SUE

Last year in late April, I found out that a softball friend of mine was battling cancer.  I had known Sue for over 29 years and we had played on many teams together. On the day of the Ride to Conquer Cancer last year, I had someone write her name on my leg.  I took a photo and sent it to her saying that she would be riding with me the whole way.  Sue was touched and thanked me for thinking of her.

And that was Sue.  Always so positive, thinking of others, always a kind word to say.  Last year, the softball league created the "Sue Cannon Sportswoman of the Year" award which would be awarded to the player who exhibits qualities of fairness, courtesy and grace in winning and defeat.  Sue embodied all those qualities and more.  Whenever she played, win or lose, she always had a smile for you and a joke to share.

Today the sky above is shining a little brighter.  Late Sunday afternoon, April 19, Sue lost her battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by her family and close friends. She posted on Facebook the day before she died that her bags were packed and that she was awaiting her final boarding call.  She didn't know what the journey would hold but knew that it would be an adventure.  It was a testament to her character that many people replied wishing her a safe journey and that it was a privilege to know her.

I know that as of today, heaven has a star ball player and an angel for the ages. She was, is and always will be an inspiration to us all.

Rest in peace Sue.  Your journey here on earth has ended but a new journey is just beginning.

My 2015 Ride to Conquer Cancer will also be dedicated to Sue Cannon.

Please help me in the fight against this dreaded disease and make a donation to my ride.  Whether it be large or small, every dollar counts.  Please click on the link below.

Jill Endacott - Ride To Conquer Cancer 2015

LUC

When I first started this ride in 2013, my sister in law called me and asked if I would include a name among the ones I was already carrying.  Judy asked me to ride for her brother-in-law Luc who was battling a brain tumour.  I immediately added his name to the list and it was on the design that I had submitted for the team shirt when we rode from Montreal to Quebec City.  I remember as we crossed the finish line all those people were in my thoughts.  Those that had fought the battle and won, those that had passed away and those who were still fighting.

After two and a half years, Luc lost his battle on Sunday at the age of 53.

Luc was a loving husband and father who cherished his family and friends.  According to my brother, he was a proud man who loved the outdoors and loved to travel.  He leaves behind family and friends who loved and cherished him and will miss him tremendously.  Last June, just before my bike ride, I saw Luc for what was to be the last time.  He thanked me for doing the ride and raising the funds saying that I should be proud of what I had accomplished.

In 2015, I will once again be making the trek from Montreal to Quebec City.  And once again, Luc will be riding with my teammates and I. I am proud of what I have accomplished but feel there's so much more to do.  I would like a world where our children or our children's children no longer have to hear the word CANCER.

Luc - I dedicate my 2015 ride to you.

Please help me in the fight against this dreaded disease and make a donation.  Whether it be large or small, every dollar counts.  Please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help!

http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2015?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1522

CATHERINE

Last year, my graphic on the team shirt was of a bicycle wheel with names of those who had passed away from cancer as well as those who were fighting the good fight and those who had fought the battle and won.  One of those names who had the battle and won was a former manager of mine, Catherine.   I emailed Catherine before the 2013 ride telling her that her name as well as her husband's and her daughter's were on the graphic and sent along a copy of the picture.  She emailed me back saying that she was touched beyond words and that it meant a lot that I had thought to include her. 


On Friday night, February 14, 2014, Catherine lost her latest battle with this dreaded disease.  
 

Catherine was one of those people who could find humour in everything and often did. I remember many a time sitting in her office sharing a laugh after dealing with some tense situation with a client or just stopping in to say hi.  Her smile was infectious and her eyes were always twinkling.   

The last time I spoke to Catherine was when she was in the hospital recovering from pneumonia.  We talked and laughed and I told her that I was doing the ride again this year.  We spoke about what kind of design I might do for the shirt and I asked her if she remembered the graphic I had done last year.  She picked up her phone and showed me the graphic from the t-shirt I had sent her.  She had kept the email with the graphic and told me again how touched & honoured she had been. 


Rest in peace Cato.  Your kindness & encouragement touched so many people and made all our lives better for being around. You will be sorely missed.

My 2014 ride is dedicated to you.

If you would like to donate to my ride effort, please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help!
http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2014?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1512

AND HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Last year I did the Ride to Conquer Cancer in honour of my friend Jennifer who passed away in 2012.  What started out as a ride for one turned into a ride for many.  Over one hundred names that my teammates and I carried with us on the back of our shirts.  Within days of that ride, I signed up again feeling the need to continue the ride to find the cure...the cure that will end this dreaded disease that has taken so many from us and continues to do so even as I write this.
But I can't do it alone and I won't.  This year the team behind me will be bigger and stronger! 19 other people will be cycling along side me all striving for the same goal: raising the $$ needed to find a cure.  We will train together, cycle together, laugh together but most of all we will support each other.
And so here I go again...the winter training, the early morning weekend rides, the after work rides...all of it leading me to one final destination: the finish line in Quebec City.  This year I dedicate my ride to everyone who is battling cancer.  Their sheer determination is what will keep me going!

If you would like to donate to my ride effort, please click on the link below.  I appreciate your help!
http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Events/Montreal2014?px=2645026&pg=personal&fr_id=1512

THE ROAD I TRAVELLED DID NOT DEFEAT ME

It was a year ago this week that I decided to embark on a journey for a friend.  Not only would I end up cycling over 2500 kms during the year but I would also achieve personal goals while meeting fantastic people. The ride was epic in so many ways and I have so many people to thank.  

To my family:  Thank you for standing by me when I made the decision to take this on.  Your love, support and belief in me meant more to me than you will ever know.

To all my friends both near and far:  Your messages of support and well wishes will stay with me always.  You all had my back and I can never thank you enough. 
 
To my teammates: You were, beyond a shadow of a doubt, exceptional.  Never letting me fall behind, always spurring me on. The camaraderie I felt from that first morning will last with me a lifetime!  I enjoyed the laughs, the tears, the ribbing and the drinks!  I will never forget the "Motel Coconut" and the Tiki Bar!


To Simon: You were my rock on Day 2 of riding.  We set a good pace and you made sure we kept to it.  You never left me behind and made me laugh most of the time (when we weren't busy swearing at cows, horses and faster riders).  I don't think I could have made it up those 3 hills without your cajoling and determination as well as your dedication.  I would cycle with you any day - well as long as you yell "Ta Gauche" when you feel the need to pass me!

To Rob: How do you thank someone who not only became a riding partner, a mentor and staunch supporter, but also a dear friend?  When I decided to do this ride, I think you became even more excited than I.  You gave me tips for training, took me on cycling rides, and even semi-scolded me when I hadn’t been on the bike as often as I should have.  Throughout it all, you also cheered me on when I was hitting milestones and always had a positive comment.   When I crossed that finish line in Quebec City, you were right there beside me keeping your promise - that we cross the finish line together.  And it wasn’t just me who you helped.  Each and every team member were all made better by your presence – whether it be with your witty (and not so witty) jokes or your team spirit and enthusiasm. So thank you Rob for being you and thank you for your friendship.  Through you I have learned what it is to strive for excellence and change. 

Terri:  Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it.  Your belief in me, from the beginning, certainly helped when I started to get scared and nervous.  You kept me grounded leading up to the ride and the happiness I felt when I saw your smiling face as you stood at the side of the road cheering us on is something I will always treasure.  Your hugs and words of encouragement helped get me through the toughest spots.  Thank you for your support and your love.

And to all those wondering, yes I have signed up to do it again next year because in the end, the road I travelled did not defeat me but it just may have defined who I am.

Jill - Rider/Conqueror of the Road to Conquer Cancer

THE RIDE - DAY 2

4:30 am…that was the time when I opened my eyes on Sunday morning…4:30 A.M.!!! Rob had mentioned in the weeks leading up to the ride that I wouldn’t have to worry about oversleeping or sleeping through any alarm.  He said the sounds of tent zippers opening would start very early and then he proceeded to demonstrate making the sounds of the zippers.  He was actually quite close to the actual sound and he was quite right!  I figured once I got used to the sound I would still be okay and go back to sleep.  Such was not to be the case.  Not only was it the tents opening up but when people walked by talking in normal everyday conversation tones I knew that any more chance of sleep was gone. 

Getting up I packed my bag, rolled up my sleeping bag and air mattress and started to get dressed.  We had made the pledge that we would wear the team shirt on the 2^nd day as well so I had tried to wash it while taking a shower the day before.   Figuring it was ok, I went to put it on and recoiled from the smell!  Grabbing another t-shirt, I quickly pinned the team-shirt to the roof of my tent hoping the air would drive the smell away.  Looking over at my other team mates as they got out of their tents, I was just a little incredulous! “OMG!!” I said, “Have you smelled your shirts?  I thought I was going to hurl this morning when I went to put mine on!” 

 

Heading to the breakfast area, we got some food and while eating, we talked about the day ahead.  The gates were opening at 7:00 am and considering it was 6:15 we were going to change our leaving time and shoot for 7:00 – 7:15 instead of 8:00 am.  Steve & Eric were going to leave in the first group followed by Angie.  Rob, Simon, Steve B, Doug and I were going to be heading out together and then settle into our own pace.  Simon and I had promised to ride together all day as we both seemed to keep the same riding pace.   I quickly texted Terri that we were leaving so she would know the ETA for Quebec City.

At 7:00 am the gates opened and the first of the riders set out.  Those of our team members that we could find stood in a circle so Rob could take a picture of our wrist bands which read “I SUPPORT TEAM H/G 2013”.  We hugged and shouted encouragement as the first of our group set off.  Suddenly realizing that Doug was missing, Rob told Simon and me to head off and they would catch up with us when they could.   As we coasted on our bikes to the front gate, I passed the organizer with the microphone and shouted that Team Hope & Gratitude were on their way.  Once again, we got a big “TEAM HOPE AND GRATITUDE IS ON THEIR WAY!  GOOD LUCK AND RIDE SAFE!”  Grinning, I clipped into my pedals and headed off with Simon.

Biking through the streets of Trois Rivieres early in the morning without any traffic was heavenly.  It was also hot and humid like the day before.  The saving grace this time was that we would be riding by the water more often than not.  Simon and I talked and laughed as we rode setting our pace at a comfortable 25km/h.   50 minutes later we arrived at our first pit stop spying some of our team mates either just leaving. Catching up with Angie, we fueled up on peanut butter, water and Gatorade and then started off again after about 10 minutes. 

  

It was during the ride between pit stops that I began to feel a little tired.  The term that bikers use is “bonking”.  What it simply means is that I didn’t fuel up enough to take care of the calories I was burning up.   By the second pit stop I was actually grabbing little packets of peanut butter and eating it straight out of the container.  Even with grabbing water and drinking lots I still didn’t fuel up enough. 

And this is where Simon became my rock.  Heading out again, he let me set the pace but kept in front of me so I could draft along behind him.  Urging me on and then stopping to put some liquid gel into me (which tastes disgusting by the way) he kept up a steady stream of chatter – never letting me get to ahead of myself or too far behind him.   Simon was one of the reasons I made it to the lunch pit stop without keeling over.   

As we made our way closer to the lunch pit stop, all of a sudden Simon yelled out: “OMG!  It’s Terri!  And she has a sign!”  Looking up, there was Terri waving her arms like a maniac and a big sign sitting on a chair that said:  CONGRATULATIONS JILL! YOU BIKE FOR LIFE!!  PROUD TO BE PART OF TEAM HOPE AND GRATITUDE!!  Laughing, I cycled by and once again we exchanged high fives.   I could even see that Simon had perked up a little upon seeing Terri. 

 

Finally arriving at the lunch pit stop, we were greeted by our fellow team mates who had been there for awhile.  5 minutes later Terri showed up and greeted with me with a hug and kiss.  It had been a grueling morning and according to Steve P. the afternoon wouldn’t be any better.   There would be 3 hills that would test everyone but especially those who weren’t used to steep climbs.  Terri looked at me and wondered if I would be able to complete the journey.  She knew deep down that I was so stubborn that I would keel over before giving up.   After all, how could I?  I was completing a journey that not only included me but all the names I was riding for.  After eating some of the lunch and getting more to drink, I kissed Terri goodbye and with a bear hug she whispered in my ear, “See you in Quebec City, Shawty!”

With promises to all meet up at the last pit stop so we could ride in as a team, the other riders left before us.   Simon and I pulled out and headed for what was going to be the grueling part of the ride -  the challenging 3 hills that lay between us and the last pit stop.  As we rode, Simon and I kept the same pace we had kept that morning – about 25km/h.  When we came upon the first hill, we felt good and climbed it with no issues.  In fact it reminded me of the hill near my house.  Not as steep but certainly a good climb.  Continuing our ride we got in behind some teams and drafted with them so as not to use up all our energy for the remaining two hills.   As the second hill came into view, Simon and I passed the team we had been with and maneuvered our way up.  Shouting words of encouragement to each other (well really Simon yelling and shouting at me) we climbed hill #2.  Getting to the top, we passed someone and as Simon yelled “You did it!” she answered back, “Yes I did and that better be the end of these climbs!”.  Getting out in front, I shook my head slightly.  I knew that there was still one hill left and it was going to be a doozy. 

The hill in question is in the small town of Donnacona and as you come around a bend you see it in all it’s glory.  It’s big, it’s steep, it’s daunting!  To get up the hill, we would need all the power left in our bodies as well as some extra.  We got a little boost as before we had to go up that hill, we have to come down a steep one before.  Gaining a little momentum, we geared down and headed up the hill.  Simon stayed ahead of me shouting encouragement as we headed up the monster.  We passed people who had gotten off their bikes and were walking up the hill.  My mantra became “I am not getting off this bicycle no matter what!”  ¾ of the way up someone biking behind me started to encourage me as well yelling “C’mon Jill push push push!  Get up this hill.  You can do it!  Pedal harder!  Push Push Push!” With her yelling and Simon’s encouragement, I made it up that hill.  The third of 3!  I was home free...

The Monster Hill

Or so I thought!

As we pedaled into the pit stop – the last one before the finish line – we met up with our team and received high fives all around once they realized we had made it up the hills.  Simon had casually asked when were we going to get to the daunting hills and after a moment of silence everyone cracked up laughing.  After a small break, and ensuring our whole team was together, we headed out for the last 16 kms – riding as we had started out – together.   Rob cycled beside me and even now as I write this I am thankful. 

 

What I found out soon enough was I may be finished with the hills, but the hills were not finished with me.

As we rounded a corner, I saw a hill and moaned.  Rob looked at me and told me that I could do this – I was so close I could taste it.  I started up the hill and realized half way up the hill that I wasn’t going to make it.  Starting to cry and losing my power, I told Rob I couldn’t do it.  Edging closer to me on his bike, all he told me was to keep my legs moving and he then put his hand on my back and literally pushed me up the hill.

 

PUSHED ME UP THE HILL! 

And that’s how we did the next couple of hills until the last one.  After the second to last hill, we rounded a corner to a huge descent .  It was so amazing to have a moment not to pedal and to have the wind in my face.  As we made the sharp right turn heading toward the finish line, I saw my last hill and vowed to do it on my own.  Standing up on my bike, I pedaled furiously and shouted once again “I AM NOT GETTING OFF THIS BIKE!”  I could hear Rob shouting at me to wait for him to cross the finish line!  Successfully reaching the top, Rob appeared beside me and in his best Elmer Fudd voice said “The Woad I Twavel Shall Not Defeat Me”.  Looking at him I started to laugh as he repeated it again.

We entered the grounds for the finish line and headed toward the end.  The tears that had been close at bay once again appeared and began to flow down my face.  Rob grabbed my hand and held it high in the air.  He then pointed to the side where we saw Terri, Jo, Nat, Carolyn, Virginia and Lynn with signs cheering us on.  As we crossed the finish line, our team name was announced along with our names and congratulating us for conquering the ride. 

 

Stopping at a spot after the finish line, I braked and unclipped from my pedals but stayed on the bike.  Turning to Rob, I burst into tears and hugged him.  All the training, all the sweat, all the tears, all the names I rode for, especially Jennifer, culminated in this moment.  I had done it.  Even as I sit here and write this now, tears well up.   

Getting off my bike was hard as my thighs had turned to mush.  Turning around I saw my friends coming toward me clapping and smiling.  Terri grabbed me and hugged me hard telling me she was so proud and that what I had done was just awesome.  I looked at both Lynn and Virginia who had asked me to ride for people and hugged them hard.  Jo, Nat & Carolyn hugged me congratulating me for a job well done. 

 

Kms cycled:234
Funds raised: $10,640
Crossing the finish line with the most amazing people: Priceless
Thank you to my team: Rob Callard, Angie Randall-Coss, Simon Tooley, Steve Pilon, Doug Burns and Steve Burns

 

Team Hope and Gratitude

THE RIDE - DAY 1

The sun had just risen when a small caravan of cars left the West Island bound for Repentigny and the starting point of our 2 day bike trek to Quebec City.  The organizers had requested we all be there by 7:30 as speeches would be done at 8:00 am and we would all get on the road (hopefully) by 8:30. 

I can’t begin to tell you how nervous I was as well as excited.  I was surprised I had slept as well as I had the night before.  Along the way, we passed other cars headed in the same direction with bicycles on the top of car roofs – some looking like mine with the name plates attached.

Arriving at the school, we parked and proceeded to unload our overnight bags, our bikes and all necessary food & drink for our ride.  Dropping our bags off at the designated trucks, we moved, along with the multitude of others, to the starting area and found the meeting spot for our team.   Now came the fun part – I had to find my tent assignment.  Luckily Rob came with me and we established that not only was I close by but that I also had my own tent.  I also received another shirt from the ride – the Ambassador shirt.  People who have raised over $10,000 get these.  At this rate, I thought, I wouldn’t have to buy another cycling jersey for a long time to come!  

Team pictures were taken by the various cameras and phones and quickly posted on Facebook.  My favourite picture is one that Terri took which shows the back of the jersey with all the names I was riding for.

After having a bite to eat and then wanting to throw up, I was itching to get going.  So many months of training and waiting and it would start soon.  I just had to get through the speeches and then we would be gone.  I had been pretty good about holding it together until they escorted the empty bike to the starting line and asked for a moment of silence.  The bike commemorated everyone who couldn’t be there but their spirit was.  As the moment of silence went on, I could feel the tears welling up.  Terri hugged me hard and then suggested I ease up on the crying as everyone around me had started to well up with tears.  Wiping my tears, she looked at me and said “You can do this!  And remember to enjoy every moment!”

Team Hope & Gratitude 2013

After the speeches were done and hugs were given by loved ones the moment was upon us.  Watching close to 2000 riders file out past the starting line is very surreal.  Hearing our team name HOPE AND GRATITUDE over the loudspeakers with a GOOD LUCK thrown in was inspiring and off we pedaled. 

I started off at a good pace with Rob by my side.  He told me to make sure that I kept an even pace and not start out too fast.  He didn’t want me losing gas before I got to camp at the end of the day.  And the day was going to be hot and humid.  Luckily, the ride for the day was broken down into 4 legs with cheering stations and pit stops along the way. As a team, the faster riders went out first and we met up with them at the first pit stop – about 30 kms away.  I still had lots of water left and was feeling good.  After about a rest time of 5-10 minutes, we teamed up again with everyone and started out.  At some point during the morning after the 2^nd pit stop, our team got separated and I was riding on my own.   I remember thinking that had been one of my fears – that I would get separated and wouldn’t be able to find anyone for the rest of the day.  It didn’t matter one bit.  We were all riding for the same cause and in the same direction.  I latched on with a group of 4 and we rode on together quietly.  Cycling past the farmland and cornfields filled me with moments of pure joy.  Here I was, doing something I had set my mind to do.  What an incredible feeling! 

As we neared the lunch pit stop, there were people along the road cheering us with words of BRAVO or KEEP GOING! As I rounded the bend of one road, there was Terri, smiling and waving her arms.  I had enough time to shout and give her a high five as I passed by.   Pulling into the lunch pit stop, I had enough time to get my lunch and sit on the grass before she appeared right in front of me!  Getting a big hug was a boost for my spirits and stamina! 

Finishing lunch, the team and I headed back out and once again we got separated.  Deciding to do what I did in the morning, I latched onto teams and cycled with them.   Keeping up a good speed and figuring I didn’t need to stop at the last pit stop before the campsite, I kept going.  As I would pass a team that I had cycled with, I would thank them.  Some hadn’t even known I was behind them. 

Hitting the final street before the Day 1 finish line, I ran into Rob.  He had already finished but was coming out to find me because he had made a promise to me – that we would cross the finish line together.  It was great to cross that line with all the people cheering.  What a moment!  And in crossing the finish line I had created a personal best for myself – 4:30:21 for 114 kms!  What a feeling!   

After a beer and a shower, I was ready for a nap.  Setting up my stuff in my tent, I took a page from someone across the way and lay down with my feet in the tent and my head on the grass.  Seeing a picture opportunity, one of the official photographers of the event snapped my picture while I was laying there. 

Trying to catch 40 winks

Getting some food and then a walk down to the local bar for a nightcap had me beat by 7:30.  Giving up, I said goodnight to my teammates and went to hit the hay.  Knowing that I still had 120 kms to go the next day was daunting enough but I didn’t want to be dead tired doing it as well.  From what I could tell, camp settled down for the night around 9:30 pm.  Everyone wanted to be in tip top form for the next day. 

Next blog:  Day 2 of The Ride