For three decades, the "Ride for Heart" has been a beloved charity fundraising bike ride organized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Every year, cyclists would gather on the first Sunday of June to take over parts of the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and Gardiner Expressway, major six-lane highways leading into downtown Toronto. These roads, typically bustling with cars, would be closed off to allow cyclists the rare opportunity to enjoy a traffic-free ride through the city. Participants could choose from three routes: 25 km, 50 km, and 75 km, catering to both recreational riders and endurance enthusiasts alike.

Unfortunately, the event had to be paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2022, Baycrest, a nonprofit academic health sciences centre in Toronto specializing in brain health and senior care, took over as the new host of this historic event. With this new mission, the ride was renamed the "Ride for Brain Health." This shift not only marked a new chapter for the event but also expanded its impact to support brain health awareness and critical funding for world-leading research, innovation, care, and education at Baycrest.

On Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in this year's "Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health." Despite the weather being less than ideal, with rain pouring down and temperatures lower than expected, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

The anticipation began early. I had been looking forward to this event since March when my girlfriend invited me to join her. As a cycling enthusiast, I had never participated in such a large-scale charity event before, and the idea of supporting brain health research while enjoying a unique cycling experience was too good to pass up.

I registered online and paid the $45 registration fee, but I needed to raise at least $175 to qualify for the ride. Thanks to the generous support of friends and family, I utilized the "Match-a-thon" campaign by the event's sponsor, Mattamy Homes. They matched online donations between $50 and $500, doubling contributions up to $2000 per participant. Within a week of registration, I successfully raised $485, securing my spot in the ride. Remarkably, Mattamy's $200,000 donation match fund was depleted within just over 55 hours of its announcement, underscoring the community's active involvement.

Normally a late riser, I had to get up early for the event. After quickly washing up and Just finishing my last bite of a hard-boiled egg, my girlfriend, who I had agreed to carpool with, rang the doorbell. We loaded our bikes into my minivan and set off a little after 7 AM towards the event venue—Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.

Due to road closures for the event, we had to take an alternate route, avoiding the usual highways. Despite this, we arrived at the venue around 8 AM. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of cyclists preparing for the ride. It was a sight to behold—bikes of all shapes and sizes, riders of all ages and skill levels, and an overwhelming sense of community and shared purpose.

Inside the Heritage Court Building, there were several essential facilities for participants. The bathroom had ample capacity, ensuring everyone could prepare for the ride comfortably. Service booths were available for last-minute check-ins for riders who hadn't received their rider kits by mail. These booths also handed out themed t-shirts to those who had raised over $1,000.

Away from the building, the open area was divided into two lines: the starting line and the finish line. The starting line was packed with eager riders, buzzing with anticipation as they prepared to set off. In contrast, the finish line was relatively empty, with only a few super early risers having completed their rides. Volunteers were strategically positioned at both lines, beating on metal objects to create an energetic atmosphere. Their enthusiastic cheers sent off riders with encouragement and welcomed back those who had finished with celebratory applause. This dynamic environment added to the excitement and camaraderie of the event.

Before we embarked on our rides, the sky was already shrouded in gloom. Setting out on the 50 km route, a few sporadic raindrops began to fall, but it was not enough to deter me. As I reached the halfway point at 25 km on the DVP, the rain remained light, prompting me to push on for the full 50 km as originally planned. However, as I continued, the rain intensified, and by the time I reached the York Mills exit, the halfway turning point for the 50 km ride, I was thoroughly drenched. Despite the heavy rain drops, I was elated to have reached this milestone and spent a satisfying 15 minutes capturing photos and videos, and allowing myself a brief rest.

The journey back proved to be the most challenging part. Soaked from head to toe and occasionally shivering from the cold wind, I sought refuge under the DVP overhead bridges multiple times, allowing myself to warm up and regain my energy. Nevertheless, the unwavering spirit of the event propelled everyone forward, urging us to persevere despite the adverse conditions.

Navigating the DVP and Gardiner Expressway, typically bustling with traffic, felt truly special. Despite the rain, the cityscapes and vistas of the lake remained breathtaking. As I pedaled past the iconic CN Tower along the Gardiner Expressway, I couldn't resist the urge to pause and soak in the majestic sight. Spending an additional twenty minutes marveling at the view and capturing photos of this Toronto landmark was a memorable highlight of the ride.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the support from fellow cyclists and volunteers was truly heartwarming. Along the route, volunteers set up stands to provide water and snacks, and some even ventured onto the shoulder to cheer us on, encouraging everyone to keep pedaling forward. The camaraderie among participants was palpable; we shared a common goal and were united in our determination to overcome the elements for a cause we deeply believed in.

Approaching the finish line, the sound of volunteers beating metal greeted us, a symbolic welcome back. Stepping off my bike, a volunteer swiftly approached, adorning me with a medal. In that moment, I felt like a hero, each effort validated.

Completing the 50 km ride filled me with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Despite of the rainy weather, the experience was incredibly rewarding. The post-ride atmosphere was vibrant with celebrations, music, and the warmth of shared achievement. My girlfriend and I each enjoyed two cups of hot coffee, which helped warm us up. The refreshments also gave us the energy to ride back to the parking lot and endure over an hour of local traffic to get home.

Participating in the 2024 Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health was a reminder of the power of community and the impact of coming together for a common cause. It was a testament to the resilience and determination of everyone involved, from the organizers and volunteers to the riders who braved the weather.

This ride was more than just a cycling event; it was a symbol of hope and progress in the fight against brain health issues. It showed that even in challenging times, we can come together to support each other and make a difference.

The latest news is that 10,000 cyclists raised over 6 million dollars, which will fund research on Alzheimer’s and other dementias, as well as support early detection, prevention, and treatment efforts. This underscores the importance of the Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health in transforming the understanding and treatment of dementia worldwide.