Becel Ride For Heart 2009

Today I cycled on the Don Valley Parkway (Hwy) in the Becel Ride For Heart. This was my second year in a row participating and it was a lot of fun. Matt and I got up at 5am and were on our way by 6:30am. Last year we cycled to the event, but this year we were lazy and tested our shiny new bike rack, which worked great! We parked just outside of the CNE and cycled into the start line. We were there for the “Early Bird” start of 7:15-7:45am and found the line of cyclists moving smoothly and didn’t have to stop and wait in the queue.

The weather was overcast, chilly and we had a little bit of light rain at the start. Matt and I rode together until the turn around for the 25km. At which point I decided to turn around and only ride the 25km course and Matt continued along the 5okm. Sadly I hurt my hand a little while ago, long rides and using the brakes was really making it sore, I didn’t want to over do it.

The second half of my ride back along the DVP/Gardner was nice. I stopped a few times to take photos (which are below) and to get out my ipod for musical inspiration. It was a lot of fun cycling along a nearly empty highway (empty since we were in the early bird time slot and the majority of cyclists hadn’t started until an hour after us) and listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and Basement Jaxx. Strange mix I know, but they both have great beats and melodies to cycle to.

I finished my ride as most of the participants were just getting started. There were hundreds of people lined up in the queue. There was one guy around 10 car lengths ahead of me riding into the finish line, otherwise I was arriving there on my own. It was a really cool feeling to ride across the finish and have the groups of RFH volunteers cheering me on. I couldn’t help but smile and I felt my eyes starting to get watery, I’m not sure if it was the wind and pollen in my eyes or the joy of knowing that I accomplished something great, all in an effort to raise awareness and funds to help those I love and those that I don’t even know. I’ll blame the wind ;)

Even with my photography stops I completed my 25.6km ride in 1h 10min.

I would like to thank everyone who supported me on my ride this year by donating to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. It’s a great cause that is close to my heart as it’s helped so many people I love.