Devoted to helping little hearts

Day 5 marks the half way point of the ride. For me it was one of the more mentally challenging days due to my experience last year on this leg of the ride.  Last year on day 5 I was not able to finish the day as I ran out of energy and had to catch a ride into Creston. This year I decided I was not going to quit. Day 5 sees us riding from the Balfour Ferry just outside Nelson, to Creston via the scenic rolling route along highway 3A. While a beautiful ride, it is a little challenging because of the rolling hills and the fact that all riders have been pedalling hard for the last 4 days having conquered both the Anarchist and Blueberry Paulson summits and covering just under 400kms.

Today the ride was met with another day of amazing weather, clear blue skies and approximately 30 degree temps. This made for a warm and pleasant ferry ride and an enjoyable if not tiring cycle along Kootenay Lake. All the riders did well today despite being a little worn out and we maintained a good pace along the route. We were greeted just outside Creston by the local RCMP members who helped to escort us into town. We settled into our lodgings at the Creston hotel and then walked over to dinner at the Order of the Eastern Star. After enjoying a delicious meal of salads and spagetti we were presented with money raised by the community of Creston. The Creston RCMP members raised just under $900, this was combined with money donated by local politicians reaching a total close to $2500. The support of communities such as these is always impressive and reminds us that without this support the Cops for Kids ride would not be possible. In addition, we have two riders celebrating their birthdays on the ride, they were presented with birthday cake and the ride sang them happy birthday.

I was one of the split team that got to climb up the Anarchist which was one of my goals for this years ride. I achieved the summit without having to take a break. Then the very next day I road the Blueberry Paulson, which I missed last year, and again conquered the summit! So in two days I gained two summits of two very intimidating hills. So far I have achieved all my goals set for this ride and then some. We have worked hard and met some of the kids we are sponsoring which is always heart warming and emotional. It is always a rewarding to meet these fabulous children and their families that have been through so much and yet still manage to have a smile on their faces and such a positive outlook on life. It is truly remarkable and reminds me why I have become involved with this endeavour.