While I was still adjusting to the changes in my personal life, I found myself adapting to a new, and very exciting working environment. I have been a correctional officer for 8 years now, but since Feb 1998 I have been on temporary assignment to the Electronic Monitoring Program. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is the ankle bracelet program, or house arrest. I work with an excellent group of people who are all fun-loving and get the most out of each day. Without the support and flexibility of these great people I would have had a difficult time logistically preparing for this ride. I owe each one of them a big thank you.

Many of my friends tell me that they envy my confidence and the apparent fun-loving or carefree nature in which I address the world. I have always wondered about this because it is my friends who give me the support and confidence to succeed. Over the years I have been blessed with so many good people in my life, some of whom really held me together when the glue would have otherwise come unstuck. With each obstacle I have faced, there has always been someone there to help me through. With the challenge that I am confronting at this point I think that there are a couple of people who deserve special mention:

< >First and foremost there is my Mom; she is one awesome lady who I have the utmost admiration and respect for. My Mom is my best friend and #1 fan. Nobody could ask for a better mother. On the many days that I have felt like this fundraising is more than I can handle she has given me the confidence to persevere. THANKS MOM.
< >While many miles away, Tony is another person who has been a huge support to me over the past few months. On a daily basis he listens to me go on about my training and fundraising regiment without tiring of the topic; he has such a big heart and a lot of patience. While keeping me grounded he encourages me to dream, and to dream big. I only hope that one day I can return the favour. Tony, your the BEST!

While cycling is obviously an activity that I enjoy, it is not the only thing. My other hobbies include hiking, backpacking and camping, and generally being outdoors with good people. I hope that once I return to Beautiful British Columbia after completing The Big Ride I will be able to get a couple overnight hiking trips in before the summer is gone. I consider myself very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world where there are so many awesome places to hike and camp.

I always enjoy meeting and talking with friends, both new and old, who share common interests, dreams, goals and aspirations. If you are an old friend, use the e-mail link to drop me a line and say hello. If you don't know me but have read enough that you have gotten to this point, send me a note and who knows, we could become the best of friends. In the meantime, make today a great day and smile because not only does it look good on you but it's contagious.