It was hard to stay asleep and even the stress of getting up and packing up in the dark didn't get to me today. I was up at 4:30am so that I could be ready for my first call into the Dave & Jacqui morning show on BX93 radio at 5:30. I was bubbling and couldn't wait to get on the road. My start on the road was delayed when I found that my bike had been locked in the storage which wouldn't be open until 6am....why hadn't that been announced?
But I was completely ready when the doors opened and off I went to the surprised looks of many cyclists...was that Gayle leaving first? The morning was cool and foggy, very typical of this area and it was beautiful as I headed towards the sunrise although once again we had a head wind.
Rob from Hamilton and new to the tour, came along and started to draft me. I was definitely putting in my best effort to get home even though several people had their doubts about whether I would make my 12:30 deadline to the Forks in downtown London.
Rob was doing a great drafting job and having fun with the on the road updates. We were heading down Hwy2 past one of my favourite places, Park's Country Store where I always stop to get butter tarts. However the sign said that they weren't open. I was on air with Dave & Jacqui and told them about this stressful moment when we were waved into the store. The staff had heard us on the radio and opened for us with fresh baking and coffe and cold coke.
While I was pressing home, there was a time trial for the more seasoned cyclists happening. It was impressive to see them fly by even as I worked hard to keep my schedule. As I was going along, many people had put out signs to welome us.
Then I notice that my name was on the road in chalk. I thought that's neat someone spells their name like me.(Serious bike brain happening!!) Then I saw the word COKE and knew this had to be for me. This is what lay before me on the road.
With this as my first welcome home treat.
Rod who had stumbled upon this event was wondering where his was?
I was soon on the look out for other surprises. Sure enough at the Time Trial finish line I found this.
Is it just me or is it ironic that the intense Time Trial ended across from a cemetary just in case someone didn't make it??
It was on to Mount Bridges where the church indulged us with a BBQ spread to die for. I grabbed Dale and we scooted out to head for London. It was my familiar training route and it was surreal to be doing it again. Had I really been cycling for over 7 weeks? Was this really happening?
Finally the London Sign was there to bring me and Dale home.
It was incredible to fly through the bike trail on the river. A gang from our church was at the 1/2 way point with a banner to go under and a final gift of a bubble machine was waiting just before I crossed the bridge to the Forks.
What a welcome!!! Not just for me but for Dale
Brian
And I shared my cold coke with Josh.
My church family had put so much effort and excitement into our entry. Also waiting were the promotion girls from my radio station BX93 and Q97.5.
I visited for a few hours and marveled at the fact that I had just BIKED home from Seattle!!! And the tan lines I had to show for it.
I headed to the camp to finish my ride, quickly gathered my stuff, Josh and headed home for a shower before doing another trip to the radio station for a visit with Mark and Chris during the afternoon shows. Thanks to Cheryl Leystra-Lance for being our chauffer!
Back to camp to an amazing dinner, visits from friends and of course the babies! Yes I got to cuddle my three ferrets for the first time in amost 8 weeks. Milo and Chester were disinterested but Murphy was obviously comforted by my return. Soon we will all be home together boys!!!
A few friends from home hosted some new SeaToSea friends at the local pub to close the evening. I decided not to sleep at home as I want to save that moment until I actually come home. Instead, Marti and Coby enjoyed my apartment while I camped out with my friend Heather.........
It's good to come home!!! I've missed you all!!!!
6 comments:
Gayle = Coke. 3 Ferrets. Bike streamers. Your own radio show. Fun folks to ride with. Devoted friends. God is good, eh.
Chuck
Kennewick
Great to see you again! You were bubbling over with excitement of being home!
Yesterday we went to a new to us ice cream place, London Ice Cream Company on Baseline by Wharncliffe. They make their own ice cream on the premises, and it was delicious. If you haven't been there, you should try it.
Today you are biking into St. Catharine's, Art's parents' home town.
Yeah for Gayle and the Biker Gang. Sounds ominous, doesn't it??? You did it, you did it! Keep going East. To the ocean! Hooray!
PS - i'm sure someone somewhere does spell their name like you!
Gayle, I talked to you in Sombra, and thought I'd leave a comment.
I love reading your blogs. Nice to see some of the neat stuff that you see each day. Looks like you had a good homecoming. Fan club was working hard there, getting everything ready for you.
Enjoy your short Saturday, and your day of rest on Sunday. Only one week left! Blessings.
Gayle,
I met you in passing at the rally in GR. Your blogs are delightful, encouraging, and serve as an important publicity for Sea to Sea. Congratulations on your achievement and may your last week be filled with joy as you seek the Jersey shore.
Gayle
Happy homecoming! I think you were missed :-). Have a fun and safe final week.
Iowa Mom
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