Finish Line Seattle

It turns out that the Senior-Guildforders can't really do anything for the hungry cyclist like I though they could.  It would involve time, too much money, a very professional looking display, and getting the ok from the British Columbia Association for Charitable Gaming to do a raffle that's legit and would bring in some real cash and not just pocket money. It clearly doesn't work the way I imagined.
But, they said, I am welcome to organize another fundraiser myself and that I would get their support.
I had hoped that someone else would come forward because originally we had planned that every team member would do one fundraising event. We've done 3 so far. And we are 9 people.
There continues to be this eerie silence about the whole fundraising issue. I don't have much hope and I am moving on to other ways of thinking and being.

So I said to myself, what the hey! Let's focus for a moment and remember what my goals were when I registered.
Goal # 1: raise some loot to help people in need. -Check!
Goal # 2: cycle until my thighs burn. -Double check!!
Goal # 3: Have fun while doing it. -Half-a-check...
Goal # 4: get my behind to Seattle! -To do

Clearly, goal # 3 and 4 needed some attention. So what was there to do? One thing, and one thing only:

Go. Visit. Seattle already!!

Here some impressions of my trip:

 Canadian-US Border - I'm going in!

Why, thank you!

The streets of Washington State

 Convention Center in downtown

 Space Needle, baby!

Anthony's at the waterfont 

I can't really say that the ride was "epic" in any way. There was no cheering and hoopla about it and there certainly weren't any cycling crowds, just tons and tons of cars. Way too many cars...

However, it was a great trip that made everything feel alright again.

My blogging habits will change from now on. I have a strong sense of fullfillment and accomplishment and I am not sure if there will be much more to add.  Turns out that I did end up doing my very own thing in my own way and I am happy and content with that. All the goals I originally had are met as of yesterday. 

Christina's Ride to Conquer Cancer was certainly quite different from the official version, but that's just the way I roll. Maybe there was really not much doubt that it would be a unique undertaking. People who know me in person know that I have my own way of doing things. Starting at the home-made logo over the Rebel Ride idea to the altered T-shirt. I just seem to always 'personalize' things and can't leave them just the way they are, which, in my world, is a quality I call creativity.

I'll leave this Blog online for others who may consider registering for the ride in the future. May it be helpful and give a honest and real look at what it can be like.

A very special thank you to Ronda Laveen of Ronda's Wonderland and Sherry at Mrsupole's Place who have been amazingly supportive in any way imaginable. I have never even met these two lovely ladies in real life. Their compassion, support and big hearts humble me immensely.

Thank you also to Tatoos and Teething Rings, a Blogger who is no more but really helped me in the early days of the project.

And last but not least:  Thank you proud sponsors! I am truly impressed with all the donations you have made. Most of you don't even know me very well or very long but that didn't stop you to show me lots and lots of love. I think I've recieved a donation from pretty much every person I approached, with maybe 2 or 3 exceptions. Some people pulled out their wallet right away, others had to think it over, but 98% of you came through at the end, which was truly amazing and very touching.

Thank you and farewell, everyone!

Come visit me at Christina's Outlet some time, that's my permanent "home" on the Internet.