Peloton Ploy

In an effort to deny the existence of time, yours truly will be attempting a feat that few 64 year olds should. I will be riding 150 kms from Grand Bend to London and back in what promises to be hot and sticky weather this weekend. The annual MS Bike Ride is upon us!

"Why?" you may ask. Activities like this are for the young, aren't they? Surely it would be a much easier if I just went up to the cottage and sat on the beach.

But that doesn't sit well with me, given the events of the past year.

Recently I received a notice from the government that I am eligible for free prescription medicine when I turn 65 in September. Nice perk, I suppose. Only problem is - I don't take any drugs. I am in pretty good shape for a person my age.

But that, in itself, is a wake-up call. I am increasingly grateful for my good health. One of the lucky ones. Not everyone is so lucky.

As this year has unfolded, I have witnessed an increasing number of health issues of many of my friends. Heart attacks, cancer, deteriorating knees and hips and various other ailments have seen an alarming increase amongst my cohorts. A true wake-up call.

Recently, I began making blood donations. This was in response to the news that a best buddy is in need of weekly transfusions resulting from anemia brought on by chemotherapy. It was the least I could do, given the helpless feeling that his diagnosis engendered.

As most of you know, I have been involved with the MS cause in various ways since my wife's diagnosis in the mid 90's. I have been blessed with a level of support for my fundraising efforts that is at times overwhelming. Pat is doing well, and joins me in thanking all past donors.

Bay Street has always stepped up to the plate for MS ever since the days of the LOM Gala hosted by the redoubtable Garret Herman. The annual event, "Bay Street's Party of the Year" was held in honor of Bruce Grinton, a pioneer in the institutional equity trading business, who had contracted the disease and was forced to retire.

I had the pleasure of being one of Bruce's accounts in the early days of my career and his generosity of spirit and love of life is a cherished memory for me. The 'Street' gave massive amounts to MS at the event.

As a MS Society Board member, I saw first hand the meaningful improvement those donations brought to the lives of many. We now have new therapies and treatments that were supported by the funding from those events.

And now we have begun to address the more progressive forms of MS through the creation of the MS International Alliance. The MS Society of Canada is a key player in that effort, thanks to the generosity of many of you. But the fight is still on!

It is in that spirit that I am again asking for your support in my fundraising effort this coming weekend.

If you have found my blog at all helpful or thought provoking, I ask that you make a donation. This is the only 'paywall' for my weekly efforts. I appreciate any support you can give. Click on the link in my email to donate.

I will be riding solo this year, after many years of riding with my daughter in the Edmonton event. She is now living in B.C. and last week we had a visit from her and our two wonderful grandkids. Gratefulness comes easily to me now.

It's an early message this week. I'm doing my last long training ride this morning.

We should all be so lucky.

Thank you, Cheers, and here's to good health!

Bob.