Rangerforever
Well-Known Member
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Dude & Mini Dude's 2017 Ride-2-Survive
- Thread starter Dude
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #43
LOL, yeah, I was surprised too this morning when I woke up to several missed calls, messages, texts.
I went straight home after finishing yesterday (bad heat stroke), so I had no idea.
Surrey Honda donates a car R2S sells every year. I bought 5 tickets. Horseshoes?
More on ride later, want some photos to come through first. Great day, though!
I went straight home after finishing yesterday (bad heat stroke), so I had no idea.
Surrey Honda donates a car R2S sells every year. I bought 5 tickets. Horseshoes?
More on ride later, want some photos to come through first. Great day, though!
- Thread starter
- #44
Wow! That scene is something else from the Off Bike perspective!
It's pretty cool from the bike level, through....
Rangerforever
Well-Known Member
Aye - Those pipes bring a tear tae a glass eye laddie.
R2S The Brave indeed.
R2S The Brave indeed.
Rangerforever
Well-Known Member
Can only imagine in that heat...
How is Michael feeling?
Bet he loves his new Civic.
How is Michael feeling?
Bet he loves his new Civic.
- Thread starter
- #49
He's recovered fine. Fcuked off this morning for a 4 day camping trip with buddies, looking fresh as a daisy.
What an asshole.
No, he's not getting the car. His sister will get it when she's old enough to drive.
What an asshole.
No, he's not getting the car. His sister will get it when she's old enough to drive.
- Thread starter
- #50
Way, way overdue. The passing of Gord Downie, and the overwhelming grief in the community for his passing motivated me to get this done. To my sponsors, so sorry the report took this long, definitely got away from me this year.
At first I was waiting for this years batch of photos from the magic man Jason Brawn (seriously, look him up, here's one link: https://jbrawn.myportfolio.com/ There is a R2S folder in there, but it is 2016 ), but this was free work for him and paying bills comes first. When he releases his work, it will be like Christmas.
Also....as always, life gets in the way. Moving the family, overseeing a major renovation that has not gone to script at all, then throw in business travel. I have so many sure good excuses.
Excuses aside, not thanking the sponsors who step up year after year is unforgivable, so I'm sorry it's taken so long.
This year for me- on the bike at least- went completely sideways. The last three / four years- since October 2013- have been full-on, and basically my body said no mas. Last year in particular was huge, and training / racing an Ironman is a kick to the balls, and if you have a young family, a kick to its balls, too. I was asked to write a piece on my journey pursuing that obsession from my personal perspective, and I've kind of abandoned it. No matter what way I spin it, it's a narcissistic, selfish endeavor. When you are a father of two / three, plus whatever your career is, throwing in an event that demands so much of you isn't sustainable. If it weren't for being married to someone so tolerant, that obsession would have cost me my marriage. Honestly.
Anyhow, it all lead to the Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome I wrote about earlier in this thread. For the last 6 weeks or so before R2S this year, I think I rode twice or three times, and nothing overly long or taxing. Essentially, I did the day cold. I also flew in from Chicago the day before. Not ideal. Essentially, for the first time in 9 years I was coming in with a fitness level I was not comfortable with. A huge difference from the last 5 years or so where frankly I found R2S more mentally challenging than physically.
Michael on the other hand came in supremely race fit and matured.
We did our regular routine on Friday night getting ready...after I landed, of course. I made it in time to attend the Captain's meeting, get my radio and briefing. I have to say, pretty proud sitting next to my son in that meeting. It's a pretty big responsibility to be asked to take on that leadership role.
Morning came as usual with a 2:30. I went through all my normal routines and think I did a pretty decent job of convincing myself that this was just another R2S. In a lot of ways, it was, and I proceeded to do my normal thing, which is to help others get through the day.
Personally, my biggest nemesis this year was the extreme heat. When the temp gets past 30 degrees or so, I'm on borrowed time. After all was said and done, the day was the hottest on record all year long in the areas we rode, and broke several temperature records. I did my best at keeping the electrolytes going, but once I hit Maple Ridge, I was done. It was funny, in a not so funny way. I started feeling sick on the bike. I told myself o. The rise to a small hill as we enter the township that if I found it tough, I'd pull off. Well, my bike decided for me. On that incline I threw my chain on the downshift. Usually I'd either pedal if back on or do a 2 second roadside fix and be back on. This time I just pull over, put a finger on the com button, and said, "It's Mike, come get me."
Graciously accepted a shot of Gravol from the paramedics, and some electrolytes, and promptly fell asleep till the last mile.
I was quite pleased that, in the end, it was the heat that took me out, not the poor fitness. I was able to do my thing, and there are some riders that I was able to escort through some very tough sections who otherwise may not have gotten through. Happy with that and the effort overall.
Michael rode like a pure stud all day. There are a lot of photos of him up front because during the day, we will often times put the strongest at either the front or tail. He didn't spend any time in the middle this year. Super chuffed for him, and I know the respect he's earned in the group is genuine. He's respectful of every rider, no matter their ability, and quick to deploy a hand on a back when it's needed. He's no longer "Mike's son", but just Michael. This was his fourth year, crazy to think. He has worked very hard for this, and his dedication to his sport and his charity of choice this year showed. One day he’ll understand how unique this is.
As for money, our little grassroots motley crew raised over $700K! Again, can't be repeated enough: 100% efficient. Not a penny goes to overhead at our level or Canadian Cancer Society. All monies go straight into their designated research funds. What funds is yet to be decided, as the committee is still looking at which "tough cancers" to allocate to, and possible matching funds.
Finally, to you my friends who've donated, you have our full gratitude and respect for parting with your hard earned cash. There is a lot of need out there, our cause is just one of many, and truly, we aren't here to try and compete with those. We are just one really efficient vehicle for a cause that is close to a lot of you. We tell the stories, and if you are inspired to donate, great. If you are inspired to pay it forward in a different way, also great.
Looking like we will be back for year five and ten. Till then, thanks again from Mike and Michael!
At first I was waiting for this years batch of photos from the magic man Jason Brawn (seriously, look him up, here's one link: https://jbrawn.myportfolio.com/ There is a R2S folder in there, but it is 2016 ), but this was free work for him and paying bills comes first. When he releases his work, it will be like Christmas.
Also....as always, life gets in the way. Moving the family, overseeing a major renovation that has not gone to script at all, then throw in business travel. I have so many sure good excuses.
Excuses aside, not thanking the sponsors who step up year after year is unforgivable, so I'm sorry it's taken so long.
This year for me- on the bike at least- went completely sideways. The last three / four years- since October 2013- have been full-on, and basically my body said no mas. Last year in particular was huge, and training / racing an Ironman is a kick to the balls, and if you have a young family, a kick to its balls, too. I was asked to write a piece on my journey pursuing that obsession from my personal perspective, and I've kind of abandoned it. No matter what way I spin it, it's a narcissistic, selfish endeavor. When you are a father of two / three, plus whatever your career is, throwing in an event that demands so much of you isn't sustainable. If it weren't for being married to someone so tolerant, that obsession would have cost me my marriage. Honestly.
Anyhow, it all lead to the Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome I wrote about earlier in this thread. For the last 6 weeks or so before R2S this year, I think I rode twice or three times, and nothing overly long or taxing. Essentially, I did the day cold. I also flew in from Chicago the day before. Not ideal. Essentially, for the first time in 9 years I was coming in with a fitness level I was not comfortable with. A huge difference from the last 5 years or so where frankly I found R2S more mentally challenging than physically.
Michael on the other hand came in supremely race fit and matured.
We did our regular routine on Friday night getting ready...after I landed, of course. I made it in time to attend the Captain's meeting, get my radio and briefing. I have to say, pretty proud sitting next to my son in that meeting. It's a pretty big responsibility to be asked to take on that leadership role.
Morning came as usual with a 2:30. I went through all my normal routines and think I did a pretty decent job of convincing myself that this was just another R2S. In a lot of ways, it was, and I proceeded to do my normal thing, which is to help others get through the day.
Personally, my biggest nemesis this year was the extreme heat. When the temp gets past 30 degrees or so, I'm on borrowed time. After all was said and done, the day was the hottest on record all year long in the areas we rode, and broke several temperature records. I did my best at keeping the electrolytes going, but once I hit Maple Ridge, I was done. It was funny, in a not so funny way. I started feeling sick on the bike. I told myself o. The rise to a small hill as we enter the township that if I found it tough, I'd pull off. Well, my bike decided for me. On that incline I threw my chain on the downshift. Usually I'd either pedal if back on or do a 2 second roadside fix and be back on. This time I just pull over, put a finger on the com button, and said, "It's Mike, come get me."
Graciously accepted a shot of Gravol from the paramedics, and some electrolytes, and promptly fell asleep till the last mile.
I was quite pleased that, in the end, it was the heat that took me out, not the poor fitness. I was able to do my thing, and there are some riders that I was able to escort through some very tough sections who otherwise may not have gotten through. Happy with that and the effort overall.
Michael rode like a pure stud all day. There are a lot of photos of him up front because during the day, we will often times put the strongest at either the front or tail. He didn't spend any time in the middle this year. Super chuffed for him, and I know the respect he's earned in the group is genuine. He's respectful of every rider, no matter their ability, and quick to deploy a hand on a back when it's needed. He's no longer "Mike's son", but just Michael. This was his fourth year, crazy to think. He has worked very hard for this, and his dedication to his sport and his charity of choice this year showed. One day he’ll understand how unique this is.
As for money, our little grassroots motley crew raised over $700K! Again, can't be repeated enough: 100% efficient. Not a penny goes to overhead at our level or Canadian Cancer Society. All monies go straight into their designated research funds. What funds is yet to be decided, as the committee is still looking at which "tough cancers" to allocate to, and possible matching funds.
Finally, to you my friends who've donated, you have our full gratitude and respect for parting with your hard earned cash. There is a lot of need out there, our cause is just one of many, and truly, we aren't here to try and compete with those. We are just one really efficient vehicle for a cause that is close to a lot of you. We tell the stories, and if you are inspired to donate, great. If you are inspired to pay it forward in a different way, also great.
Looking like we will be back for year five and ten. Till then, thanks again from Mike and Michael!
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