I am thrilled to report that we have now reached $170, 000 in donations. The goal for Hot Pursuit continues to be $210,000.
Thank you to all who have responded so far. This will go a long way in MCF's efforts to raise 2150 children.
Arvid
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Donations are still coming in
I am excited today. The follow-up meetings with individuals are proving to be very successful.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I did not see it coming
I was asked to be the keynote guest speaker at the Decor Cabinet Charity Golf Tournament in Morden, MB, held on August 20, 2010. They raised over $80,000.00 this year. In total they have raised over $500,000.00 for three local charities in seven years. Last year's speaker was Milt Stegall, so I had some big shoes to fill.
It went very well and imagine my surprise when Larry Dyck, the President of Decor Cabinet announced an exception to their standard practice of supporting local charities only. They decided to direct $10,000.00 to MCFCF. I did not see that coming and I was totally surprised.
Thank you ever so much. It is these type of experiences that keep me going. This brings the total of pledges and cheques to more than $125,000.00 to date.
We are still getting online donations and receiving cheques in the mail almost daily. The cycling part of Hot Pursuit 2010 is over, but the opportunity to be the instrument of change in a child's life remains.
Thank you.
Arvid
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hot Pursuit 2010: My perspective
Months of planning, training and riding have come and gone. What does it all mean?
A brief ride re-cap:
Hot Pursuit 2010 was the 8th time I have cycled the distance from the west coast to Winnipeg. It was the third time that the goal was to do it in as short a time as possible. My previous fastest times had been 5 days, 11 hours and 20 min in 1999. In 2008 I managed to break the 5 day barrier and got to Winnipeg in 4 days, 22 hours and 20 min. I knew I would need to improve my time significantly, in order to have even a slight chance of not being caught by the "pursuit relay teams".
My plan was to simply further reduce the "off bike time," much easier said than done. After 12 hours on the bike, maintaining a 30 km per hour average pace, I noticed that processing of my food intake slowed down. By midnight, my stomach rejected everything I had consumed. (I will spare you the details as witnessed by my support crew). After reaching Revelstoke around 4am, (about 570 km in 21 hours), I knew I had to give my stomach a break. I lay down in the van for about 2.5 hours. By 7am I was back on the bike, slowly rebuilding my calorie intake with clamato juice, chips, pickles, salted cashews and Gochi juice. Anything salty that would stay down. I also reduced my effort on the bike and "nursed" my way through the most intense climbing stretch in the Rockies. By 3am of the second night we finally reached Calgary, (1000km in 43 hours) totally depleted of any kind of nourishment. I had improved my PB to Calgary by about 8 hours, but I was in danger of having to abandon the ride. My crew had a hotel room ready, and I went down for my first sleep (2 hours). Food still did not agree with me, but I was able to keep Gochi juice down. I drank a whole litre during my three hours off the bike.
As is often the case, the dawning of a new day brings with it a renewed spirit. The rain gave me another challenge to focus on, and by late afternoon I was able to take in much needed calories again. Calories quickly turn into renewed energy and by 3am,(Tuesday), I reached the 1500 km mark (Swift Current), and chose to take my second 2 hour sleep break. It was during this sleep break, that the fast, furious and efficient CMU relay cycling team passed me on their way to Winnipeg. I applaud their performance.
With 825 km to go, I informed Ruth and the rest of the crew that I would attempt to ride straight through to Winnipeg, not stopping for more than a few minutes on the side of the road. The plan worked. Four days, 3 hours and 43 min is a PB by about 18 hours. I rode the first half in about 55 hours, and as I was able to cope better with the calorie requirement later in the event, my second half was done in just under 45 hours. Weather conditions were favorable as well. I was off the bike for about 13.5 hours in total. (including 5 hours of laying horizontal trying to settle the stomach and 5 hours of actual sleep) All in all, a ride executed about as good as I could have hoped for.
Why?
I believe God has called me to be an ambassador for the less fortunate in this world, namely the children abandoned by society, but not by God. Cycling has been, and continues to be my platform from which to do that. Over the course of the last 6 years, I have come to understand that most people in society are sympathetic to the desperate circumstances of millions of children, but only some are truly also compassionate. Sympathy sees a need and says "I am so sorry." Compassion sees the same need and says"How can I help?"
It is up to each one of us to choose which camp we represent.
We can find many reasons, and dare I say maybe sometimes excuses, why we can't help. After all, it is not our fault. But what if YOU can save a life by simply getting involved? Does it mean personal sacrifices are required? Maybe? God is ultimately in control of the future of these children, but He chooses to work through you and me. What an incredible privilege, but what an incredible responsibility to think that we are called to bring hope to an abandoned child, where today there is none. It is simply a matter of choosing to be compassionate or simply remaining sympathetic from a distance.
Applications of lessons learned
To be able to cycle 2330 km in less than 100 hours does require a willingness to push through physical, mental and emotional perceived limitations. I must accept adversity as a teacher and even a friend. I must ride when I no longer want to. I must ride even when I see no way possible that this is doable. I, have learned however, that if I stay on the bike and pedal, I will eventually reach my destination. This learned ability of commitment and determination to overcome adversity are only of lasting value if applied in real life where it matters. Besides being my platform, I have been fortunate to find a way to use ultra-marathon cycling as a training ground to develop character traits helpful in being committed to restoring hope in the life of a destitute child. There are many times where I simply don't want to continue to care about these kids. I have done my part, let others carry on. It is then that I rely on my learned ability to carry on, even when it seems to make no sense or when at times I feel like I am the only one that cares.
Hot Pursuit 2010 was intended to inspire people to live life in a way that makes a difference to the less fortunate. No matter what your cause or your passion is, get out there and do something about it. When your focus is on others, you will find that your life will be much richer for it. You can be the difference between life and death. What is stopping you?
Thanks for the support and I look forward to hearing about your initiative to make a difference.
Arvid
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hot Pursuit 2010 Thank You
Thank you
I want to express my sincere thank you to all who made Hot Pursuit a huge success.
Gogos: Thank you. You added some greatly appreciated humor, raised over $21,000 for MCF so far, and did some very impressive cycling. You truly are an inspiration to me and many others.
CMU: You are simply great guys to be with and of course, a very commendable cycling performance. Your average speed of over 35 km per hour will not soon be broken. CMU as an organization was top notch. I appreciate all the behind the scenes activity of promoting the event.
Cops for Kids: I understand your disappointment about having to abandon the ride. Circumstances and adversity just kept piling up on you. I have been there myself numerous times and no doubt will be there again. You displayed your true character by arranging and then joining us for a police escort to the Legislative Buildings. Thank you. I am sure that was a first for all the Gogos. In the eyes of their 26 grandchildren, (and many of us) these grannies are heros.
My Family: Thank you. I continue to be blessed with the support of my family. To make Hot Pursuit 2010 a reality, many hours are spent by them doing the countless tasks that are seldom noted.
Ruth, I know that in the 5 months leading up to the event, I am basically consumed with planning, training and fundraising. You not only put up with it, you are so much a part of it. Thank you.
Safety: I never take it for granted, but we were again spared any serious accidents on the road. Thank you to those who prayed and thank you God for keeping us safe.
Those who followed our adventure and supported the causes: We (support crews) did our best to give you a glimpse into the live experiences on the road. Thank you for visiting the site and leaving comments. An especially huge thank you to all who supported the cause(s)
Event sponsors: It is not possible to do this without the help of businesses or individuals who supported us financially or provided a gift in kind. Thank you.
Support crew(s): I was again privileged to have committed folks serve me hand and foot.
That is not easy, as I am told I can be a bit demanding at times. Thank you.
Thank you to all involved.
Arvid
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Just passed Elie
Arvid is pumping hard as the end of the ride is near. This when he tells me his muscles are burning and it is pure determination that gets him through. Gods speed Arvid.
Gogos are givin' chase!
The Gogos have come through time station 31 only forty-six minutes behind Arvid. Looks like we've got a pursuit on our hands.
Perimeter ETA
Arvid anticipates arriving at the perimeter at 12:45pm, and would love to see you there, as well as at the finish line (Legislative).
The finish line is in sight!
Arvid pedaled through Brandon at 05:24 this morning. Please check the blog for updates.
In Pursuit of Arvid
The Gogos opted for a little extra beauty sleep this morning but are leaving Brandon shortly to try and catch Arvid. Our hope is that somewhere along the route he will need to pull over for a nap. If anyone sees him along the road, text 403 813 8182. Feel free to pull him over and have a long conversation or perhaps you can stall him by offering him KFC and a bag of potatoe chips! Arvid, Over 2,000 kids are cheering you across the finish line! You have done incredible things for Charity and her new brothers and sisters at MCF. We salute you Legs of steel and a heart of gold!
Ok who ordered the fog
As we get further into Manitoba we have been greeted by patches of fog. Would be nice for the crew and Arvid if this would just burn off
Sweet home Manitoba
Sung to the tune sweet home Alabama
Sweet home Manitoba. Where the skies are so blue. Sweet home manitoba. Whoa I am coming home to you
In case you have not guessed it we have just crossed into Manitoba. Go Arvid
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Team CMU
We were sorry to have missed Team CMU as they rode through Brandon tonight. We were watching for you to pass by the McDonalds however, we didn't see you. At the speed you guys are flying at, it might have been when we blinked. Looking forward to meeting you tommorrow and finding out what is in the water at CMU!
Dinner time
Lasagna always tastes better after riding about 500 or so kilometers iin a day. Althought the town of Whitewood does not look like much the petrocan restaurant gets the two thumbs up from Arvid for their lasagna
Ruth learns something new
We just passed by a Saskatchewan provincial highway sign and Ruth asked why the signs had a picture of a dress on them. She was rather embarrassed when we told her it was a bushel of wheat like the saskatchewan flag.
IMG00085-20100720-1936.jpg
Strategy for the night
Henry and Bettie are driving ahead to find a hotel and get some sleep. Ron, Henry, and Ruth will support Arvid through the night. The crew is holding up fabulously.
Stopped to say hi
Lorlie Barkman (a friend from Winnipeg) is on his way to Herbert, SK and he stopped to say hi and to encourage Arvid.
Pulled over by the cops
No not speeding. The winnipeg police bike team stopped at the side of the road to cheer Arvid on. They are still amazed at his stamina and strength. Only a few more hours to go
Weather
While further ahead the weather looks better currently the wind has shifted to the east and it has started raining
Parenting Laws according to Moose Jaw
The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up the next morning.
Toys multiply to fill any space available.
If the shoe fits, it's expensive.
Moose Jaw
The crew is just leaving MJ after picking up, you guessed it, more KFC and a few other items.
Bright blue sky with some clouds. Temp is 20 degrees.
Just met up with Arvid again.
Name change suggested for CMU team
It has been suggested that cmu change
Its name to Cycling Maniacs U.
Its name to Cycling Maniacs U.
Roadside Cafe
We caught Arvid at 0742 and served him a tasty bacon, mushroom, cheese omelette with a Tim's coffee. He had already covered more than 50km. The day is off to a fine start.
Team CMU must have passed us at night.
Good morning!
Arvid took off from Swift Current at 0614 this morning. He had some sleep last night. We are sitting outside a Smitty's that supposedly opens in 6 minutes so that we can get him an omelette. Conditions are pleasant 11 degrees, west 11.
Three Cheers for Big Sky Cycles!!
Elsie's bike was giving her the gears today and needed emergency repair! Thanks so much to Dan Tombs of www.bigskycycles.ca for dropping all and getting her back on the road. After learning who she was riding for her didn't charge for the repair. On behalf of the kids at the Mully Children's Family Homes, thanks Dan and if any one else needs repairs by Swift Current - look him up! 306 774 5866
Happy Angel Award
Last night Jo was awarded the Gogo Personality of the Day. This "honor" was bestowed upon her for her bravery and heroism. Or perhaps it was for not complaining that she happened to be riding each time we faced a hill. The recipient of the Angel Wings is required to wear them for at least one 10Km stretch. She wore hers with style!
Road Side Medi-Centre
Elsie was so excited to see Bob and Coralea this morning she took a wee spill. Elsie hit loose gravel as the shoulder ran out. She gracefully exclaimed "I'm falling" as she went down with her shoe still clipped into her pedal, giving a new meaning to the term "I've fallen and I can't get up". Once she got her bike lifted off and feet untangled she hopped up with her ever present grin causing Bob to exclaim "That was quite a Grand Entrance!"
Monday, July 19, 2010
Have you ever?
Thought about how it would be to ride a bike for 20 hours in a day. As we are lighting the way for Arvid tonight it struck me as I complain about running 10k or riding to lockport yet that does not scratch the surface of how Arvids muscles feel by day 3. Thanks for all your prayers as we go through to Swift Current tonight
Winnipeg Police Withdraw
The race didn't start out on the right pedal for the Winnipeg Police. Down 1 rider (from 4 to 3) due to family circumstances, one of their team members was already sick at the start line. Having 3 riders took its toll. Taking 1-hour shifts, they struggled due to lack of sleep and inadequate recovery time. Without a doubt, this was a tough journey.
At the same time, the team was able to maintain good spirits when we met with them in Calgary. "At least we got to bike the mountains," Darrell Hees commented. Things got even more difficult as Darrell and Bill both struggled with illness; injuries and setbacks plagued all 3. The distance to Winnipeg was still possible, but the damage it would inflict on their bodies was too much to risk.
Unable to continue, the police have withdrawn. None of them are satisfied. "The heart wants to continue," Darrell commented, but it was obvious that the toll it was taking was too much. The team has come to learn that ultra-marathon is a gruelling experience. We hope that in the coming days, as they look back, they can be at peace with their decision.
We wish you all the best as you drive back to Winnipeg and recover. God bless!
While Arvid rides
Arvid just received an email from Kezia Balzer. She ad her friend set up a cookie stand to raise funds for the orphans in Kenya. She also had spoke posters out to help raise awareness of Arvids ride. That's the spirit
Gogo of the Day: Shirley
With four days and four Gogos, it seemed fitting we could close each day and introduce you to one of the gals. Sadly, we goofed and lost our journal entry for Joe somewhere in cyberspace, however, will work to find that entry today.
As today marks the wedding anniversary of one of the Gogos, it seems fitting to introduce you to Dave Polson's bride of 58 years, Shirley - aka Nana. This 80 year young lady doesn't understand why people find her cycling pursuits unique and is ever humbled and grateful for friends and family who keep writing cheques to support her charitable endeavours.
As a child, Shirley and her brothers were given a bike which they fought over all summer until eventually running it into the ground. She didn't ride again until her and Dave retired and at age 64 she became the proud owner of a shiny blue mountain bike she didn't have to share with anyone. After a summer of climbing up hills and mountains and discovering the opportunities to raise money for worthwhile projects, she felt her life had just begun! She met Jo on a Bikes for Bibles ride from White Rock to Calgary. This year, she rides in support of MCF after being inspired by meeting some of the children from MCF when they visited Canada last year during the MCF Mission choir tour. "The kids are so bright, eager and strong. They are Survivors and all they need to become future leaders in their country is a little help from the rest of us". When asked how Team Gogo would fare against THE ultra marathon cyclist Arvid Loewen, Team CMU and the lads from the Winnipeg Police she said "When they catch up and see us limping along, weaving from side to side, they'll remain behind out of respect for the elderly thereby allowing us to cross the finish line in first place!!"
As today marks the wedding anniversary of one of the Gogos, it seems fitting to introduce you to Dave Polson's bride of 58 years, Shirley - aka Nana. This 80 year young lady doesn't understand why people find her cycling pursuits unique and is ever humbled and grateful for friends and family who keep writing cheques to support her charitable endeavours.
As a child, Shirley and her brothers were given a bike which they fought over all summer until eventually running it into the ground. She didn't ride again until her and Dave retired and at age 64 she became the proud owner of a shiny blue mountain bike she didn't have to share with anyone. After a summer of climbing up hills and mountains and discovering the opportunities to raise money for worthwhile projects, she felt her life had just begun! She met Jo on a Bikes for Bibles ride from White Rock to Calgary. This year, she rides in support of MCF after being inspired by meeting some of the children from MCF when they visited Canada last year during the MCF Mission choir tour. "The kids are so bright, eager and strong. They are Survivors and all they need to become future leaders in their country is a little help from the rest of us". When asked how Team Gogo would fare against THE ultra marathon cyclist Arvid Loewen, Team CMU and the lads from the Winnipeg Police she said "When they catch up and see us limping along, weaving from side to side, they'll remain behind out of respect for the elderly thereby allowing us to cross the finish line in first place!!"
Cops
The police are 62km outside of Calgary now. Things are tough - injuries are starting to add up. Keep them in your prayers. Not sure if their 4th man has joined them. If you're wondering they've been 3 riders, and 1 of those 3 is sick.
Paul
Gogo of the Day: Jo
As the Gogos have given themselves 4 days to cycle to Winnipeg, each race blog entry will close with an introduction to the Grandmothers that make up The Gogos. We'll start with Jo who lives in Red Deer AB. She was inspired to start cycling in 2001 when a man from her church had taken up long distance cycling. Jo thought it would be a great way to make a difference in the lives of others. When asked what her husband thought of her participation in Hot Pursuit 2010 she quipped "He understands that this is an opportunity for me to be involved in something with eternal results. Besides, he thinks I'd do it with or without his blessing so he may as well give me his blessing and start praying!". When asked how the Gogos would fare against their competition, the fiesty Grandmother felt that they weren't involved in the full race so she doesn't view it as a competition but added "we will certainly get there before they will, there is no question about that!" How do you feel about putting yourself through the training and ride to benefit children you will never meet? I am going to meet them.... in Heaven!
Crews food
I thought people might ber interested in what a crew member will eat to recooperate from their crewing experience. I just heard from Juergen Loewen, he is sitting down right now to a plate of perogies farmer sausage and cream. What a way to recover. Go Juergen.
Arvids food
After reading the blog, when I woke up, I was amazed at the type of food an ultra athlete like Arvid eats. Amazing that I eat the same type of foods but look nothing like him. Oh yeah forgot the athlete part
IMG00063-20100719-1943.jpg
Evening
Change in crew for a bit. Arvid has found new legs since I last saw him at 4 in the morning the west wind is beautiful thing. Sun is still shining clouds are in the distance though
The Numbers
Paul
Arvid's food intake
Many are wondering how Arvid's stomach is doing. Thank you for your concern + prayers. His stomach is doing better today. He just polished off 4 pcs of KFC! He has also enjoyed a bacon + egger, choc. Bar, nacho chips, cashews, + soup. Just the regular diet when you're on the bike!
Did not see this before
BRILLIANT prep video from the Gogos. Amazing tactics. Lance could take a lesson.
From CMU's twitter
"Team members are continually expressing their admiration for Arvid."
"All this race really does is prove how much of a stud Arvid is."
Time for some tunes
Arvid just asked for his tunes. Rain has subsided for the momentm. Still. Very cloudy. He is entering Bassano and will try not to get lost. Crew is stopping for a pit stop.
Report from the Gogos
The Gogos are having a great day - blue sky with hardly any wind. The shoulder has gotten not quite as nice, but other than that they're cruising along.
Out of Calgary, through Strathmore
The rain is a little chilly, but it was looking like it would be ending soon.
Stomach Problems
Since 3:00pm on day 1, Arvid has consumed (and held in) way less than half the calories he needs. His stomach is giving him serious issues. This is why he is spending more time in sleep in Calgary now. Please keep this in your prayers. The food needs to stay down to be useful at all.
Media Crew in Calgary
We've arrived in Calgary, done a few updates, and will be laying low for an hour and a bit before heading back out to ensure Arvid gets to the hotel as quickly as possible. We definitely want to wish team CMU, Gogos, and WPS well - they have been true champions on this, their first day of ultra-marathoning. There are several more to go :)
The mountains have proven a significant challenge. Climbing 35,000 feet of elevation in 36ish hours is no joke. It's taken a toll on Arvid's body, and he'll be putting some rest into the bones here in Calgary. But he'll be back on the road in no time.
I have seen Arvid (dad) complete many rides. Each one poses its own unique challenge. This one is no different. 4-5 days is only half of RAAM, but it's painful in its own way. Keep Arvid in your prayers as he transitions from climbing to mindnumbingly steady prairies.
Thank you for visiting the site - we will continue to update it with the quality commentary, pictures, video, and stats for the remainder of the ride. We do apologize when updates take longer in coming. The stat updates are tied to wifi, unfortunately...
Paul
Sunday, July 18, 2010
GOGOS - START YOUR PEDALS!!
Hello Sports Fans! Quick Update from Gogoville. It was a fine day of riding across sunny prairies. After meeting with Paul and Jeanette, Brad, Carl and Kirsten a lovely gal from the Strathmore Standard, the girls were off and pedaling. Highlights of the day included meeting Jordan, a young man from France participating in a solo Tour Du Canada. The Gogos chastised him for not wearing his helmet and if Arvid, Team CMU or the Winnipeg Police spot him along route without proper head gear, remind him to keep wearing it! We would like to see he gets home with his memories intact. Wish you well on your 4500 km adventure. Was a treat to see Ruth, Betty and Henry for a quick hello and hug before heading our separate ways. See you in Winnipeg. Happy to report that the mosquitos on the prairies were not as bad as anticipated, however, we may be the only van in SK tonight with more squished bugs on the inside of the windshield, than on the out. We are closing off somewhat weary but with huge admiration for what Arvid is attempting in the name of Kenya's orphaned and abandoned.
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