The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC) - The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a unique, two-day cycling event. During this journey, participants ride more than 200 km from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a new endeavour to do just that - conquer cancer. The funds raised through The Ride to Conquer Cancer deliver breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care to [http://www.pmhf-uhn.ca/index.html The Princess Margaret] , one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world. Funding goes towards high content clinical trials such as a world class tumor bank, an advanced molecular profiling laboratory and a [http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca/Pages/Research/Drug_Development.aspx drug development program] . The Princess Margaret will also be able to put funds to work for other programs, like [http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.ca/Pages/Research/Cancer_Stem_Cells.aspx cancer stem cell] , cancer metabolism and microenvironment, immunotherapy, lung cancer and prostate cancer programs

The Course

The Ride To Conquer Cancer is a way to channel physical, mental and emotional energy into something much greater than the athletic accomplishment. With each kilometre pedaled, [http://www.pmhf-uhn.ca/index.html The Princess Margaret] is that much closer to conquering cancer in our lifetime. The course for The Ride is a spectacular journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It is a one-way ride to The Falls, with a night of camping in Hamilton. Riders and their bikes have the option to return to Toronto via rail on the “Conquest Express.”

Day One

Starts out riding along the lake with the Toronto skyline in the background, heading west towards Mississauga and then north-west towards the rolling countryside of Halton Hills. The course then takes riders towards Dundas/Ancaster, through a combination of city streets and country roads. There are pit stops every 25-30 kilometres including a lunch stop before camp is reached Saturday night in the Hamilton area.

Day Two

A beautiful ride up the Niagara escarpment and along country roads that offer a view of the entire Golden Horseshoe. From there, the ride meanders through wine country along quiet country roads. The day will also take riders along Welland Canal for several kilometres. Later, riders approach Canada’s most famous natural wonder -- Niagara Falls -- where the finish line and the closing ceremonies are held.

The Afternoon Afterburn

Once Camp is reached on Saturday, riders have the opportunity to join Olympic Silver Medalist and Tour de France leader, Steve Bauer, for an additional 50K ride lasting the remainder of the afternoon. As Afterburners, riders depart with fellow high-speed cyclists at approximately 2:00pm and return just as the final Riders are finishing the regular route. Dinner and the evening’s entertainment waiting after a terrific day.

Rider Support

Fundraising Assistance

The funds riders raise supports critical, breakthrough cancer research at The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world. That’s why each participant must raise at least $2,500 in order to ride. Once participants sign up for The Ride, they receive a Ride Manual where they learn how to ask for donations and how to keep track of their fundraising progress. Participants also have their very own personal webpage on [http://www.conquercancer.ca/ http://www.conquercancer.ca/] where they can post a photo, tell a story, and then email the link to the page to potential donors so they can donate directly to them online.

Training Assistance

Organized Training Rides take place in different areas and terrains, which vary in difficulty from beginner to experienced Rider. Orientation sessions are held at which participants learn more about bike basics in case they have never changed a bike tire or want to know the difference between a road, recumbent, hybrid, and mountain bike. Another important aspect of training for The Ride is learning how to properly fuel their body through proper nutrition and hydration. Once signed up, participants receive a Ride manual with information on eating and drinking right, tracking training progress and stretching to keep the body limber.

Personal Page

The Ride to Conquer Cancer Personal Page is a great fundraising tool that lets participants put the power of the worldwide web to work. It’s a fantastic way to share the journey with family and friends, and raise money for charity. It’s also fast, free and easy to do. Riders can post a personalized greeting, check donation reports, and more.

afety First

Every detail of the event is studied and executed with the greatest of care. All participants attend a mandatory safety video presentation. It is informative, inspiring and thorough. Whatever information participants need to keep them and the group safe is covered here.

Medical Care

Participants are never far away from medical attention at any point along the route, in case they need it. An incredible team of volunteer doctors and other medical professionals are at Camp and Pit Stops along the route.

Crew

Crew Members support the Riders in a service capacity on The Ride. They train for their assignment during the months leading up to the event and travel with the Riders during the Ride, staying at The Ride campsite.

Pit Stops

Out on the road, regular Pit Stops line the route every 15-20 kilometres, stocked with water, sports drinks, high-energy snacks and other good things to keep participants going as they peddle to conquer cancer. Toilet facilities are found at Pit Stops and other key locations along the route.

Gear Transport

Participants drop off their gear at a specially marked truck in the morning on Saturday, and pick it up at Camp that night.

Dollars at Work

The money raised for The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefits [http://www.pmhf-uhn.ca/index.html The Princess Margaret] , one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. [http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.com/Default.htm The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute] at The Princess Margaret is a team of world-class doctors, scientists and support staff whose sole vision is to conquer cancer for those facing challenges now and to prepare for those yet to be diagnosed.

With Campbell Family Institute Director [http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.com/Pages/About_Us/Bio_Dr_Ben_Neel.aspx Dr. Ben Neel] , a world recognized specialist in cancer biology, and the support of a team of over 600 dedicated scientific staff, the fundraising efforts tied to The Ride To Conquer Cancer help accelerate cancer research. It also facilitates new discoveries and the translation of this work into improved patient outcomes for people in communities across Canada and around the world. Select here to visit the Campbell Family Institute website.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer generates the all-important funds for research, which are allocated based on the highest cancer research priorities at The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret. The research governance committee (formed from senior Foundation staff and senior medical/research staff) oversees the allocation and stewardship of the funds raised.

History

External links

* [http://www.conquercancer.ca The Ride to Conquer Cancer]
* [http://www.uhn.ca/pmh/index.htm The Princess Margaret Hospital]
* [http://www.pmhf-uhn.ca/index.html The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation]
* [http://www.campbellfamilyinstitute.com/Default.htm The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute]

References