After the 2020 ride had to be reduced to a shortened ride, due to Covid, we were bound and determined to complete the 2021 TPFFCS Memorial Ride to Ottawa this year. Shortly after the new year, the registration notice went out and we had a large number of people sign up right away. I was concerned that we would have more than the limit of 65 riders wanting to do the ride this year. One of the previous year’s riders from Ottawa, Avery Mehes, had committed to having a larger contingent this year and to help with fundraising for the ride. He came through with his commitment with over 20 riders. As well, their group made up an Ottawa Fire Cycling Team jersey that they sold and did an on-line auction of donated articles that raised several thousand dollars for the ride fund. As the September 8th date drew near, there were a lot of hurdles to clear, but we managed to get through them all. Several of the Toronto area riders gathered at TFS East training to help pack supplies and to load up the bikes in the support vehicles. Once that was finished, it was off to the airport to pick up a rider from Newfoundland. This
28
was Nigel’s second year riding with us. After dinner and some laughs, it was off to bed. But who could sleep with the thunder, lightning and pouring rain all night. I’m sure I didn’t sleep at all that night and thought we were going to be in trouble with the weather the next morning. Luckily by the time we were organizing to leave Toronto for our departure in Hamilton, the rain had stopped and the sky started to clear.
Vo l u m e 1 5 | I s s u e 4 | F I R E WAT CH 28
