Big Bike Fun

Last week my husband sent me an email asking if I might be interested in joining their Big Bike Team "Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change". They had 11 spots left. Their ride was scheduled for August 23 at 2:30 p.m. not far from my office. Something that supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation AND promises a ton of fun, of course I was interested.

I work for London Hospital Linen Service, a not-for-profit linen processing corporation providing clean, fresh linen to major hospitals, community health centres, and long-term care facilities in Southwestern Ontario. My boss was happy to support the cause, so yesterday afternoon I rode this Big Bike. We started near Jack Astor's on Richmond riding along Pall Mall to Wellington to Queens Ave. to Richmond ending back at Pall Mall.

 

This Big Bike weighs one ton, but was easy to pedal with 25'ish riders. We had music blaring, siren sounds, cowbells, cheering and laughter ... lots of laughter. Our ride took about 20 minutes from start to finish. My favourite part was taking the corners at speed, not something I normally do. If you're looking for a fun event - the Big Bike is perfect for companies and groups interested in supporting critical research.

I copied the following information straight from the Big Bike - Heart and Stroke website:

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What is Big Bike?
It’s a heart-pumping, cheer-thumping, crazy big, fun ride!

For 20 minutes, 29 riders power one Big Bike. On event day, one of our drivers will accompany you as you pedal through your community and celebrate your accomplishments. While you pedal, you literally stop traffic to support critical heart disease and stroke research. But be warned: The minute you stop, you’ll want to climb right back on. It’s that much fun!

Donated Dollars make a difference
When you support Heart and Stroke Big Bike, you’re making a difference in your own community — and communities across Canada.

Why Your Support Matters

It’s clear that you want to help. We need people like you! When you donate or raise funds for Heart and Stroke Big Bike, you help ensure that critical research in hospitals and universities across Canada can continue. And you’re helping us work towards our shared vision: Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke.

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The Heart and Stroke Big Bike has been in operation for 24 years and now raises more than $8 million each year to help fund research.

The team I joined - Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change - raised more than $1,600 riding this Big Bike yesterday.

If you would like to start a team, join a team, donate or volunteer - just go to the Big Bike - Heart and Stroke website for more information. Any and all support is welcomed and appreciated.

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Pretty in Pink

My husband has been busy this week. He spent hours fixing up my Devinci after it was messed up by thieves. Then he spent more time fixing up my oldest bike, so I can ride it to work. I took it for a test ride in the park this afternoon and I like it. 

It's light and fast and handles fairly well with the new straight bars. This was my first proper road bike - a pink and white Gardin with blue accents bought in 1986. I used to wear matching pink, white and blue cycling shorts and jersey. Can you picture it? Too bad they wore out long ago. 

I hope this bike is less appealing to thieves. Although, now that I see it, I'm not so sure. I think it's Pretty in Pink with a cool retro vibe.

You know what I really hope? I really hope I can lock it inside. That is probably the only way to keep it truly safe at work.

If you missed it, you can read all about my better bike being stolen here.

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