I had a great time! The ride went very well once underway. If I could clap on this thing I would for the amazing job done by the crew and volunteers!!! And everyone who rode 1700+ people and over 6.9million in donations, that truly is epic! WELL DONE EVERYONE, and see you next year.
Just a note for the planners though, call your buddies in BC, they did a way better job at pre-planning, media coverage and website programming. I'll chalk up the blunders to first year jitters, but lets get our act togeather for 2010. Oh, and maybe work towards making it truly the ALBERTA ride to conquer cancer, not the CALGARY ride to conquer cancer, there are other parts of Alberta.
-- Edited by gizmo on Monday 29th of June 2009 01:55:45 AM
Hehehe...I'm just happy to have survived carting some first aid supplies on my bike over all of those hills. It was a beautiful ride through great and scenic country...but I could have done with a few less hills, even if the ride were longer as a result. ;)
I can't wait until they get the pictures up at www.conquercancerphotos.ca :)
I thought it was a great ride and had a great time. The organization was pretty good with the placement of the pit stops and good work of all the Crew and Volunteers.
Less hills would have been nice and I would have to complain that I don't think the organizers new the route that well. At least that's the feeling I got from talking to the Ride Guides before hand and the surprises of the riders on the route when the had hill after hill and narrow shoulders covered in rumble strips.
A different route next year would be nice, being able to see different parts of Alberta and making it more convenient for people from Northern Alberta. (not that it matters to me since I came from BC to ride.)
I thought it was amazing! This was the first time I ever attempted anything like this, and yes it would have been nicer to have fewer hills for sure but I think it helped really push me to the limit and really reflect on what we were there to do it. One of my team mates said something at a pit stop that really hit home "if it was easy everyone would do it". This was a challenge from the fundraising to the ride and I am so proud of everyone who finished the ride. I met all my goals, rode the whole way (no sweep vehicles but awesome they were there) didn't walk a single hill and no crashes. I will be there next year. Thanks to the amazing volunteers and congrats to all the riders!
This was the most amazing and humbling experience I have ever had. Yes the hills and head winds seemed never ending on Sunday, but when you stop to think about it when did a person with cancer ever have an "easy ride". This gave me a small taste of what my sister & Mom had to go through while battling cancer. The only difference was I got to finish alive, they didn't. That is what was the most humbling for me. The "Strength in Numbers" motto was very appropriate. There were times when I didn't think I would make it up another hill and along came someone to give me a push (thank you kind sir), or a word of encouragment, or just "you're doing great keep going". I don't know if I would ride that route again, but I would certainly want to be involved in some capacity.
I was so happy to make it to the end and very happy to see everyone cheering all the riders on that crossed the line. It was an amazing ride that goes down as a lifetime event, and it was great to have som many postive thinking people that rode to help you forget the pain or forget about the next hill. I agree with abrokenshire that what we did was nothing compared to what those with cancer go through.
I thought it was an awesome experience, so I signed up for 2010!
I was a little concerned that day 1 wouldn't go well after I wiped out about 500 m in! First day with the skinny tires. A passerby commented that I "took one for the team". I was also battling a cold, which thankfully didn't slow me down too much.
The police officers and volunteers who helped get us out of Calgary safely were outstanding. Kudos to them! I was also concerned that check-in would be a zoo, but overall I was impressed with how it was handled.
The hills on day 2 were definitely challenging, but as others have said it was appropriate given the circumstances. I was amazed to see the wide variety of cyclists and bikes. It truly was an accessible event for all levels. The young guy on the singlespeed dirt-jump bike deserves a pat on the back!
Making the final climb and hitting that plateau was awesome. I felt like I found another gear. Then there was one last huge gust of wind before I turned off into the ranch, which also seemed appropriate. Crossing the finish line felt great, with all the cheering, the music playing, and the announcer calling out the participants by name. I thought that was a nice touch.
I'm just glad I didn't wipe out on the final gravelled descent!
-- Edited by JCP on Wednesday 1st of July 2009 04:47:30 PM
A fantastic ride and cause. I think we all did great with special thanks to the crew. Ya, a few hills wouldn't be missed next year. Maybe a ride between Calgary and Edmonton or visa versa. Higher profile, fewer hills and would draw more participants from Edmonton
A passerby commented that I "took one for the team". I was also battling a cold, which thankfully didn't slow me down too much.
