On June 16 and 17, more than 3,000 cyclists rode from Vancouver to Seattle for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. The total distance was 240 kilometers.
If you remember that weekend, it was two days of non-stop, torrential rain. There was no escaping getting wet, especially if you were riding a bike. But I didn't hear one negative word about the ride, not from anyone.
The stories I heard described a fantastic experience. People said they felt great riding the distance. They told me about meeting other riders and sharing a memorable adventure. I was mildly surprised nobody complained about wet tents, soggy shoes or the fact that hardly anyone had fenders to shield other riders from the dirty spray from their tires.
I was motivated to hear the weather didn't deter riders from enjoying the accomplishment of not only cycling 240 km but also raising $11.2 million for cancer research and care.
Riding for charity gives you a purpose to ride and keeps you motivated to train. Most charity rides require many months of preparation, which gives you time to raise the money you need to participate.
Every time you get on your bike, you can think of the people you're riding for-the friends and family who have died or survived a disease, as well as the unseen, nameless faces of countless other patients and their supporters. That thought in itself should get you out the door. For those of us who are able-bodied and have enough money to own a bike, supporting a charity ride is one small thing we can do for others. Raising money for a cause you consider worthy is the main purpose, but here are four more benefits to joining a charity ride this season.
Get out there
As a new rider, charity rides are a great way get involved in the sport. You meet new people to ride with and learn different cycling routes. Vancouver can be a difficult place to meet new friends. Charity rides provide a common goal to unite cyclists, making it easier to meet people. Free group rides or fundraising events are great opportunities to find new riding partners and get involved in the community.
Get better
Some charities, like Team in Training (teamintraining.ca rides for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada) or Team Diabetes (diabetes.ca), even offer free training programs in exchange for your fundraising efforts.
The coaches teach the basics of the sport and make sure you're prepared to complete the distance.
Coming back for more as a past coach for Team in Training, I have seen riders return year after year because they support the organization's goals, love the people and revel in the team spirit. It isn't just for beginners.
Get to work
Do you believe in a worthy cause that needs money? Create your own charity ride. A great deal of work may be involved but the rewards will be greater.
The importance of helping others is so strong that many corporations create their own charities and use a long-distance ride as the focal point.
This common goal helps build team spirit since everyone must work together while raising money and training for the distance. Whatever your reason, riding for a cause is a challenge that will impact your life in more ways than you will ever expect.
Kristina Bangma is a coach, personal trainer and writer with a love of riding and racing. Email questions to [email protected].
MOST INSPIRING RIDER
Michael Geilen was diagnosed with ataxia, a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder that impairs co-ordination and movement, when he was 18.
He was not close to his family and moved to the Downtown Eastside shortly after. He lives in the Jim Green Residence and calls himself "the maniac with the adult trike," relying on a tricycle for daily mobility and quality of life.
He also says the three-wheeler brings him independence, joy and the opportunity to give to others. In 2009 Geilen completed 80 kilometres of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. He volunteered the next year and in 2011 crossed the finish line. He raised $2,500 this year and next year aims to double that contribution.
He was recognized as the most inspiring participant on this year's ride.
