The GoBe Collective
  • Home
  • Products
    • GoBe Greetings
    • GoBe Kids
    • GoBe InTouch
  • Story
    • Spirit
  • Store
    • Box-set greetings
    • Books
    • Eco-coasters
  • Team
  • Connect
    • COMMUNITY
    • Blog
  • Home
  • Products
    • GoBe Greetings
    • GoBe Kids
    • GoBe InTouch
  • Story
    • Spirit
  • Store
    • Box-set greetings
    • Books
    • Eco-coasters
  • Team
  • Connect
    • COMMUNITY
    • Blog

THANK
YOU!


THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

We did it!
And you're
to thank!

We raised $1.66 million!

That's huge!  It's because of your sponsorship and support, that Toronto People With AIDS Foundation raised over $1.66 million this year! 
Thank you for making this year such a success story! 


Picture
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
  



Picture
The 2019 'Friends for Life' Cycling Team moments before departure.
Picture
My friends for life, Ladies Deanne & Carol on 'Packing Day.'
Picture
Packing what I need to live & sleep for the week into two Rubbermaid bins. Volunteer movers bring them to each campsite each day.
Picture
The Crew including food & bevies, moving crew, road support & wellness team. Bless them all as they really helped me this year.


DEPARTURE
FROM TORONTO (Day 1)

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.

Thanks for joining me below,
on a week's recap from Toronto to Montreal...


2019 LESSONS
TO REMEMBER

These were the top 3 themes
noted from 2019
...
Through my perspective in my life.

Picture

Go Be You

Expressing 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!

Picture

You Are Enough

We 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.
Picture

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!



THE 6-DAY
JOURNEY TO MTL

Picture
Picture

Day 4: The HIV Ceremony
A special evening on the St. Lawrence River

This evening is a poignant contrast to the rest of the week's excitement and celebration.  Crew and cyclists share stories of personal struggles and why they are participating in the Bike Rally.  It strengthens the community in ways you cannot imagine.  This evening was the nightcap to my 41st birthday.  There was a shooting star and I was amoung friends. 
We awoke the next day, with a few days to Montreal, stronger and more connected.
And there were more head-winds.


A SPECIAL
THANKS INDEBTED

Thanks to such
amazing & supportive
people!
(for my body & my bike)

Picture
1. Tom, Bev & Mark at Infinity Cycle (Windsor) making last minute tire adjustments
Picture
3, Anser, Dr. Howitt & the CMCC team for providing treatment care & compassion
Picture
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!


Picture
2. Jon and the Sweet Pete's mechanics made constant adjustments to help knee pain
Picture


ARRIVAL AT
MONTREAL!

Oh, what a feeling!

Thank you!
Thanks for sponsoring or supporting this opportunity, for helping eliminate the stigma around HIV & AIDS,  for helping communities see value in kindness, and for raising
$1.66 million for Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.
What's next?
I'm not making the same mistake as I did last year - by not carrying on the momentum of the summer's movement.  That includes cycling, staying physically active with training, continuing meaningful conversations about stigmas and wellness, inspiring others with their goals, and taking as many opportunities of privilege to be kind and show gratitude.

Picture
Sponsor MY 2019 RIDE
JOIN THE RALLY IN 2020
SPONSOR ME FOR 2020
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.