Kenneth Cross

getting “dunked” by my own kids.. all for a great...

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:38:06 -0400

getting “dunked” by my own kids.. all for a great cause.

One week has passed

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:29:43 -0400

One week has passed since the conclusion of the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. But has it really concluded, or is this just the beginning?

Yesterday, (Canada Day) I was volunteering for a local group in Kingston (The Iron Cops) who support children with cancer in our community. Looking at all the kids, kids just being kids, made me think of all the towns and children we met and why we did and will continue to do to promote the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. A lot of people came up to congratulate me on completing the ride and it was nice to see that after a week, people haven’t forgotten about the ride. They said that they were reading the blogs of the National Riders or listening to the radio to get updates.

I watched the video of Josh Nelson during the past week and I guess the only thing I can say, it was truly motivating/inspiring. Josh is a very courageous and smart young man. The words I will always remember when he spoke in Burlington will be “ride for me, until I can ride with you”. I have shared this experience with many people in my workplace and when I say those words, emotions are shared. I have invited people to go onto the site and watch the video, it’s amazing.

For me, the ride will never really be over until we have a cure for Childhood Cancer. Megan and all the other children I met along the way will be my strength to never forget about the importance of the ride. This is just the beginning.

Once again, thanks to all who volunteered, donated, or participated in the 2009 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. If you would like to reach me, please email me at: kcross8@sears.ca.

Keep peddling – and ride until they can all ride with us.

The journey is complete and a prayer is said.

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:26:51 -0400

The journey is complete and a prayer is said.

Day 12 - We Have Arrived - Halifax

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:05:00 -0400

I guess the only way I can share about how I was feeling today is emotional. 12 days, 7000 kms and 163 communities later, I(we) have completed this journey to create awareness and raise money for childhood cancer. I’ve been asked, are you glad its over? My answer to that is I have just completed Chapter 1 and I will now be moving to Chapter 2. I have dedicated myself to make people aware of childhod cancer and I will support the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation for future events. Does that mean I will be a National Rider in 2010, please stay tunned.

Over the 12 days I have met so many people, from large and small communities. I appreciate all those that came out, volunteered, provided food for us, etc.. I truly thank all those for there help in our journey.

For all the Sears assocties, SLH employees, Kingston and surrounding residents that put time, money and effort to my fund raising, I would like to say thank you. To date we have accumulated over $65,000 (with an additional $5,000 cheque that will be received when I return to Kingston). My heart is overcome with joy to know that people care and that we can raise so much money for a great cause.

On June 13, 2009, I had the opportunity to dip my tires in the Pacific Ocean. Today, I was able to dip those same tires in the Altantic. This is a big accomplishment and I am proud that I completed this journey, but it will be all for not if people don’t embrase this cause and share their experiences. This is how the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride will grow to an event that all Canadians will know and understand.

Thanks Jeff and Louisa for choosing me to be part of this journey. Thanks to Michael and the volunteer staff for your support along the way, GO TEAM 1. Thanks to all my teammates for being who they are: Peter, Ed, Al, Heather, Laurie, Sharon, Christian, Brian, Tim, Janna, and Dene.

Thank you, Thank you and Thank you for following this blog. My wife has made the trip to Halifax to celebrate the conclusion of this journey. Dinner will start soon, so I should go, but, this will not be the last blog.. I will continue to share in the experiences over the next few days before I make my way back home.

To my daughters. Your dad will goto the end of the earth for you. This is no exception. I love you.

Day 11 - PEI

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:44:06 -0400

We got on the road this morning at 7am and rode our way to Capele where we were met by great people. They brought us hats and flags which represented their Acadian heritage. We then ventured on to PEI. We were shuttled across the bridge and then made our way to Charlottetown where we were met by a lot of Sears associates and friends who are supportive of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. We had a great last full day and will cycle from Lower Sackville to the Halifax Sears store and then on to the hospital tomorrow. We we then dip our tires in the ocean at Point Pleasant Park.

We are looking forward to tomorrow so tune in for the conclusion of our journey.

Day 10 - Another day with a headwind

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:19 -0400

The day started off with a great breakfast at he Place D’laurier Sears store in Quebec City. We were greated by Sears employees and enjoyed their hospitality. We made our way to the Quebec hospital to where we were privileged to meet a young woman who was diagnosed with ALL speak about her battle with cancer and provided us with some words of encouragement that we will have good days and bad but you’ll push through the bad. Marie was 12 years old.

From there we left the hospital to go to the Sears store in Levis where again we were greated by Sears associates and had the opportunity to meet a man who joined the ride, Jerry, who rode with us to Mont Magny. Jerry, who was over 60, has competed in 7 double ironman competitions and holds the world record for his age group. I think we found a 2010 National Rider. After his treat of cheese curd the group carried forward to St. Alexandre de Kamouraska. The group battled 30 plus km an hour head wind which challenged the riders. We felt like we were back in Saskatchewan.

We will be moving forward to Moncton to do our second last day where we will ride from Moncton through PEI.

What a great morning!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:54:35 -0400

What a great morning!

Day 9 - I love my kids. Happy Fathers Day

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:31:54 -0400

Today was a special day for me because it was Father’s Day and I was able to spend it with my family during the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. For the brief time I was there I soaked in all the love from my three kids and my beautiful wife. One moment I will never forget was when my family came out of the van, our eyes met and my two year old daughter ran to me. It seemed like it was going to take a long time for her to get to me with her little legs and her Dora flip flops but when she got to me she gave me the biggest hug and told me she loved me. I was also greated with presents from Leah and Megan that will always remind me how precious the are. For a moment I was a little selfish because it was time being spent with my family but I soon refocused because what I am doing is not just for Megan but for 10,000 other kids like Megan living with cancer.

After seeing lots of family and friends gather in Kingston and the many, many stage riders whom I am so grateful for their participation we made our way to Old Fort Henry and Gananoque. We had one stage rider cycle all the way to Manotick and I think we are looking at the newest 2010 national rider….

We finished at the St Laurent Sears store in Ottawa to a fantastic dinner. We are now on our way to Quebec City to start our next day.

To all those following me on this blog, Kingstonian or not, thank you so much for your support and following along with the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Remember that we are all planting seeds to watch this fantastic cause grow so that one day thousands of people will participate in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride and with that we will hear the words we have found a cure.

Please donate, donate, and donate….

Day 8 - Rain could not bring down our spirits

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:22:14 -0400

Saturday’s ride started with rain and ended with the sun coming out. It reminded me of the pain children and families have to go through when they are told that their child has cancer, but, like in our families situation, the sun does come out and brighter days are ahead. Megan, you are a fighter and you will overcome this disease. You are a “Ray of Hope”. We started our day in Woodstock and went to several stores leading into a visit to Sick Kids Hospital. Woodstock, Burlington, Oakville, Sherway Gardens and then Sick Kids. Many celebrations at each stop, many riders going the National Team to come into Toronto. Of the many cyclists to join us, we had 2 VIP’s - Steve Bauer and Curt Harnett. I had the pleasure of riding with Steve for about 5 minutes and he was happy to hear that Megan was doing well. I spoke to Curt at Sherway Gardens and he was sorry to hear that Megan was diagnosed, but we happy to hear that she was in remission. They are suppporters of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride and they want to help beat this terrible disease. Each store had it’s own special ceremony to introduce local dignitaries, and ambassador children. Each stop provided riders with much needed nutrients and supplies for the days ride. To all the stores, thanks so much for your support, it was greatly appreciated. Riding into Sick Kids Hospital was unforgettable. The number of people who showed up to support the ride was truly amazing. I was greeted by 3 employees from Sears who had seen me at the Town Hall meeting on Friday May 29, 2009. They mentioned that they volunteered their time today because they were inspired by my presentation. I thanked them for coming out and told them to please share the experience with their friends so they too can understand the importance of the ride. I’m so happy that these 3 employees from HQ came by and said, Hello. Thanks for helping out on the special day. We were also introduced to many children today with Cancer. To all this kids, we are here, we are not leaving, we are on your side, and we are going to battle this together. Stay strong and keep the faith. You are all my friends. I was happy to see family at a few spots. Thanks to Jamie, Jo, Emily and Ashby for coming out to Brantford and Tim, Suzie, Owen, Muriel, David, Katie, Matthew and Garred for coming out to Burlington. We are now off to Kingston for the night and moving towards Ottawa in the morning. I can’t wait to see my 3 kids, my wife (who has supported me over the past 7 months- 27 hours of training per week) and my parents, brothers (and sisters in law) and nephews. We are coming. Wishing everyone an early Father’s Day.

Day 7 - Sault St Marie to Espanola - Team is back on Track

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:25:13 -0400

Due wo some unexpected breakdowns the team was back on track on Day 07. We started the day at he Sears Store in Sault St Marie (with a breakfast put on by the Comfort Inn - thank you so much for the hot meal.. much appreciated).

We made our way East on Hwy 17 and our first stop was in Thessalon, ON and at Lake Side Park (a tent and trailer park) put on a meal for us there. We were introduced to the Manager of the Park (Chris) who was about 27 has been cancer free for 13 years. When he was diagnosed he lived in up north and needed to be treated in Toronto. The Ronald McDonald House was full and his parents needed to fly in weekly to stay with him. He mentioned that it pretty much tapped his parents out of money. He was so greatful that we stopped by and happy that we are making people aware of childhood cancer and its importance to raise money for research and programs.

We then made our way to Spanish, ON where we stopped for some lunch. As I sat down to eat an employee from Scotia Bank came over and asked what we were doing, after exlaining our cause, she had a cheque for a donation ready from the employees at the bank. That’s awesome. Total population of Spanish was about 1200 people. We then were introduced to the local Spanish River MotorCycle Club. They were great and were surprised at the weight of my bike. It was a little lighter then the Harley’s they had.

After a great break we made our way to Espanola, the final city in our journey for the day. After arriving we packed everything up, had a quick shower at the local recreation centre and made our way to a local park for a picnic dinner. The salads, rice and chicken was great.

We are now moving forward to Woodstock to start the day 8 journey into Toronto. Should be a great day tomorrow.

A specaial thanks to all the volunteers and hosts that stay up late, wake up early to ensure that we are taken care of and ready to cycle everyday. Thanks to all the businesses that provide all the services (ie. food, showers) to keep us going. Thanks.. Thanks.. Thanks..

Please remember, tell your friends about this cause, share the stories of the riders. Childhood cancer is an important cause, so please donate.. donate.. donate, come out to the Cataraqui Town Centre on June 21 at 8am and support the National Riders from across Canada. Thanks..

Day 6 Terry Fox Memorial-Need I say more?

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:15:48 -0400

It was a very emotional day for me at the Terry Fox memorial. To be at the site where the greatest Canadian took his last steps in the “Marathon of Hope” made me reflect upon his journey across this great country. Building awareness and raising funds for cancer research. Terry brought a nation together, he touched so many hearts, young and old, and for that I am grateful to say that I remember his greatness (at 8 years old) and I will never forget. Thank you Terry.

We started our journey today at the Sears store in Thunder Bay, ON with a group riders of about 20 cyclists. I had the chance to speak with most of the riders and one of them (Harry) is going to apply to become a national rider next year. Harry, if you have any questions drop me a line. We then made our way to Nipigon for lunch put on by our famous “Chef Gordon Ramsey” (Oh…I meant to say Michael Sharp) chicken. veggetable, bean salad, bagels. It was divine. Thanks Michael and Bob.

We then made our way to Terrace Bay, ON for an early night and we stopped at the local curling club for dinner. Thank yo so much for your hospitality, everything was fantastic. We are now on our way to Sault Ste Marie for an early start at 5am to ride into Espinola, ON to complete day 7.

Thanks to everyone today that we met and to the volunteers for supporting the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride. Reember tell your friends about us, Ride, Volunteer, Donate…100% of the donations go to help kids with cancer.

Day 5

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:29:14 -0400

This morning we were met by the staff and friends at the Sears store in Winnipeg. We were treated with oatmeal pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits. The riders greatly appreciated the hospitality the store showed. We were escorted out to the city limits of Winnipeg by local police (2 bicycle cops and 2 patrol vehicles). Due to some unexpected construction we were only able to ride 170 of the planned 220 kms for the day. The roads were mostly flat but only in good to poor condition. The team is gelling very nicely, we went from Winnipeg to Kenora, ON today and will be leaving from Thunder Bay in the morning.

I’d like to thank the people of Kenora for their shower facilities and thank the volunteers for thier time and effort.

Ride, Volunteer, Donate…Donate…Donate…share this with your friends so they can also experience what the national riders are doing.

Quick trivia fact… Kenora won the first Stanley Cup in 1907!

Day 4 - Kids, Kids and more Kids

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:19:18 -0400

After a very long day from Calgary to Medicine Hat - 305kms, we moved forward to Regina to spend a few 1 hour in our bunks. Our journey today started at 9am with a pancake breakfast put on by the awesome employees at Sears. Thanks so much for you hospitality, the food was great and the gentleman making the pancakes in the curlers was something else. We then moved forward to Montmartre SK were we were greated by the local school children. That was a blast. A gruop of kids came with me to examine my bike. They wanted to touch my bike, but I thought by alowing them to pcik it up would give them more of an appreciation of just how light the bikes are. One girl picked it up and said, “I can’t believe how light this is”. She was in grade 4. I truely appreciated the kids coming out, so to all you reading this tonight, thanks, you made my day as well as the other national riders.

We then moved onto Kipling SK, home of the largest Red Paper Clip and the Red Paper Clip house. We had a few children come out to the event. One boy that was their wanted to see my bike. I led him over to examine the bike and he too picked it up as was in awe as to the weight of the bike. Thanks so much Kipling for the reception and for the tour of your towns history.

Finally, we made our way forward to our last stop of the day Carlyle SK. We were greated by 2 youth baseball teams and then another 2 teams were able to come in a little later to check out the bunks in our trailer. I will try to put a picture on tonight with the baseball team, but I’m having problems with the download. The kids were filled with questions and we more pleased to answer them. What a great group.

I have to say, Saskatoon Pie is the best berry pies that I have ever had. Thanks SASKATCHEWAN. We are now off to Winnpeg MB to travel to Kenora ON (220 kms).

Day 3 - No Sleep and Cycling 305kms - longest day of the journey - No Problem, It’s for the Kids!

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:52:01 -0400

The day started off with a little “blow up”. At 3:30am, our RV experienced a tire blow out while we were enroute to Calgary to be ready for the next days ride. With little sleep we finally got to Calgary at 7:00am with a departure at 9am.

The event at the Sears Calgary Marlborough Centre started off with meeting 2 families that were united by Cancer. They met at summer camp and have been friends ever since. The one girl has been in remission for 1 year and the other girl for 2 years. The parents were great and I got them to and the other kids to hand paint a national rider t-shirt. The ceremony was special. Shawn Gille, a teenager spoke as a survivor (please read ambassador story on the SearsNationalKidsCancer Ride Website). After the ceremony I had the privilege of meeting Lanny McDonald, one of the greatest Leafs ever.

Once the ceremony was completed we made our way on a local stage ride to Strathmore AB, continued onto Brooks AB and finally to Medicine Hat AB. We will get showered up and make our way to Regina where we have a 7am start to Carlyle SK .

Thanks to all those who came out to the event. Please remember to share you knowledge of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride to your friends and why it is so important. 100% of all monies go towards helping children living with and beyond cancer. So, please RIDE in local stage rides, Volunteer of come out a support the National Riders in a community near you, or DONATE, please open you hearts and your wallets to support this great cause

A Wonderful Day in the B.C. Interior

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:07:56 -0400

The day started off in Princeton BC and the wonderful hosts at the Princeton Golf Course (they need left handed clubs in stock), as they sent us off on a 240kms journey taking us to Penticton, Kelowna and finally Vernon. We visited 3 stores and in Kelowna, we met a young boy (Phillip) diagnosed at 3, who has been cancer free for one year. This is the reason we ride. At the same event a woman gave me a medal that said “winner”. I walked over to Philip and I gave him this medal as he is the true “winner” and champion.

I was a hard day of riding with temperatures peaking in the low 30’s, but this was an awesome day of cycling (I think I said that yesterday). This is truly a great experience and cause to help children across Canada like Philip, to beat this horrible disease.

I have mentioned Donate, I have a mentioned Volunteer, or Ride. Please get used to these 3 words. They are critical in the success of the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.

I have a long night ahead, being shuttled to Calgary from Vernon BC (about 7 hr drive - get in at 5pm Calgary Time - yes we loose 1 hour of sleep, and I will be on the Radio Stations bright and early for a recap and where we are heading (longest trip of the 12 days for Team 1 - 305 kms) - to Medicine Hat AB.

Dad at Kitsilano Beach in British Columbia

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:24:24 -0400

Dad at Kitsilano Beach in British Columbia

This is the "AWE" in AWESOME.

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:10:56 -0400

Today started with a very emotional experience when we,the National Riders reflected to why we were doing this ride.
We were asked to sign a banner that will travel the counrty and show every community “why we ride”. It was emotional becuase the reason I ride is no secret.
I ride for Megan, I ride for the kids in Kingston, I ride for the thousands of kids across Canada fighting this terrible disease. Every pedal stroke is for them.

We then made our way to Sears Brentwood in BUrnaby and the Sears Store in Port Coquitlam. Both events were well attended and lots of suppoters o fhte cause.
I had a special treat in Port Coqitlam as Colleen’s aunt and uncle (Pat and Warren) were there to great me. It was nice to be able to share the day with family.

Now for the experience on the bike. If you have never been to British Columbia, then book the next flight and come out, but please bring your bike.
Riding the roads with moutains I either side the put hte “AWE” in Awesome. Picture a mountain of trees and in the background a second mountain, but you can only
see the peak and it was like someone just dusted the peak with snow. It was truly a picutre moment.

The day is over, 172 kms was traveled and tomorrow we will be cycling in the Okanogan (Princeton BC to Vernon BC).

Please RIDE - DONATE - VOLUNTEER, or did I say DONATE.

Ready to start the greatest journey and the longest cycling...

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:05:10 -0400

Ready to start the greatest journey and the longest cycling event in the world in support of childhood cancer.

12 Hours to go before the start of the greatest journey

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:00:47 -0400

7 months of training, many long nights and weekends, the support from a loving wife and children to help their husband/dad pursue the greatest cause, riding for children living with and beyond cancer.

Today was our first day as a team riding. We got off to a shacky start, but on run #2 we became more uniform. It will be a priviledge to ride across Canada with these 12 riders. Everyone is getting ready to pack the vehicles, so I’m not able to post a group shot yet ( I will have to wait until after tomorrow ride). I will post my single photo provided by Jim on Team#2.

I hope that the information I share over the next 12 days provides you with a perspective of the joy and pleasure that me and my fellow riders will have in support of this great cause.

First Visit to Childrens Hospital

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:38:46 -0400

We had the pleasure of meeting a great group of kids from the BC Childrens Hospital this afternoon. I personally met 3 great kids. Shaelyn who is currently 22 months old, and was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia when she was 2 months. After speaking to mom for a bit, she was happy to speak with someone who could relate to cancer treatment.

I also had a chance to meet Logan who painted a shirt for me with her hands, as well, she thought that putting her hands on my checks would also be fun.

Last but not least, I met Megan, who is now 19, but has been battling cancer for 3 years. It was a sports injury that made her goto the hospital (for a bad tumble) and through tests they ran they found that Megan had cancer. Megan has relapsed twice during treatments, she has endured 6 surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. I will meet Megan again on Saturday.

The Children above, as well as those others who were there inspire the entire National Team to ride. For many of the national riders they have never been in the presence of a child with cancer. It was very emotional.