A week and a half ago, Alex Schaffter from the Victoria Hospice Society sent me an email asking if I’d mind answering some questions about the Cycle of Life Tour. I said I would, and answered them by email. Now she has made a web posting with the questions and answers.
Simon Biickert Talks About the Cycle of Life Tour
I’m guessing that in time they will post more stories, but for now, I’m the first.
Updated 2020
The above link is dead, so I’m going to put the questions and answers here. They modified my answer to question #6, go figure. 😉
- What first brought you to the Cycle of Life Tour?
The motivation came from my mother passing away in Victoria Hospice last year. When I was spending time in the Hospice last June, I saw a display with a cycling jersey in it. As a cyclist I was interested. I read the information sheet and learned about the Tour. I was not able to participate in 2016, but I continued to think about it in the meantime. When I mentioned it to family, they were supportive and I registered.
- What keeps you coming back?
It’s my first year, so n/a.
- What does Hospice and Palliative care mean to you?
A comfortable, peaceful place where the staff are aware of what you are going through and do their best to make it a human experience.
- What are you looking forward to about the ride this year?
Being a first-timer, I only have the photo collections from previous years to go on. I’m a strong cyclist, so I am looking forward to a laid-back cruise along new roads. I am not a camper, but I am looking forward to that as well. But I think the thing I’m most looking forward to is meeting my fellow riders.
- How do you prepare for the ride?
The cycling part I’m not worried about. It’s the getting to Victoria to participate that’s the hard part, and then getting home again. I live in Calgary, AB. I will ride in four gran fondos this year, plus the Cycle of Life Tour.
- Where do you find strength and support leading up to and during the ride?
My father was the first to step up and support the idea of participating, and he has been very proud of my effort. My wife was also supportive, having lost her mother at the Victoria Hospice in 1994. Together they have been my planning crew. But I think the amazing part is how my co-workers stepped up to donate when I approached them, even though most of them don’t live on Vancouver Island (or even in BC).
- What would you tell someone who is on the fence about joining next year?
I don’t know if I’m in a position to answer this yet. For all I know, you will murder me in my tent and sell my organs on eBay.
- What’s your fundraising goal?
My goal is $1000, and I have exceeded that.
- What creative ways are you trying to meet that goal?
I don’t know how creative I have been. If I was geographically closer, I think I would get in touch with some of the other teams and join forces to fundraise.
- Is there anything else you’d like to say to our Cycle of Life community?
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Lovely photo and post, Simon.😍
Mother would be very happy with your comments,Dad