Tom's final blog

Our second last day of riding from Caro, Michigan to Port Huron proved to be one of the toughest legs of our journey, despite the relatively flat terrain. What we didn't anticipate was the rain and the wind. For the first fifty miles, the rain turned from a few sporadic drops to a steady drizzle. And the wind, no matter which way we turned, seemed to anticipate our every move and was always in our face.Once again, however, John came to the rescue by having his own home made soup ready for us at Brown City, the 50 mile mark. Fortunately, the rain dissipated in the afternoon and, although the wind persisted in aggravating us, we knew we were getting closer to home. Sure enough, at 3:00 on Thursday afternoon, more than two days ahead of schedule, we pulled into the Meijers parking lot in Port Huron and saw a welcome, familiar sight: John and his trailer.On Sunday, August 31st, we met with our friends and supporters at the Aft Cabin in Sombra before we began the last 30 miles of our trip and to reach the 1,000 mile mark.Rebecca Barr-Metcalfe and her wonderful staff prepared a delicious breakfast of coffee, tee, biscuits, sausages, bacon, eggs, fruit, and quiche for us. Everyone in attendance--Tanya from the Big Brothers' office; our fellow Mandito riders (Paul, Brian, Curtis, Denis, and Mike); John and his son-in-law, Matt; our friends, Juanita and August Kuiack, Patsy Boyle and Cliff Baird, Sue Wonchala and her son Jason; and our wives and family members (Deb, Raylene, Cathy and Pat)--appreciated the fine food and generosity of the Aft Cabin.


Eleven of us, including Mike, Marc and I cycled the remaining thirty miles and arrived in Sarnia by 10:45.It was a wonderful trip, full of many laughs, some challenging hills, and excellent times with good friends. We raised over $6,300 for Big Brothers, and what could be better than that?


Thanks to all who supported us in our journey.

Fundraising total to date...

Our team has raised $6,305.00 dollars to date.

Thank you to all of the supporters and donors!!

Keep it coming. They're still pedalling!!!!

Denis' support campaign:

584 Kms clocked to date from Denis.

Update from Tom...

We left Mackinaw City on Sunday, August 24th, to begin the final stage of the trip. The north wind was favourable and, despite getting lost for the first time on the trip, a mistake that cost us 10 extra miles, we made good time. A trek of 85 miles found us spending the night at a state park in Boyne City.We departed the campsite at 6:30 on Monday morning and rode for hours through hills, extreme weather changes, and mostly quiet country roads. We were fortunate enough to stay at John and Anita Healy's house in Sugar Springs last night and met part of their family: Colette, Cora and Cora's six month old son, Waylan. Since we were following a route suggested by the good people at Adventure Cycling, our route was picturesque, but indirect. It was also a day of firsts: our highest speed (over 40 mph or 65 kmh); our longest time without pedalling (two and a half miles into the town of Ellsworth); our total greatest distance for one day (110 miles); and the greatest number of hills in one day--more than once we were left gasping for breath as we finally finished the climb after struggling to maintain an 6 mile an hour pace.If all goes as plans, we plan to be in Midland by Wednesday evening and back in Sarnia sometime on Friday.Thanks to everyone who supported Big Brothers on our trip home.Tom

Denis checks in.....

509 Km’s cycled to date in support of our team.

Press Release August 25/08

PRESS RELEASE AUG 25/08

2008 Bike For Kids : Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton

Mike Hurry, Tom St. Amand and Marc Desjarlais are cycling from International Falls, Minnesota to Sarnia for Big Brothers. They are joined by volunteer support vehicle driver John Healy.

You can join our team on the last leg of the ride this Sunday, August 31st. Register as a rider and join us as we bike from the Sombra Ferry back home. We will depart Sombra at approximately 9:00am and follow the river all the way back to the Big Brothers office at 193 George St.

See our team as they cycle through Courtright, Mooretown and Corunna.

Cyclist must register at www.SarniaBigBrothers.org or call Tanya at 519 336 0460 before Friday. A blog has been set up with a link from the website to follow their travels as well.

Breakfast for the cyclists will be provided by the AFT Cabin Restaurant & Garden Patio, Sombra.

It is expected that the team will raise over $7500.00 to support the programs of the Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton.

Be a Big Brother…it’s kids stuff!!

Contact info:
Tanya F Wolff BA
Fundraising and Special Events Co-ordinatorBig Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton519 336 0460Ext 111
Tanya@sarniabigbrothers.org



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Sponsor Announcement

The Aft Cabin at 167 King St., Sombra is hosting our cyclist for breakfast from 8:00am-9:00am on Sunday August 31st.

We have room for approximately 10 more registrants at this time.

Please sign up today...
http://www.gifttool.com/athon/AthonDetails?ID=1134&AID=358
Click on 'Register Now'.

Special thanks to our cyclists and to Rebecca Barr-Metcalfe of the Aft Cabin, Sombra.

For more information, please contact Tanya before Thursday afternoon at 519 336 0460 or tanya@sarniabigbrothers.org