Duathlete Hannah Spence will cross the country on a bicycle - again.
This time, she'll do it in 19 days instead of a leisurely 66.
More importantly, she'll do it to help children.
The Evelyn Avenue resident is one of a select number who will embark on the SEARS National Kids Cancer Ride, one of the largest and most ambitious charity cycling events in the world. Proceeds of the inaugural ride will go to support programs that enhance the lives of children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
There is a catch: Spence is less daunted by the physical challenge of the 7,600 kilometre ride than she is with the fundraising goal she must reach.
Her New Year's resolution, it would seem, begins now. She must come up with at least $16,500. Four thousand of that total is the registration fee while the $12,500 is the minimum amount of fundraising she must collect. In addition to her five-days a week training schedule, Spence will canvas businesses big and small, local and beyond for financial support.
The event has at least one high profile supporter. Lance Armstrong, winner of the Tour de France seven consecutive times, commends organizers and participants for the contributions they are making to raise "much-needed" funds for the fight against cancer.
"The work they are doing on behalf of childhood cancer survivors and their families is admirable," he said in a statement.
As for Spence, there's no one she'd rather help than kids.
"It's an awesome cause, an amazing charity," she said in an interview with the Villager this past week.
She has already made a world of difference in the lives of some Ursula Franklin Academy students on the track and endurance teams when she helped train them for their first half-marathon.
Spence, a life-long athlete, grew up in Wales and came to Toronto in 1997, she said, to escape university.
Her sister was here and almost as important was the fact that Toronto was "a world away from where I came from."
In 2002, the siblings were looking for something to do that summer when they decided to cycle to Montreal.
"When I rode to Montreal I said 'I've got to ride this country, it's so beautiful. It's a shame not to see it from the best vantage point and for me that's from a bike."
It was when she arrived in St. John's Newfoundland that she knew she wanted to complete the ride again.
She'll depart from Vancouver B.C. on June 2 and arrive in Halifax on June 20.
"I know it's hard work," Spence said. "The Rockies are tough; the Prairies are tough for another reason. Having done it before gives me a unique perspective - yeah, it'll be tough, but it's not scary. I'm much more excited than I am nervous."
"I'm nervous about raising the money," she added.
If her dedication to cycling is any indication - over the past five years Spence has completed the Tour du Canada and has twice represented Canada at the World Duathlon Championships as well as competed in dozens of cycling and running races - she'll meet her fundraising goal with ease.
If you would like to learn more about Spence and the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, check the website at www.nationalkidscancerride.com. If you would like to make a donation, visit any Canada Trust Bank. The account number is 03752-5184864. Contact Spence at boons32@gmail.com