Our Stories of the Ride2Survive

Firstly I must apologize for not being able to locate the ice-packs when they were needed. They were hidden in plain view hanging on the hooks on the wall of the trailer this morning right where I put them on Saturday morning.
Wow what a day. Ali and I are in awe of the achievements of the riders and the incredible efforts of our fellow volunteers. Not to single any out in particular but the young kids were terrific and Barbara Your banana box tossing skills are to be admired.
Kerry, Vicki and Les. Another huge success. Caren, thanks for keeping us headed in the right direction all day.
It was a huge privilige for us to volunteer and help the riders push through physical and mental limits all united toward a common goal in the hope that they "don't have to look in the mirror every morning in fear that cancer may have come back". I don't know if these were the exact words that were spoken on Friday evening by one of the survivors but that statement certainly made a big impression on us.

To the volunteers, Kerry, Vicki, the police escorts, the paramedics, the ride captains, our families who did the laundry and scooped the cat shite while we did our training, the church in Kelowna, Cactus Club, Rob and Caps South Shore cycles, the other riders who put a hand on my back, Pam, Caren, Helly Hansen, those who donated the use of buses, trailers, etc. I salute you. Thank you, thank you and did I say thank you?

An amazing day has left me physically and emotionally depleted, but on both counts it is a great feeling. I have extended the warm fuzzies by phoning my donors and thanking them and I highly recommend it. It only required a few minutes of my time to phone each of them, but I think each of them deserves my praise. After all, the funds raised are what it is all about.

Ray

PS--I have someone's small jacket and jersey (black with yellow). Let me know if you are missing these 'cause they don't fit me.

Ray 604.312.0143

Ride2Survive has been....empowering...humbling...thrilling...and frustrating.
This event was probably the most unbelievable thing I have ever been a
part of and one of the best experiences of my life.  I couldn't begin to
thank each of you personally as you deserve, but I will try, the very next
time I see each and every one of you.  To the riders with words of
encouragement, or to those I encouraged along the way, to the
volunteers - the most humbling of all, you worked and worked and
worked beyond all reason,  NO WAY this event happens without you.  To
the organizers, ride leaders and my friends old and new,  I thank you
for including me in Ride2Survive.  It is unthinkable to me not to be
there with you again next year.  But I'll never forget this, my first....

Ride2Survive.

There are so many incredible moments for me...so much gratitude that I wanted to share just a few of the moments...this was my first time as a relay rider...moment one - Friday night...when everyone shared why they do this...it was so powerful and so moving...so many stories of courage and gratitude for being alive and being able to do this ride because we can for those that can't...and because the money is actually making a difference in beating cancer...the new drugs and protocals are saving lives...another moment...riding along coldwater...a tough section that Kerry warned us about...working hard and then facing a harder climb...so close to the crest of the hill...and just when I thought I can't make it....Chad...put his hand on my back...and said keep pedaling you can do this...you're just about at the crest of the hill as he pushed me for a couple of minutes...so I made it...happily the only time I needed a push...and then another hill on coldwater...and Chad checking in...did I need a push...this time smiling no thanks I can do this do one...so grateful to him...the volunteers at every turn making sure we were fed and had everything we needed...this ride is not about the individual...it's about every one of safely finishing this ride...one last special moment to me...Maria my relay partner and I had wanted to make sure no matter what we started and finished the ride together...somewhere after Ft. Langley in the pitch black I rode over a big pot hole...and got a flat...so I pulled over to the side of the road and who pulled over with me...Maria of course...she wasn't going to leave me alone...after all the riders rode by...it was pitch black and kind of scary...as we waited for the support vehicle...then there they were...they loaded our bikes and we got in the truck....we were so grateful...they told us were sol...we were so dissappointed but accepting...we at least were together...they weren't fixing flats now...and then a voice on the radio Kerry's voice...asking them it they would do one last thing for us...after working so hard all day...would you fix Diana's flat tire....so they did....and then Kerry, Charles and Dave and some of our ride captains pulled over and led both Maria and I and two other people back into the ride so we could finish....together.  This ride has so much heart, it's not about the individual it's about the something way bigger...it's about community...it's about beating cancer...it's about love...it's about caring for each other...I'm so filled with gratitude because of that heart....I had the privilege of riding in this event...to all the riders who gave encouraging word...or shared their stories..all the volunteers who cared for us and cheered us on...the ride captains who gave of themselves all day to help us...Greg and Liz (our trainers) without their training I would never of finished this ride...and most especially to two very special leaders Vicki and Kerry...I say thank you....thank you...thank you....it was truly an honour to ride with you all.....Namaste   Diana

An event that became a journey.    This was my 4th R2S, and the most compelling segment of the Ride was before the ride, Friday evening, sharing, emotions, as we were to embark on this journey.    As we discovered it's okay to cry, it's human emotions that are part of our spirit and soul.    My son Michael who lost his battle to Leukemia in 1997, said Dad, "if we can help find a cure to Cancer that would be great, so that's why I ride, to make a little bit of a difference in helping with  this battle.      I know riding 400km. in one day will produce pain, both emotional and physical, and I wanted to feel this pain as though I was battling Cancer for just one day.    I had to pull off the side of the road on the back side of the Penske Summit and throw up, my stomach was in total knots, I thought my stomach was coming out, it was so painful, one rider said "and I thought my son was loud".  I had to battle through this, but it was just one day.  Many riders came along asking if I needed help, John Gillies, stopped immediately, Liz started to push me along, Kerry White  asked if I needed help, Charles stepped in to help,  John McNulty who stepped in with some stomach relaxants, and Dave C. asked if I was okay,  we truly have an amazing community.   We discovered on this day, what a community we are, inspiring each other to greater heights, and making a difference in what we do.  I can't imagine battling for years with this disease.    Truly I have to thank all the volunteers, fellow riders, who encouraged each other all day long and into the night, it truly turned into an amazing journey.     Duncan

Posted on behalf of Wayne Norris:

As I have said to many of your riders ...you guys do all the work and we have all the fun. It is trite to say that you all give the word "commitment" a new meaning. Commitment is just a word and there are no new meanings that can be ascribed to it.

What you people do is make the word "commitment" become a living thing; it becomes animate when we see you all in action. Commitment does not describe what you do; it is what you do.

Thank you so very much to all of you for all your commitment; your heart; your courage; and your determination. The things that need to be done only get done because of people like you. Please pass my message along to all your riders and support people.

Wayne Norris
Chairman, Cops for Cancer - Tour de Valley
(and, of course, motorcycle escort rider)

This was my first R2S as a rider. I think the most memorable moment for me was something that was said most innocently and yet on reflection could be the mantra for R2S "....I don't want to awake each morning with fear". I think this comment touched everyone and I used it in my email to my supporters.

Like everyone else, I need and want to extend a thanks to everyone that 'touched' this event. Its the sense of community and support that is so unique. Its a long list to thank but one has to point to Kerry and Vicky. You guys and the other leaders of this project are building massive legacies. What leadership you all have demonstrated.

I had naive ambitions of soloing but wisely elected to bus it for three legs and also hop in the SAG wagon for a section. Nonetheless I need to extend a huge thanks to the number of riders that helped push me up the hills. Colin, Kevin, David, Todd, Lee, Dave O, Greg. Thanks. One day I hope to help others.

I was completely destroyed for Sunday, a zombie whilst away but mostly sleeping. How you guys could do 390 kms....into a stiff headwind.....and then push a handful of folks like me.......*shakes head is disbelieve*

I came into this event through the encouragement of Charles Reynolds, and the thought of a personal challenge.

My motivation changed as I understood that this wasn't about me, it was about a small group of people coming together and doing something much bigger together than any one could do individually.

My thanks go out to all of the volunteers and organizers. Your vision, dedication, energy and enthusiasm is extraordinary.

The yellow jersey's were inspirational.

Thank you for a day I will never forget.

Steve Fleck

Ride2Survive 2009 set a new standard in so many ways: the number of riders willing to put their derrierres on the saddle for the longest day, the volunteers who prepared and served the food and liquids so essential to continue, the rider captains who boosted the riders, Caren who kept everyone on track, the ambulance paramedics, the police, and others who I am probably omitting.

On behalf of the riders and volunteers in Kelowna (and other parts of the Interior) - THANK YOU for putting this event together, for embracing the idea that people even a small group of people can make a difference and for accommodating a hugely diverse collection of abilities, not only riders, but also volunteers as well as many different perspectives.

As we look ahead to next year, we do so with great anticipation for what can be done to continue the battle to beat cancer!

I want to share a neat story. The dealer who provided the motor home actually had a deal for it that came together on Thursday - still they kept their promise to provide a motor home for the rider - this one was the only one available. When they advised the buyer of the situation, they assured the customer the unit was in very good hands. On Monday, the customer wanted to see the motor home and when I returned it the dealer, they were on hand. As I parked it they met me and Dave (the buyer) asked what we had accomplished. When I told him what the ride was about and the amount that was raised to fight cancer and 100% went to that cause, he shook my hand and said, "Congratulations! I am very glad that this motor home made a contribution to so worthy a cause." Someone who was completely removed from our event was able indirectly to make a contribution that made a difference to the ride!

Everyone of us can make a difference - we just have to step out and do it.

Glen Mervyn, the man behind the Kelowna riders (and fought cancer for over 10 years until 2000) said this "If you are not living life on the edge, you are taking up too much room!"

Know this .... everyone involved in the 2009 Ride2Survive - You were all living on the edge for more than 24 hours this past weekend!  Remember what it felt like to do that and see the result for something much bigger that any one of us!

It was an honour to work with everyone of you!!! Now let's get ready for next year!!

I've detailed my experience during the ride on my wife's blog. Fair warning here, it's a knitting blog, but over half my fundraising came the knitting community. It's a fairly long blog entry (when have you known me to be short-winded). Feel free to click through and read it at:
http://yarnfloozies.blogspot.com/2009/06/ride2survive-full-story.html

In reflection, saying "thanks" to all those who made this ride possible and contributed to its phenomenal success just doesn't seem enough. And yet, it's all we really can do.

Looking forward to seeing many of you on Saturday, or on future rides.

Tony.

When Kerry sent that email whilst over a glass of wine reminding us that this ride is not about us but about the cause, I have to admit, at the time it probably was more about me.  But his message moved me and made me look within.  Yes it is hard to do hill repeats for an hour, yes it is hard to ride your bike for hours in solitude...but we do it.  And for me it is harder to ask people for money, regardless of the reason, but we have to do it.  That night I sent out a dozen emails asking for donations. 

That said, as riders, it is still hard not to let a little ego drive us to take on and complete this ride.  I can't speak for others but to be honest with myself I must admit this is the truth.  I just completed a 400K ride.  In comparison to what the volunteers did, big deal.  It would not have happened without the unbelievable efforts and commpassion of those who were there at each rest stop.  For holding my bike while I went..., to filling my water bottles, to bringing me food, to encouraging me, to worshiping me...I worship you.  You all surrendered your ego's to cater and serve us.  You were there for all the right reasons and we could not have completed this ride without you and for that, you were the heros and I thank you with all my heart.

As Kerry rode by and said thank you to us as we were riding in from the ferry, I said I was overwelmed and I meant it.  From how seamless everything appeared to be to how differently I felt from the beginning to the end.  I went into the ride being acquainted to a couple of people and left feeling like part of a family.  I was quite emotional riding through Surrey as I was thinking what a great accommplishment for all those involved to put this all together, assisting us in completing this and to bring us all closer together.  I was emotional raw at the end and although I helped push a couple people up hills, my only regret is I wished I'd helped more.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.  I will never forget it.