|
Ride On 2025!
A one-day cycling event, taking place in Langley, B.C. on August 23, 2025 to replace the Tour de Cure. All fundraising dollars go to Canadian Cancer Society. Donate!
Launch of Ride on 2025. I think I'm trying to figure out if I like my drink...
|
|
Paul and I showing of our Brainiacs water bottles
|
Myself and my friend Edmond Chan
|
The trio
|
Tour de Cure
|
Update: Unfortunately the annual Tour de Cure ride has been canceled. We were very sad to hear this and looking for other ways the Brainiacs can continue to ride and support cancer care and research. Fall 2024. For more info: https://tourdecure.ca/ 
|
|
Where the dollars go and personalized medicine--CTV News (click to see video)
|
My new bike I picked up from the bike shop the other day! The back wheel lists genes of interest in brain cancer. The front wheel shows various lines in each chromosome that matches the location of a gene on the back tire. What's written on my water bottle is the change of an amino acid as a result of a specific mutation in the IDH1 gene (Chr2). Having this mutation, which I had, is associated with a more favorable prognosis. Hope is stronger than fear.
|
First year of the ride, 2009
How it all started...
In 2009, just 5 years since my cancer diagnosis, the inaugural year of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I did the 2-day ride. Myself and 3 other GBM survivors created a team for that ride called the BRAINIACS; we have grown immensely in size over the years since.
As a Founding Brainiac, my initial motivations were to contribute back to the community for, well, nothing short of saving my life. Dollars from the ride go into much needed research at BC Cancer through the BC Cancer Foundation. As a cancer researcher myself for over 20 years, it feels extra meaningful.
But in that first few rides, other reasons came apparent along the way. To stay in shape. To calm the mind. To help others. All good things to help make sure sure the GBM does not return. One year, in the middle of one of the ride days I was exhausted going up a steep hill. I was about to stop and take a break when I looked up and the guy in front of me had a prosthetic leg. If he can go up the hill, I certainly could I thought to myself and continued without a rest stop.
The epic ride, now known as the Tour de Cure, is filled with meaning, adventure and new experiences. To ride together with other cancer survivors and those supporting friends and family is so inspirational. Sometime nice chats along the way, other moments in quietness. Sometimes in a group, sometimes alone. I might ride with my team in one or more 20-30km segments, ride with others I had never met before, or ride completely on my own in deep thought.
This year's ride: Aug 24-25, 2024.
We have raised over $4 million since our inception!
In 2009, just 5 years since my cancer diagnosis, the inaugural year of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I did the 2-day ride. Myself and 3 other GBM survivors created a team for that ride called the BRAINIACS; we have grown immensely in size over the years since.
As a Founding Brainiac, my initial motivations were to contribute back to the community for, well, nothing short of saving my life. Dollars from the ride go into much needed research at BC Cancer through the BC Cancer Foundation. As a cancer researcher myself for over 20 years, it feels extra meaningful.
But in that first few rides, other reasons came apparent along the way. To stay in shape. To calm the mind. To help others. All good things to help make sure sure the GBM does not return. One year, in the middle of one of the ride days I was exhausted going up a steep hill. I was about to stop and take a break when I looked up and the guy in front of me had a prosthetic leg. If he can go up the hill, I certainly could I thought to myself and continued without a rest stop.
The epic ride, now known as the Tour de Cure, is filled with meaning, adventure and new experiences. To ride together with other cancer survivors and those supporting friends and family is so inspirational. Sometime nice chats along the way, other moments in quietness. Sometimes in a group, sometimes alone. I might ride with my team in one or more 20-30km segments, ride with others I had never met before, or ride completely on my own in deep thought.
This year's ride: Aug 24-25, 2024.
We have raised over $4 million since our inception!
Feb 24, 2024: 20 years since I collapsed!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C33Mk4QPaJ0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/C33Mk4QPaJ0/
Tour de Cure 2024
Training for the Tour
|
The ~220km ride requires good stamina and focus. Racing down long steep hills or on a thin bike lane on a busy bridge, I require intense concentration as in these scenarios, my double vision is not helpful; often need to close one eye!
This year we were hit with heavy rain on the first day. When going down a hill, very fast, the rain felt like little pellets smacking my face! It amazing to think I was a founding member of the Brainiacs 15 years ago. We have positively affected so many folks over the years, made new friends, and supported eachother. We are one big family, each of us touched by cancer. |
|
Tour de Cure 2023
The start - excited!
|
The finish - exhausted!
This finish - what a weekend!
|
|
Enjoying the original Brainiacs jersey!
My mom is my inspiration this years ride; she passed away Oct 2022.
|
previously known as:
The Ride to Conquer Cancer 2019
Thank you!Your donation goes a long way...most importantly contributes to much needed funding for cancer research. It also allowed me to do the ~ 220km ride over two days. It was quite the adventure this year, my first time doing the new route where we stay in Canada. And this time on a new shiny red bike as my old one was stolen earlier in the year!
From Cloverdale to Hope. On the first day, issues with my bike required some time at the first pit-stop for repairs. Thankfully, unlike the last two rides, no injuries and perfect weather contribute to an amazing experience. Family met us in Hope for a nice dinner. Overall a great weekend which could not happen without you. So thank you!! 
|
Approaching the finish line in the 2019 ride.
|
Looking forward to the next pit stop!
|
My dad with Noam and I
En route on the second day. Cancer survivors road with a yellow flag.
|
The early years... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 - The 2nd year of the ride with our cool looking jerseys I designed!
|
|
Poster at BC Cancer
|
Poster at BC Cancer with Co-founder Paul Chapman followed be fellow rider Ray DeMayer
|
|
|
|