Saturday 26 January 2013
Monday 21 January 2013
Bridge 2 Bridge Charity Ride
Big News Announcement:
I have signed up for the 2013 Bridge 2 Bridge charity ride, beginning 4th May.
The Bridge 2 Bridge charity ride will see 12 intrepid cyclists ride from the Storey Bridge in BRISBANE to the Harbour Bridge in SYDNEY, covering over 1000kms in 8 days.
The Bridge 2 Bridge aims to raise money and awareness for the Cure For Life Foundation who do fantastic work in brain cancer treatments and preventative research. The ride will coincide with the national Brain Cancer Awareness Week and we will be visiting schools along the way to spread the word about the good work being done by Cure For Life.
My Motivation
In 2012 I heard the bad news that my very good friends mum had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She spent much of the year in and out of hospital. Unfortunately the treatments were not as effective as hoped and she returned home for Christmas. As is the case with cancer, her condition deteriorated quickly. Sadly, Joanne Oudejans passed away at New Years surrounded by her family.
My cycling buddy and work colleague Eddie Pose is no stranger to cancer. 4 years ago he was first diagnosed with cancer and the following treatments proved successful in defeating it. It was a joyous occasion and he had a newfound zest for life. Fast forwarding to 2012 saw him re-diagnosed with secondary Lymphoma cancer. A long period of treatment, stem cell transplants and immune system replacement followed. It finally seemed like he was on top of it by December. We even enjoyed a few rides together during the holidays.
Unfortunately, he was admitted back into hospital after Christmas with a gut virus. Just weeks later, we learnt that cancer had made its way into his bone marrow and there was nothing more that could be done. As I write this, Eddie is spending his last moments with his wife and close family. I was relieved to be able to see him for a short time yesterday- just to say our goodbyes and thank him for his great friendship.
I had been searching for a goal, a challenge, for me undertake this year. When I stumbled across the Bridge 2 Bridge website, and saw that it benefited the fight against cancer - it was meant to be.
I promised to complete the ride and raise as much money as I could on behalf of Eddie and Joey. Every pedal stroke of my 1000km journey will be for them both.
Ride Website:
http://www.bridgetobridge.org
Foundation Website:
http://www.cureforlife.org.au
Donation Website:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/bridge_2_bridge_cycle_charity_ride_team
Life - Good and Bad
Shortly I will be adding a post about a big event that I have signed up for. I am really excited about it, not just for the event itself - but for the cause it raises money for.
In 2011 I signed up for the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer. It was its first year in Australia, held in Brisbane. The money raised went directly the QLD Medical Institute of Research which performs important cancer research. I managed to raise $2,845 with the help of my friends and family. The cycling challenge part involved riding to Wivenhoe Dam, camping overnight, then returning back to Brisbane (240kms round trip). It was a tough ride with alot of hills, not to mention it stormed on the return journey. But I loved the challenge of it. At the time, it was the biggest cycling acheivement I had ever done. My next event dwarfs that ride.
While I have never had to deal with the harsh realities of Cancer, there are quite a few of my friends that have. Bianca's Dad, my Nan, two of my friends Mums and a friend from work - they have all had to stare Cancer in the face. Some have managed to beat it and live on....and sadly some have not. Some are still locked in battle.
For me, being exposed to Cancer sufferers, has changed the way I think about life. I never used to worry to much about what I did day-to-day. I would just float around doing whatever I wanted without much thought about the 'big picture'. However, I now find myself wanting to ensure that should the worst happen to me - I can be proud and happy with the life I have lived. This can mean different things to different people - but for me, it includes (but isn't limited to):
Make the most of life - its the only one you have.
In 2011 I signed up for the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer. It was its first year in Australia, held in Brisbane. The money raised went directly the QLD Medical Institute of Research which performs important cancer research. I managed to raise $2,845 with the help of my friends and family. The cycling challenge part involved riding to Wivenhoe Dam, camping overnight, then returning back to Brisbane (240kms round trip). It was a tough ride with alot of hills, not to mention it stormed on the return journey. But I loved the challenge of it. At the time, it was the biggest cycling acheivement I had ever done. My next event dwarfs that ride.
While I have never had to deal with the harsh realities of Cancer, there are quite a few of my friends that have. Bianca's Dad, my Nan, two of my friends Mums and a friend from work - they have all had to stare Cancer in the face. Some have managed to beat it and live on....and sadly some have not. Some are still locked in battle.
For me, being exposed to Cancer sufferers, has changed the way I think about life. I never used to worry to much about what I did day-to-day. I would just float around doing whatever I wanted without much thought about the 'big picture'. However, I now find myself wanting to ensure that should the worst happen to me - I can be proud and happy with the life I have lived. This can mean different things to different people - but for me, it includes (but isn't limited to):
- Making sure I spend time with those I love - friends and family.
- Making sure I make time for the activities I find fun - cycling is one of them.
- Healthy body & healthy mind - good diet, low stress, good nights sleep etc.
- Trying new things and challenging myself (physically and mentally). And
- Every now and then - do something for someone else. Something I believe in.
Make the most of life - its the only one you have.
At the finish of 2011 RTCC - High on Life
Introduction
Well, I've just figured out how to post on this blog.
I guess the first question is Why am I writing this blog?
I think I will be mainly using this blog as a way to keep a record of the rides and adventures I have (both on and off the bike). I also have some cycling goals in mind for this year (more on that later) which could be documented here. And lastly, its a good place to post the funny, insightful, thought provoking, puzzling and inspiring things I see everyday.
I would also just like to add one last thing: I love my girlfriend Bianca very much. She will no doubt be mentioned in the future posts - she is always supportive of me and (thankfully) is patient enough to let me do the crazy things I do. She is my rock and I am very lucky to have her.
RM
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