Update: Unfortunately this annual 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.
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Where the dollars go--CTV News (click to see video)
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First year of the ride, 2009
Tour de Cure
In 2009, the inaugural year of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I did the 2-day ride just 5 years after my brain cancer diagnosis. Myself and 3 other long term GBM survivors created a team for that ride called the BRAINIACS and 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, the inaugural year of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, I did the 2-day ride just 5 years after my brain cancer diagnosis. Myself and 3 other long term GBM survivors created a team for that ride called the BRAINIACS and 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
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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. |
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Tour de Cure 2023
The start - excited!
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The finish - exhausted!
This finish - what a weekend!
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Enjoying the original Brainiacs jersey!
My mom is my inspiration this years ride; she passed away Oct 2022.
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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!! 
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Approaching the finish line in the 2019 ride.
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Looking forward to the next pit stop!
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My dad with Noam and I
En route on the second day. Cancer survivors road with a yellow flag.
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Past years...
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2010 - The 2nd year of the ride with our cool looking jerseys I designed!
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Poster at BC Cancer
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Poster at BC Cancer with Co-founder Paul Chapman followed be fellow rider Ray DeMayer
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