February 22-23, 2002
Well 24 days have elapsed since our 24 day Coast to Coast Ride Against Cancer and yes we just completed part two where we rode for 24 hours as part of the Gear's 24 hour spin which we think has now become the largest bicycling spin event in the world!!
Like the Coast-to-Coast Against Cancer event, this event was designed to create a sense of community and support for the charities we rode for. The GearŐs 24 hour spin is now in its 4th year growing from a handful of under 20 of us in year 1 to now over 1,800 [!!!] participants on teams from 2 to 24 individuals, and 12 of us as soloists who rode the 24 hours straight. Each and every person rode for the cause raising money for the charities we supported. The additional great thing about this event is 100% of the funds raised are going directly to the charities with the program expenses being paid by the participants themselves as part of the bike registration fee.
Each and every hour was filled with some exciting entertainment, some personal stories from cancer survivors, and a very powerful personal testimonial from Kyra Vitko the couragous 12 year old we rode for on January 24th during the Coast to Coast ride [Ashley do weblink]. Kyra who was too sick to come from her hospital bed in Toronto took the time to create a personal message on video for all the participants that her father delivered. Kyra if you are reading please know that you are a very special person and your words, your smile, and your spirit are a true inspiration to each and every person who was there.
Each and every hour of the event was dedicated to people impacted by cancer; both the individuals, like Kyra, who we rode for during the Coast to Coast event and some new, very important people. We rode for Mary Stuart Allen, the mother-in-law of a friend of ours who succumbed to cancer a few weeks ago after a battle that began in 1994. Her story is a powerful one of personal strength and determination.
We also rode for the Staffan family who have suffered more than any family should because of the ravage of cancer. Janet Steffan, and her two beautiful little girls, lost their 36 year old husband/dad Chris who succumbed to stomach cancer this past October. This after losing her father-in-law Silvio Steffan in the year 2000 to cancer, and her own father Chris Steel to cancer in 1999. We had the great honor of meeting Janet, her two children, and her mother-in-law Vivian who came to the spin event. The power and conviction of Janet to overcome this adversity is truly inspiring. Janet our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope we stay in touch and see you as part of next year's events.
We rode hard during the event in part to honor those we rode for. Kevin was truly inspirational leading the large number of participants throughout the event. For my part, I burned 17,140 calories which would be about the amount of food the average male would eat in a week. A little thinner today as a result but happy to be part of such a great event.
Although we don't have the total amount raised from the two events but we are 100% certain it will be in excess of $500,000 that will go directly to the charities we are supporting. When all the donations come in the Coast to Coast Ride Against Cancer ride generated approximately $175,000, Mark Bonham made an unbelievable donation of $150,000, and the pledges the Gear 24 hour spin participants generated the balance.