Well, the bike tour is done for another year. And although last year it was much nicer out (possibly too hot, though) this year was a lot more fun having my team with me. Ryan and Chris were such troopers and did such a great job. It pretty much rained the whole 65km (lightly, but still) and was hovering around 10 degrees, so unless we kept moving we froze ourselves.
Vin, the boys, Sara, and I stayed in Mom and Dad's new trailer, while the rest of the team and support staff stayed at the Unger cabin.We met up at 9:30am and were off by 10:15.
The not so cheerful cheering section.
Pretty good turn-out on the right I'd say!
Still smiling (it was likely the 1st km). And, yes, Ryan, you definitely need a bigger bike next year.
And more air in your tires.
Lunch break was at the kayak station (too cold and wet to kayak). We stopped for maybe 15 minutes, but any longer and we would've gotten chilled. It was nice to have the shelter, but the ground was so wet that when we stepped off our bikes we filled our shoes with water.
Don't let the sunshine fool you; it was only there for mere seconds. Big tease.
No wonder your knees hurt!
Could the smile be because there was a downhill on the horizon?
He was trying to leave his team behind. Chris brought him back in.
Team photographer (which is why he isn't in very many).
A brief stop to...
stretch Chris' quads so he could get home.
Chris and Ryan giving their all just before the turn-around at LT's. The finish line was 7km from there (which was a complete surprise; I thought we had at least 15km left).
Mom likely has some better pictures of the end of the race (or Vin's camera that Sara was using). It was good to finish up and have a hot drink. I think all in all the race went better than any of us thought and I believe Team LongWheels will stay together to see another MS Bike Tour.
**The question was asked regarding how much $ raised goes to administrative costs, and the answer is 12%. I had heard/read that it was 48% and wasn't going to do another Tour if that was the case, but I can live with 12%. Team LongWheels will ride again!**
