Saturday, November 8, 2008

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.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

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