Day 44 - Arnprior to Ottawa!

Friday, June 30, 2017

The first positive sign for today was when we arrived at the starting point of the ride (~30km) and these locks survived the ride on the bumper!

A final Team Thumbs Up before this memorable final ride!

And away they Go!

We headed straight for Ottawa to hopefully find a parking spot for the RV.  No checkpoints today!  We managed to find a spot fairly quickly.  It was just as well we didn't do checkpoints today.  A few km down the highway, the police pulled our trio over and said they had to get off 417.  They could have each been fined $110!  They have ridden on 4 lane highways in every other province (with posted speeds of 110 km at times), but here in Ontario they have survived shoulderless 2 lane highways, but can't ride on a shoulder that is over 12 feet wide!  We knew there were restrictions (nothing was posted), but thought they were closer to Ottawa.  After some negotiation they ended up getting a Police escort to the next exit.  Needless to say their well planned route was in shambles, but they pressed on.
Meanwhile, back in Ottawa at the National War Memorial and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we were met by Larry & Lorine Hooge!  What a pleasant surprise,  Larry is riding across Canada and we first met them in Savanne on Day 26 and several times since.  Good Luck Larry (and Lorine).

Lorine got to meet Captain Canada!

It was great to watch the changing of the guard.

And before long, Ritchie, Caroline and Shevaun could be spotted riding up Elgin Street!  The end of a journey that started 44 days ago with the 3 of them and they were greeted by Nikolas Mouriopoulos a representative from Soldier On, family and friends.

Larry and Lorine were quick to greet them.

It is amazing that even during a celebration like this,  and given some of the unfortunate circumstances that have happened here, a normal citizen can still approach right up to this sacred spot.  What a wonderful country we live in!!!!

A very special moment and the culmination of this wonderful journey.

And then the celebration begins!

The lady on the right is Bernie Pauly, is a riding partner of Caroline's back in Victoria.  Her son Ethan was in Ottawa for a National cycling event.  They have been following Caroline's amazing journey across this great country.

Nick, accepting a cheque from Ritchie and Caroline for $5,020 for Soldier On.

This is a flag on which Ritchie has written every donor's name.
You all rode on his shoulders.  Thank You!

On our way down Sparks Street to the restaurant to celebrate, we passed many Police at the ready with some serious weapons and fingers on the trigger.  Security is very tight.  One officer told us that it will be a 4 hour process to get screened to enter Parliament Hill tomorrow.

Ottawa!!!!

We had a great celebration Lunch at the Bier Mrkt.

While the others checked out downtown a little further, Lynn and I walked to the Somerset Bridge for our own special ceremony.

To add another "special" lock (with all names of the Celebrate Canada 150 Bike Ride Team) to our string of locks that we've placed before.

Back at Calabogie, we took a moment (between packing) to celebrate and savour what had been accomplished.

An awesome ending.