C2C XXXIV Pictou to Halifax THE END

We awoke like all other days and prepared ourselves for the last ride of this tour. One century ride to the coast

The weather was clear but like typical east coast weather, we waited 5 minutes and it was raining. There were hills and head winds but nothing was going to stop us from reaching Halifax
We took a break in Truro, the “Hub” of Nova Scotia. Carolyn met us and augmented our spare tube supply. From there she went to the airport to pick up Andrew who was flying in for the final leg. I have discovered a new phenomena I call the “Andrew Effect”. It is the sudden rise in peddaling cadence and power output that comes when ” the boyfriend” is in proximity. I have been dropped by this effect on several occasions during our tour!
The sun came out and we rode into Dartmouth to cross the MacDonald bridge. Carolyn and Andrew passed us as we crested the bridge. The harbour was beautiful and Dads Naval Destroyer was in dock. A quick stop on the bridge for a photo op and we then slid down to The Halifax Historic Properties A quick stop at a local liquor store for the token bottle of champagne and we headed to Point Pleasant Park, our final destination

And what a reception we recieved!

My sister Joanne, her husband Steven and their daughter Brianna were there Roma Cooper and Steven”s mother Eve were there cheering us on. Carolyn and Andrew had found the Park! Even a CTV camerman
Cheers all around popping champagne and a dipping of the bikes in to the Atlantic were on the agenda. This was followed by an emotional final dispersing of my fathers ashes into the Atlantic

Ashes to ashes, Park to Park, Vancouver to Halifax and Sea to Sea Thirty days of biking, four rest days and stories to last a lifetime.

It has been one heck of a ride. Thanks for coming along. Find your gear in life and you will find no hill impossible to climb

Greg and Sara

C2C XXXIII Dedication

On this, the second last day of our cross country bike trip, I reflect on the one person who has been either in front of or behind me for the past 29 biking days. That would be my eldest child; Sara.
This adventure started as an off the cuff comment half a year ago as a way of celebrating her university graduation this spring. Without any hesitation she agreed and I started planning and dreaming. Through all the unknowns like how many k per day, what type of support, what supplies etc, the only certainty was that Sara was not going to quit. I knew that it would be crying wolf before her. I call her a little bulldog because of her tenacious grip on everting she does. She says she”s not competitive but when she sets a goal , she is commited. She was up every morning rain or shine. Mountains and monsoons couldn’t” stop her. When the hills got steep she found a comfortable gear, put her head down and climbed to the top. An unexpected steep climb in Quebec on a bike trail looked unridable. It was short but very steep. Sara said to me that she thought she might not make it up. I cajoled her and said “she had to bike it, that was the rule”. I could say that because I knew she would. She half cried in anger at me ( Dad, this not a race) and half laughed ( laughing in the face of death) She stood on her pedals and made it to the top. It was never in doubt
Although she is focued and internally driven, I admire her ability to make everyone in her company feel welcome. She will help a fellow competitor before tthinking of herself.
On this trip she has been a great navigator, chief cook and companion She has ridden through pain, abraisions and fatigue. She can now change a flat in ” no time flat”. All of this while putting up with very ungirl like things such as; biker”s tan, thunder thighs ( you can those off), saddle sores no hair creme rinse, bug bites, and her father”s old man related things. Her only treat was bringing along nail polish. Makes a girl feel special

So to Sara our oldest child. It has been an honour and a pleasure to ride across Canada with you. Happy graduation My hope was to have provided you with a continuing love of your country and a life long desire for adventure

My only request is that when it comes time to sign my admission papers to the Shady Acres Rest Home that you not hesitate to tick off the upgrade option that includes the spinning classes! !

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should
With all it’s sham and drudgery and broken dreams, it is a still a beautifulworld
Be cheerful
Strive to be happy
( from Desiderata)

Love Dad

ps. I”ll beat you to the Atlantici