It began with a drizzling rain, yet by the time I set out from home, the skies cleared. The roads were slick with moisture, shrouded in thick fog in certain areas, but by the time I reached Innisfil, they had dried out. The temperature hovered around 7°C, making for a chilly ride, but uneventful journeys can often be the best. I arrived early at the meeting point in Newmarket, one of the first riders to show up.
A total of 83 riders had signed up for the Newmarket ride, contributing to an impressive participation of over 125,000 riders worldwide. The route was brief, meandering through Newmarket and its picturesque surroundings. The aim of the ride was to raise awareness rather than cover long distances, and the dapper attire we donned certainly caught the eye. Many passersby waved, honked their horns, and gave gestures of encouragement as we rode by, while media representatives captured the moment to help spread the message.
Overall, riders from 108 countries participated, with Canada featuring 33 cities taking part. Toronto led the pack, boasting 246 registered riders. In Newmarket specifically, we raised just over $18,000 to support the Movember Foundation in its efforts to combat Men’s Prostate Cancer and promote Men’s Mental Health. This marks my second year involved in this noteworthy cause, and over the two years, I have managed to raise a total of $1,903. A heartfelt thank you to all my sponsors—your support has made a significant impact.