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
…that was a lovely dedication Greg…it got me choked up reading it…your shared adventure has been a unique & positive experience for a wonderful father & daughter team… your love for each other and bicycling has been a winning combination…
we appreciate that you have kindly shared your Canadian Cross Country trek with all of us…thank you for posting your daily progress and thank you for allowing us to be part of your C2C summer…
Love and Hugs from the B-Ville Gang oxox
WE await your arrival in Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park this afternoon. Thanks so much allowing us the priviledge and opportunity to be there at the end of an epic journey that started off as an “off the Cuff” comment that has turned into a remarkable achievement. Initially, we had our doubts about the reality of your objectives….. Boy were we wrong … you blew us all out of the water! Your blog permitted us to be part of an adventure that only a few will ever dream of accomplishing but the two of you… YOU DID IT!
Greg ,a truly enormous check mark on your “bucket list”. Sara… no goal you set will every be unsurmountable. We have laughed, shed a few tears, wondered in awe,as you shared your photos and personal prespectives on your lives and that of fellow Canadians across this great country from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. We know Grandpa Lt. Commandr Merrill (Al) Rankin Cooper was along for the ride and has been beaming with pride as his eldest son and eldest grandadughter showed what “Those COOPERS are made of “!
You have been inspirational and have “raised the bar” for all your family, friends and fellow bike riders who have followed your blog. I guess from this day on we will all have to “reach a little higher” and Sara you showed us……like that hill in Quebec… “no hill will be to steep for us to accomplish”.
The Finish Line and Celebrations Await! THANK YOU….. THANK YOU
WOW !!!! AWESOME !!!!!!! CONGRATS !!!!!!! Oh what a feelin’ you must be experiencing.
Inspirational… your Carpe Diem C2C adventure with Sara makes me look to Keegan and Ethan and imagine the possibilities. Hats off and infinite respect from the Chicago Browns! cheers!
C2Coops,
I feel like I have intruded in private place reading your posts, but one thing I’ve learned, whether dropping in for post ride sushi or a post ICU swim and BBQ, the Coopers are very open and welcoming folk.
Your posts have been touching, inspirational and thought provoking. Thanks for letting me join in spirit with your adventure. It has had a positive impact on my life.
The first time I met Carolyn, she was breastfeeding Sara at a meeting, and I got to know you Greg at Monday night basketball, with Sara in a babyseat on the sidelines, so I must say I am not really that surprised by your performance, because really Sara you have always been along for the ride.
Cheers, Ed
Wow I don’t even think I can find the words,you guys have been crusing across the country on bikes and it seems so strange that you are already at your goal,PLUS!
I have so much admiration for you both in conquering this great Journey without much incident,I think you both will always have this enormous bond between you both for the rest of your lives! I Give you both a High Five from the Ottawa Gang,your Dedication Greg today I think is my favourite of all,obviously you are a very proud father ,rightfully so ( of all kids)..I think you guys made a great team and helped each out when the other was a little off,but not down..
Enjoy your rest time in Halifax with more family! Chow down and enjoy the Lobster,you certainly deserve it! Have fun…So what’s next?? Keep us posted !
I am so proud of you both and Love you both very much!
Safe Trip back home !
Carolyn
Hi Greg,
It was nice to meet you and Sara yesterday. Congratulations on crossing our beautiful county. What a trip! Maybe I should talk to my daughter about this when she’s older.
I wish you both all the best,
Glen Canning
CTV Atlantic (Cameraman)