Jason Morningstar

Day 15 – Lower Sackville, NS, to Halifax NS

Day 15 – Lower Sackville, NS, to Halifax NS

Great time last night with all 3 teams gathering before our final 100km of our journey.  Slept in the RV, and probably had my best sleep of the trip with no snoring or interrupted sleep.  I even had time for a morning shower before departing for the day.   The police where on hand for a motorcycle escort that would lead us to our final destination.   Jeff Rushton gave the riders an update or our impact across the country, it was very inspiring.   Our first stage of the day was to head out to Peggy’s Cove for a scenic ride, before reaching Halifax Sear’s, IWK Paediatric Hospital, and finally dipping our front tires into the Atlantic Ocean at Pleasant Park beach. 

We cycled together as a team of 45 National Riders, dressed in team colours and lead by the motorcycle brigade.  We looked great, and with a new found adrenaline rush we rode strong conquering any hills that stood in our paths.   It was a beautiful ride to Peggy’s Cove, I had been there last year with my family, and couldn’t help but to wish they were here today.   We swapped stories of our adventures with other team members, and made new memories as we rode into one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  Some great pictures were taken in what appeared to be a sea of red cyclists making their way along the winding rolling hills on the final stage of our epic journey. 

We had a few stops along the day following Peggy’s Cove, next being the Halifax Sear’s location.  It was so cool flying down hills with the police escort not having to stop for anything.  Riding into Sear’s I could hear the all two familiar sounds of the Truckstop Superfriends, my brother’s band.  One thing I would always look forward to during the ride was having Joel and Kenny around, two old familiar faces, and seeing Jesse’s poster at the end of a long days ride.  I had lots of family to look out for me so to speak.   The Sear’s was packed with riders families, media, local supporters, and of course always lots of good food.  Before long we where off to the IWK Paediatric Oncology Hospital of the Maritime provinces.  Team 3 was asked to lead the way, myself and also riding for the second year was Jim Ritchie, led the way.   It is a special place, but hospitals are nowhere a parent of a child with cancer really wants to be.  Myself and cancer father, Ken Cross, met here last year, and found ourselves in almost the identical frame of mind once again.  Where are the kids, how are they doing?   You want to reach out and see the kids, but its not always best especially with sickness in the group.  Always wished we could see more kids.

Well, next and final stop Halifax’s Point Pleasant Harbour.  Founder Jeff Rushton, led the group for the final stage pealing off for the final 1km, leaving cancer father’s Ken and myself leading the entire Sear’s National Kids Cancer Team to the Pacific Ocean.   What a compete honour.   We cheered on, sang, danced, dipped our wheels in the Pacific, and drank to that.  Our medal ceremony saw all members of the National team receive a huge Sear’s National Kids Cancer Ride Medal for all the hard work and accomplishment.   We where able to see first hand the impact we have had on childhood cancer, research, and the support services associated.  We are truly making a difference, and that is why I will always be associated with this cause.   I finished the day with one more pic with my little brother who has associated himself with the same cause that has affected our family for his nephew.  I am very proud of him and Kenny for all their efforts on the ride.   We have pics from both coasts, one looking rested, and the other…lol…beat!

Off to the hotel we went to clean, clean, clean.  Everyone pitched in to clean up the bunk trucks, rv’s, support vans, cube vans, and try to gather up all our miss placed stuff.  It was so easy to misplace items, all the time.  Living close quarters with 30 people at a time can be challenging.  We were a good team, we used our strengths to overcome all weaknesses, and obstacles that stood in our way.   Once our teams vehicles were clean, we would get our hotel keys, shower up and off to the closing ceremonies in Dartmouth.  It was a really cool theatre, can’t recall the name, but very classy, great meal, and a huge monitor to view our adventure.  It was emotional, pics of the highs and lows of our trip with music by the TSSF.   We have already exceeded our goal of 1.5 million, and are on our way to 2.   One of the questions we where asked as a team in Vancouver was how do you measure success.  We raised a hell of a lot of awareness, a hell of a lot of cash, heard success stories from children and their families affected by this devastating disease, and the news of advancements in Canadian technology due to our efforts.  That is how you measure success.  I have seen first hand the difference that Coast to Coast against Cancer Foundation is making across this country.  They are a big part of my family in so many positive ways. 

2010 was a great adventure, I will reflect in a few days time. 

Day 14 – Moncton N.B. to Charlottetown PEI

Day 14 – Moncton N.B. to Charlottetown PEI

We began the morning at the Sear’s store Moncton.  Myself, and fellow rider Martin Lacelle spent the night at our RMT Nadia’s aunt’s home.  I night of catching up on blogs and having a good night’s sleep.  We arrived back at the bunk truck to be welcomed by clowns on tricycles and a enthusiastic Sear’s team to start the day.  Dean Rodgers, CEO and President of Sear’s Canada was joining us for the today’s ride into PEI.  I was really excited for todays ride to the province in which I had never been before, and to have the opportunity to cycle with such an important influence with our National sponsor.  The morning started out being a bit overcast with a good chance of rain.  There would be a lot of hills ahead of us, and still a very challenging day. 

As we headed out, the sun came out, the temperature reached the warmest yet at 21 degrees Celsius.  We felt some of the effects of hurricane Igor with some pretty strong wind gust throughout the day, but nothing to worry about.  We unexpectedly discovered areas of construction early on, but the support crew worked around it with the GPS, and we were still able to accumulate our expected mileage. Morale was up with our second last day of our adventure upon us, and the final day of riding solo as team 3.   Our formation was perfect, and regardless of any injuries and illnesses, we rode strong. 

We had a few scheduled stops along the way at various Sear’s locations, and had a fantastic lunch at a National Park, put on by our friends and National sponsor, Craig and Peter from New York Fries.  From there we had to be shuttled over the Confederation Bridge into PEI, as it is clearly marked no cyclists.  We pulled off immediately once over the bridge, regrouped and began our 100 km in this picturesque red soil province.  The people were so friendly and the lifestyle seemed relaxed and simple from our saddles.  When we arrived at our final destination of Charlottetown we where given a hero’s welcome.  The army was on hand, the navy, firefighters, and tons of cheering supporters. 

It was really cool.  There was also lots of media on hand to help us create as much awareness as possible, and we herd first hand where our fundraising dollars are going on the island, and from a few ambassadors of our cause.   It was good to see brother Joel there as well, and Ken Phelps from the Truckstop Superfriends band who joined us across the country playing their inspirational music, and working their tails off as members of the support crew. 

The day finished with a great meal, and an optional ride for a chance to cycle some more of the country on our way back to the bridge.  Four members of the team would head out, including cycling machine Dean Rodgers from Sear’s .  I knew with the group it was going to be a fast ride, and wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the young and fresh legs I was joining.  I was right.  It wasn’t before too long, that the group began to pull away, and excel through the hill climbs late that day.  These guys were averaging over 40km per hour, and my legs could not keep up after days of pounding.  I went into the evenings ride knowing that, and I was not the only one who had to fall back.  We had a lot of fun and a good laugh.   From PEI we were off to Lower Sackville, NS, where we would meet all three teams of National Riders and support crew for our final night together before riding into Halifax in the morning.  We were the last RV to get there, shower up, and indulge in the fabulous seafood frenzy put on my the New York Fries guys, Craig and Peter.  I unleased on the the king crap and salmon.  We danced, and sang the night away to the familiar sounds of the Truckstop Superfriends, brother Joel, and Kenny who were named by Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation founder Jeff Rushton, as the official band of C2C.  It was a great feeling to hear that everyone loved the band, and there original music written for the ride.   

Day 13 – Nackawic to Saint John, New Brunswick

Day 13 – Nackawic to Saint John, New Brunswick

6am came very early this morning as we awoke at the local community center.  It was a beautiful location nestled in along the St. John River.  The have the bagging rights to the worlds largest axe.  See pics.  It was another cold morning, and we were all tired and cold with many feeling very sick.  There has been a virus going around the whole team.  Nevertheless we still had most of the team on the road this morning.  Our morning dedication was by Vicki Dunleavy, one of our national riders from Creemore, Ontario. 

She is a childhood cancer survivor, and has been through so much.  Vicki talked about the survival rate of children diagnosed over 20 years ago, and how harsh conditions once where.  She lost a lot of friends back then to cancer, and never even knew their names.  Research has come such a long way, but it wouldn’t be possible without such noble causes as ours to help it along. 

We lucked out once again, the sun came out, and the wind was at our back.  We had another 200 km day in front of us on our way to Saint John.  It was another beautiful ride today though the rolling hills of New Brunswick, along the St. John river.  The wind was quite gusty at times, and crossing some bridges it felt as though we might blow right off.  It was a tough day of climbing as our bodies haven’t seemed to recover from the last couple days.  We warmed up quickly with the sun coming out, and the hill climbs. 

Our first stop was the Sear’s location in Fredericton.  The staff welcomed us with all kinds of great food, and the mayor was on hand to commend us on our efforts.  Our lunch stop was in the small community of Tracy where we were welcomed with a fabulous spread for lunch, and some very generous people.  We ate so much it was hard to get going again.  A few km down the road after lunch we where greeted by the whole school of elementary aged children lining the streets.  It was awesome.  I spoke to a group of grade 4 students from Ms. Macdonald’s class all about the ride, and why we do what we do.  We made some great friends, many of whom may be national riders one day.  The students made up signs and posters to greet us.  We rode like champions after this short visit, it was a huge morale boost. 

Coming into Saint John we where escorted by the police, who helped us manover around all the construction.  It was a nice tour, but I swear the officer was just putting us through a few extra hill climbs.  Finally after along hard day we arrived at the Sear’s location where we were greeted by the most kind group of ladies.  They had a room set up in the back with tons and tons of food, and a Sear’s National Kids Cancer Ride cake that they had made.  The dinner was great, and the company was even better.  They shuttled us to a local hotel for showers and internet access before heading on our way to Moncton for our Wednesday start. 

All these stops along the way, the organizers are fundraising for childhood cancer.  They donate thousands and thousands of dollars towards our cause, and treat us like gold.  We thank you all for your kindness and generosity along the way, it truly helps us accomplish our collective goal.   Riding is the easy part, its childhood cancer that is the difficult part.  The children have no choice but to deal with their illness, we will ride for them until we no longer have to.  We can beat this devastating disease, I truly believe that. 

Day 12 – Levis Quebec to Riviere du Loup

Day 12 – Levis Quebec to Riviere du Loup

Woke up feeling a little sore from the last couple days, and very tired from lack of sleep.  It was cold, but with the clear sky the day looked very promising.  We had a great breakfast at the Sear’s location before rushing to saddle up to keep on schedule.   The local radio station was there to cover our event, it was so nice to hear some rocking tunes to get us going.  It didn’t take us long to warm up with the amount of hill climbs right off the bat.  Believe it or not, I know love climbing hills in the morning for that reason only.   The morning dedication was given by fellow rider Martin Lacelle from Hawkesbury, Ontario.  He had a close friend, who was a husband, and father of two who passed away from a form of skin cancer.  He was an avid golfer, and never protected his neck, thereby developing this form of cancer.  Today we road for Patrick Desforges and his family.

We had over 200km to ride with a bit of a head wind.  I was tired and a bit sluggish as were many of the riders.  Many were experiencing the effects of a cold virus, but continued to ride on.  My throat, and butt have been very sore, but its not going to stop me from finishing this ride strong.  We have had a few injuries as well, including knees, back, and neck.   We deal with it, and move on, there is no complaining,   To date I have had 7 flat tires, two fall overs from being clipped in, but my bike is running great for the most part.  The bikes take such a beating, its hard to watch.  They are dirty, getting scratched up, and worn down.  Our mechanic Greg Roloson keeps them running like a well oiled machine.  When we get a flat on the road we fall off to the side, the support vehicle picks us up, fixes our tire as we drive behind the group, then pulls ahead letting us out to catch the pack.  It’s a very quick process. 

So today we spent most of the day riding along side the St. Lawrence River.  It was a beautiful picturesque ride through many small communities towards our final destination of Lasalle, Quebec.   The wind was in our faces most of the day so the stronger riders continued to take turns at the front of the pack to allow the others to draft.  Riders can exert up to 35% less effort by drafting the person in front of them.   It really helps when you are having a rough day.   The roads were a bit rough in Quebec, and the upper body took quite a beating with all the vibrations.   Its kind of funny.  When we started the riders had their back pouches full of food, now I see more and more bottles of ibuprofen and motrin.  Lots of beat up bodies out there. 

Following our day the Sear’s representative took us all out to a nice restaurant for dinner.  We where all ready for bed by the time dinner was over, and we still had a 5 hour commute ahead of us.  Although we travel by rv, I have never been able to sleep inside.  You bounce all over the place, and I just find it difficult.   We will arrive in Nakawick about 2am, and with the time change 3am.  Already sleep deprived and not looking forward the 6am wake up. 

Day 11 – Ottawa to Montreal

Day 11 – Ottawa to Montreal

Arrived in Ottawa about 1:30am, and wake up call was at 5am for our 7 o clock start.  We had a very tight schedule today that we had to meet with a press conference at 3pm in Montreal.  My friend and National Rider from 2009, Craig Senior came out to wish us well, and it was great seeing him out.  Our dedication was by a lady named Nancy who  is a childhood cancer, and is nearly 40 now.  Quite an inspirational story.  Felt a bit worn out today after a long day yesterday.   Nevertheless, we get up and ride because we can. 

We set out for a place called Rockland where we had our first rest stop of the day.  I was very proud of the team today.  We where riding strong, together, smiling and having fun.  It’s a beautiful thing when we ride together.  It was a big day for fellow rider Martin Lacelle, who is from the area and would be cycling into his hometown of Hawksbury, our second stop of the day.  New York fries guys Peter, and Craig made a fabulous lunch for us in town.  I was also fortunate to meet up with an old friend Justine from Petrolia, who brought her daughter and friend out to meet us.  It was great to see a familiar face, and always a pleasure to explain to the kids what we are doing. 

After a quick stop in Hawksbury we where on our way.  We really had to hustle our way toward Montreal but not before picking up 30 ride along participants at Point Claire.  Prior to getting there we ironically met up with a group of runners from the Terry Fox 30 Anniversary run.  We stopped by for a photo shoot, and were given ribbons which were worn on our hearts to show our respect of this great Canadian hero.  We wore them proudly.  As we rode into Point Claire we were met by a group of cyclists wearing blue Coast to Coast jerseys.  They had made up there own jersey’s in support of the cause, and collectively raised over $9500.  It was a pleasure riding into Montreal with this group of riders, and what a response we received from Montreal Sear’s.

Here we heard from an ambassador named Anita.  She survived numerous brain tumours, has graduated highschool with a 99 % average, and is planning to become involved in Paediatric Oncology.  Her story of survival has given me more hope than ever for my Jesse.  We never know what effects radiation my have on the brain, but if she can do it so can Jess.  We also heard from members of the Montreal Paediatric Oncology group who explained that the money we fundraised last year paid for a new state of the art MRI imaging machine, which has increased the successful removal of brain tumours in children.  How gratifying is that.  It makes everyday of the ride just that much more rewarding. 

On our way to Levis, Quebec for our next stage of the ride.   Close call on the way, a van nearly crashed into our rv, but luckily only took our mirror off the driver side.  No one was hurt, but it sure was scary.  Glad my team is okay. Well hope to get some much needed sleep tonight. 

Day 10 - Woodstock to Toronto

Rented a hotel room last night just so I could get a better nights sleep.  Had to meet at the bunk truck at 6am to commute to the local Sear’s store where we would meet with all 45 National Riders and support staff.  It was a zoo down there on top of all the ride along participants that would join us enroute to Toronto.  We had a couple really emotional dedications by families that lost their children to cancer, and one little girl in particular who is battling a brain tumor just like my son Jesse.  She is also treated at London Children’s Hospital and has gone through all the same treatment.  She is in a walker, and is having a very difficult time.  Regardless she is full of great spirits, smiles and determination to survive.  

We left for our first stop in Brantford at 8am, and immediately the main pack pulled away.  Today wasn’t about a race to me, it was about getting everyone there who were  riding for someone touched by this disease.  I stayed back and road with three ladies and a fellow team mate from last year Dave Morland.  We helped pull these ladies to the first stop so they would not be discouraged.  They where riding for their nephew and cousin.   We all arrived late at the stop and barely had a bite to eat before the riders started heading out again for the second stage.   Again the main pack was up and gone, so I decided to stay back and help out again.  I met a young lady Melissa who was riding for her cousin who had recently passed on from childhood cancer.  It was obvious that she needed to get to the finish, and I just couldn’t leave her, I would help her do what she needed to do.  Melissa and I rode together for the next 45 km, and I used every bit of energy I had helping her up and over the hills to get her to Burlington.  We got lost and even road probably and extra 10km.  I had to call the support crew to help find our way, but we made it.  It was extremely emotional for her riding into our stop, but she made it and that was all that mattered.  I don’t think I have worked that hard yet on the ride climbing steep hills with one hand on the bars helping people up the hills.  It was a good feeling.    

At Burlington we heard from a few ambassador families, but most memorable was from fellow rider Josh Nelson.  I met Josh last year at the same stop.  He is a cancer survivor and has overcome so many obstacles to get to where he is today.  Last year Josh spoke to the riders and asked them to ride for him until one day he can ride as well.  Well this year he did it.  Josh has cycled several stages of the ride exerting everything he has until complete physical exhaustion.  His strength and determination is unbelievable.  I met Josh and family this summer at Sear’s London for an indoor cycling fundraiser.  What a great family.  I am so proud of Josh.  So he spoke to the large crowd once again, and there was not a dry eye in the house. 

Our final stage of the ride was to Toronto’s Sherway Garden.  We had approximately 300 riders with us, and Coast to Coast had given me the privilege to help pace the pack out front.  We cycled 4 riders wide and the group went on and on for as far as the eye could see.  The whole day we had police escorts, but the final leg saw a motorcycle brigade lead the way manovering in and out of traffic to clear our path.  It was really cool.   We set pace at 27km per hour to allow everyone to ride together in Sherway for our final stage of the day.  The legs where sore, but the sound of the huge crowd made it all go away.  My Aunt Jen and friend Ruth were on hand to welcome me, it was great to see her and she had a very generous donation for our cause.  I was also met by a fellow rider from last year Kari Primak with her mom and dad.  A real genuine family, so good to see you all.  We had a riot together in 2009, singing, dancing and sharing our life stories all the way across the country.   Riding in my brother’s band, the Truckstop Superfriends were playing, its so good to have them along.   Team 3 couldn’t stay too long, as we had the longest shuttle of the day to our next starting point of Ottawa.  

A Perfect Day 9 - Sarnia to Woodstock

Day 9 – Sarnia to Woodstock, Ontario

Spent the night not in my own bed, but in Jesse’s bed with both boys.  Jesse made space for me in his bunk bed, and Jett joined us as well.  Didn’t get the best sleep, as I just couldn’t stop looking at them.  I can’t even explain how much I miss them.  A few members of he national team spent the night at my home and where able to have a good night sleep and showers.  Awoke at 5:30am, and had to get the riders back to the Sear’s location to get ready for the day.  I had to get myself over to Blackburn radio for an interview with the Burg and Ally morning show.  These guys have been phenomenal at covering the event, and it was really cool to meet them and be live on the air.  What an experience it was.  I believe the interview went well, and when asked what tune they wanted me to play I request Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n Roses.  A great pump up tune.  I had a lot of fun at the station, and Burg even joined us for the ride along to London. 

Next I raced back to the Sear’s location to see lots of people had arrived and a fantastic breakfast was put on by Cindy and staff at Sear’s.  The mornings are chaotic getting ready and I had so much to do on top of my usual routine.  Jett and Jesse showed up with their Nana and joined us for the opening ceremonies.  Cogeco cable was there and did a television interview with the kids and I, it went really well.  You can check it out at. 

There was a bit of a mist in the air that morning and it was slightly overcast.  As the rain subdued a beautiful rainbow formed with the one end right over the Sear’s National Kids Cancer Ride tractor trailer.  It just felt special, that I was doing this for Jesse and Jett and that everything was going to be okay.  My good friend Jennifer McCullough with the Sarnia Kiwanis made a cheque presentation of $1000 to the ride for the second year in a row.  And as an ambassador family for the Foundation I spoke to the crowd explaining what Jesse and Jett had to endure with childhood cancer, and why we ride.   Always a little nervous speaking, but when you speak from the heart its really easy I find.  The boys were awarded with a Sear’s cycling jersey and plaque from Foundation representative Jenn Davies. 

It was now time to ride.   There was about 20 ride along participants show up for the event which I was so thankful for, and the Sarnia Police Bicycle unit was on hand to escort us out of town.  It was a feeling of euphoria to be in my hometown, all my friends and family present, and leading the Sear’s National Kids Cancer Ride out of Sarnia for the first time.  My brothers band, the Truckstop Superfriends played proudly as we departed for the day.  It was so tough leaving my boys, but they were following us all day, and I knew I would see them soon.  I thank Sarnia so much for creating all the hype for such a great cause, it sincerely moved me that day.  It was clearly one of the best days of my life.  As soon as we left the sky parted, the sun came out and it was a perfect ride into London’s Masonville Mall to the Sear’s Location there. 

We arrived about noon to the sound of a cheering crowd, and lots of familiar faces.  Jett and Jesse were already there enjoying the bouncy tents, so I thought I would join them for a bit.  I also had a speech there explaining once again why we ride, and our relationship with London Children’s Hospital.  Time seems to fly at our rest stops, and before we know it, its time to leave.  Again I had to leave the boys, but would meet up with them at our final location of Woodstock.  It was pretty cool making our way through the city.  It was an easy 50km to Woodstock to finish the day.  It was a busy day, but as far as I am concerned we created a lot of awareness, generated a lot of donations, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day.  To end the day our team went to dinner at Boston Pizza, Jett, Jesse, and Nana joined us for pizza.  They had a long day and it was time to say goodbye.  It was a great visit, and hard to let go, but it was time. 

I ended up getting a hotel room for a good night sleep, it was much needed.