Hey it’s Nicholas from the Sun FM midday show, checking in with a Tour de Rock rider update from Day 2 of the ride. We crushed our ride through the Tri-Port area today. Not a news article, but a first person perspective of what it’s like to be a Tour de Rock rider.
Nerves had continued to build up through last night, as we slept on cots in a gymnasium, there were serious ‘first night at summer camp’ vibes. We pushed through the excitement and many found their ticket to slumber town, but many more were kept up by a level of snoring generally only found in bear dens. I’ll save the names of the culprits to protect their reputations. (Haha)
Sunday began in Port Alice with a delicious pancake breakfast, in which the Times Colonists’ rider, Roxanne Egan-Elliott started a new fashion trend: pigtails with one tail braided and the other not. Don’t worry, she received the appropriate amount of teasing for that one.
Another morning highlight – and one more significant to our ultimate goal – was when we received a cheque for $15,000 that the residents of the town had raised over the last year. Adding context, it’s something far more impressive when you realize there are only about 800 people who live there, so when you do the math it’s about $19 donated per person to help in the fight against childhood cancer.2024 Tour de Rock The people of Port Alice have been so supportive of Tour over it’s history, it’s been heartening to see that relationship continue.
We shoved off early after the presentation, serendipitously just as the rain continued to dump down on us. I wondered if the rain was a result of happenstance, but imagine that it’s more deviously a sign of things to come… For today, certainly the rain did stick around. While it was cold and wet, my rain jacket actually held in a lot of the heat so I quickly realized I had made a grave mistake with my thick gloves, many layers, and thermal skull cap. But there wasn’t anything I could really do about it until our first stop in about 32 kilometers, so like Kramer when he fell asleep while suntanning while slathered in butter, I essentially cooked myself.
As for the riding itself, my roommate Const. Warren Kongus with North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP says he didn’t really feel the ride was that difficult. The climb out of Port Alice was steep, but once we cleared that, the rest was actually quite relaxing – and I concur.
There was so much adrenaline and excitement racing through my veins that I really didn’t notice the riding. It honestly felt like I was just having fun sitting around with a group of friends chatting with a new person every few minutes as we switched positions within the peloton. That’s why we train for 28 weeks before departure, so the biking becomes second nature and we can just focus on the important stuff while on Tour.
We made it to Port Hardy, my first time that far north on the island. Our stop was at our title sponsor Applewood Auto Group’s Ford dealership and it was a great time. The mayor of Port Hardy was there, as was a town councillor who had raised over $4,700 for the cause. On top of that, although she had a beautiful long head of hair decided to shave it off in support. She was so nervous and had never shaved her head before, but pushed through and allowed a young honourary Tour member (child who has received a cancer diagnosis) to put his barbering skills to the test. (He actually did a pretty good job). Then we had a quick jaunt down to Port McNeill to end the day.
A real treat was dinner after our nearly 100 kilometres of riding, during which we went to the Port McNeill Lion’s Club. We were treated to a delicious spaghetti dinner in the most beautiful setting. It was a wonderful surprise of a relaxing evening of camaraderie after our first day of real peddling and exactly what the doctor ordered.
In closing for the day, I would be remiss if I didn’t add that I am constantly blown away by the work of our “support crew.” They’re the unsung heros of Tour that make it all possible. They make sure that all 16 of us are taken care of and supported in each and every aspect you could possibly imagine. From the medics bringing us blankets at stops we make, to the motorcyle officers managing traffic at every single intersection we encounter, to the mascot and mascot handler that keep us thoroughly entertained while on the road. There are folks on tour that manage our snacks (we have every kind of candy on the planet, it’s amazing), take pictures for us at every event so we can be present, and maybe most importantly keep us on schedule and looking like a team. Many of the support crew are former riders who are using their vacation time to pay it forward and give us the incredible experience that they received. It truly is a blessing and an amazing display of selflessness – an example of the best that our species has to offer. Words can not appropriately express the gratitude I feel to them.
Day 3 will be one of our longest on Tour. 142 kilometres from Port MacNeill through Woss to Sayward. Here’s hoping for less rain.
Kilometres ridden on Day 2: 96.95 km
Total kilometres ridden: 99.49 km
Sodas consumed on day 2: 7
Total sodas consumed on Tour: 11
