We did it!!!!!!!!! We arrived in Montreal from Toronto and we cycled the whole darn way! I can't really walk normally or stand up straight, and I couldn't be happier. I feel so glad to be part of this loving, accepting community and I'm deeply proud of what we've accomplished together. We managed to raise over 1 million dollars for the People With AIDS Foundation, an organization that provides vital support to people living with HIV in the Toronto area. If I could stand fully upright, I'd be standing proud.
We crossed the border into Quebec early in the day and rode along bike paths pretty much the whole way to Montreal. I was still feeling the effects of yesterday's heat stroke so I was moving slowly, but I was determined to make it to Montreal under my own power. And so I did. I came into the rendezvous point with the sweeps, but I made it on my own wheels.
From the rendezvous point at Parc Lachine we rode single file along the bike path to the heart of Old Montreal. My team was first after the steering committee because we were the top fundraising team. It was incredible to look back and see the line of us riding single file, two hundred strong. I couldn't see the end of the line, that's how many of us there were who believe in supporting people with HIV. And for every cyclist in that line, there were dozens of supporters who made it possible by donating, by volunteering for the crew, or by taking the time to educate themselves and cheer us on. Thanks again to all of you who donated! For those who still want to, visit bikerally.org or my personal fundraising page.
After closing ceremonies we went to our rooms (real beds! Real showers!) and reconvened for a final team dinner. Then all 200 riders and 100 crew members went to Unity, a club in Montreal's gay village with an amazing rooftop patio, and hugged and laughed and started to process the enormity of what we had just achieved together.
This week was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. It was definitely the most physically challenging. I'm going to do it again in two years (I'm moving back to BC in September so next year is out). I want to invite you right now to do it with me - if not for the six days then for the one day ride into Port Hope, or volunteer for Crew. It's an inspiring journey with incredible people. You are capable of things you thought were impossible for you, and you can inspire others to achieve things they thought were impossible for them. I love you all; thank you for coming with me on this journey.
P.S. I promised you embarrassing spandex photos and they are coming!
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