June 2 - Duffy Face Off, Arrived in Whistler, Burgers All Around!

I am so glad glad I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning! Overall it was a good day; I didn't hit any walls, my butt survived, I didn't get burnt, that my legs felt recovered (more or less) from yesterday, and I made it to the finish line! It was a tough day and by far the hardest stage we've had this whole camp. We began riding at 7am with all the girls, a few boys, two athletes from the disabled ski team, Dusan, and Bruce. The rest of the men's team began at 8am, with the anticipation that some of the fastest guys would close the gap. (Oaf almost did close that gap, he arrived in Pemberton's rest station ridiculously close to use! We were all blown away by his ability to ride. I was happy to make it to Pemberton without being passed, although I didn't make it by much!)

Before we began riding we were all standing around with our bikes waiting for the go ahead. As we stood there, we compared heart rates, many of us (including myself) reached 119 bpm just standing there! However, once we began everyone got into a rythm. The first hill was the biggest we'd face (likely in our lifetime). It was hard, very hard, but I made it failry close to the leading climbers which felt like a huge success. Everyone who attempted the hills finished them, which is a huge feat and testament to the will power of this group of athletes. Several athletes weren't able to ride today due to injury, and some just missed the first hills then picked up with us for the final 100km. It was hard to see some girls try so hard but just weren't able to do it with severe knee pain. I found it really hard to leave someone behind to be picked up by the cars.

I spent most of my day with Emily Brydon and Liz (an ex rower, and now triathlete who's working with VANOC). We worked really well together which made such a difference both mentally and physically. Especailly when it came to the final leg of the journey from Pemberton to Whistler. This final stretch was deceivingly long, hot (reaching temperatures over 30degrees), and mostly uphill. I have to admit this part hurt, that is, until I saw Whistler then it felt like someone had given me a new set of legs! It's amazing how much is left in the tank with the right motivation. (The end of a nearly 1000km ride is huge motivation!)

In Whistler everyone slowly regrouped and collected at the Rec Centre so we could ride together, with a police escort, to Creekside. There we were greeted by some media and lots of excited people from the Whistler mountain ski club. (Including the sign that was made by the Weasle workers and hung on the side of the road just before the most amazing descent after 70kms of climbing)

At Creekside we enjoyed some great hamburgers (as you can see Mike Janyk was right in there!) as we basked in the scorching heat.

After the eating, we all went to our condos to shower and chill. It was nice to do nothing! Us girls all went out for dinner at Dusty's then picked up some Ben n Jerry's for desert:) Many of us, including myself, we hit the hay early. While others' nights are just beginning....

Thanks to everyone taking such an interest in my blog during this epic bike trip! We all had an amazing time and gained such respect for all our teammates. I will never forget this experience...and I can now say I rode the Duffy!

Till Next time,

K