Barbara Steele

9years All Star
Barbara Steele
I am riding 300 km in memory of Ivan Desroches and Greg Armstrong. Please sponsor me and support my challenge to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
I've Ridden 450.1 km to fight kids' cancer
My Rankings
  • National: 1514th
  • Province: 805th in ON
I've raised $1,305 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Ivan Desroches and Greg Armstrong

Ivan Desroches and Greg Armstrong

I want to dedicate this year's ride to 2 people: Ivan, who just passed away recently, and to Greg Armstrong who left us a few years ago. I will always remember Ivan's calm patient demeanor, quiet optimism, warm friendly smile, and love of family and youth that I first got to know in our daily morning and afternoon chats as he dropped off his kids at my home daycare. These attributes served him well throughout his life as he raised 4 fine kids and served as scout leader for many more. Even faced with a grim diagnosis, he maintained his cheerful outlook, put Tammy, his family, and friends first, and partook in clinical trials that he knew wouldn't save his life but could contribute to research to help others. I love this photo of him, and picture him sailing into the next life with that same big smile on his face. Our former pastor, Greg was there for us when Owen had pancreatic cancer - praying, supporting us, even coming to Toronto to visit post surgery. In his last email to us he detailed how glad he had been to be able to witness to people during his own battle with cancer and numerous hospital stays, sharing with many where his hope and strength came from. Greg loved children too and was always a huge hit at yearly Vacation Bible Schools. He would be pleased to see funds raised in his memory to help children with cancer.

My Story

11 Jun 2024

This August, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!

Why? Because I know how scary cancer is, having a hubby who had pancreatic cancer but is now 9 years cancer free. Because like most of us, I know so many other people who are impacted by cancer, including some currently fighting it, or sadly lost their lives to this cruel disease. And finally, because right now, over 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it's the biggest killer of children from disease in Canada. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.

So I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids and support SickKids Foundation to allow them to continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.

Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve. Your support will change little lives.

Thank you.

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 9 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.
  • 301 km Ridden
    $1,028 Raised
    2016
  • 401 km Ridden
    $1,893 Raised
    2017
  • 405 km Ridden
    $1,067 Raised
    2018
  • 348 km Ridden
    $1,000 Raised
    2019
  • 439 km Ridden
    $1,252 Raised
    2020
  • 531 km Ridden
    $1,253 Raised
    2021
  • 326 km Ridden
    $1,509 Raised
    2022
  • 578 km Ridden
    $748 Raised
    2023
9years
3,780 km
Ridden
$11,056
Raised

My Challenge

  • 13.0 km ride - Rode 13.04 km on 08/30/24 - Friday, August 30, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 104 days ago
  • 2.0 km ride - Rode 2 km Angel's Point trail - Thursday, August 29, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 104 days ago
  • 7.0 km ride - Rode 7.05 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 105 days ago
  • 2.0 km ride - Rode 2.04 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 105 days ago
  • 5.3 km ride - Rode 5.34 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 105 days ago
  • 20.1 km ride - Rode 20.05 km on 08/26/24 - Monday, August 26, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 108 days ago
  • 13.0 km ride - Rode 13.02 km on 08/26/24 - Monday, August 26, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 108 days ago
  • Worth Setting that alarm
    25 Aug 2024

    REALLY felt like sleeping in, but set my alarm yet again to catch the sunrise on the G2G trail. Beautiful so well worth it, especially since it bumped me over the 400km mark for this year's challenge. I was worried I'd hit my 300km goal with my torn knee, so got as many short bikes in as I could manage, and they really add up! So thrilled with all my sponsors this year too, you amaze me!

    Worth Setting that alarm
    Posted 109 days ago
  • Another with my bro
    25 Aug 2024

    Got Gary out again to ride the G2G trail. Didn't make it as far as the new tunnel but it and also helping me have been motivation to get him riding again! Here he is beside Aunt Eileen and Uncle Lloyd's field, looking so much like my Dad!

    Another with my bro
    Posted 109 days ago
  • 11.3 km ride - Rode 11.26 km on 08/25/24 - Sunday, August 25, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 109 days ago
  • 10.0 km ride - Rode 10.0 km on 08/24/24 - Saturday, August 24, 2024
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    Logged this ride 110 days ago
  • 8.0 km ride - Rode 8.0 km on 08/24/24 - Saturday, August 24, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 110 days ago
  • And help from my bros!
    25 Aug 2024

    Nice rides with brother David Friday morning, and Gary Friday afternoon on the rail trail. Glad David's an early riser like me - helps in getting those kilometers in, and the sunrise was beautiful too!

    And help from my bros!
    Posted 110 days ago
  • Gonna try with a little help from my friends!
    24 Aug 2024

    Cousin and best friend Debbie joined me for a ride on the G2G trail. She is riding for Great Cycle Challenge as well, her page is here: https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/DebbieCoates1

    Photo is the old overpass just east of Blyth.

    Gonna try with a little help from my friends!
    Posted 110 days ago
  • 7.3 km ride - Rode 7.26 km on 08/23/24 - Friday, August 23, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 111 days ago
  • 23.0 km ride - Rode 23.0 km on 08/23/24 - Friday, August 23, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 111 days ago
  • 20.0 km ride - Rode 20.04 km on 08/21/24 - Wednesday, August 21, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 113 days ago
  • 300 km!
    20 Aug 2024

    Felt like a fall day today - cold, gray and windy. Hit my 300km goal cycling rail trail/Carly Patterson trail back to Wasaga from my physio appointment. The physiotherapist was happy with my knee's progress, so I guess I'll keep going and see how far I get!

    300 km!
    Posted 115 days ago
  • 14.1 km ride - Rode 14.1 km on 08/19/24 - Monday, August 19, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 115 days ago
  • 16.1 km ride - Rode 16.14 km on 08/19/24 - Monday, August 19, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 115 days ago
  • 30.1 km ride - Rode 30.1 km on 08/18/24 - Sunday, August 18, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 116 days ago
  • Over $1000 and still going!
    18 Aug 2024

    Thanks so much everyone, the response this year to the Great Cycle Challenge has been incredible! I can't believe the generosity, and am excited that together we are able to fight back against children's cancer.

    I am continuing to pedal my way towards my cycling goal. Today's ride wasn't the most pleasant - 30km from Craigleith to Wasaga in rain that was pelting at times, with some thunder and lightning to boot. Arrived home soaked and dirty but glad to be able to do it!

    Over $1000 and still going!
    Posted 116 days ago
  • 12.4 km ride - Rode 12.36 km on 08/17/24 - Saturday, August 17, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 116 days ago
  • 21.0 km ride - Rode 21.03 km on 08/14/24 - Wednesday, August 14, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 118 days ago
  • 7.3 km ride - Rode 7.35 km on 08/16/24 - Friday, August 16, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 118 days ago
  • 22.4 km ride - Rode 22.45 km on 08/15/24 - Thursday, August 15, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 118 days ago
  • 3.1 km ride - Rode 3.07 km on 08/14/24 - Wednesday, August 14, 2024
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    Logged this ride 120 days ago
  • 6.1 km ride - Rode 6.06 km on 08/13/24 - Tuesday, August 13, 2024
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    Logged this ride 120 days ago
  • 8.0 km ride - Rode 8.01 km on 08/13/24 - Tuesday, August 13, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 120 days ago
  • Over $500 raised so far!
    14 Aug 2024

    Thanks all for pushing my fundraising over $500 for 2024. I am continuing to cycle every chance I get to help raise funds for children's cancer research at Sickkids. My knee has been complaining a little, so no more 60km rides for a wee bit. Shorter rides around the campground have been enjoyable - this photo is from Pakeshkag Lake at Grundy Lake Provincial Park.

    Over $500 raised so far!
    Posted 120 days ago
  • 11.1 km ride - Rode 11.06 km on 08/12/24 - Monday, August 12, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 120 days ago
  • $500 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 122 days ago
  • Halfway there!
    12 Aug 2024

    Turned 60 this week (ugh) so decided to ride 60 km for SickKids. Had hubby drop me off at Craigleith so I could bike back to Wasaga - mostly rail trail so fairly flat and easier on my knee, which is improving daily. My ride went well except when I fell flat on the pavement at our main intersection when I forgot to unclip in time while reaching to push the “walk” button. I guess I was a little tired by that point - nothing hurt but my pride at least! Anyway, I'm halfway towards my goal of 300km, which I'm so happy about considering I was hobbling on crutches at the start of July. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

    Halfway there!
    Posted 123 days ago
  • 11.3 km ride - Rode 11.27 km on 08/11/24 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 123 days ago
  • 60.2 km ride - Rode 60.22 km on 08/10/24 - Saturday, August 10, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 124 days ago
  • 10.1 km ride - Rode 10.08 km on 08/08/24 - Thursday, August 8, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 124 days ago
  • 1.2 km ride - Rode 1.19 km on 08/07/24 - Wednesday, August 7, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 124 days ago
  • 1.5 km ride - Rode 1.51 km on 08/07/24 - Wednesday, August 7, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 127 days ago
  • Climbing those hills at Lion's Head
    7 Aug 2024

    Fitting in rides on vacation can be a challenge. Rondeau was nice with it's flat easy trails, but yesterday at Lion's Head, hills were unavoidable! May not have tracked many kilometers yesterday, but my legs sure feel it! Thankful I wore my knee brace and bike shoes so my right could do more of the work. Thrilled that my fundraising has been pushed over the $10,000 mark over the 9 years I've been doing this. Thank you all!!!

    Climbing those hills at Lion's Head
    Posted 128 days ago
  • 14.3 km ride - Rode 14.34 km on 08/06/24 - Tuesday, August 6, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 128 days ago
  • 11.1 km ride - Rode 11.12 km on 08/04/24 - Sunday, August 4, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 130 days ago
  • 11.2 km ride - Rode 11.25 km on 08/03/24 - Saturday, August 3, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 131 days ago
  • 16.2 km ride - 16.17km Mountain Biking - Friday, August 2, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 132 days ago
  • First ride for August challenge!
    2 Aug 2024

    Kicked off my Great Cycle Challenge this year by doing almost the same thing as 2 years ago - biking 19km in Rondeau provincial park on the South Point trail. Over 31 degrees so skipped my GCC jersey and added a swim in Lake Erie at the halfway point. Nice flat trail for my knee which is still recuperating from a torn meniscus. As I'm finding gentle biking actually hurts less than walking, I'm hopeful I can get the needed kilometers in! Super excited to be at $382 raised already - a big thank you to my early sponsors!

    First ride for August challenge!
    Posted 133 days ago
  • 19.2 km ride - 19.18km Mountain Biking - Thursday, August 1, 2024
    Map
    Logged this ride 133 days ago
  • $250 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 135 days ago
  • Ready for this year's Challenge
    30 Jul 2024

    This Thursday marks the beginning of this year's Great Cycle Challenge!

    It may be extra challenging this year since I injured my knee a few weeks ago - my rides may be shorter but I still hope to hit 300km in the month of August. I got out on my bike for a nice easy ride on the G2G rail trail this week with my brother Gary. (see picture). Hope he can join me on some further rides!

    I'm really excited at the prospect of hitting $10,000 raised over my 9 years of riding for Sick Kids. It’s a cause I believe in because right now, more Canadian children lose their lives to cancer than any other disease. Kids should be living life, NOT fighting for it.

    All funds raised will support SickKids Foundation to provide care, develop treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer

    Thanks for your support!

    Ready for this year's Challenge
    Posted 136 days ago
  • $100 raised to fight kids' cancer!

    I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.

    Posted 177 days ago

My Sponsors

  • Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
    “Here's your matched donation made possible by the generosity of long-time SickKids Foundation supporters, the Garron family. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
    $252.73
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “A big thank you to the Garron family for their consistent support to this cause. It is very inspiring to all those who ride, I'm sure!”
  • Anonymous
    “You are doing a great work Barbara. We hope your knee strengthens quickly.”
    $207
    Received this donation 135 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much for your generous support!”
  • Joan Mortimer
    “On behalf of Harry and Rolli thank you for being such a caring friend and neighbour”
    $103.50
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks for your donation in memory of Harry and Rolli, it is very meaningful. We enjoyed being neighbours for so long (no fences required, and many cups of sugar and and other items back and forth over the years). They are greatly missed. We loved reminiscing and seeing photos at yesterday's memorial.”
  • Ron Maher
    “Way to go Barb. Such an inspiration to us all. Ron”
    $103.50
    Received this donation 123 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much, Ron! I biked 60km yesterday (I just turned 60 this week, so thought it would be a good idea). Owen dropped me off at Craigleth and I rode home (mostly flat rail trail so not too bad on my knee), while he did a long run in prep for his 100 miler in September. I made out better than he did - I had one mishap when I didn't unclip in time to push the button for a crossing light and fell flat on the pavement - nothing hurt but my pride - but Owen called at 9 pm to say he'd gotten lost on the trail and needed directions back to his vehicle! Looking forward to possibly coming to Manitoba together in October, would be nice to see you! Thanks again for your support each year!!!”
  • Donna Arnold
    “So proud of you and your accomplishments”
    $72.45
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Donna for your support once again, it is very much appreciated!!! Hope you are enjoying the summer.”
  • Katie Hick
    $72.45
    Received this donation 177 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much for supporting this cause, Katie!! Have a great summer.”
  • Anonymous
    “CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL THE EFFORT YOU HAVE PUT INTO THE RIDE THIS YEAR. KEEP ON PEDDLING!”
    $62.10
    Received this donation 114 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks SO much for your support! I am not going to let up now, I'll see how many kilometers and fundraising I can add in the final 10 days.”
  • Alyssa Rigby
    “Keep up the great work!!! 💪”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Alyssa! Wish I could do some rides with you and the kids - it was so fun going though the woods with you in the past, can still picture the boys on their balance bikes.”
  • Barb Campbell
    “Have a great time riding for a great cause! Barb & Richard”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 121 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Barb and Richard for your support! Today's ride was not so fun - 30 km in pouring rain (Owen dropped me off at Craigleith again en route to a training run). But thankful I can ride with this knee, running is still out for a while I think.”
  • Bernice and Gordon Gross
    “Keep up the good work for a very worthy cause!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much Aunt Bernice and Uncle Gordon! Your support is appreciated. I hope to get a rail trail ride in next week when I'm down in your area again. It was nice seeing you in Goderich!”
  • David and Lois Gross
    “You're doing great Barb! You have had some nice rides so far. Wishing you well for the rest of the way.”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks David and Lois! Hope to fit in a rail trail ride next week. Today's was not so fun, 30 km and rain most of the way (Owen dropped me off at Craigleith while he headed out for another training run).”
  • Paul Chaisson
    $50
    Received this donation 116 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Paul! That you made this donation with Debra in mind is especially meaningful.”
  • Alicia Lourie-Brooks
    $25.88
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much for your donation, and for sharing my page. I know you have a great heart for kids. Hope you are having a good summer!”
  • Mardi
    $25.88
    Received this donation 122 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much Mardi! You’ve pushed me over the $500 mark for this year. I unfortunately won’t be returning to running group soon with my torn meniscus but biking is not too bad”
  • Vanessa Cannon
    “Way to go! You can do this!”
    $25.88
    Received this donation 135 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks so much Vanessa! Hope you're having a good summer break!”
  • Heather Fawcett
    “You have such a big heart so it’s no surprise you would bike through an injured knee for the sake of others! I hope you reach your goal, and that these families receive the support and care they need. ❤️”
    $25
    Received this donation 135 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Heather! I was actually thinking of your teaching partner when this happened and I was on crutches - useful to remember things could always be worse. The first few days were awful, but the knee is slowly improving. I have to be careful getting on and off my bike, but pedaling on flat trails is actually is less painful than walking! Thanks so much for your support, and have a great summer!”
  • Ruta Dundzys/Liauba
    “Well done Barb ! Such an inspiration. Proud of you !”
    $20
    Received this donation 120 days ago
    Barbara Steele
    Barbara
    “Thanks Ruta for your continued support! We still need to get out biking together.”
  • Barbara Steele
    “Kicking things off with my own personal donation to fight kids' cancer!”
    $51.75
    Received this donation 344 days ago
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