Forest City Cycling Challenge 2022

I'm always looking for reasons to ride far, and when the Forest City Cycling Challenge announced that they had a 50km, 100km, and 160km routes to ride as part of their upcoming charity event I was keen to jump in. 

About the Forest City Cycling Challenge: 

The LCL Crew: Vince, Steve, Jack,
Laura W, Laura G, Fred, Kim, Molly (absent: Jen)
Photo credit: Kevin Rodger

The Forest City Cycling Challenge had it's inaugural run in 2021, but due to the provincial lockdowns at the time, participants were asked to ride the routes solo within a give date range. Sponsored by Lerner's Lawyers, last year's event raised over $40,000 for St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation. The funds were allocated to the foundation's MINDS project which provided resources to youths battling mental illness. 

With last year's restrictions lifted, I quickly reconsidered the idea of riding solo, and wanted to see if I could put a team together. That might mean riding a shorter distance, and event lik this is best enjoyed with people; my lovely wife among them. 

I put the call out to London Cycle Link, a nonprofit for whom I volunteer that hosts events around the city to promote cycling and advocate for improved cycling infrastructure. LCL also operates the Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op, a local cooperative that provides a space and resources for people to learn how to fix and maintain their own bikes. Several interested parties joined up, and we agreed to ride the 50km route as a group. 

Event Retrospective: I have nothing but positive feedback about how this event was run. 

Photo credit: Kevin Rodger

• Event HQ:  The event HQ was hosted in the Lerner's Lawyers parking lot downtown London. Squeaky Wheel Co-Op was exhibiting there, as were a few other local sponsors. (I met Tom Panabaker, and got to peek inside a VeloFix Sprinter van, which was super cool). Free electrolyte drinks were also available from F2C nutrition. 

• Route Markings: The routes were all very clearly marked, colour-matched to bracelets all riders were given upon check-in (green for 50k, blue for 100k, and orange for 160k). Though I had downloaded the route to my phone, and planned to be the team's navigator for the day, the clear route markings made this role largely unnecessary. Our 50km route was along suburban roads that guided us out to the country around Delaware, and back into the city. (These were basically the same roads I ride all the time).  

  

  Fred & Kim
  

  Photo credit: Kevin Rodger

    

• Rest Stops: The ride was well supported with sufficient rest stops. On the 50km course we only had one such stop, but the other longer courses passed through two, or three respectively. The stops were filled with hydration, and staffed with paramedics. They also had tools and supplies to fix any bicycle issues.  

• Post-Ride Refreshments: Our event package came with a ticket for lunch with options for fish & chipds, a pulled pork sandwich, or something vegan. We also had a drink ticket for something from the Anderson's truck. As much as I'd have liked to partake here, I didn't want to be restricted to the alcohol area, and wanted to make my way home. 

Team LCL
Photo credit: Kevin Rodger

Final Thoughts: I didn't realize it until we were out on the road, but in spite of all the riding I have done (commuting, races, endurance events etc.) this was the first supported event I've participated in. During the pandemic I rode for a few charities that ran virtually, but I had never had a shared experience with a team, complete with fully supported rest stops. This was something I intend to repeat. 

Collectively, our team raised $544.13 - averaging more than $50 per member.  Not bad for something we decided to do on a whim. A friend once told me that, when it comes to charity rides, while we cyclists will always there for the cycling, we must not lose sight of the cause. I enjoyed the experience of participating in this event, and can certainly see myself participating in others just like it, but I'd like to ensure that I approach future events with a bit more intention. Generally these events will offer a branded jersey as award for reaching a certain fundraising target. Setting a goal to reach these individual targets in advance of the event would make the charity ride feel a bit more purposeful, and perhaps less self-indulgent. 

So next year, I'll aim to ride this event in full FCCC 2023 regalia, earned from having reached their individual fundraising target.