Day 17, Tuesday July 18/06 TROUBLESOME TUESDAY

Hit the hay around 9:30 last night as I was wiped. I managed to get the blog for yesterday sent, but it was late and I didn't have chance to read all of the e-mails that came in. Did read Deb's., but will do mom's and Judy Leclue's later. Anyhow, it was so peaceful and fresh sleeping outside UNTIL the lightning and thunder started around 1:30. Having lived in Saskatchewan prior, we know how the storms can circle around. At 2, everyone started moving indoors. I drug in my sleeping bag and air mattress only to take them back out and Bob and I braved the rest of the night...or little of it. By 3:30 we were packing up in the dark as fear of an onslaught of rain was eminient. Ever try packing in the dark!!?? So, our day started very early. We had the truck loaded and had to don our rain gear as we cycled to the legion for a great breakfast. The people in Grenfell were fabulous. We were held up a bit as the lightning was still flashing. On the road just after 6. When we turned east W O W. Our good fortune with weather came to an abrupt halt. The winds, oh..the winds. Strong 30 -40 gusts in your face. Flashes of lightening would still appear as well. Oh, I was hurting after 5 minutes in the saddle. Wondering, Oh my....how are we to do 243 km in this??? You learn to buddy up real quick and draft off each other. It was an effort to get to 20 km an hour. I stuck with 4 riders to the first break and then searched for Bob. Sidney told me that he saw him pass, so I headed off by myself. I needed the time to myself to reflect. The skies were clearing and the rays coming out of the clouds were heavenly. However, the wind did not let up any. I cycled for 35 km by myself...would play little exercise tricks pedalling, spinning and then getting out of the saddle to hammer for a bit. I came to the mandatory rest stop and waited for Bob. He, Kim and I took off as there was news that they were going to pull everyone and put the bikes on the trailors as we were expected in Moosomin at St. Albans, an Anglican church for lunch. (10:00) As it was we were already late. We hurried along and I thought I was going to die...trying to keep pace with them as they ride at a quicker level. I did hang on, not seeing much of the countryside as I was intent on hanging on to the wheel in front. It was not a pleasant ride. The lunch spot was 93 km from our start in the morning....we made it 84 km before the van hauled us over. It was disappointing, but we understood that this ride is a "team" and the decisions are for the team. There were some riders who didn't make it past the 20 km break and we were fortunate to get to 84. As I went to get in the van, feeling disappointement, I couldn't help but laugh when the door opened and inside were Betty and Carol....two fast riders who had flatted and were picked up before us. We all just laughed at that point. We arrived at the church to have lunch, which was nice. Bruce (tour organizer) had made a decison to hire a bus to take us another 80 km as we knew that we could never make the destination in such winds this day. Some were disappointed, but I feel that it was meant to be. I certainly sawed a few logs on the bus...we did stop at the Manitoba border for photos first (trying to hide the bus!!) We were let out about 45 km west of Brandon, where another community group provided another rest. It was welcome, the cold drinks as it was 31 degrees...still with the strong winds, which seemed to be switching. After a 45 minute stop we were back on the bikes for the final ride to the city. I certainly was hurting...saddle sores, heat and just fatique from the morning push. We were greeted at the Calvary Temple to a wonderful roast beef dinner, and then a nice church service. We all are being billeted all through our trek in Manitboa. Bob and I along with Rod and Carol are billeted with Carol and Jim Woods. I am having a beer while I write this, and will sign off now, not to be rude to the hosts as I want to speak with them. I did cycle 108 km today and tomorrow will be a short day of 106, so hopefully we will relax and enjoy the countryside as we motor. Today was an experience that is for sure. Unless anyone has experienced a prairie wind, it compares to nothing we have ever experienced before.