Ride for Cancer
Ride for Cancer is the largest cycling fundraising event in Atlantic Canada. Since 2015, the initiative has raised $2.6 million to transform cancer care in Atlantic Canada! This year, we are proud to have several of our community members at Blended Athletics taking part. Paula Mercer is one of those inspiring members participating in this year's event. We reached out to ask Paula about her motivations, fears and experience regarding the event. Here is her response.
WHY THE RIDE FOR CANCER?
You might be wondering why someone would voluntarily commit themselves to sitting on a bike saddle for somewhere around 4 hours. In short, for me it is because of the sheer number of people affected by cancer. I’m guessing most of us either know someone or are someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. My mom is one of the lucky ones. She had a cancerous lump detected in a routine mammogram, that was successfully treated with radiation, and has been cancer-free for about 14 years. Once I got past the emotional reasons for wanting to do this, I figured it’s just another physical challenge that might put me a little outside my comfort zone, and that’s where the good stuff happens, right? I’m a bit of a sucker for a challenge (also part of the reason I joined Blended, if I'm being honest). When I discovered that I could meaningfully contribute to cancer care here in Nova Scotia, by riding my bike (which I was already a fan of), I was in! Sure, the 75km distance is the furthest distance I've ever biked, but honestly, I was more intimidated by the fundraising aspect of the event (there is a fundraising minimum of $1000 for each rider).
Despite all of my nerves and reservations the support system of my friends and family made it as easy as it could be. This includes my guy, who always encourages me in whatever crazy idea I have for my next endeavour. I honestly don’t think he’s ever told me that he didn’t think I could/should do something. This support system also includes the people at Blended (how many people can say that about their “gym”?). No matter who I’ve talked to about this event, the response is always overwhelmingly positive and supportive! I’m definitely looking forward to my first Ride for Cancer, which will likely be followed by more, to see what I can accomplish both physically and fundraising-wise!
AFTER THE RIDE...
It was a great day! (despite being a little chilly to begin with) I successfully raised over $1000 to contribute to the more than $1.2 million total raised by everyone taking part in the ride! I also managed to complete the 75km trail ride AND ran into my gym friends Mel and Blake along the way! While it was definitely a challenge to ride that kind of distance, I wasn’t as beat up afterward as I had anticipated. I have the tendency to underestimate myself and what I’m capable of, so who knows, maybe next year’s Ride for Cancer I go for the 100km!