To my friends at Beaches,
Well, I made it! I am the one in the photo with the “deer in the headlights “ expression!!! The photo was taken as we arrived in Montreal at the end of our 600 km cycle ride. The expression says so much more than fatigue and I would like to tell you a bit more now….
Through this experience I have learned so much about my limitations, my prejudices, my preconceived notions, my strengths, my faith, my ties to others, and, most importantly, what we can do when we come together in community.
I spent 6 days on the road with 240 other cyclists, and 75 road, safety and food crew members (all volunteers) to raise funds for the Toronto People with Aids Foundation. I cannot describe in words the fun and work we had.
Our training rides started in April (yes, in the rain and cold), on Saturdays, and by the end of May we were cycling both Saturdays and Sundays to build up our endurance. That is why you didn’t see me at Church after the middle of May!
The training rides were great preparation, but I didn’t have the opportunity to ride 100km per day for six days in a row until the Rally. A great shock to the butt! Together with that, I had to set up my tent, etc., when I arrived and put it all down in the morning before we left. I’m a veteran camper, so could set up camp without a really active brain. There were others not quite so lucky!
This is just a tiny synopsis of my journey. For anyone interested, I have a lot more!
With your help I was able to raise $2505.00 for the Foundation!
Peace
Susan
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ORIGINAL POST:
Dear Friends at Beaches,
Last September, following our study on HIV/Aids, Hugh, Henriette and I raised funds for our Church work in Africa. This cause has become very important to me and this year I have decided to participate in the Friends for Life Bike Rally taking place this summer. It's a big commitment, training every weekend, and I am asking for your help to support this cause.
Two years ago, I decided to take my dear old hybrid bike for a ride. "She" had been sitting restlessly in the bike room at my condo for about five years. All the other bikes had been taken out numerous times. Each time the key opened the door, she waited in eager anticipation.....surely it's my turn. Alas, it took five years. By that time, her hopes and tires were deflated. Then, one day, I entered the room and walked slowly towards her and said, "Your time is now". She looked around, certain that this voice was meant for someone else. I continued to walk towards her and I am certain that her handlebars gained strength. I gently used my key to open her locked chain, pumped her up and then, with trepidation, we were off. She was magnificent!! And, she will always be my first loved bicycle.
She helped me discover a true love for cycling. Aside from the health and environmental benefits, I feel incredibly blessed to be well enough to cycle as often and as far as my heart desires.
Now I have found another love and purpose for my cycling. I can use it to support others who often, simply due to circumstances, are too ill to do something as simple as sit on a bicycle. How lucky am I???
For six days beginning on July 29th 2007, I will cycle over 600 km from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. Together with about 300 cyclists and 100 support crew, we will embark on an incredible journey for an incredible cause.
While research into a cure for HIV/AIDS is a totally worthwhile cause, the People with AIDS foundation provides direct benefits NOW. Your donation helps to fund services for thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto. Here's an example:
- $150 supplies a family for one week with groceries from the Food Bank
- $70 provides a massage once a week to a PHA suffering from neuropathy
- $60 covers 1 naturopathic session
- $50 covers 1 month of naturopathic medication
- $45 buys a 2 month supply of glutamine which helps alleviate wasting
- $35 buys 1 week of meals via the Food For Life Program
- $30 buys 1 bottle of vitamins
Won't you take a moment and make a pledge. Help me reach my fundraising goal of $2,000 and help change someone's life.
To make a secure online donation, click here – https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/StartUp.aspx?SID=1431437.
Alternatively if you'd like to make a donation by cash or cheque contact me at susanm@sympatico.ca and I will tell you how. An income tax receipt will be issued for any donation over $15.
For more information about the Friends For Life Bike Rally 2007, or to join us on July 29th, please visit http://www.bikerally.org.
Thank you for your generous support. Together, we can make a positive difference.
Peace,
Susan