I decided that I would not do the 172km route this year because of the healing broken clavicle and various fractures. I was disappointed because I've done this particular ride for a number of years and PEAC is close to my heart. But, I found an all-to-enthusiastic 8 year old wanting to be part of this particular charity ride. So, Katrina and I decided together that we would tackle the 60km ride. Lots of people were concerned but I reassured them saying that we could always catch a ride back with the SAG vehicle if she can't finish and there's lots of well-stocked, yummy, thirst quenching, fully serviced rest stops along the way. And, even a sundae bar at the end after the ride!
We arrived at around 9:30 and checked in at the packet pick-up. We both got cool t-shirts and put on our wrist bands for the yummy food. It was about 13c out so was a little chilly. I had knickers and a jacket with other extras on so was set for the weather because I knew what to wear. Getting Katrina ready was another matter as this was her longest ride and it was cooler than she's used to riding in and, after getting those shirts, she decided it needed to be on top of her cycling kit (and I think that was a good idea). It was obvious that she was cold for the first 1/2 hour as she kept saying she was cold. I kept telling her that the sun would eventually come out and warm us up and it was supposed to get up to 17c before noon.
We headed back to the car and set up the Italian duo. Katrina was armed with her Pinarello FPZero and me with my Bianchi Via Nirone. (Clearly she has the better and cooler ride). Well, people were already coming over and complimenting Katrina on her bike and asking her how much she was going to ride. She was popular immediately with the other riders.
We set up and the first half of the ride was really nice. There was no wind and Hines Park Drive was great. The first leg was on a closed road and we stopped for 2 cookies (Katrina) and 2 bananas (me). Easy as pie we agreed. On to the second leg. Well, my heart rate must have shot up a good 30% on this ride. This was Katrina's first real ride on unfamiliar roads. She has practiced with me around our neighbourhood and on the closed track at the Ciociaro Club but never on strange roads, in the States no less! She learned very quickly about staying on the shoulder and riding neat and keeping her line. She road better than lots of adults did. But, dad was still anxious. We made it to the second rest stop at around the 20km mark. Another cookie and banana. Oh yeah, I had to try one of those excellent looking cookies, yum.
If my heart rate had jumped on the second leg, it had simply sky-rocketed on the third leg. This part of the ride takes us out to the end of Hines Park Drive, and then west on 7 Mile. Mind you, not a long ride on 7 Mile but about 6km. Enough to get me going. It was really bad in a 2km section that had no shoulders and was full of potholes. We moved out from the edge and Katrina road excellently. Most drivers were extremely patient but there were a few aggressive drivers and one even yelled at us. Could you imagine if it was his kid.....I'm sure my heart rate hit the 100%+ mark and I knew what I wanted to do at that moment. Thank goodness for children and I held my tongue and didn't make any gestures. But, I had to explain to Katrina at the next rest stop that we were travelling on "his" road and he didn't like us getting in his way (although he was going the other way). Katrina caught on to the sarcasm right away and she said that the cyclists own the road as well.
We made it to the third rest stop, at about the 30km mark. Katrina and I were both feeling strong still. We both needed a rest stop but we went over for cookies first. They had halloween short bread cookies here. Super yum. We both picked out are favorite designs and then headed back over to our bikes. Katrina had a bite and said she had to go. I said I would hold her cookie for her while she went. 
I finished mine off, and, because I was still thinking about that guy who owns 7 mile, I inadvertently ate hers as well. What a dad! Eating his daughter's cookie. I didn't even realize I had done it until I was getting into trouble from this little 8 year old. I suppose a small show for those around us. I simply told her not to worry and go get another cookie. And, she ran right over and got another one. The group of riders are fixing a flat tire....
One thing for sure, it was harder on the way back. 7 Mile was much better for traffic and road condition on the way back in but the wind had picked up to a moderate 14kph from the south-east.Right into our faces for the last 30km. The good news is that the sun came out and it had gotten much warmer and we were both smiling a lot more. We had an uneventful ride to the 4th and 5th rest stops. Katrina was now used to riding in traffic and my heart-rate had levelled off enough. We did stop again at both rest stops but we were both a little full of cookies. The last leg of the 60km was a little more difficult for Katrina.
We were to spend just under 3 hours in the saddle averaging just over 20kph. With the wind on the way back, Katrina had to draft her dad all the way in. It made it easier but it was a long ride for her. She cheered up when I pointed out that the same adults were at the same rests stops with us and that she was doing great. And, I told her to sing 'party rock' when it got harder to keep up. I could hear this little voice behind me singing it and then she switched to Britney Spears....and then other songs I just couldn't recognize!
I managed to take a few shots on the last leg as the road was closed to traffic. I think that she did great and I'm proud of her accomplishment. We finished with style and very strong. And, after Katrina was able to get popcorn, a hotdog, and one of those sundaes, she was ready for the playground equipment and the bouncy castle. I got tired just watching her energy.
It turned out to be a great day and a great ride with my great daughter. I recommend this ride for everyone irregardless of ability as it accommodates everyone. Now we just have to convince them to get non-dairy sundaes (yeah, you're right, what's the point in that.....).
Ride organized by:
Programs to Educate All Cyclists