Team RBC

Over the past seven years, RBC has fundraised more than $730K to bring hope to Albertans facing cancer and is one of the Tour’s Northern Lights sponsors. This year, they aim to raise another $100K with the support of Team RBC.

Sean Baylis is one of the team’s captains and will be participating in his ninth Tour this year. He’s riding in honour of his colleague Kelly Mitchell, and Team RBC member Nancy Barnes, who sadly passed from cancer. As he explains, this cause is important to him because he has “fought this terrible disease, and watched it take a terrible toll on many family members and friends.”

Already equipped with a love for cycling prior to his first event, Sean was originally inspired to take on the challenge by his colleague Tyson MacDonald.

With nearly a decade of Tour experience, he knows that long-distance rides are best approached in small increments.

Sean will be joining us in-person at the Calgary Polo Club on July 23 and 24, and cycling 200km. His advice for first-time Tour-goers is to “Train in increments of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 100km rides.”

Over the past few months, his training routine has included riding the beautiful Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail that connects Canmore and Banff, while also working in daily Peloton sessions.

He looks forward to connecting with the thousands of riders who will be present in support of the courageous Albertans facing cancer both during the ride and at its festivities, and hearing the impactful stories that have brought so many participants there. He’s garnered some of his greatest memories from his involvement with the Tour over the past nine years.

Thank you to Sean and all of Team RBC for your continuous support and contributions.

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EY Crankers

Ernst & Young is one of the Tour’s Northern Lights sponsors, and has been working alongside the Alberta Cancer Foundation for the past eight years to fund local cancer research, care, and treatment. During this time, they have fundraised more than $210K, and are returning for their ninth year to continue to support the cause.  

Scott Patrick, Captain of the EY Crankers, is riding alongside his team to raise another $25,000 this year. They will be joining us at the Calgary Polo Club on July 23 and 24, and appreciate that two routes will be available to make the ride accessible to more riders. 

Like many participants, the EY Crankers are proud to ride in honour of their loved ones who have been affected by cancer. As Scott explains, “Cancer is always lurking, and we feel the need to do something to take control back from this villain. We don’t want to be afraid. We want to help people who might otherwise not get what they need to survive cancer.”  

As a long-time Tour participant who has a love for cycling, Scott has been riding to and from work to prepare for this year’s event, while also integrating different rides into his weekend. His advice for first-time riders is to “Get on your bike five times a week to train your butt to be in a bike saddle, but don’t worry about hitting 100km training rides. The Tour is not a race of any kind and is so much more than a long ride. Enjoy the experience, talk to people at the rest stops and during lunch, and socialize in the evening. Prepare to have fun!” 

He’s banked plenty of amazing memories from past Tours, and knows this year will be no different: 

“My fellow EY Cranker Brent Cheung and I always look forward to the lady dressed as the clown, cheering us on at the rest stops. She made us smile and laugh every year.  

The cheering at the finish line on Sunday is unreal, too. It literally makes you feel refreshed and want to go right over to the Tour table and sign up for the next year. It’s the best weekend of the year. I can’t remember a more meaningful or better spent 48 hours than those on the Tour.”  

 

Thank you to Scott and all of the EY Crankers for your continuous support and contributions. 

 

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Team Enbridge

As the Tour’s title partner, Enbridge is dedicated to bringing more moments to Albertans facing cancer. Over the past 14 years, they have raised more than $6.3 million to fund world-class care and research.  

A part of Team Enbridge, Max Chan and Ben Tsui are two of our top fundraisers for 2022. With the help of their team, they have set out to raise another $300,000 this year—a goal they quickly surpassed. 

On July 23 and 24, Max Chan plans to mountain bike 100km as a virtual participant.  

Max originally became involved with the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer five years ago, when he joined as a volunteer. This will be his second year participating in the ride, which he considers “a celebration of the progress we have made towards battling cancer and more personally, another opportunity for me to celebrate beating cancer.” 

In 2020, Max was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which he has thankfully recovered from. Although he volunteered his time to the cause years previously, the last two Tours have taken on a personal significance for Max, and driven him to push his fundraising potential even further.  

He took to his own route last year, and with a friend by his side, pedaled to the top of Panorama, a picturesque terrain located in the Purcell Mountains of southeastern British Columbia. He has prepared for 2022’s Tour by consistently training and maintaining a keen focus on his fundraising efforts.  

Ben Tsui will be joining us in-person at the Calgary Polo Club, and cycling 200km on July 23 and 24.  

Like Max, Ben first became involved with the Tour as a volunteer. He was an avid mountain biker at the time, but a year later, bought his first road bike and has ridden in every event since.  

In 2014, Ben noticed a lump near his jaw while shaving. He was diagnosed with a cancerous parotid tumor, which was surgically removed. “I’m in a place now to share my story,” he says. “I hope that it helps others not only seek help but get treatment–I consider myself a poster boy for early detection.” His experience motivated him to fundraise to beat cancer, however, he also rides for his mother who is currently undergoing chemotherapy, his mother-in-law who is a survivor, and his friends and colleagues who face this disease.  

Due to the pandemic, Ben took his own route last year as well. He rode alongside his teammates through the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise and explains that “the friendship was as spectacular as the views. I only expect the [camaraderie I experienced] to be dialed up this year [at the in-person event] as we tackle new roads with other teams.” 

Being a year-round cyclist, he prepared for 2022’s Tour by adding more structure to his training regimen in the winter months. He looks forward to the positive energy and emotion that will be present on July 23 and 24, and seeing all the friendly faces that will come out to show their support.  

Max and Ben’s advice for riders taking on the challenge for the first time:  

Everyone has their own personal reasons for why this is important to you. Don’t lose sight of that. It’s not just about the distance, but raising awareness and funds for this important cause.” 

– Max Chan

Dress right, fuel right. But ultimately, there is no substitute for seat time. Get your rear end used to spending time in the saddle.” 

– Ben Tsui  

Thank you to Max, Ben, and all of Team Enbridge for your continuous support and contributions. 

 

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Kathleen Gagnon

Bob and I have ridden in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in memory of my brother Larry, who lost his battle with lung cancer in 2003, My Brother-in-law, Phil who conquered his cancer in 2008, Bob’s brother Bay who lost his fight in April of 2019. My sister Grace was diagnosed in 2018 and has had great success with immunotherapy! Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019 and had great success with radiation at CCI. My diagnosis at the end of 2019 was thankfully pre-cancerous. We are so grateful for the amazing staff at CCI, the care and treatments as well as ongoing follow up is stellar!

Although I wasn’t able to ride for 2 years, I am ready to get back on my bike to raise money and awareness.

Kathleen Gagnon Kathleen Gagnon Bicycle

I ride for a cancer-free world.


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Jeff Westly

I was diagnosed with Stage four lung Cancer, and was told that I would most likely die from it within 6 months. I have known two other people with the same diagnosis and both died in that time frame. For some reason however I did not. I rode my first Enbridge ride in 2014, with a chest tube which I drained the fluids from my chest between rides. The cancer which totally involved my right lung was leaking fluids into the chest cavity and was causing my one good lung to collapse. I had to repeatedly reapply the brand-aids as I was riding to keep the tubing in place and clean, as my sweat kept washing them off.

I did this ride with my son in defiance of my disease with the hope of supporting the Edmonton Cross Cancer Clinic.

I had issues with my cancer two years ago and almost died again.. so last year I promised my brother and sister that if I recovered I would ride the Enbridge ride again, and used it to help motivate me to improve my general health. As last years ride was virtual, both my wife and my sister joined my team and rode with me. My sister joined because her son-in-laws mother was struggling with her Cancer and I suppose for me. During this ride while we had a break we heard that my niece’s mother-in-law passed. This late last fall my sister was diagnosed with Cancer and passed in February.

My Cancer is alive and well, but I am still on my bike, I ride for my family members who died in the past year. and my Father who was recently diagnosed and another couple dear friends who were recently diagnosed.


Jeff Westly

Photo is the end of last years virtual ride. My wife, myself and my sister.

This year my team so far includes my wife, my son, my brother, and one of my sisters daughter and grand daughter…


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Dale Ens

Dale Ens was one of the top fundraisers at the 2021 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer.

⁠In June 2021, he lost his sister-in-law Brenda, to cancer. “She was 66 when her 3-year journey with cancer reached the finish line. Throughout, she endured the full litany of therapies and kept an eye on the future and a relentless embrace of all that made her life important – friends, family, grandkids, and myriad activities, projects and joys that daily life can bring. Cancer did not define her, nor will it be why we remember her,” says Dale.

On August 29th, 2021, Dale and there of his good friends did a long distance ride in
memory of Brenda.

What follows is a description of the day – one that Dale will remember and cherish for years to come – in his own words.


“On August 29, three good friends and great cyclists, joined me for our contribution to the 2021 Tour Alberta for Cancer. The “bargain” made was that I would do a big day on my bike in return for your financial and moral support of the Tour.

It was pure late summer magic in Southern Alberta – bright sunny skies, warm temperatures and calm wind.

Our little group met in front of the home of my sister-in-law, Brenda and her husband Glen. Shortly after 9:00, in the company of a small entourage of family members on bicycles, we all did a ride-by the High River Hospital where Brenda spent her final days, in tribute to her courage and grace. Escorted by this clutch of family, our foursome found its way to the edge of town and off we went.

Dale EnsDan, Suzanne and Doug are powerful riders and we set a crisp pace south towards Nanton, all the while getting caught up and getting to know each other again after a long absence, thanks to the pandemic. Remember that this long day was purely optional for them. Each had already donated to the Tour but doing this ride speaks volumes to their character. Dan and Suzanne had never tackled a ride of this distance so they were excited to test themselves. Doug was debuting his gorgeous new Colnago road bike.

Once in Nanton (30 km. from High River) we headed west on Hwy 540 where the real elevation gain in the ride awaited us. I think we did about an hour of legitimate climbing over three sizeable hilltops during the next 40 km. – head down, find a tempo and look for the summit, rinse and repeat. We all rode very well and it was gratifying to hit the final summit before ripping down the other side to Chain lakes Provincial Park.

Cathy, Georgia and her dog, Spot, were on hand with a marvellous spread of fresh fruit, yogurt, peanut butter and jam tacos and some tasty baking. It was just the break we needed after a challenging first half. (By the way, my bride was a diehard support of Sunday’s ride and we are so very grateful. You rock Cathy!)

With new energy, we returned to Highway 22 and rode north for another 25 km or so. This part of the ride was not that much fun since the road was very busy and noisy. Still the drivers were unfailingly courteous and did their best to give us room.

By the time we got to the Bar U Ranch and turned east on Highway 533, we could feel the miles in our legs. However the fact that we were steadily losing the elevation that we had gained in the first half of the ride was a welcome bonus. We were flying – at times our little paceline hit and sustained 40 to 45 kph. In one lead, Doug had us going 48 kph on the flats. That is moving. What a blast!

With 10 km to go, we were joined by Georgia who rode with us to High River and our starting point. We were met with a celebratory milkshake from the Hitching Post drive in, much to Dan’s delight. I never knew a grown man could be so moved by something as simple as a fresh strawberry and banana milkshake but that was Dan. He was in heaven. We then moved on to burgers and beers and reflections on what had to one of the best-days-ever on a bicycle. We tore up 133 kms of road in 4 hours and 45 minutes, 1000 meters of climbing and an average speed of 28.4 kph.

I am not sure but I think this is my 7th or 8th time doing this fundraising ride. Except for this one, I don’t think there was a ride when Brenda was not somewhere on the route or at the start/finish to provide her encouragement and illuminate us with her electric smile. Throughout my ride, I thought of her frequently and how different it was now that she is gone. I know that she would have been so proud and excited to see us out there. That was her nature.

There were happy/sad tears when we finally sat down and raised a glass to her memory.

Together you contributed almost $26,000 to this year’s Ride, a staggering sum and one that was entirely unexpected when I go started in July. I think (hope) I have thanked everyone I could but some folks are strangers to me and I haven’t been able to connect personally with my regret.

To all of you, my friends, my family, the good people I don’t know and the anonymous donors who were too shy to reveal their names, I say the same simple heart felt thing – thank you.

We need to end cancer and the only way is through research through financial support like this. Your generosity will make a difference in the future and has already done so today.

For Dan, Suzanne, Doug and me, you were the wind at our back. Thank you.


Thank you Dale, Suzanne and Doug for going the distance on the Tour and in the cancer centres.

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Team EY

Scott Patrick, captain of Team EY Crankers describes himself as an avid biker that hates cancer.

This will be his sixth year riding in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer as part of Team EY. He was honored to receive the gold helmet –commemorating 5 years of fundraising and riding. When asked why this cause is important to him he says, “I tour for those who can’t ride. I tour and fundraise because there is no better use of my time than helping others affected by cancer. I tour because my family like most others is affected by cancer. I tour to take back a sense of control over a dark, nasty disease that is always lurking. I tour because we need to raise money to help others.”

Scott’s advice for new riders gearing up for a long distance ride is to ride their bike as often as possible, “For anyone who is new, just ride your bike 4 or 5 times per week. Long distance isn’t the critical aspect, it’s training your butt to be on a bike that matters. And smile when you ride, it makes everything easier.”

On August 28th, Scott is looking forward to seeing his fellow team mates.

“Reuniting for this worthy cause is special. Add in bikes and nothing could be finer,” he says.

Team EY Crankers will ride from Elbow Valley to Bragg Creek, then to Elbow Falls, and return. Depending on their experience and comfort, team members have the choice to ride 54 kms or 102 kms routes.

We thank Scott and EY for their constant support and contribution to the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Thank you for going the distance on the Tour and in the cancer centres.

 

 

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Team RBC

RBC, our presenting partner for this year’s Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, is passionate about giving back to the community and Albertans facing cancer. Through the Tour, RBC Capital Markets has raised over $757,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in the last ten years.

Tyson MacDonald, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets and captain of Team RBC, has been cycling in the Tour Alberta for Cancer for the last five years. When asked why this cause is important to him, he says, “I have many family members and friends that are front of mind during my ride. Knowing that funds raised from this event directly benefit Albertans through the support of regional treatment centers in addition to funding critical research is why I continue to support this event.”

Taking part in a cycling challenge like the Tour Alberta for Cancer is no easy feat. With the events being virtual this year, participants can choose to cycle any distance and cycle anywhere in Alberta on August 28th. Team RBC will be enjoying the scenic rocky mountain views as they cycle from Calgary to Cochrane and back through the RBC Bears paw route. “It’s all doable,” he says. “No matter the distance or elevation. Getting yourself to the starting line is half the battle. Riding alongside cancer survivors and those currently fighting the disease will inspire you to get to the finish line.”

The other half of participating in the Tour Alberta for Cancer is fundraising for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Participants can choose to donate and fundraise for one of the 17 cancer centres across Alberta or towards world-class care and research, critical equipment or urgent needs.

It can sometimes be intimidating to reach out to friends and family for donations. Tyson encourages participants to share why this cause is important to them. “You would be surprised how generous people are when it comes to fighting this disease. Sharing your personal story for why you are cycling will resonate with many and might garner a donation or a new member of your team,” he says.

We thank Tyson and team RBC for their support and contribution to the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Thank you for going the distance on the Tour and in the cancer centres.

 

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Who Does Team Graham Tour For?

Trevor Harrington, Senior Project Manager and long-time employee at Graham Construction, has worked with the company for over 17 years. The father of four young kids enjoys all forms of biking, camping, hunting and fly-fishing with his family. Not only is he a busy, hard-working father, but in his spare time, he is an academic, working on his Ph.D. in Engineering.

Trevor HarinstonTrevor and the Graham Construction team has participated in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer for the past five years. And have raised over $137,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “I look forward to it every year, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of the committee,” says Trevor. Trevor Tours in honour of his late grandfather, who he was very close to. He also Tours for his father, who is currently diagnosed with Leukemia.

“He is doing well, but only because of the continuing care of the Cross Cancer Institute,” says Trevor. “I also tour for my kids so that hopefully they will have a cancer-free future.”

Trevor, who has been working with Enbridge on construction projects for the past ten years, sees the Tour as a great way to show their support, team building and raising money for a great cause. He also enjoys biking, which helps him put on the miles.

On August 28th, Trevor will be camping with his family in Jasper and plans on cycling the 100km Maligne Lake Road. “It will be an epic ride….especially on the way back down the mountain [and yes,] I will be packing bear spray,” says Trevor.

Trevor is excited to be a part of this year’s re-branded event and playing a role in all the hard work done by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the committee, and all of the participating teams. “The past year has been hard for the event, and I look forward to building momentum this year and growing our team and fundraising efforts,” says Trevor.

We thank Trevor and Team Graham Construction for their constant support and contribution to the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Thank you for going the distance on the Tour and in the cancer centres.


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Who does Team KPMG Tour For?

Team KPMG is passionate about the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Through the Tour, Employees at KPMG have raised over $ 827,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation in the last 12 years. Team KPMG started small with only a handful of riders, and with the support of dedicated captains and members, the team has grown substantially to well over 50 people. Today, Team KPMG is led by co-captains Chris Marra and Curtis Lester.

Chris Marra is an Enterprise Partner at KPMG in Calgary. The father of two (and one on the way) is originally from Victoria, BC but considers Calgary home now. His first introduction to the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer (formerly known as the Alberta Ride to Conquer cancer) was in 2009 when he participated in the BC Ride to Conquer cancer. A couple of years after moving to Calgary, Chris learned about how involved KPMG Alberta is in the Tour and decided to join a couple of friends and participate in his first Alberta ride in 2011.

“I trained for the Tour but didn’t realize how hard it was to cycle in the Prairies. Everyone thinks the Prairies is flat. It is not flat. I remember the 2011 Ride, and it was a beautiful Saturday, unbelievably gorgeous. However, the next day we woke up to a torrential downpour, and I was suffocating for 90 kilometres because I couldn’t breathe in the rain, but soon after, it cleared up and got better. That was my first Alberta ride, and I have done every other Tour since then,” says Chris.

This year will be his eighth time participating in the Tour. He has been the team KPMG captain for the last three years and is excited to carry forward the foundation set by former members. For Curtis Lester, co-captain of Team KPMG and the KPMG Tax Practice leader in Calgary, this will be his fifth year participating.

Curtis finds the inspiration and motivation to take on the cycling challenge simply because he is part of such an important cause. “Cancer has been around my entire lifetime, and I have seen far too many leave us too soon due to this disease. With our support, there have been incredible advancements in cancer research and treatment of patients. I would love to see a cure for cancer in my lifetime. The movement of the people and strength in numbers is what keeps me coming back. It’s nice to see what we can accomplish when we work together for a common goal,” he says.

A personal connection to cancer is also what motivated Chris year after year. His father and some of his friends have been affected by cancer. More recently, his mother-in-law was re-diagnosed with cancer in 2020.

“I picture myself in their shoes, and it reinforces the purpose for me. The Tour represents the ability to connect with what those facing cancer are going through and validate their struggle. It symbolizes that we are there to support them in whatever way we can, and that’s why I have always really connected with it,” he says.

Curtis will be taking part in the Tour Alberta this year in Vancouver, as he helps his daughter move to university. He will be joined by his 14 year old son, Julian, who has been riding with him for four years now and likes to challenge dad to keep up.

Gearing up for the Tour

When asked if he has any tips for first-time participants, Curtis notes the importance of stretching before and after cycling. “It makes a massive difference for recovery. Basic bike maintenance is also key (e.g. bike is in good working order, tires are aired up, chain is lubed, and the frame is nice and shiny). Lastly, safety first and try to stay off of busy roads or at least avoid rush hour. Helmets and front and taillights are essential in my view,” he says.

Chris suggests that if people want to experiment for the first time and maximize the number of kilometres they cover, they should consider riding in the hills as much as they can. In Calgary, he suggests the Northwest area, “The Bears paw and Cochrane area have plenty of excellent routes that beginners can cycle on which will allow you to get acquainted with the foothills of the city,” he says.

Starting a Team

For those thinking of starting a team for the Tour, Chris advises to start small and build from there.

“It helps to start with one or two more people and getting the word out. If you are looking to inspire your family, friends or colleagues to join your team, it’s important to highlight that this is a Tour, not a race. I think everybody thinks that it’s a race, but it’s not. It is about connecting with the journey that other people are on and helping support people with cancer and their families by fundraising,” notes Chris.

Chris believes that Team KPMG’s inclusivity played a big part in the growth of their team over the years.

“Here at KPMG, we haven’t limited the team to just our friends, family, colleagues, or our clients. We have always brought other people in who share and understand what the purpose of the Tour is. You don’t just have to be an employee of KPMG to be part of the team,” he says.

On August 28th, Team KPMG plans to carry out a virtual experiment and divide the sub-teams into multiple courses throughout Calgary. They are diligent about their team members and want them to make it a personalized experience based on their fitness levels. Their main goal is to focus on getting out there and bring people together rather than placing importance on how many kilometres they cover.

“We plan to make the Tour accessible for everyone based on their fitness abilities. This year is a great opportunity to get out and test that,” notes Chris.

For smaller teams, he suggests collaborating with the big teams when it comes to training:

“If you are a small team, we are happy to have you come out and train with us at any point in time. As teams, we are always there to support and help people along the way,” says Chris.

“We are just excited to get out there and support those who are going through cancer because their journey has never stopped. I’m also excited about the new brand and wearing the new jersey this year,” notes Chris.

Chris signs off on a hopeful note while reinstating the value of donating. “From a donor’s perspective, the best way to do it is to get out and support people. You never know when you’re going to find yourself in need. Who knows how that donation might one day impact you or a family member? Every little bit helps. So please donate as much as you can to the cause or any team you would like to support.”

We thank Chris, Curtis and team KPMG for their constant support and contribution to the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Thank you for going the distance on the Tour and in the cancer centres.

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