marginally so), fueled us for our trek to the base of the Rockies.  A few of us were hurting badly but we all managed to find our way to Invermere before heading down to the lake front for a kin hosted dinner.  There was a wonderful opportunity of sharing from the researchers and other members of our team that revealed the diversity of the motivations and approaches for our ride and work.  For me, the day has gone by too quickly for me to recall many specific details so instead I’ll allow the pictures to tell the story.

The Rockies reflected at the Canal Flats

One of the unique rock faces

I'm not sure where the all you can eat crab comes from

Or it could mean that Santa Claus is coming to town

Riding on the bus to the lake with Simon

Lake Windermere in Invermere

Too bad we didn't see this until we were leaving

Tomorrow will end in Banff.

Ride Statistics:

Total Distance:  130.46 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: a bit less than 500 m
Average Speed: 24.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 62.5 kph
Total Time Spent on the Saddle: 5:16:09

Day 7: Creston to Cranbrook

Finally an honest sign for cyclists

In contrast to yesterday’s sweltering climb to the peak of the Salmo-Creston, today’s ride was essentially a recovery for us.  Before we even started, we walked over to a fabulous Polish restaurant which served us the best breakfast of the trip so far.  Chatka-styled scrambled eggs, sausage and a crispy potato pancake, today had to be good if just due to the breakfast alone.  We set out of Creston, an otherwise extremely unremarkable town, and headed down the No. 3 Highway until the town of Yahk.  Apparently the residents of Yahk have a great sense of humor as we saw a number of amusingly named landmarks such as the “Hay U” R.V. Resort and the ride-appropriate sign pictured to the right.

Me and my roommate Stan

Simona doesn't know either

Martina blazing her way to Cranbrook, GU gels really work!

We finally made it into Mountain Time and have thus lost an hour, much to our disappointment.  At least the mornings will be cooler but it also means getting up an hour earlier for breakfast.  Our descent into Cranbook ended the shortest ride of our trip even though I slammed into a loose rock and blew my rear inner tube.  If there was any day to receive the inevitable flat, it would be today and with the help of Andrea, I was able to get back on the road in a few minutes.  Cresting the final hill of the day, we finally got a glimpse of our destination and final challenge, the Rocky Mountains.  So far we’ve traversed the Coast mountains, Cascade Mountains and the Selkirks.  Our final climbs will be through the Rockies which will eventually bring us to Banff.  Everyone on the team arrived at our destination in less than 4 hours of riding.  It’s amazing to think that we’ve now come over 920 km from Vancouver.  I am absolutely going to miss this experience when we land back in Vancouver on Monday but the reality is that there is a lot of work to be done and as a researcher, my responsibility is in the lab.  Following this experience, it is unlikely that my journey in the CF world will simply be coming to an end.  Though I don’t know where I’ll even be in a year, finding a cure for CF will always have a special place in my heart.

Rebecca considering a tattoo, or not

Finally a peek of the fantastic Rockies

Yes Sam, your sweetheart and princess are in Cranbrook, BC

Tonight we rounded off our evening with another wonderfully hosted meal by the kinsmen and kinettes of Cranbrook.  We ate at a local golf course and even got to meet the Sweetheart and Princess of Sam Steele, a competition based title given to grade 11 students of Cranbrook, ripe with history related to the city.  Following the meal, we relaxed and stretched our backs in an embarrassing round of balls at the driving range.  Tomorrow we’ll be arriving in Invermere where we’ll gear up for the final stretch into Banff and the end of our 2010 ride for cystic fibrosis.

Ride Statistics:

Total Distance:  106.2 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: approx. 300 m
Average Speed: 26.3 kph
Maximum Speed: 55.7 kph
Total Time Spent on the Saddle: 4:02:16

I'll stick to cycling

Martina and Rebecca... in the middle of the street

The crew with the local kin groups

Day 6: Trail to Creston

The sun unfortunately broke through seconds after departing

Today was the hardest climb of my life.  The combination of a poor start, the beating sun and a long and difficult climb created an absolute grueling ride over the Salmo-Creston, what I can safely describe as a climb of epic proportions.  Even though the total cumulative elevation gain is not as much as a combination of Cypress and Seymour mountains, the unrelenting grade and lack of flat breaks takes a huge toll on the body.  Today was a lesson in the value of friendships and teamwork.  Alone, neither Martina or I would likely have finished the mountain in the way we did and without the support team looking out for the riders, there would be no way we would have all made it up the mountain.

Sudden weather changes didn't happen, 56 km mountain did

Making it to the top of the Salmo-Creston was a special moment, made even more special by the special dedications of some of the riders to their loved ones with cystic fibrosis.  I wondered myself how powerful love can be and how it can drive us to do things we might consider impossible, just for the opportunity to help others beyond their means.  I cannot thank each of you enough for your donations to the CF cause.  The tears of joy that we shared together at the peak of the Salmo-Creston was proof that each dollar, each hug and each smile contributes to real love for those with CF.  I consider myself lucky that I am not personally affected by the disease through a loved one but today I felt that I was part of a greater family that embraces everyone who suffers from the disease.  Before the ride, I felt concerned that I would be on the outside, looking in, but clearly, my apprehensions were put to rest.

Climbing the Salmo-Creston with Martina

Highest year round open pass in Canada done by bike!

We'll pretend that the sign says "Brakes aren't allowed"

Our descent from the peak of the Kootenay Summit was an exhilarating ride which took nearly 45 minutes at an average of 55 kph.  Again, emerging from the mountain passes, once again we arrived in a new climate, this time vast green plains of grass and farmland in hot and humid air.  Tonight we shared a fabulous meal sitting around an empty fire pit with a variety of Greek foods; the food was good but it was the company that made it stellar.  It’s amazing how much easier it is to talk when looking each other in the face rather than our rear ends.  Tomorrow, we’ll be traveling to Cranbrook.  I don’t know much about the ride but I am just happy that today is over and I can finally rest.

Ride Statistics:

Total Distance:  124 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: approx. 1600 m
Average Speed: Unknown (accidentally reset)
Maximum Speed: 75.7 kph
Total Time Spent on the Saddle: Around 5 hours

The view just before the summit

fin.