Born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador I never dreamed that I would ever see the Rockies in person let alone attempt to ride through them in support of Cystic Fibrosis research. But with the diagnosis of our son Carter in June of 2007 our world took an unexpected turn and with it came new challenges and a desire to do whatever we could to help our son and others affected by CF. However, I never thought that it would involve riding a bicycle, something I have not done since my childhood!

Early into Carter's diagnosis my wife, Heather, and I attended a CF family education day at BC Children's Hospital. On that day I noticed another father in the crowd wearing his GearUp4CF riding jersey - at that moment something told me I would be riding in this year's event. Upon returning home I googled the GearUp4CF site and the rest is history. Within weeks I had a bike, all the gear and neighbors with national level cycling and personal training experience setting out my training schedule!

Of course my inspiration for this ride is my son who will know challenges I could never have dreamed of. But it is those that have ridden before (and are riding again) that I am thankful for - their example has inspired me to deal proactively with my son's disease. I am riding with them to help find a cure for CF!