We raised $1.66 million!
|
Dear Sponsor & Friend,
It's already September and I realized I haven't thanked you for supporting what has become my favourite week of summer - if not the entire year. To make that week such as success, it took over 225 cyclists training for months ahead of departure; over 90 crew members who volunteered their time and skills; and others who brought grit to move camping gear, food supplies and our luggage from one campsite to the next by driving 8 cube moving trucks. The obvious spectacle of the traveling community combined with the stories of why other cyclists are riding makes you soon realize the impact that this bike rally actually makes on everyone that participates, and everyone in the communities we pass through. Not to mention, the money raised helps the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation actually save lives. The Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser that keeps the Foundation's doors open and allows them to operate the services that they do for people living with HIV. Although life expectancy has increased, there are numerous challenges that people face in accessing care, affording medication, securing safe housing and living a life free of stigma. But for this one week a year, there is only a do-good community. One that travels the 650km journey as a family of friends supporting one another and inspiring the small communities along the way. And for one week, all is great in the world - even though my knees, lower back or spider bites would say otherwise. I've included a few insights about what made this year unique along with photos from the week. But above all, thank you for supporting me and Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. With spirit & gratitude, Jason, Team La Vie en Road |
The 2019 'Friends for Life' Cycling Team moments before departure.
My friends for life, Ladies Deanne & Carol on 'Packing Day.'
Packing what I need to live & sleep for the week into two Rubbermaid bins. Volunteer movers bring them to each campsite each day.
The Crew including food & bevies, moving crew, road support & wellness team. Bless them all as they really helped me this year.
|
|
This is our first day riding. My bike is shown immediately at the start of this video at 0:04. It shows a typical day in the life of the rally as well as the enormous amount of logistical planning that goes into it.
|
|
Go Be YouExpressing yourself authentically is always the easiest route to take and the best insurance policy. Another way this was heard throughout the week was, "You Do You" and "Be You Here." However it was expressed, it was also known and trusted that you were in safe space to let your authenticity flow. And of course, I've been saying this since 2003 through the start-up's message.
But you're alive when you do! |
You Are EnoughWe often forget that just by showing up, that we are enough. We don't have to always do or be the extraordinary. We sometimes don't even know the impact we make on others. For this week, I was a small piece to such a larger movement. My being there was important to make an impact to my team and to each small community along our route, where stigmas have lessened, and kindness has grown.
|
Age Doesn't Define You
I struggled a little more than last year not because I turned 41 mid-week, but because I was dealing with a knee-injury amoung other training set-backs. What I've learned is that slow and steady, really does allow you to keep your goals alive, and new perspectives take effect. By the way, one of the oldest riders was mid-70s, is HIV-positive, and overcame a heart attack & surgery last year!
Now that is inspiration! |
|
|
|
|
1. Tom, Bev & Mark at Infinity Cycle (Windsor) making last minute tire adjustments
3, Anser, Dr. Howitt & the CMCC team for providing treatment care & compassion
|
I couldn't have cycled from start to finish if it wasn't for a gang of experts & supporters that tended to my bike and body before and during
this week! Thank-you! |
2. Jon and the Sweet Pete's mechanics made constant adjustments to help knee pain
|
