For 2 years in 2006 and 2007 I had honor to participate on an incredible journey: for six days, about 300 cycle over 600km from Toronto to Montreal, and in doing so raise thousands of dollars for men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS.

My "cycling carrer" started in 1995. At age of 55 I began having problems with my feet, which led to difficulty walking so I started cycling, almost 40 years since I cycled as a young girl and immediately I was hooked. Cycling opened new world for me, sense of freedom, relief, and joy, unmatched by anything else.
I'm no athlete. I'm not fast and not strong. No toe clips, no drop handlebars, no personal best. Just pedal, pedal, enjoy scenery and watch the world.

My journey in the bike rally began in 2005. While browsing the Internet in search of bike rides and tours I found The Friends For Live Bike Rally. It was too late to join for that tour, but I still went to the departure and to learn about the cause and I saw all the excitement as the riders prepared and departed on their journey. That day I made a decision: next year I will be a rider. And the next year I was.

2006 was my first ride with Friends for Life. It was not easy to prepare myself physically for this journey as well as raise the money needed for the ride. The training, sponsors and moral support from my teammates allowed me to get to Montreal. It was the first time in my 12 years of biking experience that I met such caring people. The support vehicles, road safety, sweepers and fellow riders were incredible with their support. Helen and Carol, our team leaders not only organized the team training, but also helped us all get to know one another on a personal level.
On our first training day I rode as slow as a turtle and finished last, of course. Thinking that everybody had gone home, I took time and went to Tim Horton’s. To my astonishment Helen was waiting for me to make sure I was ok. Chris, Justin and Jeff did not leave me alone on the road when my bike kept breaking down. Gita lent me a tent. Even after the bike rally was over our team got together a few times. Ray organized a beautiful ride in posh areas in Toronto followed by a delicious lunch.

In 2007 I was part of great team Chain Reaction with Catherine and Neilson as team leaders. Thank you so much for your support!
It was not easy ride but at the same time it was lots of fun - more than I expected!

I'm not riding in 2008 and wish all cyclists to reach their goal in fundrising and have fun in this unforgettable journey from Toronto to Montreal.




Zina Vesterman

Klaus shows direction