Good Food, Great Friends, and Amazing Memories

It's that time of year again when the EZ Riders gathered together to celebrate the season with booze, food, and gift exchange. For those who weren't able to join in the festivities, you are in our thoughts and deeply missed.

There was certainly no shortage of culinary expertise and laughs. In fact, everything was better than perfect! Despite all the time and effort that must have gone into the preparation, Joan made it look effortless - she is truly an amazing hostess.

Click here to view my captures.

To all my fellow EZ Riders, friends, and families, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and have a safe and memorable holiday!


PowerPoint presentation by Mark Roza:

In Memory of the Ones we Love

It was certainly a beautiful ride and for those who stayed indoors, you were missed. It was 8 AM. Temperatures had dropped to a chilling 6 degrees and the empty streets whisper signs of winter fast approaching.

One lone EZ Rider lifts her nose in the air and braves the calling of the paths once again. Bundled in 6 layers around the core, double layered spandex, woolly socks, shades, and something to keep the ears from falling off. Starting off from Princess Gates she heads Westbound. Winds were gusting at full force stripping the landscape half naked - fallen leaves of gold build layers along the path where geese and swans meandering in abundance.




Nine AM - Prince of Whales Park the EZ Rider stops for a chat with fellow dog walkers and ask for directions.

Sandy's new bike experienced its first flat and by the time we got her pedals back on her mountain bike it was time for a pit stop at Tim's. Fully caffeinated and all pumped up, the two EZ Riders continue on the journey back to Toronto.

One of the prominent sitings on this ride were the GHOST bikes - the act of painting a bicycle white can represent many circumstances. Some were victims of hit and run, others were victims of cancer. As we paused to pay tribute to the memory of those we've lost, we remind ourselves of the reasons why so many of us chose to be a part of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Our sweat, tears, and pain represents more than just a challenge - we ride because we care to make a difference in the world. We ride for love and hope for a cure in our lifetime.

RTCC 40-50km Training Ride

As we kick off another season of training, I would like to take this opportunity to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to all you. It was with your support that made our 2008 journey a true success.

This year alone has been one of the most emotionally challenging year for me. I've attended many funerals, recovered from numerous injuries, and have shared many wonderful memories and tears with my friends, family, and colleagues. As we all go through the roller coaster ride of what we call LIFE, it is with great honor that I am able to share photos from our Ride to Conquer Cancer and Tour for Kids.

A special thanks goes out to my partner, Adam Muise for inspiring me to be a part of this journey, to my bosses Kevin West and Sandra Kenney for showing their support throughout my injuries and time away from the office, and especially to all of my fellow EZ Riders and Teammates who have, from Day 1 rode by my side every week and supported me throughout my challenges.

Time is the most valuable thing you can give someone so thank you all for being such a wonderful part of my life. I hope that I will continue to inspire you to help Conquer Cancer.

Please help support our 2009 Ride to Conquer Cancer!

Thank you!

Mark (fellow rider), Sandy Deegan, Andrew Penn

Advanced Cyclists (30km/hour plus) - 50km Route



Steamwhistle Brewery
November 2, 2008

Last Group Ride of the Season

The autumn leaves are falling and the rich colors invite us out to enjoy another beautiful morning through the Humber Trails of East Toronto. I breath in the crisp air slowly and deeply; reflecting back on the year that has passed and looking forward in anticipation to the events forthcoming. Soon winter will approach and the snow will mark the end of the our 2008 cycling season. Most of my fellow EZ Riders have already claimed defeat against the rapidly dropping temperatures. This weekend they are taking their training indoors and we wont see those skinny legs again until the next Groundhog Day. I'm determined to bundle up well and enjoy ONE more ride.

October 18th, 2008