TPFFCS Memorial Ride to Ottawa

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 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.

We made our way to the Hamilton Fire Training Academy where we formed up and planned our departure. The Ottawa riders had come down by bus the previous night and were there with the Hamilton riders, ready to go.

As I looked around, I could see a lot of nervous faces from the new riders, as well as a lot of hugs and handshakes from the previous year’s riders, who were seeing each other once again. A breakfast was provided by Hamilton Fire’s Box 43 and it hit the spot before we left on our journey.

A quick introduction was made and a safety briefing was held. TFS Pipes and Drums and Hamilton Police escorted us out of the training grounds, and we were off on day one which covered 200km. A number of riders had challenged each other to do 343 push ups and/or pull ups to recognize the 20th anniversary of 911.

The weather turned out to be perfect. Our first stop

was at Oakville Fire Station 3. The OPFFA was a sponsor of this year’s ride. With Halton Police escorting us here, we rode to Mississauga where Peel Police kept us moving on into Toronto. Toronto Police then escorted us through the downtown core. We then stopped at TFS Training Academy for lunch provided by TPFFA and a donation from them as well.

After lunch we headed for Durham Region, where we had Durham Police escorting us. Our afternoon stop was at Whitby Fire Station 3. Whitby Fire has supported us every year that we have ridden. After Whitby, we made a quick stop in Oshawa for a photo with the Oshawa Firefighters. Our fellow rider from Oshawa, Jess Crombie, raised the most amount of money for this year’s ride. We then made a quick stop in Clarington at the Newcastle Hall to hydrate for our last leg to Cobourg. As we approached Port Hope, their fire department was there to escort us through town and then onto Cobourg. Day one was complete, and I think everyone was glad it was.

Day two is our shortest day of the three days. We left Cobourg escorted by Cobourg Fire and made our way to Brighton, where we stopped at their headquarters. Then, we were off to Belleville, where lunch was provided by BPFFA, as well as a donation was made to the ride. Napanee Fire was our afternoon stop. On day two, we rely a lot on local police and fire departments to escort us, and we are grateful for their assistance. After our Napanee stop, it was off to Kingston. Kingston Police took over at the edge of town and escorted us to the Comtech Fire Credit Union, where dinner was provided by them. Kingston Fire was there to greet us, as well as to make a donation from the KPFFA.

Day three is from Kingston to Ottawa. Kingston Police and Fire escorted us out of town. Our first stop was at South Frontenac Fire Station on Perth Rd. A few years ago, this station had a LODD and we are honoured to stop there and take a moment to remember those lost in the line of duty.

The village of Westport was next on our route. After a quick stop to hydrate, it was time to attack Foley Mountain as we head out of Westport. This is definitely the largest climb of the ride. We all made it and we were off to Perth for lunch. Lunch was provided by the Perth Fire department, and they always have all of their fire apparatus on display for our arrival.

The Friday afternoon was our last leg into Ottawa, and you could see the anticipation growing on everyone’s faces as we departed Perth. We had two quick stops on our way into Ottawa. The first was at Ashton Brewery and the second at Kichesippi Brewery, where we hope to build future relationships for the ride.

Leaving our last stop, we were about 45 minutes from the CFFF monument. Ottawa Police were now in control of the ride. As we turned onto the parkway, everyone was anxious to get to the Memorial.

As we approached the Memorial, Ottawa Police allowed us to stretch out across the parkway which allowed us to take in the view. It was an amazing view of the monument with several Ottawa Fire apparatus, as well as Ottawa Fire Pipes and Drums, playing on our arrival.

The distance over the three days was close to 550km. There were a few crashes, but we all made it. This ride would not have happened without the huge support from our sponsors. To all of them - Thank You. Also, thank you to the Toronto Fire Services, as well as Toronto Firefighters Toy Drive, for providing support vehicles for the ride. There was a lot of support from Police Services, Fire Departments and Associations that assisted us along the way and we thank them all.

Five years ago, we started with 13 riders raising $5,500 for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation. To say I was a little disappointed would be an understatement. After some encouragement not to give up, the ride has grown to 56 riders this year, from three provinces, and has raised over $88,000, bringing our five-year total to $155,000. I am extremely proud of all of the riders for their commitment to the ride, and to raise funds for the CFFF. The ride has now become the largest fundraiser for the CFFF.

Registration for the 2022 ride filled up in 30 hours and we now have a waiting list of riders wanting to participate in the ride. If you would like to donate, you can go to the following social media pages.