In the spring, as I was planning for August, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have been very blessed by a supportive community who has been kind and generous over the years, and am so thankful for your support again this year! GCCC has been a huge success again this year, and we know the riding is only a footnote on the much more important work of battling childhood cancer. The newest number I have seen is just shy of $6.5mil raised, but that might be last year's number, which understand will be beaten by this year's donations.
In terms of my own participation, I wasn't certain of what I would be able to do. Since going on medical leave, I have been able to ride but I am not able to handle much pressure/stress, and my ability to concentrate isn't as good. I attempted a longer ride mid-month, and was only able to do about 90min solo. If I'm with people, I'm still able to go a bit longer (2.5h range at most). My longer rides of the past just aren't possible still. I've been fortunate, however, in being able to be very consistent. I thought 800km might be a good goal, and if it was the spring, that would have been a stretch. With 2 days left, however, I'm at 1103km, which is only a little behind the last couple years. I suspect my final number will be around 1200km, meaning August has been a victory of sorts. One day at a time...
One final note: we are pursuing proper sponsors and expanding the Nowhere Ride for 2026. Our 30 riders this year made it a great event and represented good growth over 2024. We are working to draw in more of the broader cycling community and get more GCCC riders to join us as well. We are excited to see what a group of maybe 100 riders will be like, circling the NE Swale here in Saskatoon. All riders will be welcome, including YOU.
Thank you for your support again this year. Off to do my last couple rides.