Hello, My name is Damon Allen, I am 34 yrs old and will be representing Belleville in the National Kids Cancer Ride across Canada in September 2010.
As a part of this esteemed team of riders, and our goal in raising funds and awareness to help in finding a cure for children living with and beyond cancer. My personal goal is to raise $30 000 -- please find it in your hearts to help in this goal by clicking on the sponsor me link and making a contribution to this worthy cause.
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Last ride, The last of the 7000 km trip. What a experience to have had been apart of. As we ride as a team of 42 riders. Well most of them that kept up to the pace; which for the record was not my fault. It sure was fun to ride on the roads of Nova Scotia. Smooth rolling hills and scenic. Stop at Peggys Cove to see the view. It was breath taking. It was like as if I was in a movie it did seem real. As I look at the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.
As the time and miles were disappearing and the end was nearing. I had to keep my mind focus on the ride and forget about my emotions. We road into Sears in Halifax and Ulana; which was right behind broke down into a load cry as she sees her family for first time in 15 days. I road up to the bike rack to greet my family April and Dave who drove 8 hours to meet me. Thank you both. We ate and listen to 2 cancer survivors tell their stories and how they plan on riding with us next year. We got on our bikes for the last 30 km to Pleasant point Beach. The pace slow en down. Don’t think anyone wanted to see the end. As we road in and got off the bikes and walked them to the bike rack one lat time listening to the bagpipes reality set in. Tears came to my eyes and as I put my bike on the rack for the last time I lost it. 10 months,15 days and 10802 km later just to see it all come to a end.
I worked 4 years to get to the Boston Marathon, but it does not come close to what I have experience on this ride across Canada. This has been the best experience in my life. You meet a group of strangers that you share 15 days of eating, sleeping, laughing, stories, and crying with. You become a family. This is what the world needs more of.
If you get a chance or even thinking of doing something for someone. Do this ride. Not for yourself, but for all the kids that can’t, but want to and that deserve it too. Like everyone knows cancer doesn’t take sides, but we can. Join us in the fight against childhood cancer.
Today was a awesome day. Riding thought the maritime was the best. Only spot across Canada where the cars pulled off the roads for us. That is respect. When we got into Sears in St John NB last night the ladies stayed up all night so we had bathrooms to use. They are the best.
We rode 170 km through some more hills. Wish I could have enjoyed them more, but my knee was killing me from the get go. I rode thought the pain. It felt better after lunch when the chiropractor gave a few of us some free tune ups. Man I love this Province. Got back on the bike and rode into Moncton. The dragon boat team greed us along with Sears. The Mayor spoke about loosing his child to cancer. We had a magic show, Family of fiddlers (that were awesome) and a Ladie play guitar singing some country. It was the best stop of all so far.
Only have 100 km tomorrow the last day of the trip. We ride as one big group all 3 teams. United as one.
We had a bad day from the get go. Woke up and didn’t know where breakfast was. End up riding to the restaurant. Got lost going to lunch and got lost after leaving the lunch ground. We got to our last break stop and forgot we lost hour time because we rode into New Brunswick and seen we only had 1 hour to go 35 km. We jump on our bikes and race down to rode at 35 plus speeds. When we got to Edmundston we got lost again. We ended at the Days Inn and not the Best Western. We ended up riding 197 km of a 170 km ride. At least we are sticking to our theme of getting lost everyday.
Lots of hills today and had a blast climbing them, but the extra one at the end. Why do they like to put every end of day stop on top of a hill? Not complaining just asking.
My knee was much better today. Started to hurt with 35 km to go, but I sucked it up took some Advil and carried on. It really got bad when we got to Days Inn and had to ride back about 10 km to the Best Western. I was out of gas, tired, and sore. Nothing a little sleep and ice wont fix.
On our way to Moncton NB. I’ll be nice to be able to read the signs again. Nothing against the french just cant read it.
Got 160 km ride tomorrow. The last ride as a solo group. I’m sure it will be enjoyable.
Had a awesome ride yesterday. Did 163 km and flew by so fast even though we were trying to slow down to stay on schedule and not get into Belleville to early; which I would have been good with.
I was so happy as I rode into the Sears Warehouse and watching my daughter running across the parking lot to greet me. It was very nice to see everyone there. I was in tears as I rode in, but I sucked it up like I always do and enjoyed the moment. Just told myself its not about you. The words I live by. Its about the kids not me. Wish I could have seen all the cars at the show, but I heard it was a good turn out. About 80 cars so I was told; which was awesome for the first time having one at the warehouse. Karen sweet sang beautifully like always. Sears Warehouse donated another $10000 to the kids and their families living with and beyond cancer. I can not thank the Belleville Sears enough for all their help and support.
It was so nice to see the family after being away for 14 days, but it was even harder to leave again. Kids are so funny. I asked my son if he missed me? He replied “Wheres Mike” I love it. Mike also rode with me and team from Woodstock to Belleville. I tried so hard yesterday to thank everyone that was there I forgot most important part; which I remember as we pulled out of the parking lot. I never told my wife that I loved her.
So Lisa I love you with all my heart and I’ll see you in a few more day.
Today I had a rough ride. We only had 135 km to go, but it was the hardest for me. We had a real strong head wind all day. We were doing so much yo yoing in the group that I over worked my left knee. I rode to lunch about 70 km and my knee was killing me. I took some Advil and Lori massaged it and I jumped on the bike again. I made it about 10 km and had to get into the van; which was the hardest thing to ever do. I got Lori to work my Knee some more as we drove down the road. We came to the last break; which was about 35 km from the end. I got on my bike and told the team that I’ll ride off the back of the first group and if they are doing the yo yo again I’ll ride at my pace so I don’t blow up my knee again. It worked and my knee felt allot better. I was able to get up to 45 km trying to chance down the first group. Sure can tell when Don Fox is on the front. Now we have a 4.5 hour drive to our bed. So im resting, icing and massaging my knee.
Hope tomorrow is a much better ride. We have 160 km so I’ll rst it well.
