15th
Day 8 - a day of highs and lows
We left our sleeping location @ 7 AM and cycled from Thunder Bay to the Terry Fox Memorial. The Memorial is a stunning location over looking Lake Superior. It certainly is a very special place. As we cycled up from the main road there is a quietness that overtook us. We racked our bikes and took off our helmets (respect) and walked quietly along a treed pathway to Terry’s monument. The sun broke through the clouds to shine for us in this special place.
This place evokes immediate feelings - many stood quietly, hugged, shed tears, recalled families members and friends who have lost their battle or are battling cancer. We gathered around Mike Smith who shared the significance and importance of Terry Fox and why we ride. He referred to Terry as the ‘patron saint’ of the fight against cancer. Terry defines the courage and focus required to address this disease and launched much needed awareness, fund raising, research and support for families affected by cancer.
As we wrapped up our time at the monument a rainbow formed to the south of the monument to defined our time there with an exclamation mark - a sign of hope and promise.
The RV shuttled us to the start of todays ride. This became a difficult time for me as I realized (had a sense the night before and at breakfast) that I was beginning to feel sick. Over the years, whether while training for Ironman events or reaching my max in multi day events I have come to know what I can and cannot squeeze out of my body. So as I sat in the RV with my three team mates (Glen, Heather & Ben) I made the difficult decision to stay in the RV for much needed rest and sleep while they headed out on the days ride. I rejoined the group for the last 20 KM’s. A difficult but necessary decision to be able to ride the rest of the days through to Halifax. My team mates were understanding and supportive, which really helped. Heather and Scott shared with me similiar experiences in previous national rides.
Mike Smith had cautioned me earlier about riding the full distances hard each day. Some people learn from others……some of us have to learn the hard way - today I’m learning the hard way! (for those who know me, that’s a very familiar outcome). The rest and sleep was much needed and the support from my team mates was conforting - pride still makes me feel the sting of my decision. Listen to the body is key in this type of event! Kick pride in the butt and use these moments to rest and refuel to restore the body’s immune system for the days ahead - as it can only fight one battle at a time.
The final KM’s were glorious sunshine, brilliant colours of rock cuts and trees in prefall state. Stunning vistas of beautiful blue Lake Superior. We do live in a great big beautiful country and have much to be thankful for.
Be well!
