• Limited quantity
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• Contact johnlarge at primus dot ca for purchasing info

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Well, it was also an epic RLCT journey for our gang as it took us hours to get to Ottawa, even though we were only on the bike for 40 km. Four of us women (Cristina Martinez and I being the two Wheelers), set out from Kingston grinding through the rain and strong winds and frigid temperatures. By the time we hit the first possible stop, at Perth Road Store, our friend and strongest rider, Jill, was frozen from head to toe and shivering uncontrollably. The paramedic quickly wrapped her in a foil survival blanket and ordered us to remove her wet clothes, which we did. Well, as much as possible, given that the small general store was by now packed with people huddling indoors out of the elements, drinking coffee and trying to warm up.

A good 45 minutes later, Jill finally stopped shivering and her white and blue lips had turned pink again. We had gotten word soon after entering the store that there was a bus en route from Kingston to take people to Perth. Without question, Jill would be getting on the bus and would be accompanied by one of us. We wouldn’t all fit, however. I did a quick head count and there were easily 60 people jammed into the small store, and the bus would accommodate only 52. Jen and I psyched ourselves up to getting back out on our bikes and riding the 30 km to the next stop, where we’d at least have cell reception and could contact fellow Wheeler Lori Meyers to pick Jill up in Perth. (Lori had opted for a one-way ride to Kingston from Ottawa on Saturday, fully prepared to endure the rainy leg of the tour.)

About two and a half hours later, when the big coach bus pulled up to the general store, we were very happy to be seeing double — there were actually two buses and everyone was able to board. We got busy and removed both bike wheels and loaded our frames into the cargo hold below and took our wheels on board to sit with them on our laps or put them in the aisle. (There was just one person, with a precious LeMonde bike, who insisted on bringing his entire bike on the bus, lest the derailleur get damaged. Wha’eva.)

When we arrived in Perth, we got the good news that the bus would actually be going all the way to Ottawa. We switched buses (the power steering hose on the first bus had blown; the poor bus driver was on the verge of having a heart attack after executing a 100-point turn to manoeuvre in the tight car-lined streets. He wasn’t no Mallorca bus driver) and were on our way. No one dared complain about any of the running around or delays or any inconvenience, as the alternative of riding home in our wet clothes was far less appealing. Though the rain has subsided by now, there was still a strong headwind. And the bus was feeling pretty cozy and we’d all become friends with the people on the bus. Though we didn’t sing any songs, I think some people thought of it.

Anyway we finally made it back to Carleton U and then on home to warm baths and showers. Jill has fully recovered and the rest of us, somehow, are not really feeling too badly about not having ridden, especially after hearing some of your painful stories. My hearty congratulations to all of you hardy souls who toughed it out and soldiered on through the rain and wind chill. It was clearly a real character-building day. Hats off (cycling cap, actually) to you.

Nadia

Peter L took a few pictures during the Tall Tree Ride of the Damned.  There is also a great gallery in the Tall Tree RotD Flickr album.

club rides … full colours … at least one day a week … so … i’m callin for a full member club meetin to discuss this and figure what to do ….. we need at least on structured club ride so everyone can feel wanted ….

so i’m going to start the ball rolling … ALL CLUB MEMBERS … THIS FRIDAY NITE … WE MEET AT ASTICOU WITH WILLAMS GROUP OF RIDERS … THEN FOR BEERS TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE …

IT HAS TO BE ADDRESSED …. G/MAN

On April 15, Ross Knight was a recipient of this award to recognize his volunteer work for cycling. His efforts at the Tuesday night races have benefited so many riders and enable us to continue to enjoy our sport.

Please spread this good news around as this email list is far from complete and post it on your club websites for all to see.

[ Download the recipient announcement ]

Cheers,
Doug Corner

Also of interest, three Wheelers drove down to South Carolina to put a few miles in their legs before the start of the local spring classics.

Wheeler Mike “Tiller” Till suffered a mechanical a few hundred meters from the finish line of the 2009 edition of the Almont Paris Roubaix spring sportif ride. Here, we see him do his best impression of Baron von Drais