More on Day 3 -which was a long and arduous journey up foothills, and battling headwind – latet. It’s been hard to stay caught up, but I believe it’s a necessary part of the journey. Again, I sincerely thank you for all kinds of support shown. I know the love and compassion of our communities is a foundation of caring for sick kids. I am fortunate to be able to cycle for two fine charities on this Tour. The fine quality of the commitment and work the people in these organizations put in speaks volumes.
Day 3 Facebook recap said ‘Yesterday was a very long ride to Writing on Stone Park in heat and headwind. I was a little slow getting going, feeling self doubts, but then I met lot of amazing people along the way. And cycling through the badlands watching a lone coyote stalk a herd of pronghorn antelope was cool. A bartender in Milk River was a lifesaver, refilling all my water bottles. I put my eyeball burning bike lights on and rode the last 42 km to Writing on Stone in the dark (while showered with a variety of bugs). Amazing to eake up in the Park this morning, watch the sunrise, and spend 2 hours exploring this fascinating place.’
Day 4 of the Tour was completef in imtensely hot conditions, with water stops every 10 minutes, and a need to carefully strategize stops with services where I could restock. There are very few fresh water bodies here to use my filter – only small, brackish wetlands.
Small town and rural hospitality is legendary here. I have also met many first nations people through this area (there is a rich history of the Blackfoot here), and they have been outstanding in offering encouragement and hugs.
Sitting outside a corner store eating lunch in the hot shade, with a fully packed bike is a conversation starter! Most people quickly ask where they can donate when I tell them about the causes and, looking at my fundraising page, many have. Thank you! xo
On day 4, I especially enjoyed rest stops! I know this was probably stressful for poor Corrie, wondering of I’d ever make it to Medicine Hat before dark! My tracker was showing me in Foremost for 4 hours. Despite a long stop there, my tracker had turned off, and I was 26 km east trying to get to Etzikom – having to push my bike and gear through a long construction zone. Some construction workers continued to run graders very close to my toes, even though the stretch is open to traffic. I don’t know if they expected me to push my bike and gear into a soft pile of dirt to get out if their way – an impossible feat! Cars welcome, cyclists not so much! It reminded me of cycling on freshly oiled roads on day 1!
I
learned that Etzikom is Blackfoot for ‘between two coulees (thanks to the staff at the museum there). I do want to find a few hours to get back for a tour of the Etzikom Museum. For now, I thoroughly enjoyed a second helping of ice cream thete – delicious and, on this day, respite from the heat. I loved Foremost and Etzikom.
On with the long, seemingly never ending pedal to Highway 3 – brutal! Nice to finally get there and see 40 km to Medicine Hat! I’ve got this!
A wonderful welcome from Corrie and Dave, complete with cowbells. I tried to do the no hands on handlebars victory wave – not recommended with baggage on the front forks! All good though! So nice to have a hot shower, a delicious meal, laundry done, a comfy bed, and to be able to visit with these two – two of the kindest, caring people that are typical of the wheel family I’ve been fortunate to find through the National Kids Cancer Ride.
Heading on the road to Saskatchewan today for a long ride!
Heading to Medicine Hat on Day 4 of the Minds Matter Tour. Can’t waot yo visit Corrie and David from the National Kids Cancer Ride in the Hat!
Day 3 blog to follow. Yesterday was a very long ride to Writing on Stone Park in heat and headwind. I was a little slow getting going, feeling self doubts, but then I met lot of amazing people along the way. And cycling through the badlands watching a lone coyote stalk a herd of pronghorn antelope was cool. A bartender in Milk River was a lifesaver, refilling all my water bottles. I put my eyeball burning bike lights on and rode the last 42 km to Writing on Stone in the dark (while showered with a variety of bugs). Amazing to eake up in the Park this morning, watch the sunrise, and spend 2 hours exploring this fascinating place.
Tait family adventures 