Ride for Refuge 2013

It's the same route every year, but a nice one.  The skies were a bit dull and it didn't rain, so that's a bonus, but I think it dulled some of the colour on the trees.

My work is one of the partners of the Ride and that means people can choose to raise money on our behalf.  In fact, we managed over 15k for the shelter where I work.

My daughter and wife turned right where I turned left - and they did a 25km route.  I did the 50km.  Considering I haven't been leisure riding much of late, this was a good distance. I kind of pushed it so I'd get a bit of a work out.

I'll have some better photo's later but for now I defer to the GoPro.

A midway rest area.  Lots of sugar available!

I always admire folks on the tandems and cargo's who do these things.  I don't like them to finish ahead of me (I know, its not technically a race), but they have my utmost respect. Also, noshing on a Sweet n' Salty I got at the rest stop.

Colour's? Meh. Give it a week.

It's me with some of the guests who use the shelter.  They were easily the best rest stop on the length of the Ride.

Back at the start/finish. Now for some homemade chilli!

Perfect weather! Enjoy your ride!

A Couple More "Century" Pics

Transporting a gaggle of bicycles!

Century Misrepresentation

This year at the Ride for Refuge charity event I elected to do the 100km loop.

Ride for Refuge 2012

This will be my third Ride for Refuge and I am going to do their maximum mileage this year - 100km.  I know it's not necessarily a lot by many peoples standards but this is about my limit since I don't yet do club rides or even bother to get out nearly as much as I should, aside from commuting.

The thing about this Ride is the camaraderie.  My wife and daughter will join me in both cycling and raising funds for this cause.  They will do a 25km route but just the same, it's so wonderful to have them out with me.

When I read about people cycle-camping and spending the week on some of the trails that are around New York, New England or Pennsylvania I am so envious.  I guess the Ride is my little taste of a family cycling adventure.

Their logo means "Love, Sweat & Gears.
(also, my daughter says I don't smile enough on my BLOG shots!)

I've only done a couple of charity rides but I like them.  I have heard that some folks are critical of them, but I don't understand exactly why. 

Ride for Refuge

Pretty nice day for a ride.  There were 90 km/hour gusts and sometimes it was pretty demoralizing, but it was a great tour through beautiful countryside that I was not familiar with.
Over 300 people were riding in this year's Ride for Refuge, and although you get a bit spread out there is still a strong sense of kinship. 

Looks quirky but it's solid!

Me getting ready to go.  It was 11c and they were calling for rain so I layered a bit.

Just some of the bikes at the start.

They had all kinds of support vehicles.  Helped me know that my daughter would be safe in these conditions (she had a great time too!)

A neat looking Schwinn I saw in the crowd.  50 km on this, in today's headwinds, might have been tough though.

A bunch of friends who were riding for the same cause as my team.  I never did catch them on the route!

I really should have taken some more shots along the way.  It was stunning.  However I was just too "lazy" to concede my momentum. 

In the end, lots of money raised for several good causes.  I got a t-shirt and a tremendous vegetarian chilli lunch.