Barbara Steele
- National: 1514th
- Province: 805th in ON
I'm Riding For
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
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
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301 km Ridden$1,028 Raised2016
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401 km Ridden$1,893 Raised2017
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405 km Ridden$1,067 Raised2018
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348 km Ridden$1,000 Raised2019
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439 km Ridden$1,252 Raised2020
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531 km Ridden$1,253 Raised2021
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326 km Ridden$1,509 Raised2022
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578 km Ridden$748 Raised2023
My Challenge
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13.0 km ride - Rode 13.04 km on 08/30/24 - Friday, August 30, 2024
Logged this ride 104 days ago -
2.0 km ride - Rode 2 km Angel's Point trail - Thursday, August 29, 2024
Logged this ride 104 days ago -
7.0 km ride - Rode 7.05 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
Logged this ride 105 days ago -
2.0 km ride - Rode 2.04 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
Logged this ride 105 days ago -
5.3 km ride - Rode 5.34 km on 08/29/24 - Thursday, August 29, 2024
Logged this ride 105 days ago -
20.1 km ride - Rode 20.05 km on 08/26/24 - Monday, August 26, 2024
Logged this ride 108 days ago -
13.0 km ride - Rode 13.02 km on 08/26/24 - Monday, August 26, 2024
Logged this ride 108 days ago -
Worth Setting that alarm
25 Aug 2024REALLY 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!
Posted 109 days ago -
Another with my bro
25 Aug 2024Got 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!
Posted 109 days ago -
11.3 km ride - Rode 11.26 km on 08/25/24 - Sunday, August 25, 2024
Logged this ride 109 days ago -
10.0 km ride - Rode 10.0 km on 08/24/24 - Saturday, August 24, 2024
Logged this ride 110 days ago -
8.0 km ride - Rode 8.0 km on 08/24/24 - Saturday, August 24, 2024
Logged this ride 110 days ago -
And help from my bros!
25 Aug 2024Nice 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!
Posted 110 days ago -
Gonna try with a little help from my friends!
24 Aug 2024Cousin 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.
Posted 110 days ago -
7.3 km ride - Rode 7.26 km on 08/23/24 - Friday, August 23, 2024
Logged this ride 111 days ago -
23.0 km ride - Rode 23.0 km on 08/23/24 - Friday, August 23, 2024
Logged this ride 111 days ago -
20.0 km ride - Rode 20.04 km on 08/21/24 - Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Logged this ride 113 days ago -
300 km!
20 Aug 2024Felt 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!
Posted 115 days ago -
14.1 km ride - Rode 14.1 km on 08/19/24 - Monday, August 19, 2024
Logged this ride 115 days ago -
16.1 km ride - Rode 16.14 km on 08/19/24 - Monday, August 19, 2024
Logged this ride 115 days ago -
30.1 km ride - Rode 30.1 km on 08/18/24 - Sunday, August 18, 2024
Logged this ride 116 days ago -
Over $1000 and still going!
18 Aug 2024Thanks 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!
Posted 116 days ago -
12.4 km ride - Rode 12.36 km on 08/17/24 - Saturday, August 17, 2024
Logged this ride 116 days ago -
21.0 km ride - Rode 21.03 km on 08/14/24 - Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Logged this ride 118 days ago -
7.3 km ride - Rode 7.35 km on 08/16/24 - Friday, August 16, 2024
Logged this ride 118 days ago -
22.4 km ride - Rode 22.45 km on 08/15/24 - Thursday, August 15, 2024
Logged this ride 118 days ago -
3.1 km ride - Rode 3.07 km on 08/14/24 - Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Logged this ride 120 days ago -
6.1 km ride - Rode 6.06 km on 08/13/24 - Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Logged this ride 120 days ago -
8.0 km ride - Rode 8.01 km on 08/13/24 - Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Logged this ride 120 days ago -
Over $500 raised so far!
14 Aug 2024Thanks 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.
Posted 120 days ago -
11.1 km ride - Rode 11.06 km on 08/12/24 - Monday, August 12, 2024
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 2024Turned 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!
Posted 123 days ago -
11.3 km ride - Rode 11.27 km on 08/11/24 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
Logged this ride 123 days ago -
60.2 km ride - Rode 60.22 km on 08/10/24 - Saturday, August 10, 2024
Logged this ride 124 days ago -
10.1 km ride - Rode 10.08 km on 08/08/24 - Thursday, August 8, 2024
Logged this ride 124 days ago -
1.2 km ride - Rode 1.19 km on 08/07/24 - Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Logged this ride 124 days ago -
1.5 km ride - Rode 1.51 km on 08/07/24 - Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Logged this ride 127 days ago -
Climbing those hills at Lion's Head
7 Aug 2024Fitting 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!!!
Posted 128 days ago -
14.3 km ride - Rode 14.34 km on 08/06/24 - Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Logged this ride 128 days ago -
11.1 km ride - Rode 11.12 km on 08/04/24 - Sunday, August 4, 2024
Logged this ride 130 days ago -
11.2 km ride - Rode 11.25 km on 08/03/24 - Saturday, August 3, 2024
Logged this ride 131 days ago -
16.2 km ride - 16.17km Mountain Biking - Friday, August 2, 2024
Logged this ride 132 days ago -
First ride for August challenge!
2 Aug 2024Kicked 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!
Posted 133 days ago -
19.2 km ride - 19.18km Mountain Biking - Thursday, August 1, 2024
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 2024This 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!
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
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
$252.73Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Anonymous
$207Received this donation 135 days agoBarbara
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Joan Mortimer
$103.50Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Ron Maher
$103.50Received this donation 123 days agoBarbara
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Donna Arnold
$72.45Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Katie Hick
$72.45Received this donation 177 days agoBarbara
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Anonymous
$62.10Received this donation 114 days agoBarbara
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Alyssa Rigby
$51.75Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Barb Campbell
$51.75Received this donation 121 days agoBarbara
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Bernice and Gordon Gross
$51.75Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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David and Lois Gross
$51.75Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Paul Chaisson
$50Received this donation 116 days agoBarbara
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Alicia Lourie-Brooks
$25.88Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Mardi
$25.88Received this donation 122 days agoBarbara
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Vanessa Cannon
$25.88Received this donation 135 days agoBarbara
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Heather Fawcett
$25Received this donation 135 days agoBarbara
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Ruta Dundzys/Liauba
$20Received this donation 120 days agoBarbara
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Barbara Steele
$51.75Received this donation 344 days ago