$102.00

Hello, and thank you for your support! No matter how you arrived here, I'm extremely grateful!

There’s a lot of information here, so have fun. And come back whenever you like: I’ll be updating this page regularly from now until my ride ends in August.

A note about currency: regardless of where you’re based, the amounts shown on this page, including your donation, are likely to be in Canadian Dollars. If you’re in the US, CAD $1 = about USD $0.72, though please check!

So what’s this all about?

I’m gearing up for a big challenge: a 600 km (373 mile), 6-day cycle from Toronto to Montreal. I’m raising money in support of PWA - the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. PWA does incredible work, making a real, positive difference to the lives of people in desperate need, by providing crucial assistance and essential services to those living with HIV and AIDS.

My training isn’t easy (more on that below), but knowing the impact it will have makes every turn of the pedals, every pounding heartbeat, and every drop of sweat worth it.

Most importantly, your contribution will help PWA continue their wonderful work. Every donation, however big, will make a difference. Together, we can support an amazing cause, and improve the lives of so many people.

Why donate?

Because your generosity will help transform and improve lives. By supporting my ride, you’re not just donating to a good cause, but also becoming part of a community that stands against HIV and AIDS, and the harm it continues to cause today. Your kindness will help people who need it more than ever.

PWA makes a difference where it really counts. I've chosen to support them because I believe in their mission to provide vital assistance and improve the quality of life of those affected by HIV and AIDS. I also believe it’s important for us to come together and support our community members in need. I hope you do too.

Thank you.

What will your donation achieve?

A lot! Here are some examples:

• ​CAD $40 can provide 10 people with transportation to their medical appointments
• CAD $60 can fund a peer-led support group for people living with HIV
• CAD $100 can help someone access vital medication
• CAD $200 can ensure an affected family has nutritious groceries for one week

Every dollar we raise through the Bike Rally will help sustain PWA’s huge range of programs, including their Medical Disability Fund, Essentials Market Food Bank, Health & Wellness Fund, physical therapy, HIV outreach and education, and Children's and Seniors’ Funds.

From medical care to housing, and from food to a whole lot more, PWA provides an incredible array of services.

Even better, your support will not only fuel the important services PWA provides, but it will boost my training journey as well. You’ll be riding along with me, helping PWA together.

For more information, check out bikerally.org/cause and pwatoronto.org.

How’s my training going?

600 km is a long way! And 373 miles is just as long ;-)

My ride to Montreal begins on August 4, but my training began back on January 26, and since then I've been working hard as I prepare for this tough physical and mental challenge.

Here’s what I’ve done so far (accurate to July 7, 2024: come back for updates every week):

Official Bike Rally training rides

As an extra challenge, I’m setting myself the goal of cycling to and from the start/finish of every official training ride this year. Madness.

(Sadly, the rain and a broken spoke scuppered this on June 22, but I'm doing well otherwise!)

• April 13 - Kipling to Courtney Park - 74 km (46 miles)
• April 21 - Kipling to Courtney Park - 61 km (38 miles)
• May 4 - Kipling to Old Mill - 63 km (39 miles)
• May 11 - Kipling to Meadowvale - 75 km (46 miles)
• May 19 - David Linton Memorial Ride - 76 km (47 miles)
• May 26 - Warden to Pickering - 98 km (61 miles)
• June 15 - Finch to Kleinburg - 112 km (69 miles)
• June 22 - Kipling to Terra Cotta - 107 km (67 miles) (shortened with a broken spoke)
• July 7 - Warden to Goodwood - 33 km (20 miles) (abandoned with a broken wheel)
• July 13 - Warden to Goodwood (Schitt's Creek) - 131 km (81 miles)
• July 20 - Kipling to Burlington - 137 km (85 miles)

And hills totalling the equivalent of 2,728 beach volleyball nets.

Other long outdoor rides

• April 7 - 2024 Outdoor Debut: Tommy Thompson Park and Waterfront - 69 km (43 miles)
• April 8 - Solar Eclipse: Toronto to Confederation Park, Hamilton - 144 km (90 miles)
• April 27 - Waterfront West with Bike Rally buddies - 46 km (29 miles)
• May 5 - PMCF Ride to Conquer Cancer training ride - 74 km (46 miles)
• May 18 - Spice Gears training ride - 70 km (44 miles)
• June 1 - Manitoulin Passage Day 1 - 84 km (52 miles)
• June 2 - Manitoulin Passage Day 2 - 83 km (51 miles)
• July 14 - Tommy Thompson and Long Branch - 79 km (49 miles)

Indoor rides

Zwift:

• 145 rides
• 120 hours
• 3,612 km (2,244 miles)
• 594,462 pedal strokes
• 62,406 calories, equivalent to 1,085 KitKat fingers