June 18: Lethbridge to Coaldale to Bike-a-thon

Distance: 103 km
Average Speed: 30.3 km/h
Riding Time: 3 hours 25
Total Time: unknown
TOTAL DISTANCE: 1450 KM!


That's it that's all. Today we rode from Lethbridge to Coaldale in the morning with Granpda under foreboding skies, and then gathered the bike-a-thon troops (over 60 this year I think) and headed out on a 90 km circuit through Raymond, Sterling, Lethbridge, and back into Coaldale. Riding with us today was multi-medalist Olympian Cindy Klassen (who is very personable and whom I suspect could have ridden quite a bit faster had she desired) as well as double digits of the Schellenberg clan, including Grandpa who decided the earlier ride into Coaldale wasn't nearly enough and who I think was the most age distinguished rider in the event. Thanks to all the volunteers aling the route who provided snacks and water etc., and to all the organizers of the bike-a-thon. It worked out very well despite the poorly placed lakes. Thanks also to Cindy for coming out to ride, it was great to have her there and I think everyone was excited, even though she was riding incognito in a helmet and sunglasses rather than her usual Team Canada attire.
It's nice to be done, although it will be a little odd to have to do something besides ride all day. Going back to work will be a bit of a shock to be sure. Either way, I'm glad we made it and stunned by the generosity with which people donated: altogether I think we made it to around $ 181,000, which as Adam explained during the sale can cover multiple yearly budgets for some of the AIDS/HIV clinics and projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Following are some shots of us riding with Cindy and the Fam, and some fields flooded with the water Adam and I splashed off of the roads yesterday.