We saw them Saturday! The bikes we'll be using for the TDA are
described by Wayne as "sexy"...I don't know if that refers to the
vibrant lime-green and shiny black paint job, the 29 inch wheels or the
overall ready-for-anything look, but these bikes seem ready to take on
an entire continent! We'll be changing out the brakes from hydraulic to
mechanical, adding bar ends to the handlebars and then we get to take
them for a test ride. Of course, the first snow of the season has fallen, what better time to buy bikes!
Other
preparations include a bit of fundraising for the Tour d'Afrique
Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to supplying bikes to health
care and community workers throughout Africa. Every year, one bike per
full tour rider is donated, additional fundraising by tour participants
means more bikes can be donated, and any riders whose fundraising goes
toward the Foundation participate in the donation ceremony. I am
excited about this and very grateful to Bikram Yoga Calgary South for
kick starting my fundraising by making the TDA Foundation the recipient
of the October karma classes at their studio - big thanks to Lyndsay and
Morgan! I'll post some information on how to donate if you're so
inclined just as soon as I figure that out. So much to learn, so much
to do!