Ride For Heart

At the starting line

Yesterday Mum-mum, Dada and Ollie joined 13,000 other riders participating in the 2011 Ride For Heart . 25kms up and down the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway traffic-free and in support of a great cause. It was a lot fun riding on highways that normally fly by and the weather was gorgeous.

All told The Ride almost reached its fundraising goal of $3.9 million. You can still help get to that amount as fundraising remains open until June 12th with funds going to leading-edge research to extend lives, by improving existing treatments and developing new ones as well as meeting emerging challenges - such as childhood obesity, women's risk and a rapidly aging population.

Pit Stop at the halfway point

Raising over a thousand dollars meant we were designated VIPs (Very Important Philanthropists) - note our fancy riding jerseys. Unfortunately they didn't come in quite the right size for the wee man, but he really dug the free Becel sweatbands. I think he may take his everywhere from now on (congrats markerters!).

The little man's ride

We had a blast, even if the little man expressed his displeasure with a portion of the ride in fine toddler fashion. It was a public service really, inspiring the riders near us to pedal just that little bit faster. Dada hauled the little not-so-little-anymore man the whole way, although Mum-mum offered to share the load (but that would be a lot like asking for directions). The downhills were great, but Dada definitely felt some of those uphills. Let's just say that this week's commute will be a breeze.

Mum-mum

We had so much fun and raised a good amount for this great cause that next year we might have to do the 50km or even go for the 75km. Maybe the little guy can do some of the work himself too. I wouldn't mind taking a nice rest in his luxury cabin. Or maybe I just need a fancier bike to make it that much easier (one has to blame the tools, no?).

The CN Tower from the Gardiner

Once again, A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to this worthy cause. 

You were with us for every kilometer of the route.

On the DVP