I am looking for a fast and experience rider to accompany my ringer rider this year.
I myself am a 30 km/hour cruising speed rider, and found last year's ride easy - but not 2009. I have relapsed multiple myeloma, and expect to be not long out of hospital following a second bone marrow transplant in early May. I'm forbidden from participating. In the You Tube Video, I'm the guy who says the signage and food is all great. Look up the Personal Page for Cam Campbell and you'll understand my problem.
The ride organizers have permission for my son - Ian - a provincially ranked road cyclist and nationally ranked biathlete - to do ride part for me. But he's still 16, and though went on gruelling club rides in both France and Germany last summmer, the RTCC wants a "guardian" to keep an eye on him.
He doesn't want anyone to slow him down - and you, Mr or Ms Speed - might enjoy his company. His plan is to get near the start and stay relatively ahead of the pack, at least for day one. It is not a race, I keep telling him. He will likely do the Afternoon Afterburn with Steve Bauer for a "real" ride.
Ian's a nice kid - something of a cycling phenonomon, and most people think he's 19-20. I just can't do this myself. I hope to somehow appear on course on Day two and ride the last 20 to 50 km with him to the finish line.
Just in case you're still skeptical, here is the kid in question:
Let me know if you are interested in keeping Ian company please. We live in Etobicoke, so doing a ride ahead of time with him might be a good idea.
-- Edited by biathlonman on Sunday 15th of March 2009 02:31:44 PM
-- Edited by biathlonman on Sunday 15th of March 2009 02:32:51 PM
-- Edited by biathlonman on Sunday 15th of March 2009 03:24:43 PM
Hello Bernard - Thanks for showing an interest here. In the end we had a guy I know quite well come forward - he is middle-aged but quite fast, and is the President of Ian's cross-country ski club. As well - the fellow from the PMHF who is in charge of the entire ride also offered to look after him. It is something of a formality but there are legalities involved and important on the first day.
My son did the legendary 'Donut Ride' yesterday so that's how fast he can go.
He confessed to not really being in shape for it and suffering from some leg cramps coming home.
Don't know if you did the RTCC last year but I can't emphasize enough it is meant to be enjoyed - not done as fast as one can.
