Ready to roll for cancer research

Ste. Anne cyclist has all the right stuff

Next Wednesday Stephanie Speth and her beloved bicycle will be on an airplane bound for Vancouver.

Once there, the Ste Anne de Bellevue athlete will join 49 other cyclists as they embark on a 19-day, 7,600 km Trans-Canada journey from Vancouver to Halifax.

Speth was chosen after a tough selection process as a member of the National Team to participate in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, beginning on June 2.

She will arrive in Montreal with her team on June 17, as they make their way to Halifax.

The former marathon runner, who had to give the sport up last year following a severe leg fracture, says she’s been riding an average 700 to 1,000 km each weekend to prepare for the trip.

Oh, and she’s also gathered close to $43,000 in donations.

Her goal, she says, is to raise $50,000, even though she needed to collect between $12,500 and $25,000 to participate.

“I guess I’m a bit of an over achiever,” she laughed.

All proceeds from the estimated $1.5 million the team will raise will go to charities that improve the lives of children living with cancer.

Speth, who is single and does not have kids of her own, says her passion is to speak with young people about health and wellness.

“If people are inspired by me and talk to their kids about being healthy, I’ll have done my job,” she says.

To that end, she has been speaking to groups of school kids whenever possible.

During the ride, the team will be joined by cyclists who want to participate for any length of time.

Speth hopes there will be a good showing when the team takes off from the Sears Angrignon in Montreal, on June 17.

Along with visiting other cancer and oncology centres across Canada, the National Team will visit the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Ste. Justine Hospital.

During the ride they will cycle between 25 km to 200 km a day. At times, team members will ride in shifts 24-hours a day, being shuttled to the next location as some riders rest in between.

Speth says she was fitted for a good bike that she calls “my baby” after she broke her leg.

“For anyone who wants to do serious riding, you need to have a properly fitted bike.”

National Team riders also work with a team trainer on fitness and nutrition, and all are given a webpage that can link them to on-line forums.

Speth also has a blog that she says she’ll update through the journey. Donations can additionally be made through the site until July 31.

To support Speth, read about her journey or training, or to donate, go to: 2008.snkcr.com For more on the event go to: www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com