DAY 1 - Departure from St. Catharines at 07:30 ARRIVED U OF T @ 17:30

     The 2013 Tour du Lac Ride Team departed St. Catharines at 07:30 this morning under cloudy skies to begin their journey around Lake Ontario.

(click on picture to make larger)

Our two SAG (support and gear) wagon drivers are Neil Davy and Tom Schmor.

Our TDL cyclists are:  Terry Nash, Kelly Hall, Barry Millward, Dan Toppari, John Lehnen, Richard Park, Jake Bakker, Ian Forbes, Steve Collins, Bernie Starrs and Andrew Marshall.

You mean we are cycling around Lake Ontario, you've got to be kidding me!!!!!

        Check our Flikr page @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/98555354@N03/

Our TDL Cyclists in front of our new hospital

John's First Flat of the Day

Do you think it's going to rain???

Ian, Dan, John & Barry at the Beaches

Apparently, six of the team finished in heavy rain.
It can only be classified as a cleansing experience!!!
Kellty wrote "We got soaked - 8 hrs to do 155K.  All is good :)"

The group is experiencing a great time and dinner at Kelsey's going over the events of today.
ONE DOWN......6  TO GO!!!!

HAVE A FANTASTIC RIDE

Wishing you all a fantastic ride!! Stay safe and have a blast :)
See you on the rebound  next Sat.
Please give my support to all riders and you are all in my prayers as you venture on your quest.
Anna Maria Raimondo

BEST WISHES TO ALL FROM MEXICO AND POLAND.

Hola Amigos... hope all is set for the ride... congrats on getting it rolling again this year. Please wish all a great ride... we are sending the best weather we have... it left here yesterday, so it could get there by Sunday morning!

Perhaps I could vicariously send a safety message through you... based on an experience I had today, here in Mexico. I have been increasing my mileage here in the mountains, and feeling very good... like many that will be on the ride with you this week. Unfortunately, my conditioning led me to some carelessness today... I logged 70km, mostly in rain (we sent the good weather to you yesterday) with my rain gear on... I was wearing my camelback... since my crash in February (that analysis leads us to believe that was caused more by my being under-hydrated and therefore light-headed than my proximity to the bus that I originally blamed the crash on I have been trying to hydrate more effectively.

After a hard 70, mostly concentrating on staying upright, I climbed to my home (about a 12% half km) and then showered, ate and promptly fainted! My BP was 86/44 and I was seriously dehydrated! Had I gone the 100 planned km, likely I would have fainted, while riding... due to dehydration! And had another helmet testing crash! In the rain! With almost 2 liters of water remaining in my camelback!

Please remind the riders of hydration and helmets... remembering my helmet had six breaks in it after another dehydration situation... that time at 90F. Is it age, cockiness, mindlessness that causes this weak thinking... any way, it could still cause a serious accident...

Ride safely... I will follow the tour, while cheering for Ryder in the other Tour...

Best... BRuce (& Lynnda Ross)

Ajijic, Mexico

************************

                                                                     FROM POLAND

    I have seen your web site and I am up to date with all the information of the Tour du Lac.

My fingers are crossed for a successful ride.

My family and I wish all the cyclists good health, good luck and a happy return home.

Then we wish you lots of rest and good memories from your adventure.

Dorota, Jacek, Hubert & Oliver

(Carol & Barry's cousins)

Annopol, Poland

SIX DAYS AND COUNTING

IN SIX DAYS, 11 CYCLISTS WILL START THEIR JOURNEY AROUND LAKE ONTARIO TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE HEART INVESTIGATION UNIT OF OUR NEW HOSPITAL.

(Photo taken by Cmdr. Chris Hadfield from space)

TRAINING RIDES HAVE TAKEN PLACE, AND THE RIDERS ARE STARTING TO PACK THEIR BAGS AND CHECK THEIR GEAR TO EMBARK UPON THIS WONDERFUL ADVENTURE.

PLEASE TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABOUT THIS BLOG AND

PLEASE FOLLOW OUR INTREPID CYCLISTS AND OUR DRIVERS

AS THE CYCLE SOME 900 KM AROUND THE LAKE.

SUNDAY - JULY 7TH, 2013 

ALL TOUR DU LAC CYCLISTS (AND YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS) 

PLEASE BE AT THE ST. CATHARINES GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB BY NO LATER THAN 07:10 

FOR A ON TIME DEPARTURE AT 07:30.  

This will give you time to pack the sag wagons, check your gear and supplies and have a group photo taken.

FRED LOUCKS - TDL SAG WAGON DRIVER 2012

It is with a very heavy heart that we wish to share the sad news

that our friend and driver, Fred Loucks, passed away on June 3, 2013

after suffering through the effects of a massive stroke in February.

Fred was very passionate about the Tour du Lac and the need 

for a cardiac cath lab for the residents of Niagara.

I shared 7 days with Fred watching our backs as we pedaled our way around Lake Ontario for the 2012 Rotary Tour du Lac. Fred was an awesome driver and I fondly remember our superhero day when I pedaled passed a yard sale only to see a life sized stuffed superman sitting on a bicycle waiting to join our ride. At the next break point I asked Fred to get our superhero which he gladly did, many laughs. Fred Loucks, a real gent, my superman I will never forget you. Thanks for having our backs.

Ziggy Krueger

TOUR DU LAC VISITS PARIS, FRANCE TO BEGIN THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA

Ian, Dan and a small group of other cycling Canadians will be riding the roads and paths of the Camino from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostella .

Of course they had to land somewhere in Europe to start the trip so they chose Paris...and why not?.

I guess Ian and Dan will be in great shape for the Tour du Lac.

Check out Ian's blog for a description of their adventures.

http://santiagocanadianpilgrimsonbikes.blogspot.fr/    

Ian showing off his Trek Domane Di2 with new D3 Wheels

Ian, Dan and friend John, after riding the Champs Elysee

TRAINING RIDES - JUNE 23RD AND 30TH

Two training rides will be held for our cyclists as follows:

There will be a +/-50k familiarization ride and information session to be held on Sunday, June 23rd at 0830 - meeting at Dan Toppari's home - 5 Via Dell Monte, St. Catharines.    Bring your bikes and your enthusiasm.  This training ride is specifically for the "ROUND THE LAKERS".    (If you are a day rider and can ride the +/-50k distance then please feel free to join us)

A second (shorter) familiarization ride and information session will be held on Sunday, June 30th for ALL DAY RIDERS AND ANY "ROUND THE LAKERS' who missed June 23rd at 0830 meeting at Barry & Carol Millward's home at 18 Yates Street St. Catharines.

A light brunch will be served after each session.

 We would appreciate if  you would bring your signed insurance waiver with you together with a photocopy of your passport and proof of out of province health insurance coverage.  If the event you do not have a printer, than please let me know and we will have a copy for you.  Also, please provide us with a "who to contact in case of emergency" name as well as your cell phone number if you are planning to bring one on the trip.

During the information part of the session you will be given the details of the ride, where we are staying and what to bring.  All and all the ride is shaping up to be a truly great experience.  We are pleased that you have decided to be a part of our cause to raise funds for the heart investigative unit at the new hospital and are proud to have you on board. 

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, help in completing your on-line profiles or getting your pledges, etc. please feel free to contact me at any time.  I would appreciate if you would send me an email advising as to which ride/information session you will attend. 

Cheers, Carol Millward

millward@vaxxine.com

905-687-3677

   

MAY 1ST - INFORMATION NIGHT

An information night was held on May 1st for registered riders, potential riders and sponsors at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club. 

Ian was our spokesman for the evening and was very thorough and interesting.  He spoke about all aspects of the ride from routing to our generous sponsors.  We also had a great Q&A period.

 Terry and Kelly, 7 day riders, spoke about their unique fundraising techniques.  Check out to see for yourself on Kelly and Terry's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotarytourdulacfundraisingpage
If you are you cleaning out your garage, basement or shed this beautiful weekend ? Did you know we are holding a fundraising garage sale on May 11th and we'd love it if you donated your unwanted stuff to us ?? Please message us, we'd be happy to come pick up your stuff !  Kelly makes dinosaurs, sharks, gummy worms, frogs and penny candy sticks.  Perfect for a little one's birthday and a great fundraising tool.

Also attending were Gerry and Patty Bramm from Oakville.

Gerry is planning to cycle around Lake Ontario later this summer and was interested in getting routing information from us.  He intends to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his grandfather's bike trip around the Lake in 1913.  Fortunately his grandfather kept a record of his adventure and Gerry has typed up his journal and illustrated it with archival photographs.  We all wish Gerry good luck in his very personal adventure. 

TDL JERSEY - DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA

Dan Toppari wearing his Tour du Lac jersey was spotted on March 24, 2013 in Delray Beach, Florida, during Happy Hour at Mario's.   Cheers, Dan!!!

INFORMATION NIGHT - MAY 1ST

   Greetings Cyclists,

 

 

                                 You are invited to a casual information night to learn about the cycling adventure of the season in aid of the Niagara Heart Investigation Unit. We will have a display of the route and itineraries and will be prepared to answer any of your questions.

Ride the whole route around Lake Ontario or join the tour to ride on the final day, July 13, 2013. Have a great riding experience and help make a difference to health care in Niagara at the same time.

When:     Wednesday, May 1st @ 7:30 PM
Where:    St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, Board Room
Who:       Potential riders, signed up riders, friends and supporters!

Soft beverages provided, cash bar available. A response is appreciated  if you are planning to attend.

Visit www.rotarytourdulac.ca, http://rotarytourdulac.blogspot.ca or contact one of the following for more information:

Dan Toppari                     ctoppari1@cogeco.ca
Barry or Carol Millward      millward@vaxxine.com
Ian Forbes                       ibbbbs@gmail.com

My Helmet is Dead........Long Live my Helmet

Please check out Bruce Ross' Blog at www.blueknowser.blogspot.ca

Bruce is now fine having survived a cycling accident in Mexico, but his helmet is dead.

His message is clear..........always ride with a helmet and not ride with people who don't.  Now living in Mexico, he is on a mission to do all he can to help his fellow riders (and then some) to acquire helmets.

Take a moment to read his blog and gain insight into this cyclist's character who was a very important part of the safety of the Tour du Lac for the past two years.  His presence in this year's ride will be truly missed.

TDL/BRUCE ROSS JERSEY SIGHTING SAN MARTAN, MEXICO

Bruce Ross, who now lives in Ajijic, Mexico, is keeping up with "the kids" in the lead group on a 100+ km cycle in San Martan, Mexico, pausing for a picture before continuing the ride with some big climbs coming their way.

TDL Cyclist John Lehnen In Florida

John Lehnen, (TDL 2012) cycling to the historic Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida,a national historic landmark located on peninsular Florida’s highest point.  The centerpiece of the 157 acre garden woodland is the magnificent bell tower housing one of the world’s greatest carillons.

TDL CYCLIST, BRUCE ROSS, CYCLES VIETMAN

Bruce Ross wearing his TDL jersey standing next to a covered bridge built by the Japanese in 1776 during their occupation of Indochina.  It's a beautiful bridge made all the more amazing because it survived being very close to Danang Air Base which was a war center and it gets flooded annually during the rainy season.

Bruce with the TDL flags flying as he takes a picture over his shoulder with the traffic behind him in the city of Hue, a one time capital of Vietman, along side of the Perfume River.

TOUR DU LAC 2013 KICKOFF

Tour du Lac 2013 KickoffWe are now up and live for registration for this year's Rotary Tour du Lac cycling adventure fundraiser for the Heart Investigation Unit at the new NHS Healthcare Complex. Visit www.rotarytourdulac.ca for further details as to how you can be part of an incredibly exciting cycling adventure.

For logistical reasons, space on the full, around the lake adventure ride, July 7th to July 13th, will be limited to the first 25 riders registered. We will be able to accommodate an additional 25 "one day" riders on the last day Saturday July 13, also on a first come basis! Registrations and all fundraising are done through the link to the St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation found on www.rotarytourdulac.ca

Maps of each ride segment will be updated through links on the website at  www.rotarytourdulac.ca

Dan Toppari
Chair
Tour du Lac 2013


Please visit the website for more information or feel free to contact one of the following.


Carol Millward at      millward@vaxxine.com 
Barry Millward at      barry767@vaxxine.com
Dan Toppari at          ctoppari1@cogeco.ca
Ian Forbes at             ibbbbs@gmail.com

TOUR DU LAC 2013 - JULY 7th TO 13th

HELLO CYCLISTS,

 

JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE BACK AT THE DRAWING BOARD PUTTING TOGETHER THE DETAILS FOR THE TOUR DU LAC 2013.  AS YOU KNOW THE DATES ARE JULY 7TH TO JULY 13TH.

 

WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE ALREADY MADE CERTAIN CHANGES TO THE TOUR DU LAC AND WISH TO KEEP YOU INFORMED.  ALSO, THE WEB SITE FOR REGISTRATION WILL HOPEFULLY BE UP AND RUNNING IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE AND WE WILL SEND OUT AN EMAIL WHEN IT'S READY.

 

THE PRIMARY CHANGES FOR 2013 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 

*** REGISTRATION FOR A 7 DAY RIDER WILL BE $375.

 

*** WE WILL COVER THE COSTS OF YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS AND SOME MEALS, BUT THE PER DIEM ALLOWANCE FOR MEALS WILL BE ELIMINATED.

 

*** A 50 KM SINGLE DAY RIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CYCLISTS ONLY ON JULY 13  MEETING UP WITH THE 7 DAY RIDERS IN NIAGARA FALLS AND JOINING THEM ON THEIR FINAL STRETCH HOME TO ST. CATHARINES.

 

*** REGISTRATION FOR A DAY RIDER PRIOR TO MARCH 31ST WILL BE $25 AND A TOUR DU LAC CYCLING JERSEY WILL BE PROVIDED.

 

***REGISTRATION FOR A DAY RIDER AFTER MARCH 31ST WILL BE $50 AND WILL INCLUDE A TECHNICAL TOUR DU LAC T-SHIRT.

 

***ALL 7 DAY RIDERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO RAISE AT LEAST $1,000 TOWARDS THE HEART INVESTIGATIVE UNIT.

 

***ALL SINGLE DAY RIDERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO RAISE AT LEAST $300 TOWARDS THE HEART INVESTIGATIVE UNIT.

 

***ALL CYCLISTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE WELCOME HOME PARTY ON JULY 13TH

 

YOUR COMMITTEE CHAIR THIS YEAR IS DAN TOPPARI  (905)227-9288 (H) OR (905)685-7391 (W) ctoppari1@cogeco.ca

SUPPORTED BY IAN FORBES (289)362-0450 ibbbbs@gmail.com  AND  BARRY MILLWARD (905) 984-7675 (C) millward@vaxxine.com

AND CAROL MILLWARD (905) 687-3677 (H)

 

PLEASE CONTACT ANY OF US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WISH TO BE A COMMITTEE MEMBER.  PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ALL YOUR FELLOW CYCLISTS.  THE ROUND THE LAKERS WILL BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN 25 CYCLISTS.

 

THE TOUR DU LAC COMMITTEE WISHES TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH YOU ALL SAFE CYCLING AND A VERY JOYOUS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

 

CAROL

 

 

BERNIE'S PHOTOS ON FLICKR

TO VIEW BERNIE STARRS' PICTURES OF THE TOUR DU LAC, PLEASE VISIT

http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=83683867@N08&q=tour+du+lac&m=text

DAY 7 - FINAL STRETCH - THE HOMECOMING

JULY 14, 2012 - The Tour du Lac riders and drivers are in the final stretch and are getting ready for their exciting ride home.

But First........The Last Reading of The Leader

Probable departure time of 0830  from Lockport with scenic routes planned for both sides of the Niagara River.  The TDL TEAM is planning on crossing the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge at approximately 1200 to 1230 then meeting up with Day Riders* at the Brock Monument parking lot in Queenston.  It is there that they will begin their 38K cycle home to the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club where they will be greeted by family and friends at approximately 14:45.

*Today's Day riders:  Bruce Ross (from Lockport), Jason Dell, Nicola Bradshaw, John D'Ambrosio, Emilio Raimondo

Fort Niagara State Park USA

We are all wishing them a safe journey home and are so proud of all they have accomplished.

The Tour du Lac cyclists and drivers have just cleared Canadian Customs and Immigration at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge @ 11:15 this morning.  They will wait for the Day Riders at the Brock Monument and then proceed home.

On Queenston - Lewiston Bridge

Changing a Flat

NOTL

Peller Estates

After cycling over Lock 1 the team stopped for a photo at the Rotary Lakeshore Sign

Meeting TDL Escort Vehicle

Drivers Tom and Fred the first to arrive

ARRIVED back home at 14:45 PM.  The cyclists were escorted by a Fire Department Command vehicle and entered the parking lot to find a St. Catharines Fire Department Pumper Truck (Station 6) providing a welcome home arch of misted water for the riders to cycle through before being greeted by many family and friends cheering them on.  It was quite the moment.

John Lehnen

Ziggy

Larry

The last of the team to get misted

Dr. Emilio Raimondo & John D'Ambrosio (two of our Day 7 riders)

The Tour du Lac Team  July 14, 2012

After the riders were greeted by their loved ones in a very warm parking lot, a reception was held inside the Golf Club for all.  Ian spoke about the ride, the riders, committee members and sponsors.  He introduced Dr. Sven Pallie, NHS chief of Cardiology, Roseanne Morissette of Performance Cars, Sandra Rothram of the May Court Club, Melody Cunningham and Cathy Henry of Take It To Heart, and together he and Barry unveiled and presented a cheque in the sum of $40,000.00 for the benefit of the Heart Investigative Unit (HIU).

Bruce and Lynnda Ross- Affordable Roofing Sponsor

Barry & Carol Millward

Joanne Maxwell - Driver

The Leader is put to rest along with Larry, Andrew and Tom