The journey and the goal...

Yesterday was the official start of my 2017 road biking season; similar to previous official starts, the day was sunny, warm, and spring was in the air. And like the last three years, it also marked the beginning of my road training for an upcoming 212 km ride in June to fight cancer.

As with previous years I have the honour to ride with three of my good friends, and if I'm not mistaken they too have started their journey and the countless "rpms" that come with preparing for the ride. Sometimes we train together and sometimes alone, but in the end we will ride the 212 kms as a team.

Our goal in all of this is to ride with 5000 other people in the Princess Margaret Ride to Conquer Cancer, raise awareness, raise money, and beat cancer in our lifetime. This is the 10th Anniversary of the ride and it will be an amazing event. About the Ride

As I made my way on such a beautiful day I was re-introduced to my bike after a long winter; the wind in my face slowing my progress, the twinge in my knee working itself out, and the feel of being in the saddle again (as I periodically shifted for comfort). As the kilometres melted away, I could not help but reflect on the small journey I was embarking on; all those other training rides in my future and my desire to be prepared for the ride. My goal in all of this is to support those people who are on a very different journey... a journey where they are battling cancer each and every day.

Our lives are full of journeys and goals; some of them are small and some of them are life changing — Starting university because you want to be an engineer and build bridges. The dream of becoming CFO coming true shortly before the CEO voices her dream of going public. That six month sabbatical that is for nothing other than travel. Dating again after four years because it's time. When the oncologist tells you there is no cure for the metastasized small cell lung carcinoma. And when you ride your bike for the first time to start preparing for a ride to defeat cancer in our lifetime.

These are our journeys. 

For the next two months my journey of preparation will have me riding as much as I can — I will endure the rain, the wind, the odd flat tire, and on June 10th I will ride like the wind. And as I ride, I will think of Janet, Garth, Paul, and Ray whose journey was cut short by cancer.

I have included a link to my personal page if you would like to donate to my ride.

Thank you 

iamgpe