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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 15, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Cyclist's cross-Canada trek raises $115,000 for cancer research By Wilma Blokhuis OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF David Visschedyk has ditched his old casual clothes in favour of a suit with matching tie and socks. He also shaved off the beard he sported at the end of his 6,589-kilometre CanadaWide for Cancer marathon from Vancouver to Halifax. After cycling across Canada, raising $115,000 for The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids, the 27-year-old Oakville native has parked his bike ­ almost ­ and started working at a Toronto law firm. Visschedyk will be dealing with insurance claims. "After four days they've given me a desk and asked me to come back for a second week," said a grinning Visschedyk at his family `welcome home' reception last Saturday. "I've gone two weeks without cycling not more than 20 kilometres a day. I bought new clothes and got rid of all my old ones." However, he kept his cycling gear. "When I was cycling it didn't feel like a long ride, but when I look at the map it feels like a long ride." He pedaled 70 rotations a minute and averaged 135 kilometres a day. A graduate of Osgood Hall Law School, Visschedyk accepted a position at Stieber Berlach law firm in Toronto and then promptly announced plans to cycle across Canada for cancer research. His employer readily agreed. Visschedyk, who lost his right leg to cancer at age eight ­ the Van Ness procedure was performed resulting in his ankle functioning as a knee ­ is a lifelong, avid cyclist. "It's a low impact exercise that doesn't hurt anything," he said. Astride a 30-gear, 16-pound Devinci road bike donated by the Montreal- ** OR 0% OWN IT! FINANCING 5-STAR CRASH TEST RATING § On all in-stock 2006 models and 2007 Magentis. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND -- OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH! 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Kia's "Worry-Free Comprehensive" warranty covers most vehicle components against defects under normal use and maintenance conditions. Price, availability and specifications are subject to changes without notice. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of print. KIA is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation. based bicycle manufacturer, Visschedyk started his crossCanada odyssey on July 1 and completed it eight weeks later in Halifax on Aug. 26. Following behind him in a RV was his driver, photographer and cook Timothy Knowles of Toronto, another cancer survivor. He encountered a few complications ­ two rainy days, 10-kilometre hills in the Canadian Rockies, was almost hit by a house that was moved along the TransCanada Highway in Saskatchewan, and battled a strong head wind in Québec. But, in New Brunswick, Visschedyk shaved 90-100 kilometres off his planned route. Nevertheless, he covered 196-204 kilometres over two days of cycling. Perhaps the funniest encounter was to have been bitten by a dog ­ on his artificial leg. "Instead of flesh and blood, the dog got foam and rubber. Shocked and confused, it ran off. Sometimes it's a good thing to have an artificial leg." Visschedyk's original goal was to raise $15,000. However, his goal crept upwards to $100,000 as support grew across the country. The largest single donation, $31,000, came from Payzant Home Hardware in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, during the last leg of his journey ­ the money was raised by the store's employees. The second largest donation, $25,000, came from the family of a child with neuroblastoma upon his arrival in Toronto. "Looking back it's amazing how far I went ­ what a great way to spend the summer," he said. "It was great spending the summer doing something you love and raising money for charity." Asked if he's planning a similar cycling marathon, Visschedyk said it was a onetime event. "I don't expect to have two months off again, but I'll continue to make cycling trips." Along the way, Visschedyk, a vegetarian, consumed 7,000 calories a day and was able to maintain his weight, having lost only two pounds from his lanky 150-lb. frame. Visschedyk spent 57 days on the road, 50 of them on his bike, slept in the van and occasionally in donated hotel rooms. His mother Carol Dalby spoke of how proud she is of David Visschedyk her son, "who dreamed of cycling across Canada, but never said, `I'll do it tomorrow,' he just did it." In addition to the ride, she said, he completed some 4,000 kilometres of training. "The money he raised will go into neuroblastoma research, a deadly childhood cancer, in hopes of giving patients a better chance of living a long life." She and husband Al Dalby presented him with a set of cufflinks bearing the CanadaWide for Cancer logo. Diana Birrell of The James Fund said Visschedyk's ride not only raised money for research, but also brought the charity into the national spotlight. "David has elevated our cause at SickKids," said Birrell. "David has also caught the attention of families affected by neuroblastoma and brought them together to support each other. For them, the biggest thing is hope, finding a cure and hope for their kids with neuroblastoma. "David's ride was much bigger than we anticipated, and he went miles above his target." He was also lauded by his uncle, Paul Visschedyk. "We congratulated David when he became a lawyer and now two years later, much to the surprise and delight of us all, he jumped on his bike and decided to cycle across Canada. He not only arranged the trip but did it ­ that's determination." In addition, said his uncle, he kept an online diary, "allowing us to get inside of his skin and made us feel part of his trip," plus he answered e-mails, adding he found this "inspiring." To read more about Visschedyk's journey, see www.cyclingforcancer.ca. ­ Wilma Blokhuis can be reached at blokhuis@haltonsearch.com.