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Cyclists head to New Orleans in Wellspring Peloton ride by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 9 | Thursday, September 24, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville resident Keith Mosley never truly knew the impact he was having on the lives of cancer patients until he met some, face-to-face. When he first joined a team of cyclists in the annual Wellspring Peloton Challenge three years ago, it was simply a way for him to stay active, while raising funds for a good cause. That quickly changed when he met some of the Wellspring Warriors, individuals who are currently battling cancer or who have survived. Listening to them share their experience of how Wellspring cancer support programs helped them, and those who care for them, through a difficult period in their lives has been his motivation for returning to the ride each year. This year's Wellspring Peloton Challenge, in support of Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, takes off on Saturday (Sept. 26) at the Birmingham Gilgan House on Sixth Line, one of eight Wellspring centres in Ontario. Supported by a team of volunteers, the 20 participants will cycle in peloton teams, each riding for six hours, covering more than 120 kilometres and keeping the momentum unbroken, 24-hours-a-day, until they reach New Orleans, Louisi- Keith Mosley ana. The journey will take place over the course of seven days, with the team expected to arrive in New Orleans Oct. 2. There, its members will be welcomed by their friends and family, as well as some Wellspring Warriors. Since the Wellspring Peloton Challenge's inception in 2012, $1.5 million has been raised to help Wellspring continue to provide vital cancer support programs, at no cost, to people living with cancer as well as to those who care for them. Emotional, psychosocial, restorative, practical and educational programs are among the services it provides. This will be Mosley's fourth time participating in the challenge and the second time he's gone to New Orleans. The first two rides took participants to Austin, Texas. He said when you hear firsthand how Wellspring is helping people and their families deal with cancer, "You have no choice, but to keep doing" the ride. "A lot of places are working towards curing cancer and that's fantastic, but until we cure it, that doesn't help someone today. Those people need help now, and that's what Wellspring does," said Mosley, who has lived in Oakville for more than 26 years. The 53-year-old, who has been cycling for a number of years, added although the ride may seem quite challenging, it's manageable because you're working as a team to get to the final destination. There's also six months of training and many people to help you along the way, he noted. Sarah Calvin, a Toronto resident and first-time rider, can attest to the camaraderie and support she has received over the months leading up to the challenge. "I think at this stage, because there has been so many opportunities to meet everyone and know everyone, I don't feel that kind of intimidation as when I signed up for it," said the 25-year-old. "Everyone is so supportive of one another." Calvin decided to take on the challenge to support her father Denys Calvin, who is see Cyclists on p.18 Join us for our Wild Game Festival September 9th thru 30th 1715 Lakeshore Road West 905 822 5751 www.michaelsbackdoor.com