Martin Rides!

Another early rise signalled the start of day five. More porridge with brown sugar, cereal, and fruit - all mixed together - was on the menu, along with bananas, bagels, yoghurts, scones, and more.

Camp tear-down by this morning had become almost second nature - a matter of mere tens of minutes!

After the daily bike rally clap remembering all those left behind both at home and in memory, we set off for a ride through some of the most lovely scenery so far.

Past beaches, along tree-lined avenues and lock walls, and across bridges and causeways linking dozens of islands we rode - soaking up the sun and delighting in the absence of hilly terrain.

For the record: Cornwall has some of the finest and most fun bike paths I’ve ever encountered - bypassing the main road the entire length of the town, cyclists and pedestrians are treated to stunning views and peaceful travel.

Unfortunately I pulled into camp this evening with considerable pain in my achilles tendons - an old problem flaring up again. After acupuncture had no effect I was lucky to get some deep-muscle massage from Dr Dave, the camp’s favourite chiropractor. His first reaction on seeing my legs was to exclaim “holy shit” and exhort me to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible to have my bursa and tendon issues resolved. 15 quite painful minutes later I got up from Dr Dave’s treatment bench with some hope of riding tomorrow restored. Only much calf stretching tomorrow morning will reveal whether I’ll be able to ride the whole 100-odd kilometers or only the ride into town at day’s end. I’m sincerely hoping I can ride tomorrow - not doing so would be too disappointing.

After my massage and dinner we had a brief candlelight ceremony at the campsite’s beach - an opportunity for us to take time to remember and share our reasons for riding. Many stories of pain and hope were told - by relatives and friends of those lost to HIV/AIDS, people living with the virus, all reminding the 400+ riders and crew of the impact that our efforts this week have and will continue to have.

The volunteer who chose this evening to share his diagnosis with his ride friends, the man who spoke of his young daughter’s use of PWA Toronto’s services, the nurse who gives of her time in the hope that it might prevent some of the suffering her brother has endured, and the rider who as so many rides to ensure the PWA foundation and it’s services are there should he need them - all these stories and more touched us all and will resonate for days, weeks, and months to come.

Day five is over - day six, our last, begins after this sleep and with it the final approach and entry to Montreal. All about that will follow on Saturday.