Steve Oliveira
- National: 65th
- Province: 35th in ON
- My Team: 1st
I'm Riding For
Darren, James, Lisa, and Frank
My Story
This August, I’m taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge for reasons that have become deeply personal. Cancer touched my extended family this year in a heartbreaking way, and several people close to me are still fighting their own battles. Watching loved ones go through something so heavy changes you. It makes you want to do something — anything — that helps push back.
Cycling has always been a passion of mine, and this challenge gives me a way to turn that passion into purpose. I’m riding to support SickKids Foundation and the incredible work they do to develop better treatments and, one day, a cure for childhood cancer. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
What started quietly — just me sponsoring myself for $100 — has grown into something I never expected. A few people joined me, then a few more, and suddenly we had a team. Today, we’re a group of dedicated riders who have already raised thousands of dollars and logged hundreds of kilometres. Their energy, generosity, and commitment have been inspiring, and I’m proud of what we’re building together.
If you’re able, please support my challenge. Your donation will help give kids with cancer the brighter futures they deserve. And your support means more than you know.
Thank you,
Steve
My Challenge
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42.0 km ride - ROUVY - Karamea - Westport part 1 | New Zealand - Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Logged this ride 21 hours ago - View on Strava -
21.8 km ride - ROUVY - Valdresflye to Sjodalsvatnet | Norway - Monday, August 17, 2026
Logged this ride 2 days ago - View on Strava -
Great Cycle Challene - Day 16: A Perfect Day for the King Ride
16 Aug 2026Today was the King Ride, and despite earlier forecasts calling for rain, the weather turned out absolutely beautiful. I chose the 95‑ish km route, excited to get in a solid effort before a busy week ahead.
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A Rough Start and a Fast Chase
Right out of the gate, my head unit started acting up. I pulled over to fix it, but it set me back more than I expected. That meant one thing: time to chase.
Eventually I caught up with the Trail Bullies, and once I latched on, we absolutely flew. It was fast, fun, and exactly the kind of push I needed.
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Groups, Climbs, and Reality Checks
At Schomberg, I picked up another group, but once we hit a longer incline, I lost them — either they were too quick or I was too tired. Probably a bit of both.
A little later, I ran into Eugene riding with another group, and again we were flying for a while… until I ran out of steam.
Then came the soul‑sucking climb around the 80 km mark. Humbling, slow, and tough. But I kept grinding, and in the end, I finished with my fastest 90 km ever, thanks to hitching onto strong groups throughout the ride.
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A Good Finish and a Needed Rest
After the ride, we enjoyed a great pasta lunch, which hit the spot after a long morning on the bike. Then it was home to get ready for a big week at work.
No riding tomorrow — I need a recovery day and a chance to focus on work.
I’m now very close to the 850 km mark. If I can put another 200–250 km on the board before next Sunday, I’ll be in great shape heading into the final week.
Posted 3 days ago -
95.7 km ride - Morning Ride - Sunday, August 16, 2026
Logged this ride 3 days ago - View on Strava -
Great cycle challenge - day 15: 99.9 kms…because 100 would be insane
15 Aug 2026Teaser:
Yesterday was quiet, today was beautiful — and together they made for a perfect reset before tomorrow’s King Ride.
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Yesterday — A Busy Day and a Virtual Spin
Yesterday was one of those days where work took over and the hours disappeared. Nothing exciting happened on the cycling front, but I still wanted to keep the streak alive. So at the end of the day, I hopped on the trainer and did a virtual ride in Belgium — a great way to unwind and keep the legs moving.
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Today — Sunshine, Good Company, and Extra Kilometres
Today was the complete opposite: a gorgeous day for a bike ride.
We rolled out from Duffy’s Lane and headed into Glen Williams for coffee. It was a great mix of familiar faces — Sandro, Eugene, and Samantha — along with Ruchi and Angie, who I haven’t seen in a while. It was really nice to ride with them again.
The route was supposed to be around 70 km, but the legs felt good, the weather was perfect, and the company was even better. So I extended it a bit (99.9 km) and enjoyed every minute of it.
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Looking Ahead — The King Ride
Tomorrow is the King Ride, and I’m genuinely excited. Earlier in the week, the forecast didn’t look promising, but now it’s shaping up to be another great morning to ride. I can’t wait to get out there and keep the momentum going.
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Reflection
Riding with a group reminds me how much movement is about more than just fitness. It’s social, it’s grounding, and it’s mentally refreshing. Whether it’s a quiet virtual ride after a long workday or a sunny morning with friends, cycling keeps you connected — to others, to the outdoors, and to yourself. The kilometres matter, but the people and the moments matter even more.
Posted 4 days ago -
99.9 km ride - Morning Ride - Saturday, August 15, 2026
Logged this ride 4 days ago - View on Strava -
30.0 km ride - ROUVY - Rond Brugge en Oostende | Belgie - Friday, August 14, 2026
Logged this ride 5 days ago - View on Strava -
Great Cycle Challenge - Day 13: Post Dinner Bike and Beers
14 Aug 2026Tonight was a great 32 km ride with a few gentlemen from my cycling crew — one of those easy‑to‑say‑yes rides that fits perfectly after dinner. The pace was steady, the conversation light, and the route familiar.
Near the end, we hit the Mount Pleasant climb, which always adds a little sting to the legs but feels satisfying once you crest it. That climb pushed me over a big personal milestone: 600 km ridden this month.
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A Stop at Caledon Brewery
After the ride, we headed over to Caledon Brewery to unwind. I stuck with a non‑alcoholic option — and honestly, it was really good. We sat outside, chatted, laughed, and enjoyed the warm evening until the dark skies and mosquitoes made it clear it was time to head home.
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Reflection
Days like this remind me how powerful group movement can be. Whether it’s cycling or running, being part of a crew keeps you accountable, lifts your spirits, and gives you a reason to show up even when you’re tired. It’s healthy in every sense — physically, socially, and mentally. The miles feel easier, the conversations make the time fly, and the shared effort builds a sense of connection that’s hard to find anywhere else. Riding with others doesn’t just make you stronger; it makes the journey richer.
Posted 6 days ago -
32.7 km ride - Evening Ride - Thursday, August 13, 2026
Logged this ride 6 days ago - View on Strava -
Day 12 — Kick Cancer’s Butt Day!
13 Aug 2026What a day! Today was Kick Cancer’s Butt Day, and every dollar donated was matched by the Garron family, up to an incredible $1.3 million.
Before I even knew about the matching opportunity, I had already reached out to so many family members and friends for support. I thought I was tapped out — but once I learned about the match, I knew I had to dig deeper.
I reached out to a few more friends who responded with amazing generosity, but I still wanted to do more. So I turned my focus to recruiting more TD Tour de Friends teammates. And that’s when I decided to go all‑in.
I suited up in my GCC Superhero jersey — the one my supporters helped me earn — and toured the second and fourth floors of our building in full cycling gear. I definitely stood out (and looked a little silly), but it was a blast! The energy, laughter, and support from colleagues were incredible.
Our team has been raising our goals all week thanks to the generosity of our sponsors: first $2,500, then $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000. This morning, as donations started rolling in, we bumped it again to $12,500. And now, at nearly 9 PM, we’re sitting at $17,700 with 34 team members — before any matching funds!
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this. I’m so proud of our team and deeply grateful to every family member, friend, and colleague who made this possible. None of this could have happened without you.
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Reflection
Today reminded me that momentum builds when passion meets purpose. What started as a small idea among colleagues has grown into something far bigger — a movement powered by generosity, laughter, and shared commitment. Seeing our team rally together, and knowing that every dollar we raised today will go twice as far, reinforces why we ride: to make a difference for kids fighting cancer. I’ll carry this energy into every mile ahead — proud, humbled, and inspired by what we’ve achieved together.
Posted 7 days ago
My Sponsors
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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!”
$1,566.71Received this donation 6 days ago
Steve
“Thank you to the Garron family for your remarkable support. Your matching gift transformed today’s donations into something far greater, and motivated so many of us to give and ride with even more purpose. My team and I are truly grateful for the hope you help bring to children and families who need it most.”
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Marthese West
$517.50Received this donation 7 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Martez and Pat for your very generous support on Kick Cancer’s Butt Day! I really appreciate it.”
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Matthew Oliveira Inc.
$258.75Received this donation 20 days ago
Steve
“Hey Matthew! Your very generous contribution is much appreciated. Thanks Bud!”
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Thomas Kim
$258.75Received this donation 7 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Tom and Lisa for your generous support on Kick Cancer’s Butt Day! I really appreciate it.”
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Filomena Oliveira
“What an amazing thing you are doing, Steve! Good luck on your adventure!”
$207Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Aunt Fil and Uncle Tony for your very generous support. Much appreciated.”
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Mary Spadaro
“Such an important ride….safe travels!”
$207Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle John for your very generous support. Much appreciated”
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Sylvia Oliveira
“What a great thing you are doing. Happy travels.”
$207Received this donation 19 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Joe for your generous support. Travels start today. 😁🚴♂️”
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Octavio Oliveira
$200Received this donation 7 days ago
Steve
“Thanks Dad for supporting me on Kick Cancer’s Butt Day. I really appreciate it.”
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Adam Spadaro
“Way to go Steve!”
$103.50Received this donation 10 days ago
Steve
“Thank you Adam and Cara for supporting my GCC initiative. Much appreciated.”
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Allan OReilly
$103.50Received this donation 11 days ago
Steve
“Thank you Al and Diane for support me. I really appreciate it. Good seeing you yesterday.”
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Andrew Raffaele Oliveira
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“I really appreciate the donation Andrew! The support the three of you gave means a lot. I hope you and Matthew have great shows in Montreal and Saskatchewan. I know you guys will knock them dead and finish lots of half hearts for the young ladies in the audience…LOL! Have fun Bud!”
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Anthony Caschera
“Hey Steve - Very worthwhile cause. May the wind be at your back. TC/LL.”
$103.50Received this donation 19 days ago
Steve
“Thanks Tony and Laura! Your support is very much appreciated.”
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Diane Oliveira
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Diane and Keyman for supporting me with the GCC. Much appreciated.”
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Gisela Aquino
$103.50Received this donation 20 days ago
Steve
“Thanks Zia and Zio! Your generosity is very much appreciated.”
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Giuseppe Pompei
“Good luck on the ride”
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Many thanks Julie and Seppe for your support. I really appreciate it.”
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Jacquelyn Oliveira
$103.50Received this donation 20 days ago
Steve
“Thank you to my favourite daughter for your generous support. 🙂”
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JAMES MINNS
“You’re a good man Steve. Thanks for doing this.”
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“James, you are a very big reason why I am doing this. For years you have put your life on the line in the service of protecting all of us, and now you’re fighting hard to stay alive. That’s not right. Keep fighting Buddy! I look forward to getting back on the road with you on two wheels after you lick this thing. Get well. Oh, and thank you for supporting the cause.”
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Jamie Minns
“Doing awesome things with that incredible willpower of yours. Love you, Steve!”
$103.50Received this donation 17 days ago
Steve
“Thanks Jamie! You’re always there to support me with all those things, sometimes financially (thank you for that yet again), but always believing in me and encouraging me too. Love you right back.”
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Janine Oliveira
“Good luck, cuz!!”
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Thank you Cuzette. 🙂 I really appreciate your support.”
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Jenelle Spadaro
$103.50Received this donation 18 days ago
Steve
“Jenelle and Diego, many thanks for your generous support of the cause. It’s very much appreciated.”