Biking for A Cause – Great Cycle Challenge 2024

This will be my fourth summer involved with this cause. I think it is safe to say that we all have causes that are dear to our hearts. We all care about and support a variety of things. We give back. I started this cause after I retired from a 30+ year as a teacher. Finding a cause that supported kids who were doing their best to beat cancer played right into my commitment to help kids who were struggling, my heart has always been there. I taught special kids, I worked with parents who were doing their best to support their kids who were struggling and our family has been through cancer, several times. It is a devastating disease and to see it attack a child is heart-bursting. So, I have committed to riding 300 km each August to support The Great Cycle Challenge. This year, with Sebastian joining to make a team, we are hoping to ride 800 km and raise $3000 – the most I have ever tried to raise.

Today, we are at 469 km and $2561 – for those of you without a calculator, that means we are a little over halfway through our challenge and we have 331 km to go and $439 left to reach our goal. So many people have sponsored us and we are so grateful. In the end, it is always about doing the best your can with what you have.

Today, I heard the phrase “motion is lotion” and it really hit me how important it is to keep moving, especially as you age. I want to keep climbing mountains, hiking trails, riding my bike and lifting weights and playing golf, swimming and walking and doing it all without pain or discomfort. Lifting weights regularly means that your bone density will remain strong and you won’t break bones as easily as you age. Eating healthy calories and staying active means you won’t carry extra weight that inhibits movement – especially in your hips. I love a bowl of chips or a glass of wine but, they are a treat – and not a regular occurrence. For me, I want to watch what I put in my mouth so that I can live longer and stay active.

All this means that I am healthy and active enough to commit to 300 km of riding every summer to support Kid’s Cancer. How great is that! Being blessed means you try to bless others. Find your cause and make a difference.