Day 3, January 7, 2002
HAMISH'S UPDATE
Day 3 and another 240 km/149 miles is done. That's it I'm spent , all used up. Kevin, Jeff, and the mountainous deserts of southern California and Arizona all had their way with me on the bike. My roll these past three days was to be their "domestique" in cycling parlance, which means I ride for the team - not myself. My job was to be out front to create a draft for Kevin and Jeff for as long as possible. (Their front wheel has to be within 8 inches of my back wheel to benefit from a draft and use 30% less energy.) When my legs, neck and back are screaming for relief after about 10 minutes of pulling Kevin, then Jeff takes the lead to give me a break and I go to the back. They would each pull for 5 minutes and then I go out front again for as long as I can stand. That was the rotation all day long. THIS IS NOT A RELAY. Everybody rides all day every mile across America. And all day I asked myself what possessed me to join these two maniacs (Jeff and Kevin) who have 21 days to go WITHOUT ME
Today I thought about my cousin Janet Harrold of Nova Scotia who ran, ON FOOT, a relay across Canada in 1997 and she dedicated that run to her sister Andrea and my mother Sally, (who both survived breast cancer). I now realize how momentous an undertaking Janet's run was. Those of us who are healthy cannot be complacent and must work towards better treatments and ultimately the cure for this deadly disease which is being beaten mile after mile, pledge after pledge thanks to the inspiration of people like Kevin and Jeff who are determined to sacrifice their holiday and precious family time.
Adieu Kev and Jeff, ride hard. I'll be thinking of you all the way. Hamish
JEFF'S UPDATE
Today everything came together. Great weather, great team work and for some reason unbelievable energy allowed us to complete our longest day to date at 149 miles/240 kms with some energy to spare. We finished the day as we were coming into Phoenix doing pulls from 22-25 miles per hour after more than a 100 miles of riding. We are also starting to figure out what foods our bodies will not reject to give us the energy we need to complete the ride.
The scenery is incredible in Arizona; the desert creates some variety in colors and landscape. Truly awe inspiring and makes you think how special we are to have our health and our families.
Today's ride was dedicated to Beverly Joan Tremblay, the mother of a very good friend of mine Michael Tremblay [one of the nicest people I know]. She unfortunately succumbed to breast cancer. As we finished our ride we looked up to the stars and hoped that you were looking down on us and know we were riding hard on your behalf.
Today was Hamish's last day of three with us. He did a fantastic job helping to shield us from the wind and pull us up some of the mountain slopes. We will miss him as we enter the next three days through New Mexico which will be the toughest portion of our ride with multiple mountain peaks some rising to 8,900 feet [yes in January!!]. Thanks again Hamish for your support and encouragement along the way.
Finally goodnight and my love to Brooklyn, Skylar, and Diane. I'm thinking about you all day!! Jeff
KEVIN'S UPDATE
Another day in the saddle and lots of time to think. My thoughts were with my financee Rosemarie and how much I love her and her two boys Jonathan and Andrew. I am anticipating our wedding on March 9th and feel that I am the luckiest guy on the planet.
When you sit on a bike for 8 hours a day one has much time the reflect. When I was thinking of Rose my thoughts went out to all my buddies and staff at Gears, all the people I train with at Gears Spinning, Mark Bonham who is always supportive and it is his house we are staying at tonight in Phoenix.
Ira and Laura,
your diligence in contacting all the local media is adding so much meaning
to what we are all doing. Rose I love you and wish me luck.
Kevin