Victoria Beach cycling!

This summer Vic and I spent lots of time cycling, as he was building up his knee after surgery

and I was training for my longest ride ever!

We trained with a great bunch at Victoria Beach known as 8 at the gate! A fun bunch of cyclists of all ages (aged 10 to 70 actually), and a variety of strengths and speeds.

Our usual rides were about 50 kms long and there could be 8 to 30 or us out on any given day.

But some days, often with the help of some of our other 8 at the gate friends, we'd go longer to be sure to be ready. At 7 on this particular morning, Tim and Gord joined us to complete a 75 km trek!

On August 20th I rode 130 kms, in support of the Children's Wish Foundation

and my biggest supporters were out bright and early (we headed off at 7am)

to see me off - here are Mom and Vic with their cheery smiles and cameras :)

A group of 24 of us rode from the gates of Victoria Beach, Manitoba

to and through the City of Winnipeg (with full police escort)

And off we go!

We took hourly 10 minute breaks to rest the butts!

and even got to visit the Casino to have cinnamon buns donated by Einfeld's Bakery! Yummy!

And had lunch at a great and historical restaurant of the Beaches area - Skinner's

There were 7 of the 8 at the gate group on the team of Wish Riders,

Mike being one of them!

And Kelly and I a couple of others. You even see John and Wendy behind us here, other 8 at the gaters!

Back in the saddle!

and with about 35 kms to go, we picked up Amara our adorable Wish Child (actually one of the 3 that we were able to fundraise enough to grant wishes for), and her father

who then towed Amara at the head of our pack through downtown Winnipeg!

Amara waved and yelled at everyone as we rode by, and between her and the 

sirens of our full police escort, it was a very exciting time!

Yeah - we've finished the 130 kms!! That's a long time on the butt!

All 24 completed what we set out to do

and more! The goal was to raise $20,000 and we surpassed it by 10, allowing us to grant 3 wishes to children in need!

Thank you again to all our financial supporters, and especially the whole 8 at the gate team for your physical and financial support in our endeavour!

A rousing success and a huge accomplishment on many levels! I'm a happy rider!