Final Day
It's not the end of the campaign, just the end of the ride.
When I start these rides I always feel so much anxiety, excitement and concern on getting underway. I start questioning everything. Am I fit enough to make the ride, is my equipment ready, did I remember to bring this or that, how well will this group ride together? Then after the start and first day is under our belts, bar any mishaps, relief sets in and the fun begins. Yes we are going to make it. We just have to stay together and press on. Things become routine and we just get on with our task. Wake up, get dressed, eat, say a prayer, be safe, ride the bike and spread the word. Around the middle of the week I realize it's not so tough. We completed a few hundred miles and traveled through a couple states. Then the big realization sets in that we are almost there. The end of the ride is coming which is an exciting relief and somewhat of a sad feeling all the same. I guess all good things must come to an end. Really, it's not the end of the campaign, just the end of the ride. If I keep saying that to myself I tend to feel better and ride the last couple days with more vigor than ever. When we reached the end, it's a big party, as it should be. All said and done we accomplished a great deal. We road 595 miles, traveled through many communities, crossed the Canadian boarder and connected with eleven fire companies. We raised more than $50,000 and counting, toward the cause. It's a good fight, a great feeling and I'm happy to have shared this with such a great group of friends. Thank you all who support the cause of Ignite the Spirit and make this ride possible. Chuck Judy
Ignite The Spirit
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Day 7, September 20th. Cambridge to Toronto, 69 miles, 595 total ride miles
Final day route into Toronto
Morning group shot with the manager of the Best Western hotel we stayed at.
We had lunch today at the Oakville firehouse.
Coming into Toronto. We've reached lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Sean Butler
We took the bike trail into town. It runs from the southern end Mississauga to Toronto.
Now me.
Almost there boys.
Ride data from my Garmin computer.
The average speed has increased over recent years. Some of that I attribute to the dedicated training the riders are doing months before we start. We also seem to keep the momentum going. Fourteen riders that kept a reasonable pace stayed together and shared the work . Great route planning and a well oiled support crew to care for us and keep us fueled. Except for one rainy morning and one very windy day the weather was excellent.
Chicago to Boston 13.5 mph for 1,077 miles
Chicago to Nashville 14.3 mph for 498 miles
Chicago to Pittsburgh 15.1 mph for 529 miles
Chicago to Toronto 16.1 mph for 595 miles
