SNKCR 2014

A BIG Thank-You to All My Supporters!

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 14:47:35 +0000

The training is done (5500kms later), the packing is complete and the day has arrived to leave for the National Kids Cancer Ride. I couldn’t be doing this ride without the support of my donors, friends, family and coaches (biking Rick Koschinsky and Go Girl trainer Yeeshin Loh).

I raised $31,084 for children living with cancer. Every dollar 100% goes to this cause. It is only with each of you wanting to support me that we are going to get one step closer to curing children’s cancer.

Every day as I get on my bike to ride with my wheel family I will be riding for each and every one of you and the children. This is childhood cancer month and the National Riders will visit ~200 communities to bring awareness and spread the word of childhood cancer. It isn’t right that children get cancer as they should be allowed to be children.

As I journey across this great country there will be challenges and tears will flow as I meet children and families going through their cancer journey. I will be blogging along the way, so please do follow our journey.

Thank-You, Joan

NKCR Training & Fundraising Activities

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 17:34:14 +0000

Winter Training:I worked out 2-3 times a week at Go Girl Transformation Center (Dan Go owner) over the winter with excellent trainers. I started indoor cycle training 3 times a week using my bike on a trainer mid November 2016 – mid April 2017 at BI Cruppo with Vito Barbera (excellent instructor & owner). In addition twice a week I did dance lessons at ‘Dance with me Toronto’ with instructor Egor Belasov (excellent instructor & owner).

Spring/Summer Training:Out on the road biking 5-6 times a week(when the weather co-operated), focus was on specific exercises i.e. hill repeats, sprints, ox pulls, cadence drills, and 1-2 longs rides back to back (80k-160k).

In addition I participated in several Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation events:

1. Hero Ride (Toronto to Collingwood 2 day bike ride 128kms/day)

2. Tour for Kids Alberta ( 3 day bike ride for kids cancer camp Kindle 168kms, 178kms & 52kms)

3. Tour for Kids Nova Scotia (2 day bike for Kids camp Brigadoon 152kms & 116kms)

4. Tour for Kids Ontario scheduled Aug 18-20

Fundraising Activities :Go Girl Transformation Center held an “Inside Ride” event hosted by Coast to Coast and thanks to Dan Go for agreeing to hold this event and to all the trainers, Go Girl members and non-members who participated as well as volunteers and sponsors for the draws the event raised $22,248 for children’s cancer. THANK-YOU! In addition I received corporate and individual donations giving me a total of $29,483 only $517 away from my goal of $30,000. I want to give a big shout out to all my sponsors for their support because without I could not make my ride possible and with all your donations this will bring us one step closer to finding a cure for children’s cancer.

Did you know that the town of Rouleau Sk is where the TV Series...

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 03:19:25 +0000

Did you know that the town of Rouleau Sk is where the TV Series “Corner Gas” was filmed? Well you do now! Team One were on there way to Estevan when we came across this cool photo opportunity.

All together now…

“You think there’s not a lot goin’ on…
but look closer baby you’re so wrong…
And that’s why you can stay so long…

Bet you have this song ear wormed into your head now…enjoy!

Here’s the SNKCR annual “Little Dilapidated House on...

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 03:00:07 +0000

Here’s the SNKCR annual “Little Dilapidated House on the Prairie” photo near Parkbeg SK. I am amazed every year when we show up the house is still standing…you would think one good windstorm would send it to the land of Oz! Each year, the team marks their visit as Mr. Rushton is clearly indicating. You might notice the “6” is the colour blue. This was done in honor of former two time National Rider Ulana K’s daughter Taissa who passed away in 2001 at the tender age of 13…blue was Taissa’s favourite colour. Love you Momma Bear!

Time for a little bragging…my niece Jess took this...

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 02:32:17 +0000

Time for a little bragging…my niece Jess took this photo…not exactly sure where somewhere in the Prairies. I looks like a painting! She obviously got her artistic flair from her uncle :). In fact, the 4 photographers we’ve had on the ride (Jess, Geoff (GG) Gabriel, the lovely and talented Kerry Grogan and the lovely and talented Mike Leiter) have snapped some amazing and unbelievable pictures just like this one. You really should go to the website check out their masterpieces. .

http://searsnationalkidscancerride.com/

Okay…it is time to end the debate once and for all! Who...

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 20:32:44 +0000

Okay…it is time to end the debate once and for all! Who is better looking?

a.) Me

b.) Doug

c.) None of the above?

d.) er….can I phone a friend?

Please text your responses now to 1-889-462-2737…

That number again 1-88W-HOC-ARES…

Votes early, vote often!

The “infamous” Piapot Saloon! Piapot Saskatchewan...

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 20:03:06 +0000

The “infamous” Piapot Saloon! Piapot Saskatchewan (pop. 55) is halfway between Calgary and Regina. It was once a thriving community back in the 1950’s but today it resembles more of a ghost town. I stumbled upon it back in 2008 looking for a rest stop and we have been coming here ever since! The proprietor (Glenn) open his doors wide to us every year and it is always one of the highlights of the ride. See you next year, Glenn.

Medicine Hat - Day Four. Please meet National Riders Erin &...

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 15:50:37 +0000

Medicine Hat - Day Four. Please meet National Riders Erin & Shannon Rooney along with their brother Sean and his wife Trish. Their son Dominic, (Erin & Shannon’s nephew) battled cancer for must of his short life. Dom was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) just before he turned 1 and sadly passed away on September 3, 2015 just before his 3rd birthday. This really resonated with me, bringing back memories of Corey all those many years ago during a tragic time in our family’s history. Together, Erin & Shannon have raised over $60,000 and 100% of these funds will go towards childhood cancer research and treatment. In my books, they are a couple of superstars! And maybe…just maybe some day we won’t have to hear sad stories about angels like Dominic and Corey.

Day Three, cycling through Banff National Park. As my old...

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 04:05:33 +0000

Day Three, cycling through Banff National Park. As my old friend Irish Pat likes to say “It’s a great country, Canada!”

Day Three, Calgary. This is Taylor Wheatley, two time National...

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 04:01:30 +0000

Day Three, Calgary. This is Taylor Wheatley, two time National Rider and Cancer survivor posing with her new boyfriend. Not sure which one is the Super Hero…probably both!

I would like you to meet Fiona & Scott Steele from...

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:00:42 +0000

I would like you to meet Fiona & Scott Steele from Lunenburg, NS. This is Fiona’s second year volunteering and Scott’s first and together as they form the dynamic Chef’s Extraordinaire duo, feeding Team One as we cross the country. They are without a doubt the epitome of the Yin and Yang couple! Fiona is a live wire of frenetic energy…if I could bottle this, I would spike my hockey kids water before each and every game and we would go undefeated. Scott is sort of laid back, “take it as it comes” kind of guy. They are beautiful people! They are pictured here in White Rock looking for the perfect stone to toss into the Atlantic when they arrive on the 24th. This is a tradition that goes back to the ride’s inception. In 2013, Scott and Fiona were told that their 15 year old son Simon had cancer. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) which is the most treatable form of leukemia. Unfortunately, he also had a rare chromosomal issue that made it very difficult to treat his cancer. As a result, Simon passed away in 2014. How do you recover from losing a child? The answer is you never will fully recover, but for Fiona and Simon, being part of this ride means so much to them…their efforts will help children who are still going through treatment (which often leads to a long and lengthy recovery) and will help children who have yet to be diagnosed. They are up early every day…go to bed late and do so with love in their hearts and smiles on their faces. You guys are awesome!

On Day 2 (Sept 8th) Team One stopped in the town of Sorrento BC...

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 21:11:26 +0000

On Day 2 (Sept 8th) Team One stopped in the town of Sorrento BC (pop. 2011) for lunch. The grade 5 & 6 students from the Elementary School dropped by to greet the riders. One young lad seems to have a particular interest in Ron Mitchell’s shoes! We were a bit late arriving, so we missed the opportunity of the children lining the roads and clapping the he riders in. When they came over to where we were eating, one boy was overheard chatting with his buddy…“I thought we were going to seem them ride in?" To which his pal replied, "We missed it." The first boy looked at his friend and said, "How do we know they even rode their bikes at all? They could have just driven here!" I’m sure this kid will be my future boss some day…

I’d like you to meet my friend Ken Cross. Ken is pictured...

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:51:51 +0000

I’d like you to meet my friend Ken Cross. Ken is pictured here at White Rock getting ready to lead Team One across the country for the sixth time. He has a daughter Megan who has survived cancer twice…with the help of her older sister Leah who at the age of 9 gave her sister some of her bone marrow to help Megan win her battle. She has been cancer free for 6 years! Ken gives back because he can and he will continue to ride for the children who cannot. Is Ken a hero? Of course he is, but he will tell you that Megan, Leah and the 10,000 Canadian children fighting this dreaded disease are the real hero’s.

I would like you to meet Nolan. We met Nolan at the BC...

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:24:57 +0000

I would like you to meet Nolan. We met Nolan at the BC Children’s hospital back on Sept 6th. He was diagnosed at 12 and cancer free at 17…and he is giving back. For someone so young, he has quite an insightful outlook on life. he told us that if he could go back and change the last 4 years of his life, he would not erase the cancer from his life…it has made him a stronger person and given him perspective about what is important in life. I think we are looking at a future National Rider

Hi Everyone. Well, so much for blogging while I was on the...

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:08:26 +0000

Hi Everyone. Well, so much for blogging while I was on the ride. Old technology and not enough hours in the day stood in my way. I am going to try and catch up this week and tell you about some of my personal highlights from this incredible journey. Stay tuned.

Catching up to the riders after cleaning up from lunch. Will...

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:38:52 +0000

Catching up to the riders after cleaning up from lunch. Will stop to cheer them on along the road before heading to the showers and making dinner.

#searsca
#lifeofaninstantvolunteer
#snkcr2016
#doingitforthekids
#doingitforthenationalriders

Travelling to Thesselon to make lunch for those travelling on 2...

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 14:01:51 +0000

Travelling to Thesselon to make lunch for those travelling on 2 wheels.

Gchi-Waaswaaganing providing a fantastic respite for the Sears...

Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:49:54 +0000

Gchi-Waaswaaganing providing a fantastic respite for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride this morning. I found a symmetry with the traits used to describe kids who endure the atrocities of cancer treatment.

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 21:57:41 +0000

Too many angels.
More angels
More awareness
More money
More cure

#searsca #snkcr2016 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?SID=(!SolicitationID)&LangPref=en-CA&EID=194470

#searsca #snkcr2016 #milesformichael

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:27:17 +0000

#searsca #snkcr2016 #milesformichael

Today we ride for Mike Leiter Jr who passed away in 2006 after a...

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:21:49 +0000

Today we ride for Mike Leiter Jr who passed away in 2006 after a 2 year battle.

We start the morning with a shuttle to Quetico to start our ride to Thunder Bay and the heart of childhood cancer, the Terry Fox Memorial.

The sun is shining and we’ll be spirited along our route by all the angels.

Good morning from Atikokan. Always a warm welcome from the...

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:05:42 +0000

Good morning from Atikokan. Always a warm welcome from the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre.
We’re heading to Thunder Bay today. Always a special day.

#searsca #snkcr2016 #childhoodcancer #beyondkidscancer

At dawn we ride

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:33:32 +0000

At dawn we ride

Day 1 and 2 Taking me awhile to get use to riding with my team...

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:31:46 +0000

Day 1 and 2

Taking me awhile to get use to riding with my team mates who are much stronger riders than I am but I am riding with a great bunch of people and I am grateful to all of them.

I had my first encounter with Ben the Sears Bear and this is the first of many pictures of us together.

Ben “Batman” FarrellBen had a tummy ache and it was thought to...

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 05:24:47 +0000

Ben “Batman” Farrell

Ben had a tummy ache and it was thought to be acid reflux. Dec 24th he was diagnosed with stage IV Wilms tumour which usually does can be treated. Unfortunately, Ben had a rare form that did not respond to treatment.

Ben started chemo on Dec.25 2015, a day when children should br playing with their new toys and enjoying a family dinner. Ben was being pumped up with toxic drugs that would hopefully save his life.

At the age of 5, Ben went through 7 months of chemo and radio therapy sessions and there was nothing more that could be done in Ireland where he and his family lived. The family , with the help of many donations, went abroad to get more treatments for Ben.

The above picture was of Ben in Lake Michigan only 2 days after reviewing chemotherapy.

I dedicated my second day of the ride to Ben, I have been struggling a bit getting use to the “"saddle “ again but I ride with Ben’s picture on my bike to remind me of why I ride and to suck it up and ride

Another great meal from Sears Polo Park. You never let us...

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 01:19:55 +0000

Another great meal from Sears Polo Park. You never let us down.

#searsca #snkcr2016 #incredibleteammembers

Two Charities Helping Families

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:57:32 +0000

Any day on a bike is a good day even if the conditions test your spirit. Winds from the north east made split today’s ride.

Today we rode for three children from one community, Melita Manitoba.

Two children were diagnosed with a form of leukemia. One has neuroblastoma.

One of boys, Corson, led us in his brand new BMX bike with the trick bars. He left us in his dust as he rode up the hill to the Melita Curling Club.

At 9 months, Jase, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. He had a softball sized tumour in his abdomen. His parents explained that the tumour is jelly like and was not obvious to the touch.

At 3, he is waiting for his latest scan results. If they come back clean he will continue the busy life of a 3 year old.

The family spent many nights at the Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg. As a proud employee of McDonald’s, I’m also happy to hear when families are able to take advantage of one of the 14 Houses across the country.

As I say to the families…I wish you didn’t need the help of either charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities or Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation…though I am proud to be associated with both.

We get to see interesting places and meeting even more...

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:30:05 +0000

We get to see interesting places and meeting even more interesting people in #snkcr2016.

Each yesterday #snkcr has ridden through Parkbeg, Saskatchewan, the ride has stopped to mark the ride just across the street from the Parkbeg Cafe. Standing on its own is a deserted house. The owner saw a need in the community and opened his home to the local kids. The house served as a local schoolhouse for kids from miles around.

Now it sits abandoned with the marks of SNCKR 2008 through to 2016.

Like every business, the Parkbeg Cafe list their business hours. And inside we met Leta Ferguson. Leta moved from Ontario to Saskatchewan to open a restaurant. And you can see by the hours of business her restaurant is very down to earth and laid back.

In the shuttle to Estevan we made a quick pit stop at Corner Gas in Dog River.

A great day all around.

Good morning from Swift Current City Council Representatives and...

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 13:43:03 +0000

Good morning from Swift Current City Council Representatives and Luc. Luc is 6 years old and got up early this morning to see us.

How #SNKCR2016 riders relax after a fast 170 km. # yogarocks...

Sun, 11 Sep 2016 00:37:46 +0000

How #SNKCR2016 riders relax after a fast 170 km.

# yogarocks #swiftcurrant #kineticpark

Gravity Sports, Medicine Hat Alberta

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 20:19:45 +0000

When you ride 170 km a day every day a bike is bound to need some loving. A big huge shout out to Gravity Sports in Medicine Hat Alberta.

Thank you for repairing my bike today at no cost. Your generosity to someone from out of town is heartfelt.

Thanks to your generosity my bike was ready in less than an hour so I can continue my journey as a Sears National Kids Cancer Rider

#dominicstrong #snkcr2016 #payingitforward #beyondkidscancer

Stella rides again #snkcr2016

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 13:43:53 +0000

Stella rides again #snkcr2016

Ode to the Volunteers

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 01:58:11 +0000

I have arrived at SNCKR 2016. First order of business was dinner hosted by Sears at Southcentre Mall in Calgary. General Manager, Jeff, and his staff put on a great spread. Then it was back to the number truck to try to get organized. No such luck. Out volunteer transport driver has a long haul ahead so it was out of the bunk truck and into the RV to head to Goodluck Fitness where the riders showered.

We’re on the highway to Medicine Hat now. I’m in RV 1A aka the Van Dyk RV. Our drivers are Margie and Mary. They are sisters in law. In the RV is Mary’s daughter Tracey and Margie’s daughter Laura. Laura fiance Steve and adopted brother Dan are also in the RV. The photographer Kerry rounds out the group.

The drivers volunteer their time and are up at the crack of dawn to organize breakfast. They drive all day helping out at the rest stops, doing laundry, making lunch, grocery shopping and everything in between. They are the last to bed each night. And all this out of the goodness of their heart.

I quickly remembered that the volunteers do the lionshare if the work every day and without them, our ride would not be feasible.

Thank you to our volunteers: Mary Margie Tim Doug Kerry Mark Fiona Scott Jim Geoff Kerri Jen

What a welcome from Sears at South centre Mall.

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 23:32:25 +0000

What a welcome from Sears at South centre Mall.

Ready to head to the airport. Waiting for my travelling...

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 15:07:41 +0000

Ready to head to the airport. Waiting for my travelling companion.

I’m a little apprehensive abouy the ride this year. I’ve been off the bike for three weeks recovering from a crash.

I hope my body is up for this. I can’t really compare it to the way a parent hopes their child’s body can fight off cancer. I will use the apprehension as motivation.

#snkcr2016

It’s a little before 10 pm here on the left...

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:31:40 +0000

It’s a little before 10 pm here on the left coast…the hotel is beginning to quiet down as all the preparations have been made and we are as ready as we will ever be. I’ve been out here for 4 days, in some ways it seems like 40…Danny Glover’s character from the movie Lethal Weapon (Roger Murtaugh) comes to mind…”I’m too old for this sh*t”!

But then I think back to the other night after dinner, we went around the room an introduced ourselves and told everyone why we were here participating in the crazy event. There were about 50 people in the room and 22 of them have been directly impacted by childhood cancer! That is a staggering number! However as sad as this is, there are no feelings of pity in the room…but you sure can feel the resolve and a determination to make a difference in children’s lives. I’m going to be talking about my team mates a lot over the next 18 days…each and every one of them is a hero in their own way. And yes maybe I am too old for this sh*t, but for the next three weeks I will have the heart of a lion and the strength of a bear because as tired as I may be and as sore as I may feel and as tough a day I have had to go through…this day will be a walk in the park compared to a day of a child who has cancer.

Tomorrow, the riders dip their wheels in the Pacific Ocean in White Rock and the adventure will begin once again.

Click on the link and follow us on our journey…

http://searsnationalkidscancerride.com/

Thanks again for all your support.

Niagara Falls City council Meeting

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:28:47 +0000

Niagara Falls City council Meeting:

Just a bit of what I was up to this summer. Public speaking is very hard for me.

All geared up and ready to go. Our first stop today is the BC...

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:15:21 +0000

All geared up and ready to go. Our first stop today is the BC Children’s Hospital. Bring on those hills!!!!

Thanks to my wife, Jenny, my gear and bike made it to Vancouver...

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:04:37 +0000

Thanks to my wife, Jenny, my gear and bike made it to Vancouver before me. Included was a dew rag made with love and encouraging messages. Looking forwarded to wearing it and my 2016 kit!!

September 5 After a 6 am flight from Regina , a 2 hour layover in Calgary , I have met up with my SNKCR wheel family!

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:46:16 +0000

There is always Hope!

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:15:27 +0000

There is always Hope!

Four days until I join these angels, some have their wings, ...

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:06:49 +0000

Four days until I join these angels, some have their wings, some don’t. Eight days of taking ACTION the best way I know how. How will you take action?

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=3498564&langPref=en-CA

Got out of my comfort zone today, was interviewed by our local cable station on my ride from Coast...

Wed, 25 May 2016 00:30:26 +0000

Got out of my comfort zone today, was interviewed by our local cable station on my ride from Coast to Coast for childhood cancer thought i did a good job but realized later i got some dates wrong. Next stop to talk at the Niagara Falls city council meeting on my ride.

so my time at home is nearing an end have ridden over 550 km while ive been home and finally joined...

Mon, 23 May 2016 23:02:38 +0000

so my time at home is nearing an end have ridden over 550 km while ive been home and finally joined up with a bike club in the falls. I dont have that much time as most to ride as work takes me away from home and time to ride but one thing is for certain i will always give it my best,

so ive finally got my shit together and have ridden 333km in the last 3 days. its tough riding by...

Fri, 20 May 2016 22:39:41 +0000

so ive finally got my shit together and have ridden 333km in the last 3 days. its tough riding by yourself but it only makes you stronger. As ive learnt the saying HTFU as cancer never takes a day off.

so i go for a ride today and end up taking a wrong turn 166 km later and Im home. This ride was for...

Thu, 19 May 2016 23:12:18 +0000

so i go for a ride today and end up taking a wrong turn 166 km later and Im home. This ride was for my dad Anthony Babbage who is fighting the Big C right now and not allowing it to slow him down or get him down. Also a big thank you goes out to Corey Kantola for showing those hills for me to climb a few years ago they were for you today.

Photo

Wed, 18 May 2016 23:55:25 +0000

so its been awhile for me to write something her so its about time i changed this . This will be my...

Wed, 18 May 2016 23:54:23 +0000

so its been awhile for me to write something her so its about time i changed this . This will be my third year ridding from coast to coast across Canada for childhood cancer and also im HAPPY to say ive raised over $1000,000 in that time 100% of which is given back to where it is needed the most please continue to follow my posts as we all fight this BRUTAL disease.

trumpetsofthedoodlesquad: … This troubles me

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:24:49 +0000

trumpetsofthedoodlesquad:

… This troubles me

Photo

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 19:43:18 +0000