Great Cycle Challenge - Day 25: Coffee in Kettleby and 30km of Exploring

The weather wasn’t good on Sunday or Monday, so I stayed indoors and did a couple of longer virtual rides — one in Western Canada (52 km) and another in Korea (46 km). Those are long for virtual rides by my standards, but they helped keep the mileage moving. I also went for a short 4.5 km run on Sunday. With the focus on riding this month, it was my first run in August, and it felt pretty tough.

Today I finally got outside for a 45 km ride with some of the crew. It was windy and cool enough that I had to wear a jacket. We rode from Nobleton to Kettleby and back, stopping for coffee at a little bakery that one rider described as “going to the old Nonna’s house.” He wasn’t exaggerating — the place had that cozy, old‑school charm. The coffee was good, and the chocolate‑chip cookie was just OK.

When I got home, the legs still felt decent, so I added another 30 km with an easy spin around the neighbourhood. I turned in and out of a bunch of streets — some I hadn’t been down since moving here in 2009 — which made the ride surprisingly interesting.

Later in the day, I gave a couple of bikes some TLC. I washed my road bike, degreased the chain, and switched to wax instead of traditional lubricant. It’s supposed to be much better than lube. I also added wax to my gravel bike to get it ready for a big ride tomorrow. Now it’s time to get some sleep so I’m ready to go bright and early in the morning.

Great Cycle Challenge- Day 22: I’m back

Today was my first outdoor ride all week. Work has been really busy, so most of my mileage came from virtual rides squeezed in whenever I could. Getting back outside felt great. I left the house at 6:30 to meet Andrew and Keith — two members of TD Tour de Friends — for a 7:00 start. It was a little chilly at first, but once we got moving, it was perfect.

We rode through Caledon, taking in some beautiful scenery. Just before Belfountain, we climbed the small switchback on Forks of the Credit, and the route had plenty of rollers to keep things interesting. We stopped at Higher Ground in Belfountain for coffee and butter tarts, and ended up waiting out the rain there for a bit — it came earlier than expected.

Andrew is an absolute monster on the bike. I’ve known him for years, and he’s strong, fast, and just a great guy. This was my first chance to ride with Keith, and he’s another solid addition to the team — easygoing, strong rider, and great company. Even with the chilly start, the rain, and Andrew’s two flat tires, it was still a great ride.

With today’s ride, I’ve just exceeded 1,000 km for the month. I’m off this week, and with a little over a week left until August 31st, it’s the final stretch to get to 1,500 km. Let’s goooooo!!!

Great Cycle Challene - Day 16: A Perfect Day for the King Ride

Today was the King Ride, and despite earlier forecasts calling for rain, the weather turned out absolutely beautiful. I chose the 95‑ish km route, excited to get in a solid effort before a busy week ahead.

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A Rough Start and a Fast Chase

Right out of the gate, my head unit started acting up. I pulled over to fix it, but it set me back more than I expected. That meant one thing: time to chase.

Eventually I caught up with the Trail Bullies, and once I latched on, we absolutely flew. It was fast, fun, and exactly the kind of push I needed.

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Groups, Climbs, and Reality Checks

At Schomberg, I picked up another group, but once we hit a longer incline, I lost them — either they were too quick or I was too tired. Probably a bit of both.

A little later, I ran into Eugene riding with another group, and again we were flying for a while… until I ran out of steam.

Then came the soul‑sucking climb around the 80 km mark. Humbling, slow, and tough. But I kept grinding, and in the end, I finished with my fastest 90 km ever, thanks to hitching onto strong groups throughout the ride.

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A Good Finish and a Needed Rest

After the ride, we enjoyed a great pasta lunch, which hit the spot after a long morning on the bike. Then it was home to get ready for a big week at work.

No riding tomorrow — I need a recovery day and a chance to focus on work.

I’m now very close to the 850 km mark. If I can put another 200–250 km on the board before next Sunday, I’ll be in great shape heading into the final week.

Great cycle challenge - day 15: 99.9 kms…because 100 would be insane

Teaser:

Yesterday was quiet, today was beautiful — and together they made for a perfect reset before tomorrow’s King Ride.

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Yesterday — A Busy Day and a Virtual Spin

Yesterday was one of those days where work took over and the hours disappeared. Nothing exciting happened on the cycling front, but I still wanted to keep the streak alive. So at the end of the day, I hopped on the trainer and did a virtual ride in Belgium — a great way to unwind and keep the legs moving.

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Today — Sunshine, Good Company, and Extra Kilometres

Today was the complete opposite: a gorgeous day for a bike ride.

We rolled out from Duffy’s Lane and headed into Glen Williams for coffee. It was a great mix of familiar faces — Sandro, Eugene, and Samantha — along with Ruchi and Angie, who I haven’t seen in a while. It was really nice to ride with them again.

The route was supposed to be around 70 km, but the legs felt good, the weather was perfect, and the company was even better. So I extended it a bit (99.9 km) and enjoyed every minute of it.

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Looking Ahead — The King Ride

Tomorrow is the King Ride, and I’m genuinely excited. Earlier in the week, the forecast didn’t look promising, but now it’s shaping up to be another great morning to ride. I can’t wait to get out there and keep the momentum going.

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Reflection

Riding with a group reminds me how much movement is about more than just fitness. It’s social, it’s grounding, and it’s mentally refreshing. Whether it’s a quiet virtual ride after a long workday or a sunny morning with friends, cycling keeps you connected — to others, to the outdoors, and to yourself. The kilometres matter, but the people and the moments matter even more.

Great Cycle Challenge - Day 13: Post Dinner Bike and Beers

Tonight was a great 32 km ride with a few gentlemen from my cycling crew — one of those easy‑to‑say‑yes rides that fits perfectly after dinner. The pace was steady, the conversation light, and the route familiar.

Near the end, we hit the Mount Pleasant climb, which always adds a little sting to the legs but feels satisfying once you crest it. That climb pushed me over a big personal milestone: 600 km ridden this month.

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A Stop at Caledon Brewery

After the ride, we headed over to Caledon Brewery to unwind. I stuck with a non‑alcoholic option — and honestly, it was really good. We sat outside, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed the warm evening until the dark skies and mosquitoes made it clear it was time to head home.

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Reflection

Days like this remind me how powerful group movement can be. Whether it’s cycling or running, being part of a crew keeps you accountable, lifts your spirits, and gives you a reason to show up even when you’re tired. It’s healthy in every sense — physically, socially, and mentally. The miles feel easier, the conversations make the time fly, and the shared effort builds a sense of connection that’s hard to find anywhere else. Riding with others doesn’t just make you stronger; it makes the journey richer.

Day 12 — Kick Cancer’s Butt Day!

What a day! Today was Kick Cancer’s Butt Day, and every dollar donated was matched by the Garron family, up to an incredible $1.3 million.

Before I even knew about the matching opportunity, I had already reached out to so many family members and friends for support. I thought I was tapped out — but once I learned about the match, I knew I had to dig deeper.

I reached out to a few more friends who responded with amazing generosity, but I still wanted to do more. So I turned my focus to recruiting more TD Tour de Friends teammates. And that’s when I decided to go all‑in.

I suited up in my GCC Superhero jersey — the one my supporters helped me earn — and toured the second and fourth floors of our building in full cycling gear. I definitely stood out (and looked a little silly), but it was a blast! The energy, laughter, and support from colleagues were incredible.

Our team has been raising our goals all week thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: first $2,500, then $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000. This morning, as donations started rolling in, we bumped it again to $12,500. And now, at nearly 9 PM, we’re sitting at $17,700 with 34 team members — before any matching funds!

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this. I’m so proud of our team and deeply grateful to every family member, friend, and colleague who made this possible. None of this could have happened without you.

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Reflection

Today reminded me that momentum builds when passion meets purpose. What started as a small idea among colleagues has grown into something far bigger — a movement powered by generosity, laughter, and shared commitment. Seeing our team rally together, and knowing that every dollar we raised today will go twice as far, reinforces why we ride: to make a difference for kids fighting cancer. I’ll carry this energy into every mile ahead — proud, humbled, and inspired by what we’ve achieved together.

Great Cycle Challenge - Day 11: Spinning Through Rio With Ted Lasso

After a long day at work, I still managed to get a ride in this evening — a virtual spin through Rio de Janeiro. As great as it looked on screen, I’ll admit it would’ve been even nicer to be riding the real thing.

To make the ride even better, I watched the first episode of the new season of Ted Lasso while pedaling. I absolutely love that show. It makes me laugh, but more than that, it makes me feel good inside. There’s something about the way Ted brings people together — building belief, building teams, and helping everyone find a little more of their best selves — that hits home for me every time.

And honestly, it’s hard not to see a bit of that spirit in what’s happening with TD Tour de Friends. Over the past couple of days, we’ve done some great work recruiting new members. We’re now sitting at 18 riders, and the hope is to get to at least 30. Just like in Ted Lasso, it’s amazing what can happen when people rally around a shared purpose.

With Kick Cancer’s Butt Day happening tomorrow, we’re hoping to welcome even more colleagues to the team and have a big day in sponsorship. Every dollar donated is matched, and every new rider helps us turn something big into something even bigger.

Fingers crossed for a great day ahead — and maybe a little Ted Lasso‑style magic along the way.

Week Two: Finding Balance After 500 km

After logging 500 km in week one, I realized I need a breather. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever ridden 500 km in a month, let alone in seven days! It’s been an incredible start, but now that I’m back to work, it’s time to adjust the rhythm — finding that balance between training, recovery, and everything else life brings.

This week is about celebrating success and gratitude. I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement and generosity of everyone who’s supported me so far. Every message, donation, and cheer has fueled those long rides.

And there’s a special opportunity coming up: Kick Cancer’s Butt Day on Wednesday, August 12. The Great Cycle Challenge announced that all contributions made that day will be matched by a generous family, up to $1.3 million.

If you’re comfortable sharing my fundraising link within your social network — to anyone you think might want to help — please ask if they’d consider donating that day. It’s a wonderful chance to double the impact of every contribution toward kids’ cancer research.

Thanks again for being part of this journey. Here’s to recovery, balance, and the next stretch of the ride!

Great Cycle Challenge – Day 9: Fast Crew Ride Before the Work Stretch

Today was one of those perfect summer cycling days — blue sky, warm air, and just enough breeze to make 78 km feel fast and fun. I headed out with three guys from my riding crew, and we settled into a strong pace right from the start. Riding with the crew always brings out a little extra effort — the shared rhythm, the friendly pushes, the unspoken motivation to keep the pace high, and lots of good laughs.

We started and ended in Schomberg, looping through Caledon and Tottenham, a route full of quiet roads and rolling terrain. By the end of it, I was definitely feeling the effort — the good kind of tired that tells you the ride was worth it.

Today was also my first time wearing my Great Cycle Challenge Superhero jersey — the one you earn after raising $2,500. I’m proud of it, but more importantly, it’s a reminder that I didn’t earn it alone. Every supporter who donated helped make that milestone possible. And I have to say… I think the jersey gave me cycling powers. At least, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I’m pretty tired now, and will likely take tomorrow off to recover. It’s also back to work for the next couple of weeks, which means the volume of riding will naturally come down. Still, I’m aiming for 500 km over that stretch — and hopefully a little more if the days cooperate.

A great ride, great company, and a great way to debut the Superhero jersey.

Great Cycle Challenge – Day 8: A Gravel Ride the Weather Almost Stole

The forecast for today looked sketchy, and I honestly thought I was going to be stuck doing a virtual ride indoors. But in the end, the cycling gods kept the ugly weather at bay long enough for me to get outside — and I’m glad they did, because today was my first gravel ride in a long time.

It took a moment to remember how to handle the gravel bike again. It’s slower, sketchier, and far less forgiving than pavement — the potential to wipe out is always there — but once I settled in, I remembered how much fun it is. Gravel riding has its own rhythm: challenging, scenic, and deeply satisfying.

I started in King City and made my way toward Lake Wilcox Park, which ended up being one of the highlights of the day. It’s a beautiful, peaceful area and a great way to ease into the ride before hitting the longer gravel stretches.

From there, I continued through Aurora and into Newmarket, stopping at Metropolis Café for a Caprese sandwich. Great spot, great food, and a perfect mid‑ride break. While I was there, I ran into two riders from the Newmarket Eagles — people I’ve met on two separate occasions before. At this point, I’m pretty sure I’ll join that group next year.

One thing that really stood out today: I’m genuinely envious of the trail network in Richmond Hill, King City, Aurora, and Newmarket. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in the GTA — certainly far better than what we have in Bolton. Long stretches of uninterrupted gravel, forest, parks, and quiet roads. It’s a cyclist’s dream.

The soundtrack for the day was U2, including one of my “desert island albums,” The Joshua Tree. It’s hard to beat that album when you’re surrounded by nature and rolling through quiet trails.

I did get caught in a brief rainstorm, but thankfully it hit just as I was close to a Tim Hortons. After it passed, I rode through some truly prestigious neighbourhoods and enjoyed the mix of scenery, challenge, and fresh air.

A great day for exercise, a great day to be outside, and a great reminder of how much joy gravel riding brings — especially when the weather cooperates just enough to make it happen.