The Ride to Conquer Cancer 2010 - Vancouver
I have decided to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer again this year. I had decided to do last years ride in memory of my Aunty Joyce who passed away a few months prior to the ride. My Aunt was a very special person to all that knew her and will be truly missed. I will always remember her zestful spirit, her kind heart, and her infectious laugh. I had decided to do the ride last year after talking to my friend Briac who was riding with a team called the Brine Brigade. The Brine Brigade was a team comprised of family and friends to David Brine and his sister Janet. David was battling brain cancer and Janet was battling breast cancer. It was incredible and inspiring to see both David and Janet riding there bikes in the midst of there cancer treatments. It was very cool to be a part of their team and to wear the very unique team jersey. David was a Supreme Court judge so the entire team had jerseys designed in the likeness of judges robes. Crossing the finish line in Seattle at the University of Washington was a very moving and touching experience. David and Janet lead the pack with there immediate family following, and behind the family was the rest of the team. We were 41 riders strong and it was quite a sight to see. Sadly David lost his battle to cancer this year. In David's memory friends and family of the Brine Brigade will back in the saddle riding again.
David Brine and his sister Janet leading the Brine Brigade across the finish Line
So why am I riding this year? For all the same reasons I road last year and more. I am riding in memory of loved ones lost and in support of those currently battling cancer. I am riding for cures for the unfortunate friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances who will have to face this disease in the future. I am riding for a future that sees cancer as nothing but a memory of the past. By participating in last years ride I came to realize that there are so many people that are affected by this disease that it can't be ignored. When collecting donations for the ride I was surprised to discover how many people had a close friend or family member who had cancer or had lost there life to cancer. Since completing the ride last year I have had 3 friends diagnosed with cancer. Simply alarming!
My Auntie Joyce will always be missed by her loved ones, so I will ride again in her memory. David Brine was obviously loved dearly by his friends and family and is missed. I only knew him for a short while but had the privilege of riding with his family last year and will honour his memory by riding with the Brine Brigade again this year. Long time family friend and neighbour Robby is in the midst of his battle with cancer and I am riding in support of him and his family. Friend and road hockey team mate Jeff is in the throws of Chemo and I ride for his speedy return to the Sunday morning road hockey games we all enjoy so much. For my new friend Sandy I ride to ensure that she will always be strong on the Volleyball court. And to all of my friends and coworkers who have lost loved ones to cancer I ride so that hopefully one day others will not have to experience your loss.
A little about last years ride.
The 2009 Ride to Conquer cancer was the first time that the event was held in Vancouver. The ride started early Saturday morning at the Guildford Mall in Surrey and ends Sunday afternoon at the University of Washington in Seattle. Each day we road 140km for a total of 280 km over the weekend. To get back to Vancouver the riders were loaded into buses and the bikes into transport tucks. For the Saturday night the organizers had set up a camp with over 800 dome tents, hot showers, food tents, entertainment, and most importantly a beer garden. On the weekend of the event there were a total of 1701 Riders who collectively were able to raise approximately $6.9 Million for the weekend. The Brine Brigade of 41 riders was able to raise almost $136,000 of which I raised nearly $5,600. Again a big thanks to all that helped me achieve this!
The weather was really good for the most part, we did however get some rain and hail for a short while on the second day. Did I say hail, actually they were more like ice marbles, it was actually quite crazy! However it all cleared up to be sunny and beautiful for the finish line. The event was organized and run very well. There were rest stations ever 20 km that had snacks, drinks, first aid, and bike mechanics. We ate well over the weekend, in fact I think I gained 5 pounds despite all the exercise. Here are some pictures from the weekend:
DAY 1:
Chad picked me up early in the morning to get me out to Guildford Mall for the 7 AM start.
A couple of Judges :) Janet was a speaker in the opening cerimony
Time to go!!
Riding through the streets of Surrey on the way to the border.
David leading the way
The race is on!!!
Me and Briac at the first rest stop In the border line up.
2 Hours later we are almost through! No problem when you have good company :)
Back in the saddle and in the USA.
Food and Gatorade break.
Welcome to Camp!!!
The cheering squad as the team rode into camp! The most enthusiastic of which was Janet's daughter Eva! Sadly Eva will not be cheering us on with her colorful personality and her bright red hair this year. She recently passed away after her life long battle with Cistic Fibrosis. She was an amazing spirit and will be missed. Visit her blog and check out her Documentary "65 Red Roses",: Eva Markvoort
Janet and Dave Triumphant over the first day!!
A feild full of tents!!
If you raise enough money you get an air matress in your tent! I was a little short :(
BEER!!!!
FOOD!!!
DAY 2:
A Uni-Cycle! Thumbs up!!! :)
Another beautiful rest stop along the route .......... Until....
A freak storm hit ,,,,,,
Luckily most of us where at the break spot and were able to huddle under the tents to stay dry
I particularily like how this guy is keeping his hand dry :)
Oh yah, not just rain!!!
On the last leg of the ride and the whole team was riding together.
A very memorable moment.
The whole team, riders and crew.
Thank you to all that supported me last year and thanks in advance to all that will support me this year! To donate please follow the link below. Donating online is safe and easy but if you are old-school and don't trust this "fangdageled interweb" then you can print off a donation form and snail mail it in.