Final ride of the year for the Great Cycle Challenge

The trails were rough and required constant alertness. The bugs where tolerable, and the weather was challenging, but overall the trail rides were interesting. I completed all my goals for this year and together the cyclists throughout Canada raised a lot of money to help defeat this horrible, devastating disease. Through dedication and intense research a cure can be found, that will enable these children to live normal lives. No child should have to live in pain and suffering and I will continue to pray and support these beautiful children.

2025 Trail Rides

Cancer can be defeated.

Shadow, water and sunshine

The dark shadows cast their shapes upon the rippling water.The bright sun shone overhead, casting light reflections upon the waters surface. Flies and mosquitoes would buzz around in search of food. Their obvious food choice was my life blood as they pierced my skin in search of it. The hot sun, shining upon the surface of the rippling water, heated up the water, creating the conditions where aquatic plant species could grow and thrive. The droplets of water falling to the surface of the water created circular patterns and wave patterns that mixed with the light from the sun. As the sun began to set and it began to darken, I made the decision to complete my distance challenge for today and cycle to my final finishing point.

.

Water, sun and vegetation.

The tall grass lined the banks of the meandering creek as the grey sky reduced the light coming from the sun. The vegetation was abundant and growing rapidly and starting to produce seed. The light from the sun was filtered by the dense, grey cloud cover. A faint glowing orb was present behind the cloud cover. The thick vegetation was able to absorb more moisture from the slow, flowing creek while the heat from the sun was temporarily filtered by the grey clouds. The gentle wind would cause the thick vegetation to sway back and forth like the grass was dancing, while the water flowed slowly down the creek. Eventually the sun would appear more brightly as the cloud cover dissipated. The rays from the bright sun would bounce off the surface of the creek, creating star like patterns. Water, sun and vegetation, natures own wonderment.

Stone, grass, water and sun

The water flowed quietly and slowly through the narrow, stone lined creek. The ducks swam contently through the water feeding on whatever they could find. The narrow geology of the creek made it a good place for ducks and other creatures of nature to rest and feed. The bobbing heads of the ducks, along with the flapping of wings made for an enjoyable observation of nature. Swimming slowly in search of food the ducks would be soon be out of sight. I appreciated all the more the hand of man who built this narrow run off canal, as I saw how much it contributed to betterment of the natural order.

Hot prairie sun

The blazing heat radiating from this bright sphere called by many, the sun was fascinating. The fact that this giant energy factory could be studied and observed from this tiny planet was out of this world. So far away but yet so near to the hearts of many. To think that this giant, burning sphere was what kept every living organism on this tiny planet alive was indeed awe inspiring. So reliable and self sustaining was another reason to respect this burning sphere in the vast universe. Tree branches stretching to absorb it's light, and plants opening up their flowers to be nourished and pollinated all at the same time. Humans and animals evolving to the cycles of the sun. Myths, legends and stories developed by ancient civilizations revolving around the sun, hold still to this day an important part of history. Revolve on you burning, giant sphere for your time in history has yet to begin.

Water, the gift that keeps on giving.

Water shoots into the air creating droplets that gravity captures and hurls them into the pool below. The bright sunlight is filtered through the water droplets and turns them into different colors. Ripples create circular movement and swirls of motion. Undulating golden water waves formulate and reflect the shadows created by the reflections of light off the objects the sunlight hits. The spray of water droplets reaches my face and my reaction is one of gratification. Water the liquid gift that just keeps on giving.

Water and City lights

The lake water rippled in the slight breeze as the pelicans searched for food. Surrounding the pelicans, were ducks and geese feeding and flapping their water soaked wings. Pelicans would fly gracefully to the feeding location to join the rest of the flock. As the water fowl were feeding, the sun was setting quickly and the surrounding area grew dark. The lights of the city turned on similtaneously and their reflection bounced off the surface of the rippling water. This was a signal for my challenge to end for today, to be continued tomorrow. Onward I pedaled to my finishing point tired but renewed at the same time.

Green Growth and Sunshine.

As the trees and the plants roots grow deep into the prairie soil absorbing necessary nutrients the color green is predominant. Water and organic matter mix together to precipitate growth and photosynthesis. The bright light from the sun is integral to the green growth of the plants and the intricate processes that occur in plain sight and hidden beneath the soil. Constantly changing and adapting to the naturally occuring conditions the trees and plants contribute to the overall well being of the ecosystem. From food for all living creatures to the evaporation of water, and the release of oxygen, green is one of the colors of growth and life. Humankind is one of the beneficiaries of this precious process of growth and light. Never take for granted the unseen and the seen for it is our reason for our existence.

Into the sun trail ride.

The sun shone brightly as I pedaled onward to my destination, my goal within reach, but still unattainable, due to circumstances beyond my control. The brilliant sun eminating it's raw energy gave me hope that things would turn out for the best. To think that this round ball of massive, fiery energy is what kept the human race alive was fascinating. Most days it would rise visibly to fulfill it's universal duty and set, leaving darkness behind. The vastness of the universe is mind boggling and infinite in it's potential. Capturing a burning sphere so far away with my camera, left me with a sense of awe and I would never take the sun for granted ever again. As the sun set, I realized that this burning sphere was a reliable ally for my existence on this spinning mass we call earth and it filled my soul with energy and hope.

Musical vibrations trail ride.

The sound of drums, guitar and voice filled the air, while I pedaled hard against the wind. Fading in and out with the moving wind, muffling and at times amplifying the sounds. The amplified intruments and voice carried for miles and while I pedaled away from the performance location, the sounds followed me. The talented musicians played their music with passion and thus inspired me to pursue my challenge to defeat cancer all the more tenaciously. Before the day was over I had pedaled 16 km. The sun was quickly setting and my musical vibrations trail ride was comiing to an end until the next daily challenge was forthcoming.

Bright, prairie sun trail ride

The sun was blazing hot as my legs strained to tackle a steep hill. Little rocks and loose dirt made the climb that much more difficult, but I put it in low gear and the climb was completed. The trail leading to the bottom of the hill was narrow and treacherous, so my brakes were put to good use. Once at the bottom of the trail my tense muscles eased up and I was back to pedaling in normal mode. Onward I pedaled as the sun settled for a place amongst the sparse clouds. The trail became darker and the trail lights turned themselves on. My bike lights illuminated the trail beneath my tires and the rest of the trail ride was instinctual and experience based. The trail ride was coming to a close and my average distance was complete, as my odometer indicated, so I pedalled to my final stopping point.

Hot, blazing sun to cool night air trail ride.

The sun was hot as it beamed it's rays upon my body. Sweat streamed down from every pore in my body. My sunglasses caught the drops of sweat that poured from my forehead and restricted my vision.The waves of heat radiated around me and forced me to grab my water bottle and down the precious liquid. Onward I pedaled and fought the waves of heat that surrounded me. The cracked, hot asphalt absorbed my visual sphere as my hot rubber tires rolled on. Uneven asphalt surfaces bounced my cycle around and forced me to stay focused and alert. As time went on the hot sun gave way to cooler air and darkness. My challenge for today had been completed and my mind prepared for tomorrow's adventure.

Into the sunset trail ride.

The trail was rough and bumpy and my cycle absorbed most of it, leaving my body more or less intact. The bugs would hit my eyes and the rest of my body causing an unwelcome distraction. To quench my thirst I grabbed my water bottle from it's holder and gulped whatever I could squeeze from it. The bugs would bite me and cause me to swerve uncontrollably. As the hot, blazing sun began to set, the bugs got worse and made cycling much harder. Visibility was getting low and my water was all gone, so I pedaled onward to complete my goal for today.

Bright sunshine to amazing sunset

The sun shone hot and bright causing my body to sweat. Cycle on into the heat of the sun, radiating waves shimmering on the hot, black asphalt. Onward I pedaled facing down the heat of the sun. As time wore on the sun began to sink into the darkening sky. The different colored hues cast their colors onto the gathering and constantly shifting and drifting clouds. Time to head home and ride the trails on another day, to witness more amazing processes of nature.

Into the sunset after a thunder storm.

The clouds were dark and ominous as the wind pushed them to the west. Bolts of lightning streaked from behind the thick, dark clouds. The roar of thunder could be heard in the distance. Having ridden and trained triathalons in these conditions before, I pushed on not to concerned. As my legs grew tight and my cycle sloshed through the puddling water i felt at ease with the trail i was riding on. Mile after mile I cycled on enjoying the greenery and the fresh, rained filled air. The sun was beginning to set and the sensors on the trail and street lights activated the lights to turn on. This was my signal to finish my cycle challenge and head to my finishing point and head home.

Strong winds and obstacles trail ride.

The strong winds pushed my cycle around like a branch caught in a plow wind. Onward I struggled using my leg strength and my trained muscles to overcome the strong winds. Ahead the uneven and heaving asphalt posed a formidable obstacle. I swerved around a large depression in the trail, saving my tires and rims from certain damage. As I struggled on determined to meet my goal that I had set for myself, i was met with a strong gust of wind. The clouds were darkening and the wind was picking up, but onward I pushed myself and my cycle. The dark clouds finally released their collected rain water onto the earth below creating puddles of water on the trail. Water and mud, etc. flew from my tires leaving a small trail behind. As the sky darkened even more I pushed on and arrived at my destination safely.

Rain, bugs and wind trail ride

The dark clouds release their moisture into the organic earth below, covering everything in droplets of water. As my tense legs pedaled onward the mild wind eventually moved the dark clouds away from the sun and revealed the blue sky above. As time moved on the sun began to set and the bugs began their quest for survival. With bugs surrounding my presence I decided it was time to end my trail journey and pedal the rest of the way home.

Into the bright sunshine trail ride

The bright sun shone directly into my eyes, blinding me temporarily. The trees lining the asphalt trail offered up some shade and temporary relief from the bright sun. Sweat dripped down my forehead and onto my jersey. As I pedaled onward the trees and the movement of my cycle put me into a different direction shielding my eyes from the bright sun. As this situation could pose a safety hazard for myself and others, I stopped to put on my sunglasses that I had placed in my back pack. While stopped I gulped down some water from my water bottle. This quenched my thirst and gave me a boost of energy and allowed me to cycle confidently into the bright sunshine and eventually to my final destination.

Thunder and lightning trail ride

The dark sky was getting darker as the sun set in the west. Flashes of light streaked through the sky and the roar of thunder soon followed. Droplets of rain began to encase my body and cycle leaving a fresh taste and smell of rain water. The pelicans took flight to seek shelter closer to shore. The white feathers shone in the dark water as the flashes of light illuminated their large, angular bodies. I pedaled faster but cautiously as the rain and wind picked up and my exposed arms and legs felt chilled but not cold. Finishing point was just ahead and my mind wandered to the adventures ahead and I felt at peace.

Water and water fowl trail ride.

The sun shone brightly in the blue sky as I pedaled towards my goal. The sounds of birds and water fowl filled the evening air. The sqawking of geese and the qwacking of ducks could be heard in the distance. The mild breeze created small ripples on the lake as the water fowl dove their beaks into the water in search of food. The large, white feathers of the pelicans dominated the water scenery as they put on a show while they searched for food. The sun was slowly setting in the western sky as I drank the last of my water and headed toward my distant goal.

Cycling into the sun

The hot sun was blazing bright in the prairie sky. The rain that had fallen previously, dried up quickly.

Riding into the sunset trail ride.

The setting sun fills the living skies with color and warmth. As the surrounding area darkens my mind takes on a tranquil, serene state. As I pedal towards my finishing point my body becomes more relaxed and ready to take on the next challenge.

Storm clouds and strong winds trail ride.

The sky was grey and full of moisture, ready to release it back into the earth below. The trees bent and swayed with the force of the wind. Leaves and other organic matter fell and swirled in the gusts of wind. The heavy weight of the moisture that had accumulated finally became droplets of rain that fell to the earth below. The earth was renewed and replenished with the water that soaked into the dry earth. Cycling against the wind and the rain my tense muscles straining but ready for what lay ahead pushed forward on the wet trail beneath my muddy, wet tires. Just ahead was my finishing point and my mind and body were releived, but anticipated my future adventures riding on the many trails that life rewarded me with. 2025

After the rain storm trail ride

The air was humid and the sky overcast as my tires splashed water into the air. Three ducks huddled together in a small puddle on the side of the road. The sky was full of interesting cloud formations. The sky was getting dark an indication or warning to pedal back home.

Sunshine and water trail ride.

The sun shone brightly and the wind was mild as my tight leg muscles pedalled on the cement,dirt and ashpalt trails.

Moon lit trail ride.

The moon is almost full, the black flies and the mosquitoes are inflicting pain and itchiness to my exposed legs. Stop for a small sandwich which replaces my supper and finish the rest of my water. It has been a good day with little wind and a bright sun shining it's brilliance upon my helmet.The sun has set and the moon is rising in the horizon and it is time to head back.

Thunder clouds and lightning trail ride

The rain was pouring and the trails formed puddles as I cycled cautiously forward.

Water, sunshine and geese trail ride.

I stopped to chat to tyvee and two missionaries, a new one from wyoming.

Sun, clouds and Canada geese trail ride.

The sun was hot and the wind was mild as I rode my cycle with purpose and determination.

July training distance

This distance converts to Kilometers from miles to 490.4637 Kilometers.

Overcoming adversity

With the weather great and the mind willing it is time to ride for the children who face adversity and to raise awareness about the battle against childhood cancer.