Monday, July 21- What might have been

After 3 straight weeks of direct sun, finally an overcast day. Here was my chance to see what I could really do without the light sensitivity holding me back. It was our first of many 140+kms days of this week with an mountain pass at close to 9500ft. I again I decided to set my pace and see how the day went. It was a beautiful route though a steady incline for the first 70kms. Just as we were finishing our first decline I blew my back tire. I prepared to change it and called the SAG as my tires require a floor pump. The first person who came by was a sweep team member who flew right pass without even asking if I needed help. But right behind was Barb who not only yelled at the first person but stopped to help. We got the tire off and started a patch when the rest of the sweep stopped until the SAG came and I was on my way again.
I came pass a farm with 2 Alpacas in the yard. I had to know that story so I stopped and knocked.

Turns out that Alpacas(look very similiar to llamas) are used as shepherds. They work well with sheep but hate dogs and ciyotes. Except the brown one Joe..he was too friendly and had to be retired. The black one Mabel was his companion and using they are looking into using them for the wool.
On with the ride, taking an invited rest at this little nook set out for travellers.

I left a few Sea To Sea cards. You just never know.
A little while later, I was having a snack by the beautiful river that was flowing along beside the route when once again the sweep team passed by. They did check to make sure I was OK and said that they were going further to get coffee. I passed them a few minutes later and continued up the long incline to the pass. Again they leap frogged me to the next SAG at the start of the worst of the climb. I thought it funny that none of these times did they ask permission to pass me, as the process had been laid out. When I got to the SAG, I took a rest. Within 30sec of my stop the sweep team asked what I was planning to do about the next part. It was going to be long and steep but I was feeling great and conditions were good for my success. They were hesitant reminding me that there was still a lot of miles after the summit. I knew that but I was in good shape and hated the idea of quitting without trying. Yes I would be slower than them but I really felt that I could do it. But maybe this was a time to put community first and show some grace. I took the SAG to the summit but was disappointed in my sacrifice.

The coast down was amazing....and Pieter, I can break 80kms on a 7% grade but CHOOSE not to as I am unwilling to hit the pavement that fast.
.
After the lovely ride down, of course there was another incline up to a plateau. At the top I was still feeling great and decided a call to my sister, Ivy would be a great break and a nice touch of home. I was good to talk to her and hear her encouragement."You can do it! Don't let those super jock boys bully you. Do your own thing and eat lots of ice cream!" Good advice from my big sister and soon to become very timely.
As I finished my call, the sweep team once again caught up. We were almost at the last SAG. All but one passed me until we got to the SAG. There were the sweep and my friend Justin. As I was taking off my helmet for a last break. Justin came over to me and advised me that the sweep team leader had just talked to the SAG driver to have him convince me to take the SAG into camp so they could finish their ride quickly. It was 5:30, there was only 40kms left, I was feeling great. After sacrificing my early ascent, they weren't even willing to let me finish the ride. I was shocked and horrified, wondering if this had happened earlier too. I stood my ground. NO I was doing well I could finish this ride and I was taking a quick break to prepare to do that. I am very grateful to Justin and SAG driver Cory for backing me. Justin even told the sweep to go that he would ride with me. All but Barb on the sweep left, and the 3 of us headed off together a few minutes later. It was a fabulous end with a rainbow over the horizon as we flew in at an average 26kms/hr. I was grateful for the support of Barb, Justin and Cory as about 1/2 way I did blow my back tire again. But even so, we arrived at camp at 7pm.
I was furious at the behavior of the sweep team and immediately ask to meet with Len and Ed of our leadership team. They were very gracious and supportive in listening to my story and experience and took immediate and appropriate actions. I am still disappointed that I didn't get a chance to have what might have been a great victory ride but glad this bullying happened to me, some who won't tolerate it and spoke up. I pray for anyone who had felt this pressure before me and I am trusting that this sacrifice will lead to a change in the sweep teams responsibilities and actions in the future. I thank God we have a leadership team that was open to listening and taking action.