Saturday, 6 July 2013

Day 16--July 6-Driving from Brandon to Thunder Bay

We re-grouped after Ward's announcement early this morning in Brandon.  Waves of disappointment of course, coupled with concern for Ward's hand problem which we hope will resolve itself without the repeated stress of holding onto a handlebar for dear life!  Gordon has agreed to stick with us until we arrive in Sudbury to-morrow,.  He will stay over-night and then drive onwards to Guelph with the jeep.  Ward and I plan to stay in the Sudbury area for a few days next week and then fly home.  Gordon did all the driving today as we left the Prairies and crossed the border into Northern Ontario.  Loved seeing the rocks, trees and lakes once again.  We even saw a small moose in the ditch beside the road.  We arrived into Thunder Bay to-night.  Pouring rain.  Looking forward to Eric and Lori's home to-morrow!!












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7 comments:

  1. Tom6 July 2013 at 20:43

    Hi all. What an outstanding adventure for you. You guys are my heroes as each day I have been absolutely blown away by the amount of distance and terrain that covered.
    Ward, you have set an incredibly high bar for all of us seniors. I know about the neck issue and I am grateful that you made the right decision. Well done, bravo, bravo, bravissimo.

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  2. Marlie6 July 2013 at 20:58

    A swelling regard for Team Skinner! And a tear in my eye. Congratulations Ward on making the right decision. We love your hands, and we’re glad you do as well. But we agree; you and Gordon are so incredibly strong, and your progress was like no other we have heard about – and so we respect your disappointment.

    Enjoy those hours driving through gorgeous Northern ON. Celebrate the reunion with Lori and Eric. No doubt there will be a huge Sudbury contingent who will be so happy to have you in their midst these next days – and we are glad you will be able to share your grief with friends.

    Happy trails Gordon! It was so great to get to know you and your family. Thank you again for welcoming Tom and I to the first days of your tour. I will never ever forget it. Truly, Team Skinner opened my eyes to the art of possibility.

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  3. Anonymous6 July 2013 at 22:00

    what an amazing adventure! a little crazy but good crazy Catherine

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  4. Andrew7 July 2013 at 00:17

    Agreed, must have been a tough choice to make, but a necessary one. What a bummer though, you guys were tearing it up out there! I was bragging about you to my coworkers and friends, and everyone's amazed by how far you got and how fast.

    I'm pretty impressed by what you've accomplished. Everyone is. For the week I was with you there were definitely moments when I was out of my comfort zone, in the ditch with my lips turning blue waiting for the freezing downpour to pass, and even while shivering I was loving it. And then to get back on the road, that was awesome. In the one week I amassed a ton of gorgeous views and memories, and you must have had triple that, lucky you.

    And thanks for showing me how great it is to explore the country by bike. And thanks for inspiring me to think bigger about where you can get to on two wheels. It was an amazing adventure.

    Anyway, more rides to come, see you in Montreal for a celebration dinner.

    Andrew

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  5. Anonymous7 July 2013 at 17:33

    sterling effort skinner, sterling effort

    impressive cycling.
    pragmatic decision.
    and you live to ride another day

    i think leaving the rest for another day (or year) is an inspired strategy anyway

    well done Ward. oh and gordon too.
    and not forgetting the sag wagon driver

    see you in sweltering halifax soon

    M&H



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  6. Pushkin7 July 2013 at 20:52

    We cannot imagine the heartbreak of having to make the decision to stop BUT Ward's decision-making is impeccable and always to be trusted. Thanks so much to Team Skinner (the riders and Madge who faithfully kept the blog) for inspiring us endlessly -- to dream and to do! You are the best.

    xo,
    Jane & Ross in Vancouver

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  7. Tarah Wright9 July 2013 at 17:21

    A disappointment for sure, but it sure seems that you've amassed a huge number of memories in just over 2 weeks! We look forward to hearing much more about your adventures when you return to Halifax! Sunday breakfasts have not been the same without you! xoxox Tarah, Daniel, Lilly and Wyatt

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