Why I Ride

11/4/2015

Fiona (Austin) Rintoul ‘96 talks about her experience getting involved in the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer.

I remember the exact moment that I first discovered the Ride to Conquer Cancer. It was on October 8, 2009, just before Thanksgiving. I was sitting in my hairdresser’s waiting area, flipping through magazines and preparing to get a significant haircut. I had started chemotherapy three weeks earlier, and my oncologist had confidently told me to expect hair loss exactly two weeks after. He was absolutely correct, and I had decided to cut my hair to match the wig I had chosen, until it was time to shave it all off.

I picked up a brochure advertising the inaugural 2-day, 220+ km cycling event from Vancouver to Seattle. All proceeds went to the BC Cancer Foundation, the very same organization that was making my treatments possible. I was in a very lucky position, as far as cancer patients go. I had been told that it was highly probable that I was going to be healthy again, which meant that I could make plans for the future. Until that time in my life, everyone I knew that had cancer had died. I was given an amazing opportunity to show myself and my loved ones that cancer can be beaten. I didn’t even have a bike at the time, but something in me clicked; I was in.

Upon completing chemotherapy in February of 2009 and hearing the best possible news one can hear from an oncologist, I parted ways with the BC Cancer Agency and went out to buy a bike. From there, I began fundraising, and I watched my beautiful new bike sit inside as the rainy days passed by. And then, it was June - ride time. Ill-prepared and completely unconditioned as a cyclist, off I went. (Let me just note that I would not recommend this particular training regime.)

That first ride was an experience I will never forget. The weather was terrible. Everything hurt. And Seattle is actually very far away. But the camaraderie, energy, and support throughout the two (miserable) days of cycling were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. As a rider, I was fully supported the entire journey, with rest stops every 20-30km, full of snacks and smiling faces. Crossing the finish line, flanked by my little team of cheerleaders, was an accomplishment that brings tears to my eyes to this day. I finished with my husband and two very special friends at my side. Four short months after two gruelling rounds of cancer treatment, I was myself again. It was extraordinary.

This year marks my 7th journey from Vancouver to Seattle as part of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. It’s a tremendous undertaking to raise funds each year, and I am so fortunate to have been supported by my community each and every time. With generous help, I’ve contributed over $17k to the BC Cancer Foundation, which has supported not only me, but many friends and family as well. It has been an amazing ride so far, and I am proud to be a part of such an epic journey.

Want to know more about the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer? www.conquercancer.ca

Interested in hearing about the event from a participant’s viewpoint? Send me an email fi.rintoul@gmail.com

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