Thank you from Webster, N.Y. Rotary

On behalf of Anthony Funeral Chapel and the Webster Rotary I would like to thank you and everyone that donated sports equipment to the Troops.  Your donations really are greatly appreciated.  We had 41 boxes of baseballs, bats, softballs, mitts, frisbees etc.  As well as 24 sets of golf clubs and bags, numerous drivers, tennis racquets, rollerblades  basketballs, volleyballs which filled the back of my truck. Thanks (Bruce)  for bringing these down to Webster.

Also thank you very much for the Tour Du Lac jersey.  I will wear it proudly. 

The club members are still talking about what a great time we had hosting all the Tour participants.  They all had a great time.  Make sure to keep us on your agenda next year. 

Sincerely, 

Rich Comins

Webster Rotary

"FROM MY HEART TO YOURS"

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tour du Lac cycling team for having me as their "Sag Wagon" driver, or as I now see it, their "Happy to See Me" driver. LOL!!!
I volunteered to drive for the group cycling around Lake Ontario not knowing what to expect, and I must say,..... I have met a lot of wonderful people and I learned a lot of new things throughout this experience.  A special thank you to the Rotary Clubs who helped us along the way.  Many thanks to Carol, for the daily phone calls.  Also, I would like to say thank you to Ziggy.......you are an awesome roommate, and to Bruce, for your kind words everyday.
Many thanks to all, Joanne Maxwell

TOUR DU LAC RIDES FROM THE HEART

Posted by the Niagara Health System Foundation

http://www.itsourtimecampaign.com/TourDuLac.html

ZIGGY'S PHOTOS & OTHER COMMENTS

To see Ziggy's photos, please go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourdulac/?saved=1


Thank you, Jim Kyle from Century Vallen, for the squincher and sunscreen!
Ziggy
*******

Your ride this week means that others don’t have to drive miles to receive the heart care they need.

Ride proud and strong.  We are all routing for you.

Your friends at Rotary South.

*********

  I'm still struggling for the right words to describe what we did last week.  The beauty of Lake Ontario's surrounding lands is magnificent, and can only be truly appreciated in the way we did.  The physical challenge, with the heat and all, especially the 13 hills out of Oswego, was tough, but I was surprised by how well my body held up.  The ride helps us all realize what gifts we possess, in terms of health, the natural beauty of our land, and the sort of friendship that develops from having to rely on each other. I get the feeling of connection with the spirit that is the essence of life.  Fulfilling in so many ways.

I exceeded my fundraising goal, with more cheques trickling in.  The Project will raise at least $22,000.00 for the new hospital.  A great big thank-you to all of those who donated.
Thanks again.  Dan

   

CONGRATULATIONS - COMMENTS - TOUR DU LAC

Greetings,
Ian, what an incredible experience for everyone. As the week and the heat progressed we all were thinking of you and sending thoughts of encouragement.
We would love to have you come and share your experiences with the members ...this is the stuff of great memories and I for one am really excited to hear all about it.  Glad you are home, safe and wow what an accomplishment!
Talk to you soon.
Sheila (Bristo) President Rotary Club St. Catharines South
*******
Dear Friends,

I would like to sincerely say 'thank you' to all who have supported, hosted, sponsored and pledged to this worthy cause.

I also want everyone to know how much I enjoyed this experience;  from planning a cycling trip with Ian around the lake this summer, the inception and birth of the "Tour Du Lac", our weekly committee meetings, getting to know and working with our committee members and sponsors, and then the cyclists and the ride itself.

I will treasure our accomplishments, friendships and memories forever. 

Thank you for the ride of my life, Barry

 *******

Hi Everyone

Hope all the tender bits are all better now!  It was a pleasure to have met all of you.  I learned something new from everyone and will cherish the memories of our road trip.

Today I rode my horse for about an hour, went for a 26km short bike ride and kayaked this evening for about an hour.  Yeee ha!  So sad reality is back and back to work starting tomorrow.

Looking forward to our next adventure!  

Yours in Health

Ziggy
*******
Hi Folks... first, GREAT RIDE! We should all be pleased with the effort of conditioning, fund raising, persistence, presence of mind in many safety situations and of course in the ensuing result... a safe ride around the lake, lots of memories of many types, and new friends (among us and our hosts along the way). There were so many great moments anyone would be hard-put to name the best... but I am choosing the dinner hosted in Webster by the Rotarians there... and the look on Joanne's face when she realized that ... again... she had won the 50/50 Draw... Oh My Gaaaaawd she exclaimed, just like at home! Anyway, that was a moment for me.
BRuce

*******

Dear Bruce:  It was our pleasure and honor to host you, Jake and Barry!  What a blessing to have met you gentlemen and to share in the excitement of your journey!  I read through the entire blog last evening as you've been on our minds since we met and we were so glad to see your triumphant return to St. Catharines!  We are thrilled to share in a small portion of the event.  I'm attaching a photo of you three handsome gents that you may share with the others or add to the blog! 
Fondly, Lori & Jim (Lytle) (Hosts - Webster, NY)





Jake, Barry & Bruce



*******

Hello to all,

I enjoyed the ride and the company.  I am up for any other trips so keep me informed.  Terry  H.

*****

Hi Everyone,

 I wanted to give you all a Sincere Congrats for completing this ride, I have learned so much over the past week about the power of human spirit and the strength of people. You all have been a great motivation for myself, even though I have not struggled through any major physical adversity, I have gone though a number of mental struggles and riding with all you great people has taught me a lot of great things. I want to thank you all again for making this a great trip, and I hope we will all see each other on the road again next year!!!! 

Sincere Regards, 

Shaun.

*****

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to the 9 riders who trekked the 7 days and some 
940 miles !!! BRAVO !!!  Good job to the rest of us weekend warriors 
as well.  Anna and Emilio Raimondo
*****
All, Congratulations on the Great Ride.  It was a pleasure hosting all of you in Webster on Thursday night. Thanks for attending our Rotary meeting and getting to meet everyone.  Everyone enjoyed your stay and are happy that you arrived home safely.  Please feel free to stop down and join us another time.    

Sincerely,

 Rich Comins

President Webster Rotary

*******

We followed the whole trip and Barry you are a trouper.....Congratulations from Allen and Lise Overy

*****

What an incredible journey for all involved and at the same time raising awareness and money for the new Heart Investigation Unit. Given the heat, a lot of hard work but a huge success. Great time and lots of memories. Congratulations. Mike Haines & Liz Pearson

*******

Fellow bikers. 

I still can't believe that we did what we did, and survived.  It seems like it was all a dream.  I'm definitely in for any future rides.  Cycling is the only way to travel, longer distances included.  Despite the heat, the cycling was comfortable.  Thanks to the experience of those who had much to teach me, I changed my cycling style to a higher cadance, and less leg strength, which was a lot easier on my knees.  The knees are still recovering, so I'll stay off my bike for a while.

Best of all, was the friendship that developed over the course of the week.  We became quite aware of each other's habits, humour, and history.  We all shared a sense of happiness and fulfillment in what we were doing.

Cheers! Dan Toppari

DAY 7 - AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER - THE HOMECOMING

 (Click or double click on images to make them larger) - Additional pictures yet to be posted.

Saturday, July 23, 2011, our riders left Lockport at 0800. They were joined by Klaus Reimers (a full Day Rider) and rode approximately 55k to the Rainbow Bridge where they were given the "good to go" by Canada Customs.  Ed Telenko, was waiting for them and was the first to welcome them back to Canada.

Arrival in Canada

On their way to Christ Church

The riders turned right and cycled to Christ Church where they met our other day riders.  Anna and Emilio Raimondo, Shy Amlani, Matt Taylor, Carol Millward, Katherine D'Amico, Sharon Abbey and Doug Geddes (our support rider).

It was a wonderful reunion.  Then all riders started their hot ride home.

Dr. Shy Amlani, Anna and Dr. Emilio Raimondo
Lakeshore Cardiology



Anna, Sharon, Katherine, Carol







Doug& Matt

Good to see you.

Good to see you too

And another good to see you

Getting ready for the final ride home





Wait, one more hug

Matt and Jake are off to St. Catharines

Ziggy leaving Christ Church

Ziggy, I have never been so proud of anyone as I am right now for you.

It must have been so bittersweet losing your family members this past month

from exactly what you were riding for . They were with you in spirit, the sun upon

your face and the wind at your back . Congratulations for a job well done girl !

Sharon Blakley

 The riders cycled down River Road through Queenston, St. David's and then arrived at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club where they were met by many family and friends.  Cycling into the Golf Club parking lot was exhilarating and emotional.  The pictures say it all!

Cyclying to St. Catharines

Ian leading the way

Almost there



Bring it home

Arrival



Bruce

A happy Ian

Welcome home Shaun

Shy, Jo (our driver) and Bruce

A happy Barry

Dan, Katherine, Jake

Emilio and Anna



Left to right:  Jo, Shaun, Jake, Shy, Sharon, Ziggy, Matt, Anna, Emilio, Terry C. Klaus, Carol, Barry, Katherine, Dan, Ian, Terry H. Bruce




Sitting:  Jake, Shaun, Jo, Carol, Katherine
Standing: Shy, Sharon, Ziggy, Matt, Anna, Emilio, Terry C. Klaus, Barry, Dan, Ian Terry H., Bruce




From left to right:  Jo, Shaun, Jake, Shy, Sharon, Ziggy, Matt, Anna, Emilio, TerryC., Klaus, Carol, Barry, Katherine, Ian, Terry H., Bruce



All can attest that it was getting pretty hot on the asphalt parking lot, so all were invited for food and refreshments inside the club.  A beautiful Tour du Lac cake was cut to congratulate all the riders and thank Rotary, May Court, Performance Cars and all our sponsors for their support. 

The reception



The Take it to Heart - Tour du Lac Cake



Ian (representing Rotary) Melody (May Court) and Shaun (PerformanceCars)
cutting the cake.

Please feel free to send your congratulations, comments or photos (Jpg) to millward@vaxxine.com and I will gladly post them for you. 

THE TOUR DU LAC COMMITTEE

Chairman - Ian Forbes

Barry Millward

Carol Millward

Bruce Ross

Dan Toppari

Shaun Bos

Matt Taylor

Jim Howes

Ed Telenko

Cathy Henry

Lisa Raham

Jim Hooper

John Teibert, Ex officio

Melody Cunningham, Ex officio

DAY 6 - LOCKPORT HERE WE COME - FINAL STOP BEFORE COMING HOME

Everyone had a lovely evening hosted by the Rotarians from Lockport.  Most riders were billeted.  It's Lockport's annual Canal Fest, so the town is buzzing.  However, our riders will turn in early to get a good night's sleep and head for home tomorrow morning.  They will plan to meet the Day 7 Day Riders between 11:15 and 11:30 at the Christ Church on the corner of Zimmerman and River Road, then it's homeward bound.  They plan to arrive at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club between 1:30 and 2:00 PM.  This is very exciting for all of them, for all of us, and for all the residents of Niagara who have had a part in this very worthwhile cause.  May they have a safe journey home.
*******

WAY TO GO Grandpa Barry!, we are so proud of you!  You are almost done with one day left, so keep on peddling and we will be cheering you on as you cross the finish line!

Love Lucas and Owen
 *********

They arrived safely in Lockport at 3:15 and are waiting for their hosts.
*********

The group got off at 0730 and are presently having lunch in Medina, NY.  Again, in an air conditioned restaurant.  They said that after yesterday, today's cycling was a bit easier.  They are some 40k from their FINAL away destination of Lockport.  Some are being billeted this evening and some are staying at the Lockport Inn and Suites.  They will be picked up by Rotarians at 5:30 and will be guests at an outdoor BBQ/picnic under the Odd Fellow's pavilion.

DAY 5 - EVENING IN WEBSTER

The group was  billeted by members of the Rotary Club of Webster.  Later that evening they all attended the Webster Rotary Thursday night dinner meeting.  Hospitality was abound.  The riders were treated to a wonderful dinner (very comforting after their long, hard day) and Ian was asked to speak about the Tour du Lac; it's inception, it's focus and it's determination to raise funds for the cardiac cath lab at the new hospital.  Ziggy, one of our riders and an occupational nurse, spoke about what this ride meant to her.  In the last three weeks, Ziggy has lost her nephew (26 years old) and her father to cardiac problems.  She told the group that when she signed on for this ride, she had no idea about how close to home this cause would ultimately mean to her.  She said that she has both her father and nephew along with her on this ride and that is what is seeing her through.  One on each shoulder, as she puts it.  Everyone, the riders and their hosts, were thankful for a very heartfelt evening.
*********

There were so many great moments anyone would be hard-put to name the best... but I am choosing the dinner hosted in Webster by the Rotarians there... and the look on Joanne's face when she realized that ... again... she had won the 50/50 Draw... "Oh My Gaaaaawd" she exclaimed, just like at home! Anyway, that was a moment for me.
Bruce

HI FROM IAN - TOUR DU LAC DAY FROM HELL

We set this day up as a short 109 km day as an easy one but it was nothing but easy. Winds gusting to 40 km per hour and temperatures in excess of 100 degrees! The thermometer at our reception host was 113 degrees and my host says the rooftop temps were 130 today. Hot air blowing right at us and coming off the asphalt. Two of our riders took advantage of the sag wagon for short periods. We all have enough “back and forth mileage credits that we will be riding in excess of the trip around the lake even if we took 50 off but no one wants to do that! Eight bottles of water today along with fluids at meals etc. Revo H2O working well as no issues despite the heat (shameless plug for the Revo H2o that we sell!).

This was the hardest day of riding ever in my short cycling life, including Ventoux and my ride through France and Germany. Everyone seems to have survived but we’ll see who can ride Friday. Temps will drop a little but 131 kms into the wind with heat will be a challenge.

Right now I’m enjoying a Scotch at my host’s home and getting ready to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of Webster.

Hi to Mary, Tyler, Kelly, Ashley, Fraser, Adrian, and of course Elliott. Miss you all! Thanks to the guys from Bikefit for their greetings and best wishes.

BIKEFIT SAYS HI

We’re all just admiring your tenacity with the EXTREME HEAT today….

Wish you were here in the air conditioned building….

See you when you get back, ride safe and as always “rubber side down!”

PS…Andy attacked and won today!  Yeah….

Thanks,

Rick Rikkerink

DAY 5 - EARLY DEPARTURE FOR WEBSTER

*********

 Great job everyone, especially you Dad!! (Dan Toppari)
Keep up the great work, everyone is so proud of you!
Stay healthy and motivated, only 2 more days to go!

Love, Melissa Toppari

*****

ARRIVED SAFELY IN WEBSTER AT 3:30.  Another gruelling afternoon in this relentless heat.
TWO more days to go - 133k tomorrow to Lockport and 88k on Saturday coming home.
******

The riders have stopped for lunch at Abe's Waterfront Boathouse Bar & Grill  in Sodus Point, New York.  They are eating inside and taking advantage of the air conditioned dining room.  They have a leisurely 40k to go.  They will be met by the Webster Rotarians at 4:00 o'clock.

*****
In an effort to cycle as much as possible in the morning, tyring to avoid the mid afternoon heat, the riders left Oswego at 6:30 this morning on their way to Webster, New York, which is just east of Rochester.  They will have a scenic ride through more hills and then the shoreline of Lake Ontario.   Today's route is approximately 109km.  Let's hope it is truly cooler by the lake.

Upon arrival, they will be billeted through the Rotary Club of Webster and attend a Rotary dinner meeting this evening.

We are so proud of the Tour du Lac riders and what they are accomplishing.    If you know of any one who has yet to pledge, or if you wish to make an additional pledge, please visit our web site where you can donate in favour of "ALL RIDERS" or obtain a cheque payable to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation on their behalf.  Their challenge is gruelling and their cause is worthy.

**Note:   Any of you who are "virtually" out there and wish to send our riders a message of support can do so by emailing your comment to  millward@vaxxine.com and I will gladly post them for you.

DAY 4 - DESTINATION OSWEGO, NEW YORK

Our riders gathered on the riverfront patio at the EconoLodge for dinner.  Needless to say, the day was brutal.  They are tired.  In addition to the hot weather they encountered a number of hills along the route to add to their challenge.  However, their dedication to raising funds for the cath lab, and all the residents of Niagara who may benefit from it, was steadfast.  This group undeniably deserves our support and admiration.



*****

Hi Danny  keep up the good work , Talked to Bill he was happy you called .It must be hellish in this heat. I wish I was on the trip.  GB

*****

Good cycling to all and see you soon. Regards, Matt

*******
Hey Tour du Lac Cyclists,

What a wonderful service you are providing to your community.  We're sitting
here on the West Coast in Victoria, B.C. watching your progress and rooting for you!  Keep up the good spirits.
Anne and Alex
*******

RIDERS ARRIVED IN OSWEGO at approximately 5:15 pm.  It was a brutally hot day, but they persevered. 
*******

  "It's a great cause, a great ride, great friendships, beautiful scenery and a wonderful experience" .  Barry


*******

We left on the Wolf Island ferries at 7;15,d entered America by noon. We have been into a strong SW wind and the main group has maintained a 21+ KPH pace. Ahead of us, the rabbits, Jake and Sean are way out front with some great riding.

The larger group seem to be holding up well. The heat is more than we could train for, and the wind is taking its toll. BRuce

*******

The riders were up bright and early and were lined up, together with Joanne and the sag wagon, at 0700 to catch the ferry to Wolfe Island (land of windmills) at 0715.   Upon arrival at Wolfe Island, which is part of the Frontenac Island chain, they will cycle 40k then hop on the Horn's Ferry to Cape Vincent, New York, where they will clear customs and enter the United States.
Upon arrival in the U.S., they will cycle the Seaway Trial along the eastern shores of Lake Ontario for approximately 100k until they arrive at their destination, the State University of New York campus at Oswego.  (That's Os-wee-go)

"READER'S COMMENTS"

Keep those legs pumping! Best wishes from everyone on the Take it to Heart Committee and the members of the May Court Club. You have inspired us all to work harder for the Cath Lab.

*****

Ian,

Looks like hard work, but also a lot of fun and certainly for a worthwhile cause. Has the revo helped with the heat over the past couple of days?

All the best,

Rp

*****

To all the riders on the Tour Du Lac,
HI everyone- following your progress with great admiration and a little
envy. Your commitment to the cause is outstanding- thank you from all of us
in Niagara for making our own Catheterization Lab closer to realty.
Two pharmaceutical reps have heard about the ride and are  already starting
training on Monday for next year.
Keep the pictures coming, keep pedaling, keep smiling and most of all- have
fun.
Cathy Henry

*****
Roseanne Morissette said:
Thinking of you all.  Be safe and have fun.
Your friends at PerformanceCars



 **Note:  Any of you who are virtually out there and wish to send our riders a message can do so by emailing your comment to  millward@vaxxine.com and I will gladly post them for you.




 

DAY 3 - ON TO KINGSTON

After an afternoon of doing laundry, a number of the riders met for dinner at Amadeus, a local German restaurant.  Having an early morning departure they turned in early to get ready for Day 4.






Ian, Barry, Ziggy busted for speeding!!! (Click on images to make them larger)

 The Tour du Lac riders have safely arrived in Kingston.
*********



Hi had a great ride here to Picton... Very good pace- line riding at 26 kph... Great vistas here in PECounty. Having Pizzas for lunch, only 120 km today, time for laundry and off to America in the AM via Wolf Island Ferry... Some folks getting road weary, normal for day Three... Legs will come back tomorrow. So far, riding dry. Although rain Goddess scared us last night, she opened the tap 15 min post arrival in Trenton. Stopped today at the BLOOMFIELD bicycle Company. Very cool, and helpful people, check out www.bloomfieldbicycle.ca
Next stop is Picton Ferry then, Kingston.  BRuce



Barry waiting for Picton Ferry to Kingston



Somewhere between Trenton and Kingston (Jo, our sag wagon driver)



Ziggy


 


Jake

Terry, Jake, Terry taking a break in Prince Edward County

 



Ian, Barry, Shaun, Ziggy



In Wellington - Prince Edward County

Our riders have left Trenton at 08:15 this morning and are on their way to Kingston through beautiful Prince Edward County under sunny skies.
Once they arrive in Kingston around 3 PM they will be able to relax a bit this evening and hopefully send me comments and pictures, which I will promptly post, for your reading and viewing pleasure. 

We are so proud of the Tour du Lac riders and what they are accomplishing.  If you know of any one who has yet to pledge, please spread the word and direct them to our web site or obtain a cheque payable to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation on their behalf.  Their challenge is gruelling and their cause is worthy.

DAY 2 - ARRIVAL IN TRENTON

Everyone arrived safely in Trenton (lunch in Coburg) at 4:15 PM.  The weatherman was wrong and all were thankful.  However, the skies did open up over the city at approximately 4:45 when the riders were in their rooms getting cleaned up and ready for their evening.
Cars arrived at the hotel @ 5:00 PM and took the riders to the Officers Mess at CFB Trenton where they were treated to a steak dinner hosted by Major General (Ret.) Lionel Bourgeois, Wilf Wilkinson, Past President of Rotary International  & others.  The hospitalilty was well appreciated.
There was a 50/50 draw during the evening which was won by our sag wagon driver, Joanne Maxwell.  Congrats Jo!!
The riders arrived back at their hotel at approximately 8:15 and are getting ready to call it quits for the day.
Tomorrow is an 8:00 AM departure and hopefully they will be in Kingston by 3:00PM.

DAY 1 - AJAX

The riders arrived at their Ajax destination at approximately 1800 without incident.  It was a long, hot gruelling day, but spirits are up.  They are mindful that they are not only riding for themselves, but as a unit for a worthy cause.  After cleaning up they went for dinner at the Mandarin and then off to bed.  The weather does not look great for their ride to Trenton tomorrow.  Let's hope the weatherman is really wrong this time.

THEY'RE OFF!!! DAY 1

 The riders, support riders, family and friends all assembled at the Golf club at 0700 this morning. Greetings and best wishes were exchanged, the sag wagon was packed.  An initial cheque was presented to Wendy Dueck of the Niagara Health System Foundation for $20,000.00.  Hopefully an additional cheque will be forthcoming after the Tour.   Bruce gave the group a last minute talk about safety and they were off.





Jake Bakker, Bruce & Lynnda Ross

Georgette & Matt Taylor & Shiela Bristo

Dan Toppari, Carol Millward, John D'Ambrosio

Let's talk; Safety First

The initial Pledge

Right to left:  Ian, Barry, Bruce, Shaun



Water Superstore - one of our sponsors



The Tour du Lac Group

Barry & group leaving hospital site

Cathy Henry arrives back at SCG&CC after doing 26km in the first stage of the Tour du Lac. She was escorted back by Runners' Edge riders Céline Parent, Paul Weerdenburg and Doug Geddie.  Other day riders included Matt Taylor who rode to Vineland and back and John D'Ambrosio and Andrew Marshall who were riding to Burlington and back.

FROM ANDREW MARSHALL
Trust everything is still going well.  Two attractive young ladies, (so sorry I forgot to ask their names - I must be slipping!), and I arrived back at StCGandCC at 12:40 p.m., after an uneventful ride back via the same route.  (Is there a red light conspiracy in St Catharines?!)  Fourth member left us at Fifty Road.  It was good to see quite a few others out and about on their bikes!  Sorry I missed the entrance to Confederation Park, (twice!), but I did see Lac Ontario!  

Bon Voyage!

Money to follow, I will deliver on return from the UK, (where, I understand, it's a little cooler!)   

Will be following your progress via the blog.  Don't forget your duty free allowances!

Best Wishes and Thanks

Andrew M.

P.S.  Just received a personal greeting ... my ever helpful friend Pres. Obama promises you cooler weather in the USA once debt talks are settled.  Also suggests you keep turning left(!), and always remember to ask for directions to the Lake, not le Lac!

*****

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ED TELENKO & TOM SCHMOR FOR THE GREAT PICTURES, TO LISA RAHAM FOR PROVIDING DAY 1 SAG SUPPORT AND TO ALL THE RIDERS FROM RUNNNER'S EDGE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR DAY RIDERS.