Team Enbridge primed for this weekend’s Ride in Ontario
By James Lord, Vice President, Law and IT, Enbridge Gas Distribution, and Team Enbridge Captain for the 2015 Ontario ERTCC
This weekend, I’ll be pedaling with thousands of amazing people.
I’ve been riding a bike for about as long as I can remember. In the beginning, it was to get to the candy store. Then, it was a faster way to get to school. Over the years, cycling has given me the gift of cherished time shared with close friends and family, and a special bond with my wife, Carolyn, who has been my best riding companion for over 20 years.
James Lord, Team Enbridge captain for the 2015 Ontario Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
For five of the past six years, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer has also allowed me to transform my lifelong passion for cycling into something even more meaningful. I have joined the fight to end cancer in our lifetime, and it feels great. When I was asked recently why I ride, the answer was instant and clear: We have never had a better chance of conquering cancer than right now, and I want to be a part of the team that does it.
I have been blessed to be cancer-free so far, myself, but I know how truly fortunate I am. Even among those I hold most dear, I have known both survivors and others who have lost the fight. I have seen the devastating effects of a disease that pursues the young, the old, mothers, fathers and children with ruthless indiscrimination.
Two years ago, I was offered the privilege of serving as 2015 Team Enbridge captain for the Ontario leg of the Ride – which takes place Saturday and Sunday, with thousands of riders engaging in an epic 200-kilometre journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
What an honor, and what an experience! Our team of 124 riders, and more than 160 event volunteers, will be following in some very impressive tire tracks. In Ontario, Team Enbridge alone has raised almost $2 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre since the Ride started. This year, we’re already well ahead of our $300,000 goal. Astounding numbers!
This effort is underpinned by our host of gracious, hard-working and humble volunteers who offer food, refreshment and encouraging words to tired riders throughout the entire weekend. I can’t count the number of times I have accepted praise about them, on behalf of the team. Our Enbridge team of riders is forever grateful for their support.
I have also heard the many stories of how cancer has affected our Enbridge family, as well as the heroic efforts of the researchers and other staff down at the Princess Margaret – two of whom, Dr. Robert Bristow and Dr. Tak Mak, were recently recognized for their leading-edge work in the field. It helps to explain why our employees and their network come out in such force when they hear the call.
During the Ride, Enbridge comes together – together with each other, and together with our community.
We all know that life takes energy. And with the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, we bring energy to life.
