In late 2008 I saw an ad on TV for something called the Ride to Conquer Cancer. I'd had it in my mind for a while to do a big charity ride and this event seemed appropriate. Almost everyone either knows someone who has been affected by cancer, or had been directly affected themselves. Thanks to advances in research and treatment, many beat the disease. Too many do not, despite the outstanding care here in BC, so I signed up, hoping to make a difference. In short, the 2009 ride was an incredible experience - so amazing that I signed up for 2010 at the half-way camp during the ride.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer is an epic two-day, 300km bike journey from Vancouver to Seattle on June 19/20, 2010 benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation. Riders commit to raising a minimum of $2500. In 2009, 1701 participants raised over $6.9 million. I raised $2690. This year, I'm aiming for $5000. You can help me reach my goal in many ways:

  • Donate. Whether you can give $10 or $1000, every dollar counts. You can donate in one shot, or spread your contribution over 2-10 monthly payments. Donations over $10 are tax-deductible.
  • Spread the word. Tell your friends and family. Link to this page. Send emails. Tweet about it. Post about it on Facebook, MySpace or whatever the social network du jour is.
  • Join the ride yourself. Vancouver to Seattle sounds like a long way, but it's actually a fairly easy ride. There were people from all walks of life on the 2009 ride: hard-core roadies, commuter/touring-cyclists like me, folks on mountain bikes, hand-cycles, recumbents and even one unicycle.
  • If you can't ride, consider signing up as a volunteer. The crew on the 2009 ride was simply awesome; they kept us fed, watered, healthy and our bikes in good shape. We can't ride without the crew.

Cancer affects us all. I'm doing my part to kill it; won't you join me?