By Seth DuChene
Editor
When Halifax’s Gary Jones was invited earlier this year to take part in the Indy Cycling Challenge in Toronto, a fundraising event for Prostate Cancer Canada, he jumped at the chance.
He took a pass, however, when advised he could take a plane from Halifax to Toronto in time for the race.
Instead, the 72-year-old decided to make the 2,000 kilometre trip by bike.
On Thursday morning, Jones rolled through Napanee on his way to Toronto, well in time for the Indy Cycling Challenge, scheduled for Thursday.
This isn’t Jones’ first time hitting the road with lots of miles in front of him: he was a trucker for more than four decades before his retirement at age 65. When he gave up trucking, however, he took up a new activity and a new cause. “I decided to give up the 22 wheels for two wheels. Rather than haul steel, (which) I did for 40-plus years, I’m hauling hope, faith and attitude.”
And so the marathon cycling began. In 2010, for instance, he biked from Victoria, BC to St. John’s, NFLD to support the fight against thyroid cancer. He is a survivor of both thyroid and prostate cancer.
By riding from Halifax to Toronto instead of flying, Jones says he’ll get a chance to talk to other families who have faced the disease, spread awareness about prostate cancer and raise some money along the way.
The trip so far hasn’t been without its challenges. He said that the four days of riding before reaching Trois Rivieres were full of strong winds and rain — the weather even set him behind a day on his schedule. It’s been a different story since then, however. “I’ve seen nothing but beautiful sunshine and beautiful rides — beautiful country,” he said.
He has someone travelling with him to monitor his progress and help him if he’s in need, although as much as possible he enjoys being on his own while he bikes.
Jones’ trip will culminate with the Indy Cycling Challenge, which will see cyclists race around the oval that’ll be used for the upcoming Indy Car race. The “icing on the cake”, says Jones, is that he’ll be able to race with four-time Olympic cycling legend Curt Harnett. “He, of course, will lap me four or five times,” says Jones.
“I’m doing well and feeling really good,” he says before leaving Napanee. “I’m close to the end of this 2000 km trek, and then I’ll get prepared for the race.”
To donate to Jones’ cause, visit theindychallenge.com.