Day Five – Brattleboro, VT to Nashua, NH
by Team Canada
Once again Team Canada is being represented by a strong contingent of 7 riders spanning our 2 coasts. Phil Graham and Dave Hein from B.C. Jim Urbanowsky from New Brunswick and Marian Makar, Greg Hill, John McNeil and Warren Hoselton all from the Greater Toronto area. As tradition has it Team Canada will look back at the 5 days and highlight some of our memories.
Warren Hoselton:
This being my 7th tour, I have come to fully appreciate the tour synergy and how it snowballs each day. It started from the spectacular ferry ride/marine landing at 35th Street and the launch out of Central Park and the ultra-urban riding of NYC to the “hills of hell” from Mt. Kisco to Waterbury. And then there was the torrential downpour for 70 miles to Springfield, CT. On day 3, I was bracing myself for the locusts, but it was a gorgeous 80-mile ride into Brattleboro, VT. Today was another 80 miler into Nashua N.H. Some of the snapshots from my mind’s eye include: Seeing the NYC skyscape as we sailed into the harbour; the hustle and bustle of the Central Park 6-mile loop; the endless hills of day 2; and the welcome warmth of a simple shower after 70 miles of liquid sunshine.
Marian Makar:
This is also my 7th tour and I truly love seeing all the familiar faces that have become my Tour Family. The first memorable tour experience this year was when Tom Ordway was wondering if I had lost my Canadian flag that was mounted on my bike on the first day of riding. I told him that I indeed had lost my flag and then he proceeded to tell me that my roommate, a very sweet American who lives in Pennsylvania, had willfully and recklessly run over it with her tire while cycling. Tom witnessed what she did, picked up the tire streaked flag as he rode by so he could show me the evidence. The running over of the flag has now become an international incident. On a more serious note, I do want to thank all of my riding buds who have taken care of me during this year’s Tour. Warren and Greg who many times stay back to ride with me and pull me along. Dan who came back up the mountain looking for me when I blew out my front tire descending Mount Tom. Melissa, who showed up just in time on her motorcycle, to change my flat on the mountain. Sara who kept me company through endless miles of riding. Kathy and the rest of the support team who are always there when you need them. Paul who always makes sure I get my “special” meal. And last but not least, Kristin, my roommate, who put up with me this week. It takes a lot of people to take care of a princess. 
Greg Hill:
Riding through New England is a real treat and anyone who enjoys riding should take the time to experience the scenery and hospitality. I have never been to New York and to be introduced by taking the ferry from New Jersey, past the Stature of Liberty, riding a 6-mile loop through Central Park …down Madison Avenue and through Harlem was worth the price of admission. Over the past few days we have had more than our fair share of hills, rough roads and torrential rainfall. In fact, if it weren’t for our traveling massage therapists (generously sponsored by West Coast Arborists), there would likely be many riding in pain and a few riding in the van.
Riding through New Hampshire reminds me of my first Tour des Trees in 1994…Stowe, Vermont to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s been great to reminisce with one of the riders from that Tour, Mike Skivington. Mike is a powerful rider who is so enthusiastic about the sport he sometimes loses track of his calorie intake. In fact, on the 1994 Tour, Mike unfortunately “bonked” at the end of one day after riding a few extra miles and Team Canada of the day took it upon themselves to watch out for him. Mike is back again this year and Team Canada has again been monitoring him closely….indeed even Gord Hunter, a rider from the 1994 ride has called several times to encourage Mike to stay focused. Mike was so delirious after bonking that when he first saw Gordo he called him Captain Hingrinder and the nickname has stuck to this day. This is a testament to the closeness of the Tour family ….the Tree Family.
Dave Hein:
Fabulous Tour!!!
Phil Graham:
Tour number 5 for me, and once again it has been awesome. I have had supper with Chuck Leavell, ridden in more rain than I can remember ever seeing in one day, climbed more than a few hills (even if they aren’t British Columbia style mountains), and renewed old friendships. Oh, and with the huge numbers of new Tour riders this year, I’ve made lots of new friends as well. There’s Big Ring Ben, who climbs every hill in a monster gear, and Aussie Dave who is doing his best to convince us all to ride in Australia in 2011. Sounds pretty inviting, especially if he throws some shrimp on the barbie for us! I’ve had a chance to ride with all the hammerheads, and enjoyed every second of it, rain or no rain.
John McNeil:
Being the “urbane” forester of the Team, I arrived at Central Park, not by bike, but on New York’s subway system with my family, who came along to cheer on Dad and all the riders at Central Park. A proud moment! My bike was late for the official start, however, in the spirit of the Tour, Greg road back to the Park and ‘pulled’ me through the Bronx to catch up. This spirit of positive energy is evident every day: from the offers to “break wind” by Fraser to ease the effort on a windy stretch of road in Connecticut to Jim making time to soak in the taste of a microbrewery tucked beside a wonderful roadside waterfall in Vermont. My thanks and appreciation to my Tour Family.
James Urbanowsky – NB Power – Fredericton, NB
The “Spirit of the Tour” is one of life’s great treats. Unimaginable efforts at many levels, from fund raising and training, to riding the Tour. But one element that is constantly apparent, is the “spirit” that pervades all that we are doing. Our mechanics work tirelessly into the night to ensure each bike is performing. They even replaced my entire drive-train for $100. Our ‘donated’ massage therapists have given each one of us personal treatments, lovingly designed to melt away our pains. Our road support crews are always right where we need more water and food. The road signage, tour luggage crews, admin staff, all right on the ball. And the riders themselves, assisting every rider who stops for any reason along the way, with flat tires, gear problems, chain problems, or plain old exhaustion Other parts of the Tour are equally enjoyable. The food has been plentiful and tasty. The scenery constantly rolling with incredible homes and endless trees. And what rider doesn’t love the 300 miles uphill through New England. Finally, from a rider’s perspective, the Tour comes down to the people. The mutual support, respect, and daily humour are what makes the pain go away and what allows us to be at our best when we arrive in a community to plant a tree and support an educational event with a bunch of young children. The STIHL Tour des Trees is a fulfilling event, both for the TREE Fund and tree research, and for the many people involved along the way. Hope to see more of you on the Tour in the future. May the Force be with you.
