Bike For Bibles 2011

My brother Don works for the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) and every year he organizes a bicycle tour called Bike for Bibles.  The CBS website describes the event as "...an annual CBS event that brings cycling enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life together for a time of fellowship on the road - with one purpose in mind - to help raise funds for Bible distribution and translation projects."

Last year I finally made it to the event which was taking place in Southwestern Ontario and was raising money for a Bible called The Key to Freedom Bible.  After meeting up with the other riders at a church in Cambridge my old Norco was parked next to the other bikes in the gym.  It seemed a little out of place next to the other more modern bicycles costing much more than my humble ride.  It was purchased four years ago at a garage sale for $80 and judging by it's condition was probably sitting in someones garage for several years.  The tires were worn and cracked and were replaced with a new set.  After a checkup from the local bike shop and a few modifications it was ready for the road.

Up to this point I had used my bicycle mainly for commuting to work and for exercise.  It had served me well but I soon learned it's limitations during the week long ride.  The shifting levers were located on the down tube wich was not the safest place since you needed to take your hands off the handlebars to shift.  The gearing was also not the best for climbing hills which had not been much of a problem in the past with little or no hills back home. 

By the end of the week I had learned how to draft behind others to make the riding easier, especially if there was a wind.  I also learned how to signal to others of dangers on the road like gravel or potholes.  It was also necessary to signal if you were stopping or slowing down.  I made lots of new friendships and am looking forward to this years ride which will be in Eastern Ontario.  Here's a video of last years ride.