May 29, 2012 – Fans across Canada were following Ryder Hesjedal’s big day on Sunday, May 27, when he brought the country to it’s feet after an astounding 3-week performance, becoming the first Canadian to wear the maglia rosa and then the first Canuck to win a Grand Tour ever – bellissimo.

Back home at the Trek Store in Victoria, B.C. many of Ryder’s buds were up early and cheering on their bro as he stormed to victory on the final day. Check out these pics courtesy of Scott Mitchell as he and Bill Fry and crew rocked on with Ryder, while Aaron Schooler filled us in on the Riot for Ryder in Edmonton with lots of photos as well…

Riot for Ryder by Aaron Schooler

We had almost 30 people show up for the Riot for Ryder in Edmonton, showing their support for the man with the nation at his back. We all got together and decided to have a celebration procession riding our bikes down the famous Whyte Avenue to the Da Capo coffee shop and Gelato Bar owned by our friend Antonio Bilotta. One cycling enthusiast even decaled up his motorbike as a commissaire motorbike getting the sponsors on the bike and everything.  We had pink cupcakes for all.

Most of the enthusiasts in attendance competed in the Alberta Provincial Road Race championships this morning (May 27) and during the drive to the race it was hard-pressed to find a car that didn’t have the Giro coverage playing on an iPhone APP.

Screams of excitement were everywhere on the start line, and random shouts of joy were spouted constantly mid-race. My mind was in Italy, not the task at hand. Ryder’s unforgettable ride will go down in history and I know it will fuel my personal athletic drive as this year’s Giro has forever changed my life.

We capped it off with a few photos and am now enjoying some Italian pizza while re-playing Ryder’s most incredible moments on TV.

Weight of a Nation is right.