I interviewed Ontario’s David Marchione, who is gearing up for his 5th Ride to Conquer Cancer! Go David!
Joe: How many years have you been doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer?
David: The 2017 event will be my 5th Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Ontario’s David Marchione is gearing up for his FIFTH Ride to Conquer Cancer! Go David!Joe: Which Ride/s are you doing this year?
David: I will be doing the Ontario Ride, and The Classic Route – 200 kilometres from Toronto to Niagara Falls. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ride to Conquer Cancer in Ontario, an event that has raised over $155 million for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world.
Joe: I believe there is something special about recognition for the 5th year – would you care to share that with readers?
David: This is what I call my “golden helmet” year. The year a Rider does their 5th Ride, they earn a golden helmet.
Joe: I understand you were motivated by your infant nephew Ryan to do this Ride? Could you share more about that?
David: My nephew, Ryan, was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months old. He has undergone two rounds of cancer treatment. He is now 6 years old and is doing amazing.
Ontario’s David Marchione, photographed during a previous Ride to Conquer CancerJoe: Are there a lot of people in the Ride who have survived cancer? Or is it mainly family and friends of survivors?
David: There are quite a few cancer survivors who participate in the Ride. They get a yellow flag, that flies on the backs of their bikes. A lot of friends and family ride with them. I feel very proud to ride with them, myself, and I continue to find myself thinking: Riding is easy, fighting cancer is hard.
Joe: What message do you hope to send to your daughter by doing this Ride?
David: I would like my daughter to know that there are many ways to become involved in and support causes that you believe in. I want her to know that supporting those causes lets you be become part of a community with a common purpose and goal. The Ride is one big community, no matter a person’s fitness level. I want my daughter to experience a similar camaraderie, one day.
Joe: I believe you cycle for Team Hicksfire powered by PwC and Faskens. Would you like to share more about the plans, dreams and accomplishments of your team?
David: The team is made up of friends and family of cancer survivors. I only hope that we can help Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in their work to cancer in our lifetime. So far, Team Hicksfire has raised over $100,000 through our 2017 Ride campaign.
Joe: Where can we support your team?
David: You can support us here!
People who complete the Ride to Conquer Cancer report a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. And they all comment on how much support they receiveJoe: How do you prepare for the Ride?
David: I try to cycle as often as I can. I cycle to work a couple of times per week and do longer training rides on the weekend.
Joe: Do you cycle all year round? If not, how do you maintain your fitness through the year?
David: Generally, I’m a ‘fair-weather’ cyclist. I don’t cycle in the winter. In the colder months, I go to the gym and do spin classes.
Joe: Do you have anything you would like to say to people who are thinking of doing the Ride, but who may be a little nervous, or think they can’t do it?
David: The Ride is for everyone. Do it. The Ride is made up of a real mix of people – avid cyclists and those who have never even considered doing that kind of distance. There are a lot of rest stops, and it’s not a race. You can take your time and you will get it done. It’s amazing what you can accomplish with the support of the people riding around you, and the Ride’s staff, crew and volunteers.
Joe: How much money do you have to raise to participate in the Ride?
David: Each Rider has to raise a minimum of $2,500 in order to participate in the event. However, participants are supported every step of the way by Ride Guides that offer fundraising and training tips!
Joe: How is your fund-raising going this year?
David: With the support of my family and friends, I have raised over $2,600 this year.
Joe: Which is harder – the fund-raising or the riding?
David: The fund-raising is difficult. It’s difficult because there are a lot of causes that people are asked to support throughout any given year, and people do get donor fatigue. It’s also difficult to ask people for money. A lot of people have told me that they would participate in the Ride, but worry about fundraising. As this is my 5th Ride, I can tell you that fundraising is a challenge, but a challenge that can be completed! Like anything, you just have to commit to it, work at it and make it happen.
Joe: Where can we support you, personally?
David: Here is my personal rider page.
You can learn more about the Ride to Conquer Cancer here.
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