Today's Musings

Yesterday I got stuck in the elevator with another rider, her bike and my gear bag...maybe I did bring too much! A quick call to the Seattle police, "Ah hi, I'm in elevator 114 at the university. It's not moving from floor 5." No problem. We'll get you out. A 5 minute adventure.

Today, during bike handling training, a woman commented on how she was noticing how people and their bikes showed their personalities. She looked at me and said. "Yours definitely tells me a lot about you!"

Also people have been curious about the long strand of material wrapped around my basket."Does that have some significance?" they ask. When I tell them it is a prayer chain, each square with notes of encouragement and love from my friends, family and church community,one for each day and that it will show our trip getting shorter and shorter,they are amazed and touched-often with a tear coming to their eye.

I am truly blessed

Registration

OK so I have officially checked in. It was the first time I had seen Ralph and John. The Opas and I exchanged travel stories and then I asked about finding our bikes and putting them together. Much to my delight Opa John had taken it upon himself that morning to find the truck and our bikes and assembled them for us. Thanks, Opa! Already looking out for us.
The SAG crew has also taken an interest in my gear bag. Yes, It's big and it's heavy but remember the bike gear is coming out. Also they Love that it is on wheels. I love the colour as so far it's the only orange bag in a sea of dark neutrals!
Hey, Lots of interest and complements on the handle bar streamers, A few of the girls are looking to pimp their ride too!
Dinner and a meet and greet for the SeaToSea gang. For me, it was a lot like a public appearance as so many people said "You're Gayle Harrison. I've been waiting to meet you!" That is probably one of the nicest compliments you can get from a stranger but a little weird too. I never imagined that complete strangers would be so interested in my rambling- let's be honest, some of my closest friend's don't even read this thing! One woman came up and said that after reading this blog, she decided to do SeaToSea. Wow. When I read back on this thing, I start thinking that I'm crazy not that this is a good idea! Of course, in my head I'm thinking- sure I seem cool now but wait until we spend a few days on the road together. Did I mention that one of the special skills I have is that I can annoy complete strangers in 5 minutes or less? When I told this to one of my friends, they said "When did it ever take 5 mins?"
Also Opa Ralph came into town bearing gifts. Thanks to Albert and Sharon DeVries for the anit-chafting sticks and the wonderful note of encouragement.
It's been a busy but great day.

A Seattle Morning

So I'm just back from hanging out in downtown Seattle. I anticipate being very busy later with registration, organization, socialization and bike assembly so I'm updating now.
First, once again I decided that local transit was the way to go. It's only $1.50 per ride and gives you a great tour through the city. Of course, I forget to have exact change-the bus driver took pity on me and just said, "Use this" as he gave me a ride all day pass. Very nice.
I got off at Pine st and walked a few blocks to the waterfront to the famous Pike Place Market. Of course as a bunch of people got off the bus, a guy was walking along the street looked around the group and asked me for the time. QD phenomenon strikes again.
There I saw my first Piano busker...who was very goo considering he had a beat up piano on utility wheels

So then I headed to the market and to the famous fish monger. The FISH philosophy is a business employee motivation thing. It was conceived by the gang at this market.

Then I had a vanilla bean frap at the original Starbucks.

Lunch was a delightful seafood bisque from Pike Place Chowder. Then it was up the Space needle and I have officially seen Seattle.

The Team send off

The day before I left, my Rehab team sent me off with a gift of a jersey and cycling shorts and a patch to sew on my Safety vest. I am very grateful for all their work and encouragement through the accident, healing and preparing for Sea to Sea

They are Jen(seated), Kubet and Robyn...missing Cheryl who was the first to assess the damage that had been done.
They also gave me the jersey and shorts I am wearing. You have probably read the jersey issues that I have encountered. Mark, the regional manager, had the same difficulties. I had given my size and measurements to Jen and Mark took them into a bike shop. When he asked about a jersey that had my chest measurements, the clerk looked at him and asked "What are you going to do with that?" Mark told him that they had a client that was doing a long distance cycling tour and they wanted to give me one. The clerk said, "There is no long distance cyclist with a chest that size." Well, actually there is one!
This machine is the pilates reformer that Kubet has been torturing me on for the last 2 months. You have to admit it does resemble the midevil stretcher.

Thanks to everyone at CBI for the jersey, cycling shorts and all the work and encouragement. Looking forward to seeing everyone when I return.

In Seattle

Well I am here. The flight was pretty smooth and I had forgotten how beautiful the Rockies when you are flying over them.

In the upper left corner is Mount St. Helen.

So I arrived in Seattle and the travel question phenomenon has surfaced. I have found that where ever I go even in a city or place I have never been, in crowds of hundreds of people, if someone has a question or needs directions they will ask me. Not kidding and I have no idea why. This occurred 3 times yesterday. At the airport bus stop, there had to be a couple of dozen people around, I'm there with my suitcase. Two ladies came up to me and ask what the fare for seniors was. Did you not see the suitcase with the airline tags? Do I look like a senior? Sadly I was able to answer their question as I had just the information off the bus stand billboard that was about 2ft away from us. It happened a few times as I walked from the bus stop to and through the the University campus. Weird. It will be interesting to track this as I travel home.

The weather is perfect mid 20s with a breeze and sunny. Maybe my prediction of rain for Monday was too hasty. Last night, I went to the movies(always working) and realized that I was tired after Wall-E as it finished at 10:30pm...which I then realised was 2:30am my time!

Today is exploring downtown. There are 4 criteria that I was taught to use as a guide to see a city. Go to the highest point(Space needle won out over Mount Rainier due to cost and time) Take local transportation(I'm using the transit system) Eat local food(has to be seafood for lunch or Starbucks!) and do something you can only do in that city(heading to Pike's Market home of the famous fish market).

Registration is at 2pm. Looking forward to meeting some of the cyclists. I've already seen a few, huddled in groups talking about it. I decided not to interrupt to introduce myself as I will meet them later.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

OK so right now I am in JFK in NYC waiting for my connecting flight to Seattle. Had a few issues at the border. Do you have a return ticket? I'm leaving Seattle on Monday.
Also have forgotten some things including my sleep meds. Not sure how to deal with that just yet. Also a phone call to my friend Tracy on the drive to the airport...um..can you go to my place and get the laundry out of the dryer and turn the alarm clock off? I'm playing the head injury card. Thanks Tracy!
The hotel at the airport was an experience. Kirsten was so excited because we didn't have a reservation and she had always wanted just to show up at a hotel and see if she could get a room. I went in to see if they had a vacancy. Shannon was the rep at the desk. Got any rooms? Yes. What is the rate? $159/night. Oh come on, I said,We're only going to be here 8-10 hours, you can do better than that. I saw a park and fly rate on your website for $69.(OK so that was 4 years ago but still) Shannon looks at me, The best I could do is $119. I smiled, How about $99? We're 3 adults we're not going to make a lot of work for you. Shannon signed...OK. By the way, Shannon, Does that include breakfast? She replies, I'll give you the deluxe continental. Perfect! What does deluxe mean?(it was excellent, french toast and eggs included!) By now her co-worker is laughing her guts out. Shannon just shakes her head and starts typing in my information."I feel like I'm in Mexico." We then asked about the pool hours but Hannah and Kirsten hadn't brought suits. Shannon, when are the nude swimming hours? The plan to be no trouble also kinda fell through when we had to get 2 wake up calls and extra toiletries and bedding delivered to the room.
Travelling with Hannah and Kirsten was fun. I hope they have a fun shopping before their whirlwind weekend.
as for me, I'm going to pop a DVD in the computer to watch while waiting for my flight. I don't even have to use battery power as this lounge has outlets with the free wi-fi. Have I mentioned what a great airline JetBlue is?
TTYS from Seattle.

Working on the Road

People have been asking- What about the movies? Still going to do the reviews?
Absolutely, BX93 radio is along for the ride with my shirt and belt buckle.

It will be busy but each week the gang from home will still get their movie advice AND an update on the ride....ALL good!

Saying Good bye to my Fuzzies

OK this is probably one of my hardest tasks preparing for Sea To Sea. Murphy, Milo and Chester had a busy day with a visit to their Vet, Dr Wilson, a packing up of all their belongings and home(a 3 story condo as it's called by my friends) and then a 1 1/2 hour drive to their God-Parents, Geoff and Karen Vanderkooys. The kids Theo-10, Miranda-8 and Emily-6 are very excited to have the babies all summer. They are showing them off to all their friends and neighbours as well as being use in some community service visiting children's centre and a Seniors home.
They will be well loved, well cared for, adored and mauled all the time being missed terribly by their momma.
The quiet comfort I get just have them around, hearing the scamper over the floors, feeling them slide up head across my toes, looking up for a cuddle, hopping around trying to entice me with a chase.

I'm missing them already. I am staying the night with them just to have one more sleep in their presence. I hope they have fun...but miss me. I'm going to look forward to their visit in Chatham and London..before I take them home permanently in September. Be good Boys, have fun, Momma loves you!

Go forth with our blessings

This morning, our congregation commissioned the 8 cyclists to go forth on Sea To Sea with their blessings and prayers. Everyone was so excited and so encouraging, I feel so blessed to be a part of this family of God.
I was presented with my prayer support package. Usually this would be a bunch of letters of encouragement, one for each day, that I would open throughout the journey. I thought that paper letters might become problematic with what weather we may encounter so with some inspiration I came up with an alternative. Instead of letters, there is a 6X6inch quilt square that has a message on it. One for each day, they have been stitched together so that as I remove them I can see the journey getting shorter and shorter.

The "prayer chain" stretches close to 40ft long. It's exciting and I can hardly wait to weave it through the basket on my bike.
After the service, the whole gang along with the support committee- the Pedals and Prayers group, had a BBQ lunch and send off. We unravelled the chain to see the full length. Amazing!

Thanks to Cheryl Lantz who loving prepared, gathered and stitched the whole thing together. Beautiful.
When I complete SeaToSea, we will stitch the squares together and make a quilt or banner. It will be a treasure!

Preparing my Body for Sea To Sea

There are many elements to prepare for as Sea To Sea approaches. Conditioning your mind, soul and body for a new and taxing journey. I've been working on this for over 13 months now and with just a week to go, there was one thing left to do.
Back in the winter, while I was cooking for the young adult's group Common Ground, the topic of tattoos came up. I already had one and was thinking that I might do another one or two for Sea To Sea. Something representing the journey. After a very thoughtful discussion with some creative people, I decide it would be fun to have one on each ankle, a bicycle wheel coming out of the water, right side Pacific(as if I was a compass and my head is north) and left side Atlantic.
Tim Nydam from our church drew the design(Laura & Fred must be proud!) and on Wednesday night....I had it done.
First, Glenn and I fussed over placement. It had to fit perfectly between my scar and the callous of my heel.
Ready to begin:
I have to admit. It HURT. Like it !@##$@%!$#@!%#?@*&@& HURT. LIke that scene in the movie The 40 Year Old Virgin where they are waxing his chest and he swears a blue streak with every strip. My head was there!.
40 minutes of torture- felt like 40 days and Glenn was done.


But it's done. I like it and I don't regret it. It will be healed well before my cycling shoes are back on and I have a great motivation to finish Sea To Sea. I have to have balance and get the other one done!

Packing Up

Well, I'm shipping my stuff. It's hard to pack and organize yourself for 9 weeks and with a 60lbs weight limit. But as I was stressing out I made a few great decisions. At least they feel this way now...maybe on the trip they won't turn out to be so great.
First, after much debate, I invested in a waterproof hockey bag on wheels. It is bright orange. The advantages of this are
1- All my stuff fit into one bag, clothes, camp gear and bike gear
2-There is a good chance that most of the gear bags will be in the black, green blue range so I should be able to pick mine out fairly quickly when it is loaded and unloaded. Hey, if there are other riders reading this and decide that picking a bright colour is a good idea...fine but ORANGE is already taken!
3- The wheels make it easy to handle.
Also, How do I decide what to take? Easy, why stress? They published a list on the cyclist information so I just used that. I packed exactly to the list, it all fit in my bag and met the weight limit. It looks like this

Now if it turns out there is something I need and I don't have it, I can say- "It wasn't on the list"
So the Opas, John and Ralph, and I got together, in the rain, on Tuesday

and turned 3 perfectly good bikes into complicated puzzles.
Before:
During:

Hey! Be careful with those streamers! Don't bend them!
After:


We loaded up John's van and he headed to Grand Rapids today. I haven't received a call to bail him out at the border yet so I think all has went well.
I'm back on the Schwinn for the next week. It feels very clunky compared to the Black Pearl and I can't believe I actually thought it was a good choice to do Sea To Sea on. I know, I know...Everyone told me so!

I Can See Clearly Now.....

Eight cyclists, nine weeks, 6249kms, reaching out to their community, taking a step to end the cycle of poverty-seeing it all through their new Ryder Sunglasses.

I realized I had forgotten to let everyone know about one of the great blessings that came after my article in the local news paper. Joe Botnick, a regional sales manager for Ryder sunglasses was inspired by the story and the Sea To Sea venture that his company donated new sunglasses and aluminum water bottles for our ride.
Very cool. Ryder are great sunglasses Canadian designed and made and usually deal with the endorsement of "serious" dudes in cycling. They are not connected to the CRWRC or the CRC...just happy to help some regular folks try and do something more and are going to be following our ride and featuring us in their company news letter.
Thanks for your support Joe and the gang at Ryder eyewear.

How can I not be ready now???

OK..so people keeping asking me if I feel ready. My usual response is, I don't know. Let's be honest-if I had any clue about what Sea To Sea was really going to require of me there is probably no way I would have agreed to do it.
But the last 2 days have probably given me a little more insight into what I can handle. Yesterday, I decided to do my first solo 100+km ride since the accident. I decide that I wanted to ride the route that we are going to be coming in to London on August 21. I like when routes are familiar to me...something much harder to develop since the head injury...and I am hoping that I can really get the feel of the London ride so that in a few months it will really feel like coming home.

I headed out a little later than expected. Weather call was for rain with clearing in the afternoon. I started out wearing my rain jacket over a tank, vents open. It was cool but muggy with a cross wind. By the 25km mark I lost the jacket. Another strategy I was advised to do was to not get off my bike hungry or thirsty. This helps you have a consistent energy flow as you ride and suppose to help with recovery. I have been advised by both my coach and my physio that I shouldn't worry so much about my speed or time at this point but focus on how to recover quickly. Alright can't hurt. That means for me about every 30mins a small break off the bike to snack and drink. Important-carry food you like!
This technique was working for me and I was having a good ride. At the 35kms point I looked ahead and saw a distant grey haze..time to put the rain jacket back on. At first it was just hit and miss drizzle but by the 45kms point I was as wet as I could possibly be. At that point, you might as well just suck it up and be wet. Made it to the village of Glencoe and needed a washroom break. Options included gas station, restaurant and Pentecostal church. I chose the church. So as I wheeled myself up to the door I wondered if I needed to knock or buzz but instead an older gentleman came to the door. Could I possibly use your washroom? "Sure" he said,"Right there" as he held the door and let me wheel my bike in. Then he proceeded to leave the church and me in it and drove away. Amazing, didn't even ask my name, what I was doing or check to make sure I left.
I was a stranger and you took me in.
I then sat on a street bench(still raining) and had lunch and watched life go by in Glencoe. Back on the bike to head home. At the 60kms mark, it had quit raining so off came the jacket again in hopes of drying off a bit. This was a lesson in-careful what you pray for- as by the 70km mark I was in full sun-without sunscreen. The last 40kms were hot but not unpleasant and at the end I was a little pink( a good colour on me!) but not crispy!
Also the snacking recovery really worked as I felt great and not exhausted. Then today, I did another full run. My first back to back centuries. I feel as ready as I can be.
Lessons learned:
1-There are still people who will take the risk to trust a stranger.
2-Being wet isn't a worst case scenario
3-Even sopping wet, my cycling shoes don't cause blisters!
4-Bring sunscreen even in a thunderstorm.
5-Food you like makes you happy, happiness makes all the other issues less of a problem.
6-You can't really prepare for what God has planned
7-Coming home feels great.

Busy Week of Bags and Music.

OK so it's been a little crazy with the fundraising and awareness campaign for Sea TO Sea. First was the delay in the arrival of the bags. Small crisis but managed and after a direct call to the president of the company things went a lot smoother.
SO up to Masonville mall to "pedal"(note the pun!) our wears.

Although sales weren't as high as I had hoped, it was a great way to reach out to the community. People stopped because they had heard about it on the radio or read the article about me. That's good publicity.

Then there was the music. Started by a few guys at our church, A String and A Prayer has become a very accomplished Bluegrass/gospel group. They kindly and generously donated their time and talent to the benefit of Sea To Sea

What a fun night of great music and good joke...sans my accordion.

THANK YOU......I cannot be grateful enough for all the gifts we have been given. Any need the coolest re-usable shopping bag? Yellow is the new Green!