Day 1 Langley to White Rock to Abbotsford

First day's ride, what we've all been waiting for.  Perfect weather and spirits are high. After breakfast in the mess hall we gathered in our service groups (formerly sweep teams) by the gear truck with our bikes and left Langley around 10 am. First flat for a cyclist around 10 klm out.  We were to stay in our groups today so it was a slower go, and we arrived in White Rock just before noon for the traditional tire dipping, photos and also prayed the Lord's Prayer as a group.

The ride to Abby had a really good climb on 8th Ave with a 20 per cent grade at one point. Later we had a nice downhill and I cracked 60 kph as did most did I'm sure.  As we were to stick with our groups today, the ride was a little uneven speed wise. At one point a few cyclists from another group sped by us. I said to Doug S (FL) that I hate it when people pass me. Not that I'm competitive or anything, I just don't like getting passed    He says "me too, it really ticks me off".  Ha, I think I have my cycling partner for tomorrow.

We arrived at Gateway CRC at 3 pm.  My sister in law Esther was kind enough to shuttle a few of us to her place for showers.  Getting back to camp, I spoke with Jim B (CA) who said he and Rudy F (IA) biked right past the church and so put on an extra 10 or so klm.

Gateway hosted us for an awesome supper of pulled pork sandwiches, salads, and dessert.  Greatly appreciated, especially by those on camp supper duty.

It was a great day in general, bringing back many fond memories of 2008 ride like Billy D cruising by on his Harley.

Totals for the day - 80 klm, 3:41 actual cycling time, and a 21.7 klm per hour avg.