Ralf's cycle for Sight

Well folks it's now time to say good night,adieu,adios and sweet dreams. This blog will be the last one re: Ralf's Cycle for Sight.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their generous donations,support and prayers that made Ralf's solo jouney an amazing success. And to the critters Ralf met along the way-prarie dogs,vulchers,ducks- they added some comic relief needed for such a long journey.

 As of October 13,2011, $22,697.00 was raised. To quote Tara,Annual Giving Manager,Boston Foundation for Sight, "Absolutely incredible! And very much appreciated!
I am posting the letter Tara  submitted to the foundation's news letter re Ralf's cycle.

"Would you ride across Canada to raise money for an organization
that restored the sight of your child?

Ralf Jarchow recently undertook a bicycle ride across Canada to raise money for Boston Foundation for Sight (BFS).  Ralf’s 2112 mile ride from Calgary, Alberta to his home in Brampton, Ontario required willpower and stamina – the same traits that his daughter, Megan drew on for years before coming to BFS.  The ride was an expression of his gratitude for the life-restoring treatment that Megan and many other victims of blinding and painful corneal diseases receive at BFS. 

At age eight, Megan was diagnosed with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP), a rare, blistering corneal disease that, over time, threatened her eyesight and caused increasing pain.  Nothing seemed to stop its inexorable progression, until she received PROSE treatment, which improved her vision and gave her instantaneous relief from the constant eye pain.  Today, Megan is a thriving college student studying nursing having been inspired by the care she received at BFS.

As more doctors and patients discover Boston Foundation for Sight and PROSE treatment, the need for financial assistance grows.  Your gift makes it possible for us to provide patient-centered compassionate care to all who walk through our doors and enables our amazing staff to carry our mission forward at an even faster pace.  Help transform the lives of patients like Megan by giving them the precious gift of sight.

When reflecting upon the reason for his journey, Ralf said “I felt that BFS was a marvelous organization and if I could do anything to help others, I would.”  But you don’t have to ride across Canada to make a commitment of financial support. Please take a minute to fill out the attached donation form and make a tax deductible contribution.  You can also make a donation online on our website at www.bostonsight.org and click on “DONATE”.  Or, if you would like to discuss other, inventive fundraising opportunities such as Ralf’s Ride, please call Tara Stepanian at 781-726-7512."

Tara

Tara Stepanian

Annual Giving Manager

Boston Foundation for Sight

464 Hillside Avenue, Suite 205

Needham, MA 02494

P:  781-726-7512 (direct dial)

F:  781-726-7310

http://www.bostonsight.org/

I had her make a correction which was to say "Megan is a thriving university student" as opposed to college student.Here in Canada we have universities,not just colleges.

I had indicated in my blog from 3 months ago (July) that I had 10 things I would do differently if I did this again.... "Shoot me if I'm doing this again.....correction...shoot Ralf,not me". At the time I thought it was funny but 3 months later I'm not so sure.But here goes.Taken from my journal 3 months ago but still relevant for future support vehicles

.

The TOP 10

1)Buy a hard expensive cooler. I bought the cheap ($12) styrofoam cooler. Now I think I paid too much for it. Loaded it with 10 lbs.of ice,bottled water,juice for the next water break (roughly every 10 k).

The next am went to put another 10lbs.of ice in cooler....no melted water left from yesterday in cooler-?evaporated?  Much to my chagrin,10 lbs.of melted ice filled my back seat yesterday and now 10 lbs.of ice filled my back seat today.  My new car is looking like my old car :(

2)Don't try to read good book-hard to drive and read at same time. Better to have audio tapes...that way you can drink McDonald's coffee,put lipstick on, and steer at same time while reading/listening to good book. Reading "Under an Afgan Sky" by Mellissa Fung.

3)buy GPS with volume control on side of unit and not internally located. Norm Jackson would know what I'm talking about. Had volume up high while driving to Lake Michigan to meet Ralf....daughter Megan calls ,4 hours north of Brampton with car that just stopped running on hwy;van full of friends,Megan frantic,called Norm to ask what I should do but he couldn't hear me as the gps kept saying "recalculating" and I couldn't turn it down....Murphy's Law,the first of many, kicking in.

4)bring box(es) of tide for washing smelly cycling clothes.Ralf  using the little motel bar of soap.

5)bring quarters and loonies to use in washing machines.Before I arrived on the scene Ralf was just washing clothes in bathtub/sink.

6)bring more clothes.Was only planning on staying 2 nights not 6!

7)always have cyclist leave area (where he stopped) first. Twice I left first only to see Ralf picking up his bike from the ground where it had been leaning on my CAR....or don't place bike against car...it's not a bike rack.

8)took pics from (moving) car of Ralf cycling."Objects in mirror closer than they appear" should also be on front window when taking pictures from driver's seat behind wheel. Would have been upset if I ran over Ralf on his bike when he was so close to completing his trek.....and not to mention what it would have done to my new car.

9)keep cycling shoes and socks double bagged when left overnight in car.....unpleasant odour lingering in car. Initially thought an animal had crawled in car and died. I think that given the choice I would opt for the dead animal. Buy odour eaters;throw socks away daily;large bath/beach towel for front seat to absorb sweat and perspiration from sweaty biker.

10)carry duct tape. So many times I could have used it-(a)in Sarnia,had to call hotel security to open  door for us as door knob came off in my hand and couldn't get it back on; (b) hotel in Burlington,shower knob,you guessed it,off..............

Thought the Top 10 would cover everything but realized after I got to 10 I could have gone on for another 10. If I were to add one more,#11,it would be changing the title of "Ralf's Cycle for Sight" to "Ralf's Changing Flats for Sight". That one day, Ralf changed his tire 6 times...

 Well this brings the blog to an end.Once again, Ralf and I want to thank each and everyone of you that made his journey an amazing success.Thanks to your financial generou$ity this has helped not just one person receive the gift of sight but a few.

If Ralf decides to do something like this again,I will have to put him down.I know you'll understand.

Hugs and Kisses,

Valerie and Ralf

Photos and financial statement

To view photos of Ralf's last days (including the 'Welcome Home Celebration') go on Facebook and search for: Valerie Jarchow. The photo albums have been made public for everyone to see.

Financial update as of Tuesday July 26th @10 pm:

~Online donations to the Boston Foundation for Sight-$2810.00
                               ~Cheques to Boston Foundation-$7550.00
                                                       ~Cash collected -$5701.97
                                                                               Total-$16061.97
 
 * an additional $2000.00 has been pledged which brings total up to $18061.97*

A BIG thank you to everyone for supporting Ralf's Ride.You have helped changed lives for the better...

God Bless,
Valerie and Ralf
                      

Day 21 written on Day 22....Welcome Home Ralf and bike

Day 21 started off having breakfast with our good friends Pauline and Norm Jackson. Norm made sure he hydrated himself well in preparation for the cycle from Campleville to Brampton. Ralf was meeting anyone who wanted to join Norm and him as they cycled to picturesque Brampton. He was greeted by his brother Uwe (pronounced by one as Ooh-Vay ),his sister in law Barb,mother Erika. They preferred to drive in a/c vehicle.So at 12:30 Ralf and Norm on bicycles,Uwe,Pauline and myself headed out along 5th sideroad from Mohawk Inn with the sound of bagpipers. Initially it was thought that Glenn Mottershead had arranged for the group of bagpipers to pipe Ralf in but it's hard to run and bagpipe at the same time...so I'm told. Apparently the group of bagpipers practice Sat am in the parking lot of the Mohawk Inn.Having seen a guest room at the Mohawk Inn I'd rather sleep in my car in the parking lot.
At the corner of Winston Churchill and 5th sideroad (Embleton Rd.,Huttonville) we were met by throngs of well wishers; an unmarked police car and a fire engine.The fire engine led the procession home; the unmarked police car would pull ahead to stop traffic at intersections the whole time keeping their flashing lites on and sounding the sirens as needed. This was quite the amazing site. Cars would pull over to the soft shoulder when they would see the fire engine coming only to see it was followed by a Forrest Gump looking character on a Giant (make) bike. The crowd on Ridgehill Drive were awaiting with a Finish Line banner expecting to see Ralf come in off Parkend but I called them at last minute to say fire engine was going down Kingsview...so the banner holders quickly shuffled to point it in the opposite direction. What a perfect ending to an amazing accomplishment. A big thank you to Glenn Mottershead and the boys at the Party Centre- Ron Hanley and Rick Patywich for contacting the fire and police department for their support and involvement. Pauline Jackson told the police "that this was the first time I had been in the presence of a police officer with a siren sounding and it was a good thing."
Robyn ,Terry and Christian did a great of getting place ready for bbq. Sue and Don made terrific Finish Line banners and everyone else who was here in spirit or body made Ralf's Ride a success. Saturday's ( last fundraiser) bbq made $3380. An annoymous donor said the money raised would be matched dollar for dollar so another $3380.00 was donated bringing yesterday's total to $6760.00. So far the amount raised that has been raised is $12,308.00. That does not include a donation of $2000.00 by another friend;$50.00 to be dropped off today. We are still hoping to reach the $15,000.00 mark as sponsorship continues to come in.We will post the final tally when all is said and done.
Ralf will return to work yesterday wearing ?what?  After he embarked on his trek I took all his suits and several shirts to the dry cleaners.Told them there's no rush.I was going to pick them up before he returned home EXCEPT I wasn't home to pick them up. Ralf's mom called this am and I told her about the suits.She thought it would be a good idea if Ralf went into work wearing his cycling clothes.I didn't have the heart to  tell her Ralf had a sacrificial  offering (burning) of the cycling garments last nite....fire truck left site too soon. Saved bike as silent bid was too good to ignore/burn.
I will also blog "what things I would do differently" for those embarking on a similar trek  :) or :(
FYI.Ralf started journey at 217 pounds;weighed in this morning at 205 pounds.Total weight loss of 12 pounds.I'm sure after the beard goes it will probably be more.Depending how much I may start shaving my face too!
...to be continued..............

Day 20 (2nd last day on the road ..)

Robyn is writing (Val is dictating - per usual ;)  hahahah ... I'm kidding .. but seriously ..
Val has a shower to start her day and while adjusting 'hot and cold' - knob comes off in hand. ??What is it with handles since I've been on this trip??
Drove back to Waterdown to start where Ralf left off yesturday.
Val continues to read her book "Under an Afghan Sky" (great book - she highly recommends it). Ralf proceeds to take bike from car - ready to soldier through another hot day.
Val looks up - Ralf is already on his way .. she better put the book down as she does not know where he is headed.
Val pulls over on soft shoulder and resumes reading book.
Reading interrupted by knock on window - as Ralf rides passed her. She had to put the book down (sigh)
Going Northwest - thought she should discuss with Ralf the directions - he flew on by and gestured to keep on going.
The road was going uphill (as they are on edge of the escarpment) - Ralf sends Val ahead to see how far it was until the road turned (off the escarpment).. he calls Val while she was at the 3km mark and tells her that he decided to turn off on another road.
(So much for having CAA maps and GPS systems ... good'ol Ralf intuition)
Going through town of Kilbri - beautiful but very hilly. Directions through this area consists of "First right, next left" - last minute instructions from Ralf - it is no wonder that we got lost from each other .. many times.
Robyn called - thinking about going white water rafting with friends, asked if Dad would want to go (being the adventurous one he is) .. Val suggests that Ralf would probably want to cycle there .. (sarcastically) and Ralf emphatically replied "NO"   :)
Continued to hear from Megan - she came 1st in two events and placed 4th overall (in the 18+ age group for Canada). Val retorts that atleast the other top 3 had BOTH eyes to see out of (Megan is still in eye patch and depth perception is off - gets dizzy quite easily) .. Val is a VERY proud momma! Megan continues to get daily checkups from the doctor at the hospital - eye repatched with ointment (gel) to keep eyes moist - scratches still there, however, improving .. comfort level - also improving
Goes to the hospital Saturday morning - then flies home that afternoon - will greet her and her teammates at the airport in the evening ..
Today was a better day for cycling - not as hot or humid. It was a shorter cycle today - rode to Guelph line and 401 area - where he will meet up with people at the Mohawk Inn at noon tomorrow (who will ride in with him back home) and will then proceed to Winston Churchill and Embleton Rd. to meet up with the rest of the convoy (feel free to join them!!!!!!!). An unmarked police car and (possibly) a fire truck will escort him home .. also peel regional police officers on bikes will be joining him to bring him safely back home ..
to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER .. where no bicycles will be in sight .. EVER ... (anyone want a free bike?? or tires??)

Stay tuned to Val's next blog: "SUPPORT VEHICLE; 10 THINGS I WOULD DO (DIFFERENTLY) IF I DID THIS AGAIN"

(Excerpt from blog)

#1.) Shoot me - if I do this again (correction .. shoot Ralf, not me, if he ever does this again ... lol) 

Day 19 cont'd

NOTE: With regards to last post - BREAKING NEWS!!!

There was a Turkey Vulture circling around Ralf while he was struggling up a hill ... Ralf yells "I'm NOT dead yet"

"Damn Bird"

Day 19, Ralf's Ride.

Good night at the Delta Inn London Armory. Today is a record day of high Temps.close to 50 c. with the humidity but Ralf battles on. Stopping every 10K. for water. The journey takes them through Brantford, Waterdown and onto to Burlington with Brampton and home now with in easy striking distance. Good news Meagan's injury has improved 75% but with two scratches on her cornea, the team has down so well in Calgary at Nationals.

Day 18, Ralf's Ride.

Up at 5, on the road by 6 another stinking hot day for cycling. Good news is no flats today, thanks Brad. Ralfie crossed the border at 7:30 am. The real good news is Megan is skipping again with protective squash glasses and a patch on her eye. Val and Ralf feel a lot better knowing she is well. Ralf did 75 miles today very good considering the heat, and managed to make it to London via Paris though at times it's easier to navigate in Europe than here on Hwy # 5 leaving  Ralf's bike behind in the search for lunch, but all is well.

Day 17, Ralfs Ride.

Midland MI, was overcast and muggy start to the day. But wait text from Sue Matheson. She heard a song on CHFI dedicated to our hero. A George Michaels song "I Think Your Amazing," we all agree  from P.D.C. Deborah Warwick  called in  for Ralf Jarchow, preamble Big Cycle from Calgary to Brampton dedicated at 8 am., finally 15 minutes of fame, well nearly!!
The temps are hotter 33C, worse on the pavement for Ralf. Frequent stops for fluids as support vehicle at hand. All goes well until an untimely call from Robyn Miller nee Jarchow. Megan Jarchow in Calgary for the National Championships of Rope Jumping, practicing is hit in the Eye with the rope smashing the lense in her right eye and is sent to Emergency. We all hope and pray Meggie is well and will be better soon.
Lexington Lake Huron is their days final destination, 100 miles in the heat and Sarnia is tommorrows goal.

To make an online donation, please contact Tara Stepanian attstepanian@bostonsight.org for next steps.  If you would prefer to write a cheque, please send it to:  Boston Foundation for Sight, 464 Hillside Avenue, Suite 205, Needham, MA 02494 – Attn:  Ralf’s Ride. Also, at the offices of Prouse, Dash and Crouch LLP, 50 Queen Street West, Brampton,L6X4H3 or to Valerie Jarchow, 11 Ridgehill Drive, Brampton,L6Y2C3.

Day 16, Ral's Ride.

Continental breakfast before Ralf set off at 7:30am. Ralf's panniers stowed away in Val's car would make for a lighter ride, the goal today was to hopefully make it beyond Clare, MI 90 miles east, if weather, mostly wind would cooperate. The plan was to meet in Reed City for lunch at the 7 Slot Grill a local watering hole. On his way Ralf stopped for fluids and asked how far to Reed, the clerk replied "that's 5 miles away in this heat, can you make it" Ralfie chuckled to himself and said "He would try."
During lunch there was much banter with the locals and a discussion ensued which hills would do poor Ralf in, not reassuring. Bad weather now had moved in and Ralf pushed on for Evart suffering his 3rd. flat of the day, by flat 4 he's was thinking of changing the name of his ride to "Flats for Sight."
Worse day ever, 8 flats in total. Thankfully in Midland at Ray's bike shop Brad put Ralf right and his worn out tires where replaced with 700 X 23c Specialized All condition Armadillo Elite Kevlar tires, these babies will stop a bullet. Along with a tune-up and tire purchases, Brad sympathetic to Ralf's endeavor only charged for parts and no labour, nice guy. Off to the H Hotel for nourishment and a good sleep. Ralfie is bringing it home now and is less than 300 miles from Brampton.

Day 15, Ralf's Ride

Ralf was up at 3:00 am.to set off riding at 4:00am. to make sure he caught his ferry crossing leaving Manitowoc 90 miles away., and meet Val in Ludington. On his crossing Ralf met a fellow cyclist, Bill was from Portland, Oregon riding to Boston so stories were exchanged on the crossing of their trials and tribulations and Bill promising to support Ralf's Ride for Sight.
Val arrived at 7:00pm. to meet Ralf off the ferry but couldn't recognize him being slender in statue and sporting a beard. Val booked a local hotel and it was off for dinner and an early night for Ralf putting in another long day.

Day 15, Ralfs Ride

Val leaves Sunday morning to meet Ralf at Ludington, Michigan off the ferry.  She will be Ralf's support vehicle for the rest of the journey. As you can see she is armed with a sign to catch the eye of the locals and promote Ralf's Ride.

Day 15,Ralf's Ride

0800 hrs. Norm Jackson has graciously offered to do the blog while I am away.It's a big undertaking but I know he can handle it. And Ralf thinks his job/cycle is hard (lol).
..thanks  (Norm the ) Storm!

Day 14,Ralf's Ride

Didn't hear from Ralf until 10:30 pm. Apparently no cell/blackberry service in that area of Wisconsin. In Waupaca. Thunderstorms all morning; increasing heat as day went on.3 flats;4 new tubes. Phone call was very short as he had to put call through long distance operator to land line. Looking forward to crossing Lake Michigan starting at  Manitowac to Ludington Michigan. Looks like I will be heading to Ludington Michigan to meet Ralf when he arrives at 7pm.Got TripTic and map from CAA; GPS from Best Buy; made 2 signs -"Boston Foundation: Ralf's Cycle for Sight" to tape onto support vehicle. Will be support vehicle Monday,Tuesday and return home Wednesday. Jacksons' and I will travel to meet Ralf  Friday night ?Strattford,?Waterloo. Ralf and Norm will then cycle together the last leg of the journey Saturday. But will let you know closer to date. So until I return home I won't be writing anymore blogs. I may get Robyn or Christian to do blog but I'm not sure they can handle the responsibility or the complexity of logging into the blog (lol).

Day 13,Ralf's Ride

Left 7am LaQuinta St.Paul and crossed over into Wisconsin. Took 20 miles to get out of city and connect with hwy 10.  Nice paved wide shoulders-reminiscent of Ontario with the rolling hills,vegetation etc.   Ralf is an ardent Pittsburg Steeler fan. Must hide this from the locals because the 'Cheeseheads' (Green Bay fans) will not be too kind to this tourist.
Temperature low 70's F.Thunderstorms at time of phone call. Waiting for storm to pass.  Challenge is to get to boat in 21/2 days. This keeps Ralf focussed and motivated to 'keep on cycling'. "Frankly,I'm getting tired of pedalling". May look into replacing cycling with something more sedentary like Yoga when he gets home (lol).
9:30 pm: Staying in Super 8 motel,non honeymoon suite,in town of Osseo.
ROUGH day. Severe thunderstorms all day;5 flats;weather horrible. No tubes left after 5th flat; valve broke on last tube; switched tires four times on side of road in thunderstorms.
 Becoming a 'triskaidekaphobia'-fear of #13 after this horrible day. In bad mood so conversation limited and brief.  Would like me to meet him in Ludington after he crosses Lake Michigan....and bring  4 bicycle tubes,3 patch kits and a vontrager hand pump. Requested that I am his support vehicle for 2 days. Emotionally spent especially when navigating thro inclement weather.
Told Ralf that the Brampton Guardian did an article on his cycle (plight)  in today's paper. He was ? happy to hear that especially after the horrible day he had. So it looks like I may be travelling to Ludington Michigan Sunday am .On second thought, Ralf doesn't think he'll cover 200 miles in 11/2 days so it could be Monday.
Ralf confident that he will be back in Brampton next Sat.We will be sending out more info on the "Bringing Home Ralf" party that will immediately follow his return home.So circle the date in your calendar-Saturday July 23.Hope to see you all there, especially Ralf.

Day 12,Ralf's Ride

Day started out in the pouring rain;cool. Thankful that he brought rain gear. Pulled over by a state trooper and not for speeding. Ralf was cycling on a 'restricted' hwy. He said he didn't see the warning sign but I've heard that line from him many times before....ask him about our Sunday afternoon drive into the  Millhaven  (penitentiary) compound....we drove  right up to the 3rd row of barbed wire fence before guards with sawed off shot guns were ordering us out of our car... and Ralf didn't see the warning signs  "DO NOT ENTER PREMISES"... so he says??
State trooper  followed Ralf until he was able to leave restricted hwy. Crossed the bridge over the Mississippi River which originates in Minnesota. He will follow the Mississippi Valley down to Minneapolis.
Had coffee at a gas station in Little Falls after left restricted hwy. Coffee took chill out of rain soaked body.
Rain stopped around noon. Crosswinds in face all day. 93 miles done. Cool,cloudy. 3 flats yesterday;1 today. Went into Minneapolis to avoid interstate. Hwy turned into interstate at Minneapolis.
Baseball game and concert tomorrow nite in Minneapolis so unable to get hotel room. Took taxi to hotel outside of ciy-La Quinta Inns and Suites. Hotel close to where Ralf can start biking again-where interstate ends.
Plans to go across Minnesota and Wisconsin in next 21/2 days to catch boat in Manitowoc (departs 1:50 pm) to Ludington Michigan (arrive 7 pm).
Temperature in the high 30's for the next few days :{

Day 11,evening

At 2 pm,after pedalling for hours uphill,wind in face,decided to drink the 2 bottles of wine he had been carrying in his saddle bags. He needed to lighten the load....it was really only one bottle (lol). Ralf's attempt at humor :{  I told him he should have spelt it 'whine'.
Cycled to Motley where he will be spending the nite in the Eastwood Inn. Liver and onions for dinner :{   Ralf enjoyed it as it is not something I cook ....blah
Tomorrow will be a push for Minneapolis;approx 115 miles. Weather next few days is calling for thunderstorms Thursday; heat wave to follow.
Asked how he was holding up psychologically and he said "ok". Anxious to get home. Megan asked me last nite what I thought dad was missing, excluding family and friends. Wasn't sure there was much more after that but I was surprised by how much I was able to list: cooking especially Sunday nite dinners; Tess-his long walks/running/cycling/golf ball hunting German Shepherd dog. Ralf tells me he is walking Tess at the golf course because she loves chasing the wild life. He just happens to come back with a plastic bag full of golf balls to add to the million plus balls he's stored in our garage...put a car in there...where; gardening; golf; early morning coffee on the deck while reading the paper and doing Sudoku; driving his car or any car at this point; entertaining over cards or a bbq; sleeping in our kingsize bed (consistently) with the 500 inch thread count bedding; hearing Megan playing the piano late at nite; watching Christian and Terry (new son-in-law)play rugby and playing for the thirds (Brampton club rugby) himself.So those were just a few things that Ralf is looking forward to when he returns home.
Asked him about route he will be taking when close to home.He's thinking about going along hwy 7/8 thro' Stratford but hasn't decided yet.He will know better by Friday.So will let you know once he knows and lets me know :}  And always,weather dependant.

Day 11,Ralf's Ride

"Nut Buster Day" not to be confused with a DQ peanut buster parfait!*%!

Morning phone call:
Ralf reports slept well on a kingsize bed,500 thread count Eyptian cotton sheets.Any metrosexual would know his thread count. Breakfast overlooking Detroit Lake.Had an egg stratta with roasted veggies and spicy cheese;big bowl of fresh fruit;whole grain bread,juice and coffee.
Today will be a hard day cycling on rolling hills with 20 miles/hr.headwinds . Averaging 11/12 miles/hr.Plans on stopping every hour to take a break.
Email from Tara at the Foundation for Sight with an account of donations received so far.Between donations made online;cheques addressed to Foundation for Sight ( at home in folder until Ralf sends in at end of trek);cash/cheques for Ralf collected and deposited into Ralf's Ride acct at the CIBC,and pledges made,Ralf has collected a total of $8,088.00.That will pay for a pair of devices.Ralf would like to ideally cover another pair.So his goal is to reach $14,00.00.If anyone cna help Ralf with more sponsors to raise his goal of $14,000.00 that would be greatly appreciated.
Until tonight's blog.....

Day 10,Ralf's Ride

Up at 4am;sunrise 5:50,beautiful.
In Crookston for breakfast at McDonalds. Sausage egg McMuffin, coffee,and a smile :} Original plans to go to Bemigji and end day there (115 miles).Hoping for another day without flats. Has devised new system for inflating tires. Had to throw away new pump as not performing up to par.Rerigged old pump and able to put more pressure in tires. Travelling on roads as opposed to shoulders where there is loose gravel.
Hit 1000 mile mark in Erskine.
Left hwy 2 for hwy 59 as winds will be on back.Lunch at Subway in Mahnomen.Fell asleep in booth for 45 minutes. Good day for cycling-cool day,partly cloudy.
9:30pm-sitting in bar in beautiful lodge on Detroit Lake.Best Western recently took over Detroit Lodge. Basically giving rooms away to drum up business. Feels like the decadence of a Muskoka resort.Room has kingsize bed,large flat screen tv,overlooking Lake Detroit.
The day started out great but became his most frustrating day with flats. 4 flats but who's counting (Ralf is).After the last flat Ralf walked the last 2 miles into town.Will fix flats tomorrow am.Laundry done as not done in the last 2 days :{
Total of 120 miles today;15 hours on road with breaks. Plans for an easier day tomorrow.Will get up later;leave later and just do 70 miles tomorrow.
If all goes according to plans,hope to be in Kitchener/Waterloo/Stratford area July 22 and leave for Brampton July 23 at 0700hrs. Norm Jackson hopes to be travelling in with Ralf as well as Glenn Mottershead.  Norm on his road bike;Glenn on his Harley motorcycle If anyone else wishes to join the convoy and bring Ralf home,the more the merrier. Following his arrival at home...let the celebrations begin. But more about that later when things are more definite. As Ralf would reiterate,"weather dependant".

day 9,Ralf's Ride

26 miles from Devil's Lake at a restaurant in town called Lakota.Will cycle to Larimore,34 miles away and stop for lunch.Then 30 more miles to Grand Forks,Minnesota.Going to be another hot day.
4 pm-95 miles completed.Booked room at East Grand Inn.Cycling good today.Wind at back initially but changed to cross winds as day progressed.
Had nap before dinner.Had a better day.No flats; no ducks to dodge on road; no praire dogs.
FYI-if anyone is going through Grand Forks on a Monday nite,looking for a place to have dinner,stop at the American Legion for their Monday nite spaghetti dinner-$4.00;16 oz.can of beer-$2.00 or a 51/2 oz.tomato juice-$1.50.I had the tomato juice as I was the DD but spend $0.50 and splurge for the beer.Between dinner and my lodging for the nite ($41.00) this has been a really cheap stop.Very different from last nite where I had a 14oz.striploin steak and glass of Shiraz.
Going to get away early tomorrow am so stopped at grocery store to pick up some pastry,OJ and 2 bananas.
Next stop Crookston.

day 8,Ralf's Ride

Taking hwy 2,four- way divided hwy;hwy blocked except for local traffic and a lone cyclist.Hwy to himself.In Minot,2500 homes flooded by 10' of water;11,000 people evacuated. Boom times in Minot-it is the center for oil drilling.Cost of living high...oil companies willing to pay.Sunny day,hopefully wind at back.Will stop in Rugby for lunch.
Arrived in Devil's Lake this eve.130 miles from Minot.Cycled around blockade;in 8-10" of water for 1/4 mile.Shoes soaking wet.At times cycling with ducks.Before reaching Devil's Lake stopped to watch people fishing.Got talking with the father who is psychologist from Nepal.Originally form Omaha Nebraska and moved up to Devil's Lake.
2 fishing rods still in wrapper.So Ralf got him and son set up with fishing rods and showed his son how to cast.Ralf says he was showing them how to fish but I think secretly he was enjoying the fishing.If anyone knows Ralf,you know he loves to fish.
Another hot day in the 30's;cross winds,sun beating down on him.Had trouble getting enough fluids in as stores closed and unable to reload with fluids.Next time he will leave himself an emergency supply.
No flat tires today as able to do trip on paved highway and avoid the gravel that is on the shoulders.
Ralf is taking bids on his bike (that I bought him for his 50th birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). So bid high.
Ralf says he is staying in sad looking hotel-$70.00/nite,a Super 8.Prefers when I book a room ( honeymoon suite).

Day 7 cont'd,Ralf's Ride

Total of 3 flats today :{
Beating sun the whole time :{
Able to find lodging at Days Inn,Minot.Many people displaced because of flooding.
Total miles done is 715 miles. Hang in there Ralf.

Day 7,Ralf's Ride

Day 7 already-time flys when you're having fun (or not)
Day started at 5:30. To border of Saskatchewan and North Dakota by 7.Day cooler;wind favourable.Saddle bags checked by border guard.....afterall Ralf might be trying to smuggle in guns.Ralf probably had a very rough demeanour.Not exactly a Hell's Angel but Ralf likes to think of himself as a (road) biker now. Was hoping to push through to Minot-159 miles-but again weather dependent. Significant flooding in Minot.Tried to book room for Ralf but Minot everything booked up.Checked availability in other towns on hwy 52 but unsuccessful.Spoke with Ralf later in am and he said he's not sure where he will end up tonite so he will look for something.Suggested a B&B if he happens to see one enroute...maybe a barn? Beggars can't be chosers.
Megan had advice to give Ralf re hydration-have power aid drinks rather than water to replace the electrolytes he's losing.Ralf also having his left over energy bars (unopen and uneaten!) from marathon.
"my attempt to help stimulate the American economy...projecting 9 days in the states; again wind and weather dependent."

Day 6,Ralf's Ride

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Day 5,Ralf's Ride

Passed through Wilcox and marked the 500 miles cycled so far. Spent one hour in Rouleau to escape the heat of the day. Stopping at Milestone,not to be confused with the restaurant Milestones, for a lunch break. Sounded exhausted. Temp is in the 30's; dead into headwind. The past few days he's had crosswinds but not the headwind he's experiencing today. Had 30 seconds of shade as he passed under a cloud. Only one cloud seen in the last 3 days.
If anyone is ever cycling through Moose Jaw (?) and stops at the Canadian Tire requiring their help to fix bicycle tires, keep cycling. Service department closed. Ralf had to change tubes and pump tires  in motel room last nite only to find them deflated in am :{  Ralf thinks God has a (twisted) sense of humor and is enjoying watching Ralf's trials and tribulations as he peddles hard across Canada. Not as uneventful as he  thought it would be.
Going through tons of water every 5 miles; not peeing as much as perspiring."Haven't had this much water to drink since frosh days at U of Waterloo". Ralf says Frank can confirm this....so much water Frank? You (Frank) probably drank lots of water too.
Ralf was hoping to get to Weyburn early today and just take it easy. But that was wishful thinking.Headwinds and scorching temps have taken their toll on Ralf. Reservation made ahead for Ralf at the Ramada Weyburn as he didn't want to be looking for lodging late at nite. Hotel off hwy 39.  He will leave Weyburn tomorrow for Minot North Dakota.Ralf is hoping that his route will not be impeded by the recent flooding in Minot North Dakota caused from the Souris River. PC to CAA and they don't have any road closures reported from there. Think positive Ralf....I know you have a lot of time to think these days but you may be too tired to think about thinking.

Ralf's Condition- Evening day 4

Ralf's Ride,day 4

9:30 hrs arrived in Herbert Saskatchewan at the only restaurant /gas station in town.Going to have French toast for breakfast.Has decided to have easier day today.Next stop Chaplan-1 1/2-2 hours away.Will stop for break.
12:00 hrs in Chaplan
8:55 pm (Eastern time) In Moose Jaw at A&W.Not there to eat but to call a taxi. Needs to get to a Canadian Tire before they close so doesn't have the time to cycle around looking for one. Tires need to be pumped up;slow leak in rear tire;flat on front tire. The extra 40lbs in the saddle bags are stressing out his tires.
Exhausted tonite. Cycled 110 miles today from Swift Current.Undulating hills,wind in face, sun beating down on him...he's baked.Says heat is killing him. Has cycled total of 453 miles so far....so many more to go.
Startled a deer today; no prairie dogs :} crawling up his arm.
Going to take it easier tomorrow and subsequent days as heat is a killer. Checked forecast for tomorrow and guess what?...in the 30's again. Going to make it to Weyburn around noon tomorrow then rest in hotel.
Very tired and butt is sore.Cecil gave him bum butter but no instructions on how to use.Ralf says he's eating it three times a day but his bum is still sore.I told him to put on bum, not toast!
ETA July 24

Ralf's Ride,day 3 eve

Ralf called in around 10 pm and reported he is the most tired since start of trek.Reminded him it's only day 3 and that he should pace himself.It's the heat that is making the days hard.Tomorrow is another long,hard day with temp in the 30's.
No flats today due to increasing pressure in rear tire.He will pump more pressure into the rear tire tomorrow.
Told me about an encounter with nature at noon today.Stopped at side of road in town of Piapot to rest under 2 trees (probably the only 2 trees in Saskatchewan);fell asleep,woke up with Prairie dog crawling on arm.Ralf surmises the prairie dog didn't have a good sense of smell...I beg to differ.I'm sure Ralf smelt like a fellow prairie dog :{
Ordering in tonite (at motel), pizza and a Greek salad-too tired to move!

Ralf's Ride,day 3

9:23 (7:23 Western time) at Alberta/Saskatchewan border
8:15 miles from Swift Current and bagged -"the person that said that the prairies are flat is a lying bastard"
Temp has been 30C. Pumped it thro' all day as no place to rest in the SHADE. There is no shade. One gas station since left Medicine Hat...no shade. This place has to be the "skin cancer capital of the world!"
++ hills all day. A local told him that it is more hilly between  Swift Current and Moose Jaw which is the route Ralf is doing tomorrow. He's upset about it already. Thinking about modifying schedule to recover. Will be on road again tomorrow am at 5/5:30. Finds that cycling conditions more favorable-cool, no wind and no heat because there is NO SHADE in Saskatchewan.
When in Regina years ago enroute to the West Coast trail for hiking adventure a Regina native he asked what they call people who live in Regina ..? Reginians?...the person responded "TRAPPED". Ralf thinks anyone who has the misfortune of living in Saskatchewan is trapped. I'm sure Ralf has a new found respect for good ol' Brampton.

SPOT on Ralf

To view Ralf's Ride please visit the link provided.
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0TQqqtKDd1WjFLl0nN3qnGq60IjobcEK6

Day 2,evening

Cycle from Brooks to Medicine Hat very bleak,desolate,under populated,under developed.NOTHING but cattle grazing.I guess they have nothing better to do.Big trucks welcomed as they gave Ralf a push as they motored past.A few cars honked as they passed Ralf.Ralf thinks they honked because of his good looking legs.He expressed feeling "cheapened by the experience....he's not just a piece of meat" :0 Another thought he shared was that some would consider him "eye candy"-good for the eyes.
Eventually found bike store after much cycling up and down steep hills.Bought replacement bike pump,tires pumped up...good to go (tomorrow).Laundry done in room,ipod and blackberry charging.A big thank you to Megan for downloading an eclectic mix of music on his ipod shuffle.
No continental breakfast tomorrow morning as not available til 6:30 and wants to start cycling at 5:30.It's going to be a scorcher tomorrow with temp in the 30's.It is 140 miles to Swift Current and wants to be half way by noon.Ralf is planning on 2 hour break around noon to avoid the heat.After 61/2 hours cycling he'll be due for a rest.

Ralf's Ride-day 2

6:20 Calgary time
Good breakfast-continental breakfast offered at Ramada Inn starting at 4 am.For our teenagers that would be a snack before bedtime.Ralf had boiled eggs,bacon toast and peanut butter.
Looking forward to  cycle to Medicine Hat.Feeling good,feeling strong...training has paid off.

Ralf's Ride,Day 1 cont'd

5 pm Calgary time Ralf pulled into a gas station in Cluny.He didn't venture into the town as it was a few miles inland.He does not wish to travel more miles than need be.He's had one flat so far (over 5 hours); cycled thro' one storm;now sunny.Looking forward to reaching Brooks before he calls it a day-3-4 hours away.His brother- in- law,Warren,who is a Calgarian,told Ralf he won't make it that far on his first day.He should know better than posting a challenge like that.My money is on Ralf....what money?,we just paid for a wedding!
8:50 pm (10:50 Brampton time!!!!....everyone knows I'm in bed by 9 and sooner if able),phone call from Ralf.Arrived in Brooks-Attention Arbs...you owe him a case of beer (24) and not the cheap stuff.
Cycled 125 miles since left Calgary airport;rolling terrain out of Calgary;flatter near Brooks;warm,westerly winds "fell in love today"-with the prevailing westerlies.Top speed going downhill was 47 mph.Good thing he wears a helmet....it would really do a number on his hair.Has had 2 flats since left Calgary due to increased weight on rear tire- his body weight plus the additional 40 lbs in the saddle bags that hold his water and supplies.He's going to increase pressure in rear tire to see if this helps.
Going for dinner as hasn't eaten all day.(this trek will definitely shed a few pounds)
"Brooks has an airport but no one flys to Toronto...but will keep looking (lol)"

Plans on having a semi lazy day tomorrow (Monday) Will cycle to Medicine Hat and explore the city.

SPOT on Ralf

To follow Ralf's journey, please visit the link below.


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Ralf's Ride,day 1

5:15 alarm sounded-showered and shaved.
5:36 Driven to airport by a very tired wife.Hug and kiss exchanged and left carrying dismantled bike (in box) through doors of Air Canada, for a flight@ 7:55
Called when arrived in Calgary-after 10 (Calgary time,12 Brampton time).Good flight,uneventful.Immediately upon retrieving bike in box,assembled it,applied sunscreen (sunny and warm next few days in Alberta) and the bum butter :{
11:50 the adventure starts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 Days to go

Only 2 days before the Big trip. So far $7,000.00 dollars have been raised almost half-way to my goal of $15,000.00.

To make a donation.

To make an online donation, please contact Tara Stepanian at tstepanian@bostonsight.org for next steps.  If you would prefer to write a cheque, please send it to:  Boston Foundation for Sight, 464 Hillside Avenue, Suite 205, Needham, MA 02494 – Attn:  Ralf’s Ride. Also, at the offices of Prouse, Dash and Crouch LLP, 50 Queen Street West, Brampton,L6X4H3 or to Valerie Jarchow, 11 Ridgehill Drive, Brampton,L6Y2C3.