
There wasn't much in the way of sleep for the three of us the night before we set out to finish the cross-Canada ride into St.John's. 16km was all that there was left. Nothing to it. But the mood was like nothing I have ever experienced. Pride was the premier emotion in my heart and I know that Adrian and Jeremy felt the same way. So proud of each other! We never gave up, never said die. We spoke about the trip and the obstacles along the way. Making the realization that we were too new to this to realize how much we really pushed ourselves through the rockies. We did it on adrenaline, the expectation that those mountains were going to be the end of us. We didn't want to let everyone down. (I'm sure some out there lost money in bets after we cleared the mountains!)
There is something to be said for people who put their money where their mouths are. There is a huge sense of personal achievement with finishing a task of this magnitude, but hose whom I am referring to are the Kegs across Canada and the U.S. that agreed to help get us all to the $150k mark for funds raised.
Back to the ride.
The morning of August 4th finally came and we met at our rendezvous point on Topsail Road at Tim Horton's. There we waited for Erika's father Gary who was the RV driver for the last leg in and my brother Warren(been 103 days since I've seen him), our team videographer for the last 16km to the Keg. Our police escort arrived and along with the escort a photographer from the hospital foundation. Once the photos and handshakes were taken care of, it was time for business. The "snip" of the helmet straps, the "click" of our cycling shoes fastening into the pedals.
As we wound our way through the streets, people along the way waved and cheered, cars honked and smiled. They had heard about what we were doing. They knew why we were here. Because many strangers has told us as much...they are proud of what we have done and respect the guts and determination it took to do it. Tears welled up as we rode and the lump in the throat became too much to swallow down. We are just about fiished this.
POP! HISSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Half way to the Keg Jeremy got yet another flat tire. We were in action as fast as any Indy500 crew. The tire was replaced and inflated to 120psi before anyone could blink. Great job!
Back on the road. Familiar landmarks let us know that we were quickly approaching our final destination. Our police escort began sounding our arrival with quick blasts from the siren. We turned the final corner and saw the most beautiful sight.
The applause and the cheering started, we heard it before we saw it, but there it was right in front of us. It didn't seem real. It felt odd that it was for us. In true Steve, Adrian and Jeremy fashion, we didn't ditinguish the blue ribbon that they has put across the lane for us to ride through to mark the finish. We rode around for a second and someone blurted out, "Go through the finish line silly!". That made the news.
I clipped out of my pedals and saw people gathering around Jeremy and Adrian, this was a home-coming for them. Many friends from Adrian's time here were out in force and Jeremy, now a resident of Newfoundland and a magnetic personality wherever he goes was of course mobbed by friends and media alike.
I put my bike down on the ground and like walking through a quiet tunnel made my way over to where Mama and Papa Fidler were standing with my girlfriend Jamie. I knew Mom would cry. I knew I would too if my Mom did. Dad held it together. It seemed like a tidal wave of emotion exlopded from Jamie the moment I grabbed her and hugged her. It seemed like she had been holding her breath for the last 103 days. Indeed she very well may have. I may not be home yet, but my home has come to me. They are so proud of all of us.
There were representatives from the hospital foundation and Big Brothers/Sisters on hand and 'littles' with home-made signs of support that they asked us to sign for them . Great kids! Thank you all for being there!
That was a festive evening that took us out to George St. after some snacks on the wonderful patio at the Keg.
There is more to come and I hope that want to read on. If you do have questions...just ask? It's tough to sort all of the bits and pieces and just doing the best we can. I would love to see some photos from the 4th. If you have any, please e-mail to
3riders@cycleforspirit.comSwollen Hearts
The Boys