Ok, well we're all special aren't we, but sometimes someone will do something really special. Last night, Emma Johansson flew into Arlanda, taking a break from her intensive training in order to cycle with the lads and lasses of Ride of Hope for the Childrens Cancer Fund.
Emma was tired on arrival last night, and we booked her into a single room whilst she pieced together all the parts of her bike with the precision of a Marine setting up his rifle blindfolded.
We said goodnight and parted, Alex with his customary "Schtek" whilst offering an outstretched knuckle to be tapped. Emma looked confused but accommodated him before we all retired to bed.
Saturday. The plan was to let the slow group go first with Emma, then by the first depot she would switch to the medium group. At some point the fast group would overtake and Emma would latch onto them. This way everyone riding will have gotten a chance to ride with an Olympiad!
The lass was absolutely fantastic. If she had been floated on the Stock Exchange her shares would have soared through the ceiling this day. What an ambassador for the sport.
The day just passed by so fast. Luckily I got in touch with a man called Jan Bylund leading up to the Ride of Hope. He does the videos for Vättern Rundan amongst others.
He took a lot of good footage during the day, and will even be shooting tomorrow from Uppsala to Västerås.
Apart from the Tour Ride of Hope, little Ride of Hope had been planned in 3 towns. Mölndal day 2, Skövde day 3 and Uppsala day 8. Mölndal was was arranging Junior Swedish Championships close by but not near where we would be riding, so I never got to see much of this days event. All reports were good though, with over 40 kids coming to take part and also raise money for Childrens Cancer Fund.
If you've read my blogg from Day 3, Skövde graced us with moonsoon rain; A wash out and that was reflected in the event that day aswell, although personally, when I'm riding, I try to convince myself that rain, like the Maori's say, is just liquid sun.
Uppsala however had warm, sunny weather this day, and when we arrived, the event was in full swing. Felicia Rudenstam was making the kids feel at home and welcoming them with a smile as warm as the weather. Poeple were constantly stopping by and watching which made for a small crowd for most of the afternoon. We riders ordered our McDonalds, and sat outside applauding as one after the other raced over the finish line and received their medals.
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