Day 1: The first 24 hours...

As usual, the morning of the launch starts very early and is filled with organized and disorganized chaos. We prepared all our gear, bags, and bikes for the long journey. We had inspiring speeches from our Wellspring Warriors. We said good bye to our family and friends who came out to support us, as we won't be with them for at least a week. It was a bit chilly to start, but warmed up later in the day.

Our team's ride this morning was dedicated to Zoë Bridgman and her family. She was supposed to ride with us to Miami and trained with us all summer. Wellspring has supported her and her husband through his battle with cancer, and she wanted to give back to the charity. Unfortunately, her husband Jory's cancer has taken a turn for the worse a few weeks ago....and she needs to stay with him and their young kids. We have them all in our thoughts as we set out on our ride. :(

Some photos from today...

My team, Eric, Tom, Terry, Ryan....along with our Warrior, Elsie, a cancer survivor, amazing women, and who will keep us inspired as we ride rain or shine....day and night....


My awesome family who I will miss very much....


Before Ryan departed with us....he decided to pop the question and officially get engaged this morning to his girlfriend Mayo!!!! (And as a true cyclist....Mayo got a ring....as well as a bike!)


The amazing group of riders and volunteers making the journey:


My team making our way towards Hamilton in our first shift:


As mentioned...we had a second shift within 12 hours from midnight to 6am...it was from the town of Victor NY (just south of Rochester)...through a scenic route past the finger lakes (which we didn't see since it was too dark!) and ending after 132kms of cycling in the town of Horseheads:


It was dark and COLD....almost down to zero Celsius for most of our ride....brrrrr.....


Here's a view from the inside of the motorhome along with the volunteers on our night shift....as we take a break....yes everyone is a bit tired from a long day...


Team 2 making their dedication prior to setting off on their ride at 6am:


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