In 2012 I started riding and training for an iron distance triathlon, and a few years later connected with the Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club. I've competed at provincial and national levels with success, but my best and most memorable rides have been the ones supporting others (piloting blind athletes) or charities.

In 2015 I had a personal disaster, found myself struggling with depression, cut off from my support networks, at odds with the values and beliefs of family, excommunicated by friends and colleagues. At the same time I was able to connect with mental health services through Southlake and CMHA-York Region.

Through it all the Newmarket Eagles have been there and when life seemed to shut the doors the Eagles sent me out on the road and kept me alive. They have "non-drop rides" and care for each other on the roads in a way that made me feel 100% loved.

I can ride, and I can speak regarding mental health issues. Bringing them together seems completely natural. Please jump onboard as I do the "unnatural" and host a prelude event of a 24 hour roller ride on my front porch June 9th & 10th @ 1pm.

This is the second time I am doing this prelude ride, when I did it in 2019 I managed just over 700kms. I don't have a distance goal because COVID lockdowns were very hard on me and I am VERY far off the conditioning I had back then. I will still commit to riding 55 minutes of every hour for the 24h duration.

I will have a few sets of rollers if others want to jump on and experience the challenge and ride along side. If not, ride along during the main 60km ride on the 11th!