The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The last two years, I have participated in the Princess Margaret’s fundraising bike ride. It is called the Ride to Conquer Cancer. This is a 2 day event that starts at the CNE in Toronto and ends at Niagara Falls. The overnight stop is in Hamilton. The total distance is 200 kms.

The ride is well organized and both years have seen perfect weather. Over three thousand riders in all participate. Overt the past two years, 28 million dollars has been raised. During that time, I was able to raise over $6000. The first year I rode with Vicki Dechert and my sister-in-law, Nancy Palmer. The second year Vicki brought along her 13 year old son. Young Kai is a cancer survivor.

When the registration opened this year, I thought I would give it a pass. I was just back from the Yukon and had my fill of riding for a while. The word is out about what a great experience this is so the registration was full and closed well before Christmas. I am regretting not registering now.





Cancer has likely touched you. I know that in my own life, it has had an impact. My wife is a survivor. My dad and my uncle both lost battles and my aunt Zoie is struggling hard right now.
This ride is an oppertunity to give back. Some people can give back by riding and others by providing financial support. Each rider must raise a minimum of $2500 to participate.

Instead of riding, I am throwing my support behind a couple of riders.



My good friend Vicki is riding again this year but with a difference. There is a 200 mile option (160 kms a day) and she has signed up for that. That is one long ride.






Local councel representative Scott Young is riding again this year too. He is riding for his mother who has fought and won several battles.




If you feel compelled to donate to either of these riders, please follow the link below and click on "Ontario" and then "donate". Just enter their name in the spaces and their homepage will come up. A tax reciept is issued right away too.

http://www.conquercancer.ca/

Canadian Ski Marathon

Canadian Ski Marathon ‘10

We headed out Friday to Montebello Quebec for our third visit to the Canadian Ski Marathon. There was a last minute change in the usual 160 km linear course because of lack of snow. The compromise was an 80 km loop….actually a figure 8.

With -6 temps and generally good conditions, we got on the bus to head out to our starting checkpoint.

We didn’t start at section one in Montebello. Talking to a few skiers afterwards, that was a good idea. It was rock skiing close to Montebello and very tough going. There was very little snow in the Ottawa Valley but the further we got up the valley, the better the conditions got.

Steph, Pam, Sheryl and Dave at a check point. Linda and Steph at start

The new course was wonderful. We skied 44 km the first day and never crossed a road.
When you get to a check point, you kick off your skies and hand them to the ski waxers!
Lots of food and drink to top yourself up and then on your way again before the cold catches you.

Usually the set up is 15 -18 kms better check in station so going 23 km followed by another 21 kms was tough….sure out of gas by the end.

Coureur des Bois skiing 160 km and sleeping out too!

Sunday was beautiful too. Our first section was a long 23 kms and it was perfect. Good snow and a fast track. The last section was only 5 kms long and the conditions were less than desirable....a little stubble and dirt.

Lots of fun and a good challenge too.

Hats of to Paul, Dave and Glen who completed 160 Km in the two days and also to Annabelle Nicholson who did the same!

Jack, Bray and Linda at the check station

Angus and the Cowgirls