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.