Over the last couple of years I’ve helped out at fundraising events with Team Cyclepaths. This will be my first year as an official member of the team and rider in the Cycle of Life Tour. While I’m not a huge fan of spandex, nor the thought of riding 200km. I know that to support something that is important and valuable in our community I might have to step out of my comfort zone just a little. My challenges with riding are a tiny tiny drop in the bucket compared to what those in hospice care, and their families, go through.

I will ride in honour of my father who we lost suddenly many years ago. It was a very difficult time in my family's lives. I can’t help but wonder how that time would have been different if grief support, either one-on-one or in a group, had been more readily available to us, or even that we were aware it existed for us to take advantage of if we choose to. Being a part of the Cycle of Life Tour and Team Cyclepaths this year helps me make sure that the knowledge, awareness, and conversation about hospice care stays in the forefront of our community. Ensuring that people know they can reach for help when they need it most. Even though my dad's preferred mode of two wheel transportation had a motor attached to it and was in leather, I have no doubt he would be proud of my pedaling under my own steam, and in spandex, raising funds for such a worthy cause.

I also will ride this year for my friend Margaret, a dedicated member of the 2019 Cyclepaths Team. Margaret lost her brief battle with cancer early in 2020. Margaret did everything with strength, bravery, enthusiasm and a huge big smile. I will do my best to honour her memory by mirroring her infectious spirit during the 2022 Cycle of Life Tour.

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Thank you.