New photos added Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

A group of cyclists put the FUN back in fundraising this month by way of a three-leg bicycle ride from Williams Lake to Kamloops. The journey was in aid of TRU student bursaries and raised about $15,000.

Leg one of the 300km journey started on Sept. 8 and ended that day in 100 Mile House. Day 2 ended in Cache Creek on Sept. 9.

And of course, the journey couldn’t have been possible without the dedicated support crew.

Good work, everyone! You’re truly an inspiration to us all. 🙂
See below for words from some of the participants and stay tuned for updates…

Ride coordinator Maryanne Bower receives some cash from two passersby.

Support van

Rocky Mountaineer

Riders moments before leaving Cache Creek for Kamloops.

Team member Sean makes do with one pedal during the exit from Cache Creek.

Riders and their support crew are acknowledged at the TRU 40th anniversary bash on Sept. 10.

Cyclists and their support crew in front of the Mainstage.

Stacey's 2 cool(ers).

Information exchange.

Driving force — the driver support team.

Dinner

Fashionistas

Cyclists don't have the hassle of finding a place to park their bikes.

Advanced braking system

Roadside snack

Riders’ comments

Stacey Jyrkkanen — Thanks to Maryanne and Carole for the organization – you did a great job!! A BIG thank you to our wonderful support drivers – we couldn’t have done it without you! I have never been involved with a nicer group of people – we all took care of each other, offered words of support (you can make it up this hill!), stopped whenever there was another rider on the side of the road to make sure everyone was ok, helped to change flat tires, etc.
The weather was nice, the scenery was amazing and the camaraderie was fantastic! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful memories – I will never forget our time together.

Nancy Green Raine and Al Raine — We were sorry not to hang around for the BBQ on Friday, but frankly we were freezing and when Al brought our car up we decided to head home for a hot bath. So we missed saying goodbye to you all. We had a great time — and really enjoyed the camaraderie of the Cyclethonistas. It was a great experience. A really special thanks to our SAG wagon team — it was good to know you were following us. Now we just have to collect on our pledges and then pat ourselves on the back when we hear the final amount.

Kingsley Bower — I echo all the comments (including the localized discomfort — which is much better now, thankyouverymuch). What a wonderful trip with a wonderful group of people.
Thank you for posting the pictures, Carole. And yes, please — if anyone else has photos, please post a link or send them to the distribution list.
Happy trails.

Sean Templeton — Hope you’ve recovered from our trek and enjoy the weekend.
I wanted to thank all of you for a great cycling trip; it was a real pleasure! The memories, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment far outweigh any “localized” discomfort.
I’m ready to start planning for next year’s ride if there is interest/support from the university!

Carole Hebden — This ride, like the inaugural ride in 1994, was an amazing opportunity to raise the profile of TRU in our region while generating funds for student awards and bursaries. The generosity I encountered was impressive – people connect with the needs of students and they want to help. Thank you to them.
As one of the riders, I commend the cyclists who showed grit and determination to ride the hills and keep smiling all the way. Well done.