When Chris MacDougall committed to take part in a bike relay on June 27 in support of the fight against cancer, his intention was to do it on his own.
"I don't think that Chris wanted to pressure the public," said Chris's friend Larry Anthony. "He didn't want people to feel obligated to help. He and his wife Karen were fine with Chris doing it on his own. The rest of us are just glad that Chris allowed us to put the word out. Personally, I wanted to make a pledge."
Sharon Crowe, executive director of the Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation, advised that in order to take part in the 'Give To Live' ride from Vancouver to Austin, Tex., participants need at least $5,000 in pledges.
"Chris and Karen pledged $5,500," Crowe said. "Chris has done so much for our community and with the recent health campaign, he spearheaded our fundraising. I am only too glad to give to this cause that Chris stands for. At first, I realize that he wasn't going to let anyone know about donations."
Those thoughts were intercepted and Crowe and Jenifer Bakker, from the foundation, who both made pledges.
Chris said he learned about the ride through Bruce and Daisy Roberts of Hub Cycle on Inglis Place in Truro.
"They have been unbelievable with their support," Chris said.
Chris's son Charlie died from cancer in 2004. He was 14.
The relay will run from Oct. 11 to Oct. 22. Chris leaves on Oct. 8 for Vancouver for mandatory orientation and a safety workshop on Oct. 10.
Thirty-six cyclists, divided into teams of six, will bike about 100 kilometers per day. About 18 of these riders are from Nova Scotia while the others are from across Canada. The relay, which originated in Nova Scotia three years ago, will cover 4,265 kilometers. Proceeds from the relay go to the Canadian Cancer Society, Craig's Cause (for pancreatic cancer), Lance Armstrong Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Canada.
"Our team will be given a certain distance to bike each day," the To Our Health capital campaign chairman said. "Five riders will bike and one rider will drive a support van. Our six riders include two women and four men. The youngest rider is 16 years of age."
Cyclists are responsible for their flight to Vancouver as well as transporting their bikes. Chris and Karen paid their own flight fare. Once there, the teams are responsible for food, water and supplies.
"There's no question, it's a challenge," Chris said. "Once I committed to it I knew that I had four months to train and prepare. Since the beginning of the summer, as part of my training, I have put 4,750 kilometers on my bike. I try to train 12 to 15 hours per week."
Chris, who at one time practiced law locally, rides his bike to his Tim Horton's franchise in Elmsdale and back two days per week. The round trip is 104 kilometers. Other training includes cycling up a number of Nova Scotia hills.
"I am starting to get excited with approximately two weeks to go," Chris said. "I have never been to these states the route will cover. The high altitude is an unknown to me. Elevation and freezing temperatures are a concern. Not only is the oxygen level a factor, we'll be biking mostly uphill."
Following the first day of the relay, from New Westminster to Surry, B.C., the relay teams will cross Washington State, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and part of Texas. The highest elevation is Rock Springs, Col., which is 6,752 feet above sea level.
Anyone interested in sponsoring Chris can visit www.givetolive.ca. (Follow the link to 'Riders' and 'Meet our Riders' for instructions). Pledges by cheque can be mailed to Chris MacDougall, 5 Fundy Drive, Truro, N.S. B2N 5Y2.
We wish one of Truro's outstanding citizens, Chris MacDougall, all the best as he participates in the Give To Live relay.
