as the Sun slowly edged up over the horizon on the North Shore of Kempenfelt Bay in a shroud of fog, I was so stoked to see seventeen riders rolling out of Meridian Place for our annual double-century Hairshirt North ride through the lakelands of Simcoe County. seven riders took the “Tank Top” 140k escape route, with two others using a 240k escape route, leaving the official 320k Hairshirt North route to be conquered by six remaining determined riders. but special kudos were earned by the two guys who took on, and crushed, the 400k route, rolling back into Barrie after the Sun had set.

a long day free of crashes, punctures, mechanicals and injuries allowed us all to meet and conquer our personal cycling challenge with a satisfied smile. a remarkable group of riders, really. mutually motivated, supportive, cooperative and capable. it doesn’t get much better than that.