Focusing on health and family in advance of the 2016 Alberta Ride
By Vik Kohli
Director of Engineering Services at Enbridge Pipelines, and Team Enbridge member for the 2016 Alberta ERTCC
Vik Kohli, Director of Engineering Services at Enbridge Pipelines and Team Enbridge member for the 2016 Alberta ERTCC
Starting a family four years ago compelled me to set a good example—and to do something to improve a world that my children would grow up in. For me, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer was that perfect opportunity.
Maintaining my physical health and activity levels has always been important to me, so joining Team Enbridge gave me a chance to keep fit while raising funds for a great cause. On Aug. 6 and 7, I’ll be participating in the Alberta ERTCC, presented by Evraz and benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation, for the fourth time.
My motivation to keep riding all comes from my wife and my children. As with many people, having children has been a personal crucible moment in my life where I recognized the importance of being healthy in order to be there for my family. I also want to set a good example of living a healthy lifestyle for my family to ensure we all remain happy and healthy for the long term.
Members of my extended family, friends and colleagues have had cancer. Some have won their battle. Others, sadly, have not. Nowadays, I don’t think I know anyone who is not personally affected by cancer in some way.
I hope that by participating again in The Ride, I can take us one step closer to a world free of cancer, and that future generations can grow up in a world where cancer is a thing of the past.
I am delighted to be a Polka Dot Jersey winner this year, which is worn by Riders who reach $15,000 during the annual fundraising season, and I greatly look forward to wearing it at The Ride for the fourth year in a row. I want to thank all friends, family, colleagues and business partners who have donated to my page and to Team Enbridge. It is humbling to see so many come together for such a worthy cause. I am thrilled to have raised a total of over $68,000 for cancer research and care, surpassing the $15,000 mark in all four years.
I have enjoyed mountain biking for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a great way to enjoy nature, get outside and keep active. The Ride got me into road biking, which has been an exciting transition. Biking to work almost daily and going for long rides on the weekends are always a great way to train. I have also found the training rides and information sessions on nutrition helpful, and I’d recommend them for any Riders, particularly first-time Riders. Two hundred kilometres is no small feat!
The ERTCC offers a great trifecta to help ourselves (immediate family and loved ones), the company and our community. It is a great example of living our values at Enbridge.
