Day 50: Drive day to 100-mile-house.

Today was a purely administrative day for me. It was a drive day and ultimately really frustrating, so I apologize if I don't make much elaborate comment. A few of us had our first bear encounter today. I wasn't one of them, but I saw the footage recorded by those who did. Today was 110 miles for the riders, one of our longest of the trip, so it was a very long and very trying day, with our first real rain of the trip. When we finally arrived at the campsite we set up tents and then I began to completely empty out and then re-organize and re-pack our trailer, a long and arduous task.

Day 51: Ain't no Sunshine, William's Lake

It rained all night last nbight, but luckily managed to stay dry. It would continue to rain on and off for the rest of the 60 mile ride. The first leg was incredible, we had a glorious tailwind so I just killed it for 22 miles. Shortly after I left the first rest stop with todd, I noticed dark foreboding thunderheads in our path. We soon realized all we could do was plunge headfirst into the storm. The icy stinging rain was blinding and suddenly we had headwind gusts of up to 25 mph that all but stopped us in our tracks. This was the first real incidence of rain we've seen the entire trip. At the next rest stop we all dove into the vans to escape the cold and the rain. But after 30 short minutes, the torrential downpour had not slacked off, so we broke out our rain gear for the first time and rode in the last 17 miles. And wouldn't you know it, after around 4 miles the rain completely stopped and our ride into Williams' Lake was drenched with nothing but sun. We're staying at the Rec Center here and have access to shower, free McDonald's, and ice-hockey rinks, althought they have no ice this time of year.

Day 52: Quesnel

This morning we got to watch them lay the ice in the hockey arena where we were staying as we ate our breakfast of hot oatmeal or single-serving multi-grain cheerios. We had an 80 mile day that was mostly downhill and a robust tailwind that basically sailed us to Quesnel in no time. After we raced into town and found the church we were greeted by the Mayor and the director of the Cancer Center here. Afterwards we were awarded with free access to the Recreational Center across the street where Bass and I lifted weights then relaxed in the sauna before returning to dinner.

Day 53: What does not kill me, makes me stronger. Prince George, BC

This morning we got a police escort out of town (of the peaceful kind) and an officer from 'Cops for Cancer' rode out with us. Also, the mayor came for our ride dedications and told us the story of Terry Fox a famous Canadian who had battled cancer and attempted to run from the atlantic ocean across Canada to the Pacific. Unfortunately his run was cut short when his cancer came back. Afterwards we began what would be a cold, wet, blustery 80 miles to Prince George. The ride was a bit unpleasant, but it was so worth it when we arrived at the YMCA and were greeted with fresh nectarines and Rice Krispie Treats, by our host Dorrie who invited us over for an awesome dinner of our choice of moose or beef/venison stew after we had the chance to shower. We had heard a lot from past years' riders about Dorrie's nephew Dylan, but until we met Dorrie and her family and heard all of the stories about this incredible kid, I never knew the impact that he really had. His courage and outlook on life... I don't know what to say about this. Still. I was just completely rocked by his story. It's easy to lose focus sometimes on this ride and forget why we're really here. A lot of the time it can get to be just a bike ride, but when you get to witness something like we experienced tonight, you realize just how much this is affecting all of us. I was thinking about it tonight, and we're all so much different from the people who started this ride. I really can't quantify all that I'm getting out of this trip. Listening, to Dylan's family speak about him changed my life. And that's not an exaggeration. Dylan's life and struggle has inspired me to live out each moment in it's entirety and revel in it completely. He's inspired me to take up the fight against cancer and make it a lifelong cross for me to bear. I may not be able to contribute much, but I'm healthy, capable, and willing and I won't stop un til there's nothing left for me to do. I'm amazed at how much I've learned from somebody I wasn't fortunate enough to meet.

Needless to say this was a very emotional night for every one of us. But that's not to say it wasn't a fun night. We were also treated to a hysterical magic show, and got to relax after such an emotionally draining couple of hours by watching A Goofy Movie. Tonight, I didn't want to leave Dorrie's... there was just too much invested there. I really want to stop and visit whenever we drive back through.

Finally, we've returned to the YMCA and readied ourselves for bed.

Day 54: to Vanderhoof.

TOday we woke up and rode over to Dorrie's to pick up some laundry and have a morning cup of coffee as well as dedicate our ride to Dylan and thank Dorrie and Dave for their incredibl hospitality.

Though it was sunny and warm when we woke up, the entirety of our 60 mile ride was freezing cold and marked by sporadic showers. Oh, and I've got to mention the outrageous headwind.

Anyway, tonight we've just been hanging out at the church: journaling, reading, playing dominoes, and seeing who can fit themselves through a coathanger the fastest.

Day 55: Burn's Lake

Today while riding I saw two bears, one lass than 30 yards from the road. As we went past, it stood and watched us, motionless but for the swivel of it's head as we sped along. I finished the ride at the front with Kyle and arrived at the Island Gospel Church in time to help Amy and Kacie unload bags, shower and sit down to a freakin' awesome chili dinner, and a dessert whose deliciousness can only be described by it's name: Death by Chocolate. Afterwards, we struggled to find internet in order to pay our tuition and completed the night by watching Kite runner in teh basement of the church, which was a special treat for me as I had only just finished the book a few days before.

Day 56: Smithers

The ride today went well, especially when we secured showers and lodging when we weren't expecting anything, thanks to the diligence and ingenuity of our driver Kyle. Once we arrived and got cleaned up we "hit the town" for pizza, coffee, and wi-fi. Smithers was a really cool little ski town nestled amongst gargantuan mountains. THe ski-runs and mountain bike trails looked incredible and I'd love to come back here in the Winter.

Day 57: Kitwanga.

I don't remember much about this ride, but when we arrived the people of Kitwanga came out in full force and delivered enough delicious food to feed a third world country (or a team of cyclists). It was some of the most delicious food I've ever had. Almost a fifth of the town was in attendance, which amounted to almost 20 people. Later, we went on a bear hunt and had an open air van-side dance party well into the night. And it doesn't get dark up here until well past 10.

Day 58 & 59: Drive Days to Whitehorse.

TOday we woke up, broke camp, and loaded the van for the long haul to whitehorse. We expected the ride to take 26+ hours, but once again we were led astray by the embellishments of last years' team, so the ride really was only 12 hours stretched out over 2 days. And that counts rest stops to eat expensive burgers and swim in freezing lakes. Along the way we got to know each other very well (possibly too well) and enjoyed the absolutely gorgeous scenery of the Yukon Territory. On the 2nd day we met up with the Rockies' team for a sweet reunion. It's so good to be back with these guys after so longt, but we've anticipated a lot of competition from them and we've been worried about our team idiosyncracies' clashing. All the same, when we drove up on those orange jerseys, my heart leapt with excitement. We stopped at their rest stop for hugs and reunions and spent the rest of the day catching up, eating and partying with our long-lost pals.