Sea to Sky to Sea
Permanent 65
by Dug Andrusiek

I finally made it.

It took some time, and some persistent and gentle (okay, not always gentle) cajoling, but I finally made it. I joined the ranks of most elite group of randonneurs I know.

I am now officially a member of a husband/wife (or committed couple) randonneuring team.

This is how it happened.

Fourteen years ago, I met a beautiful and funny Irish barber in Whistler, who as luck would have it, agreed to marry me a few years later. This year is our 10th wedding anniversary, and to celebrate we wanted to do something special together. Seeing as we had met in Whistler, Barb (my wife) tentatively agreed to do permanent ride number 65 (Sea to Sky to Sea).

Barb has done Pacific and Canada Day Populaires several years running, and has even done Ironman twice, but the prospect of riding 200 km in one go was intimidating. I am still new enough to this sport that I understand the nerves that go along with riding a brevet, so I offered a couple of alternatives that might not be so difficult. Barb was undeterred, so it was off to Whistler on September 5 at 0700.

There is nothing I like more than being on my Gunner for several hours, and my second ride of permanent number 65 was no exception. In fact, it was made even better with the added pleasure of seeing the awe in Barb’s face (or the occasional look of anguish as she climbed up the hills) via my rear view mirrors. While the traffic was heavier than it had been when I rode this route back in June, the rode is in fantastic condition and a pleasure to ride.

The ride went off without a hitch, and Barb even finished in a reasonable time of 11:20. Funny enough when we finished she said she thought we could have finished faster had we not been delayed getting food in Whistler. Interesting how the tentative approach of a novice randonneur soon gives way to the competitive side.

So, Manfred, Michel, Bob L, Mike Croy, and the rest of you who enjoy the company of your significant other while out on the road, I have finally joined your exclusive little enclave. And how wonderful it is.

Go to: Permanents Results

October 14, 2010