I cycled 220 kilometers and raised $3,000 to fight cancer. I didn’t think I could do it – but i did and it was a great feeling.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a great life experience that humbles and inspires.
You feel the energy of thousands of excited, restless riders ready to leave the start line to do the deed for which they have planned for months. There was not a dry eye in the place after the opening ceremonies and the moving stories of those who fight and lost their cancer battle. A video of O Canada song by a teenager who sang in person last year and lost her fight with cancer in March. There was not much noise as the assembled throng of cyclists were so moved that it was hard to sing.
And then off on the road, the feeling of a joint purpose and the thrill of the open road pushing, everyone pushing faster than they expected to go. Along the path were spectators cheering you one, survivors with signs saying “thank you”, “keep going” and some with a great sense of humour who asked with their sign”how’s your arse?”, which is a reasonable question for anyone who has been on a bike for five hours.
I travelled 110 kilometers in over four hours of riding. At the 80 kms mark I thought I could go for another 80 kms. but by 100 kilometers, I was like a horse heading for the barn, on a mission to end the effort. It was a great day and one more to do.
The Beauty of Biking 