Reflections on the Ride

It has been just over a week now since the Craig’s Cause Maritime Bike Tour for pancreatic cancer awareness wrapped up and the bike has been parked in the garage ever since while both it and I recover.

Many people have asked me “How was it?” often looking for a response that pertains to some difficult weather condition, mountain climbed or distance endured. To my surprise, as well as theirs, my response has less to do with the physical demands of the bike ride and more to do with the emotional ride experienced as we visited many hospitals throughout the Maritime Provinces.

At each hospital we met many people from all walks of life that have, in one way or another, been touched by pancreatic cancer. Patients, survivors, doctors, nurses and loved ones of those who lost the battle. There were so many stories that moved all of us, deeply. There were the two girls, Victoria, 16 and Kelly, 38 who recently underwent the very invasive surgery called the Whipple Procedure to have their cancer removed - young lives with so much hope surrounding their recovery. There were stories shared by family members of people who died far too early from this terrible disease - moms and dads, grandparents and grandchildren- all of whom spoke of lost love and lost time together. We met people living with pancreatic cancer whose prognosis was not good but they continue to fight on with determination and dignity. And finally, there was the passion of the surgeon who rode with us and who wakes up every day to fight this fight, no matter how difficult the odds.

Group hug each morning as someone read a message from families touched by P. Cancer. That was who we would ride for that day.

It was amazing to feel the exhilaration of the bike ride - the emotions surrounding the hospital visits and the sense of purpose of the riders that became more powerful with each passing day. 

To try to put this experience into words is very difficult. All I know for sure is that I just had a “life experience” and I am glad I was there! My resolve to continue along this journey is greater now than it has ever been. So if you are interested more of these kinds of adventures, please join in or at least Stay Tuned!

Stopped biking at the wharf in Iona CB along the B'dor Lakes for some Maritime fun.