Ron Mitchell

COAST TO COAST — DAY FOUR REPORT

This fourth day of the Coast to Coast Ride starts at 9:AM near Miami, Manitoba. Not much sand and surf around here. The riders have had an amazing morning; riding through thick fog patches in the rolling, peaceful countryside in south-central Manitoba. It is so strikingly different than BC, Alberta or Saskatchewan, yet so beautiful in it’s own way. Heading toward a mid-day target of Morris, Manitoba, the team flattens long gentle climbs along Highway 2 heading east. Then down onto Highway 23 and a long straight run past endless 500-acre fields of perfectly prepared crops of some kind. These farms are clean and well kept, speaking to the owners’ investment in their property and of their pride and respect in a way of living that is fast disappearing.

Friendly Weather

And like each of the previous two days, this early morning — dripping with dew, cool and gentle — has quickly evaporated under a strong June sun. We have been under the influence of a high-pressure zone that has benevolently followed us across Canada, smiling on us with strong tailwinds and comfortable temperatures. Someone is looking after us. We all wish that everyone we’re riding for is equally blessed this day and for many more to come. Sadly, before this day ends, this will prove to not be the case for a family member of one of the team.

Super 8 is Super

By now transitions are fast a smooth and there is almost an easy rhythm to the entire operation. Support crews drive forward, securing another Super 8 motel in Morris for the riders’ showers and refreshments. We leave the team of on-duty riders on Highway 23 in the safe oversight of our friend Hal Brown and his trusty pickup. The RV, carrying the off-duty riders — Hamish, Freddy and Scott — sprints forward to Morris. They are exhausted, and anxious to refresh the RV and themselves. The good people at Super 8 listen to our story and without hesitation, the manager, Cathy, offers up two rooms for showers at no charge. We appreciate their generosity and their support of our cause. We think they might be reconsidering when first Scott, then Hamish, Freddy and Lon come wandering into the lobby, all shirtless. The three ladies on the front desk are embarrassed a bit, but do manage to steal long appreciative looks regardless, as the guys stroll away down the hall toward the showers. Once again, Hamish’s calves get special attention. These guys are in the best condition of their lives, and it’s just shaming the rest of us.

Parle-vous Francais, Hamish Gordon?

Today is the day that RDI, the French-language national TV network is interested in meeting up with the team and interviewing someone in French. Hamish Gordon offers himself up.

Twenty minutes later, Aimee Craft of RDI in Winnipeg and her cameraman arrive at the hotel. We scramble to get Hamish, Fred and Scott into their freshly washed C2C jerseys and ready for the interviews. A few last-minute bits of coaching from Ron and Hamish starts by having Aimee describe how they would like to conduct the interview. He looks remarkably refreshed and energized despite the grueling pace of the previous 53 hours, and the 30-degree heat of the Prairies.

"What" and "How" is Easy

The first few questions are about the "what" and "how". Hamish handles them easily, conveniently switching between French and English as only a true Canadian can. He is sailing along and Aimee and Dave from RDI are captivated by this amazing story of courage and strength, resolve and commitment. These guys will also make great TV… they are smart, articulate, healthy, successful. In short, they are extraordinary, despite their modesty and genuine humility preventing them from ever acknowledging this to themselves or anyone else for than matter.

"Why" is Not So Easy

Then comes the "why". Hamish starts strong. He is explaining the charities and their role in supporting kids with cancer. He then starts to describe how we read the dedications to them from the RV over the walkie-talkies while they are settling into long 4-hour rides. He is starting to talk about the impact of these dedications during the loneliness of the middle of the night or against the backdrop of towering Rockies or sun-drenched Prairie expanse. Suddenly he stops and looks down and away… something has grabbed his throat, now it’s in his eyes. He struggles for composure, but he’s not succeeding. The camera rolls on, easing closer in, collecting this amazing moment. It is powerful example of the enormous and lasting impact this ride is having on each and every member of the C2C team.

This Beautiful Canada

Hamish musters his incredible focus and resolve and does regain his composure, pressing on, answering more questions from Aimee. Next he takes Aimee and Dave into the RV to give them a firsthand look at what 12 people can do to an RV in just three days. The focus of the cameraman’s lens falls on pictures of smiling kids and loving wives taped to walls. Father’s Day greetings shared the day of their departure along with so much love and respect and admiration. Hamish continues to describe life inside the cramped and packed RV — more super-tech spacecraft than truck. He shows the RDI people the C2C Team Agreement and the Mission Statement. He then pauses to reflect that this is the way to see our beautiful country… at 32 kilometers an hour. This beautiful Canada. Suddenly that same force grabs his throat once again, fills his eyes. This is Hamish; the proud Canadian showing us just what that pride looks like.

The interview wraps up with some "b-roll" shots by Dave of the three C2C riders, coming, going, three-abreast, three in-line. While this is staged for the camera, it looks remarkably real… a testament to how many thousands of kilometers these three have logged together doing exactly these same maneuvers for no one but themselves.

Manitoba Lowlands

It is now early afternoon and the team is spread out all over the southeastern corner of Manitoba. Jeff, Kevin and Jamie are on the road still. They have logged an extra-long shift in the blazing sun. But they have been treated well by our friendly high-pressure zone, pushing them along with some very luxurious 30 Km/H winds. They are whipping past long stretches of a very remote corner of Manitoba. Dry grasslands, short scrubby forests, pools of standing water — the mosquito equivalent of Disneyworld. And no one else out there. It is more reminiscent of the lowlands of North Carolina than anything in Canada.

Border Run

We finally all reconvene — happily, excitedly, and surprisingly — at a remote and strange intersection of three roads, just 30 kilometers from the US border at Warrroad, Minnesota. We agree to all cross into the US at the same time to celebrate this major milestone of our epic journey.

This Discussion May Be Recorded

There is a happy buzz around the RV, the pickup and the big 18-wheeler as they are parked just inside the US border station. Bikes are being cleaned and the day’s accomplishments are being shared. As always, Dan is there to collect the moment on tape. We have all grown accustomed to his presence with the camera, and it is no longer a distraction, it no longer causes second-guessing when a word is offered. Good thing too.

This Is Just Not Fair

A few moments later, Jeff is in the RV. He’s on the phone. He’s shocked by something he hears on the other end of the line and cries out "No, No!" with resignation in his voice. More brief discussion with the caller. The entire team is in the RV, their attention drawn to Jeff, just as he hangs up the phone. He turns to the team, a look of despair and disbelief on his face. Suddenly it contorts silently and tears well up. His answer to the obvious question is "My aunt just passed away this afternoon. Of cancer." The small space is silent and still, filled only with sadness and heartache. "This is why we are doing this ride", Jeff continues. Many others feel his pain and sorrow; many others are overcome once again. This time it is even closer to home. Dan fights back tears while unobtrusively capturing the moment on videotape.

The Ride Must Go On

The team immediately assembles. Seven riders don fresh jerseys, silently mount their bikes, fall into line and head off into Minnesota carefully sheltering Jeff in their midst, each one quietly contemplating "why" once again.

A perfect quote for this day:

"If you don’t give up and you don’t give in, you may just be OK." From a song by Mike and the Mechanics