It’s not too late to join the Big Move Ride team on September 8!

There is still time to register for the Niagara College team. The team is up to 26 cyclists of all skill levels who are ramping up to ride in NC blue in support of the patients at the Walker Family Cancer Centre in St. Catharines.

Remember, you can go at your own pace and choose the route that best suits you – 25km, 50km, 75km or the shorter family slow ride route.

The NC Recruitment team will have a tent set up at the start/finish line with giveaways and will serve as a rallying point for the NC team.

Weekly coaching rides and beginner workshops are being organized by the Niagara Health Foundation and will be announced shortly: ofnhs.akaraisin.com/ui/BigMoveCancerRide2019/bmcrtrainingrides

Front Row Sports in Thorold (133 Front St. N) and Fonthill (130 Highway 20) has offered a special discount for NC riders:

• $29.99 tune-ups (reg. $69.99), parts extra
• 30% off in-store bike accessories and apparel

You can also help NC riders reach their fundraising goal by sponsoring the team.

Meet the friendly faces who will represent Niagara College

Joanne Maltby, International Contract Training manager

Joanne Maltby, International Contract Training manager and NC’s Big Move Ride team captain.

1. How long have you been cycling?
   I used to mountain bike in BC when I was in university. I got back on my bike last year when I started to train for triathlons. I bought a road bike last June and don’t think I will ever get back on my mountain bike again. Loving the speed!
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   West Niagara in the Effingham area. Lots of great hills to climb… and go down!
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   I love my purple cycling shoes!
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   Lots of air in the tires and liquids on hand.
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   This is a great community event which supports an important cause that affects many people. It is nice to do something I love, represent the College and to support local patients at the NHS Walker Family Cancer Centre.
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   This is a fun community event. It is safe and well organized. There is no winning and losing. Come out, do your best and have fun.
7. What is something unique you will you bring to ride day?
   Why, my new NC cycling jersey, of course! And a gel or two for the long ride.

Janet Pizzati, manager, Student Financials

Janet Pizzati, manager. Student Financials, and one of the organizers of NC’s Big Move Ride team.

1. How long have you been cycling?
   Three years.
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   Pelham, NOTL country roads. If in the city of St. Catharines, roads with bike lanes. It is very nice looking at the scenery.
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   Helmet.
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   Stretch, organize the night before, and eat light.
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   I was unable to golf in 2011 after having shoulder and ankle surgery due to a car accident. I became very motivated to start cycling when Steve Hudson and Marc Nantel spoke about cycling at our Niagara Day event. I was amazed that they rode in from our NOTL Campus to the Welland campus. After my last surgery, I saw posters for the Big Move Ride at the hospital and this also helped my new goal to be active. I started with a hybrid bike and upgraded to a road bike last year. Knowing that the funds raised at the Big Move Cancer Ride remain local for the Walker Family Cancer Centre motivates me to do more. A few months ago I brought a family member to the Walker Cancer Centre for her CAT scans and treatments. While waiting for her I spoke with the patients waiting for their treatment. Although this is a very emotional time for them, they were very grateful to receive care locally and not have to go to Hamilton. I know of others also affected by cancer. This will be my third year participating in the Big Move Cancer Ride. After seeing so many Niagara College colleagues participating in last year’s event we agreed to put in a Niagara College team for this year. Seeing everyone cheer the cyclists along the path is very motivating but at the same time hearing the stories of those affected creates many mixed emotions for the day.
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   It is so much fun to do the ride together. It is not a race. Take your time. The Big Move Cancer Ride volunteers are very supportive. When the fundraising starts they will find so many who want to help support the cause because everyone knows of someone who has been affected by cancer.
7. What is something unique you will you bring to ride day?
   This year I will wear the pink ribbon for breast cancer.

Mike Pasquale, manager, Strategic Procurement, Financial Services

1. How long have you been cycling?
   Nine years.
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   I have several routes all around the Niagara Region – no city routes, primarily in rural west St. Catharines, Lincoln (North Pelham, Jordan, Vineland).
   
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   Helmet.
   
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   Step on a scale – good motivator.
   
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   Supporting the community – patients and families that rely on NHS (Walker Centre)
   
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   It’s not a race, it’s a ride. Just get out on your bike, find a group to ride with, if that helps. There are many options in your area – check local bike shops, gyms, or the Strava app.
   
7. What is something unique you will you bring to ride day?
   Proudly wearing my NC Jersey.
   

Marc Nantel, vice president, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

In August 2012, Nantel cycled to NC’s NOTL Campus from his home in Oakville, part of a series of “pass-it-on” challenges for sustainability in Niagara.

1. How long have you been cycling?
   Well, since I was 5 or 6, as many kids start to learn, but I’ve been road-biking more seriously since summer 2012.
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   I live in Oakville, so most of my riding is along the country roads in and around north Oakville, Milton, and Burlington. It’s very peaceful, if one can avoid all the suburban sprawl that’s evermore encroaching.
   
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   I really like my Michigan Wolverines jersey. I worked for three years at the University of Michigan, and I’m a fan of the football team there. Tom Brady and I were at Michigan at the same time (but, sadly, we didn’t hang out together).
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   Sun-screen? Check. Water with lots of ice in it? Check. Phone, hanky and wallet? Check. Turn on my GPS ride-tracking app? Check…
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   I very rarely ride in groups; I prefer to go on my own to clear my mind and let it roam. But the chance of participating in this ride and representing NC was too good to pass up. And it’s for a good cause!
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   Don’t do it! Once you start riding, you’ll never want to give it up!
7. What is something unique you will you bring to ride day?
   I’ve often been told that my sense of humor is unique, but I’m not sure if it was a compliment.

Pete D’Elia, professor, School of Trades

1. How long have you been cycling?
   About 10 years mountain and road biking.
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   Through the scenic rural streets of Niagara. We are so lucky to be surrounded by orchards, vineyards, waterfalls and creeks as well as some beautiful architecture giving me many wonderful views to enjoy along my rides. I also like to mountain bike through the Twelve Mile Creek area as well as the Short Hills where I appreciate the wonder of nature.
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   My padded shorts (for obvious reasons!)
   
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   I basically get dressed and ride (never forgetting my helmet).
   
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   I have participated in the Big Move Cancer Ride before with friends because it is such a great cause and most of us know someone who has gone through or is fighting this terrible disease. I think that Niagara College entering a team is fantastic as there is strength in numbers and I hope that we can grow year by year and really make a difference.
   
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   The great thing about the Big Move Cancer Ride is that whether you are a novice or an advanced rider you are welcome to participate. There are many refreshment stops along the way. You have the option to ride 25km, 50km or 75km and you can do it at your own pace as it is not a race. When you cross the finish line you feel good about yourself and you feel great that you are supporting a very important cause.
   
7. What is something unique you will you bring to ride day?
   The only thing I will bring with me is a great attitude to help fight this ugly disease.
   

Bill Boehlen, professor, Broadcasting, Radio, Television and Film

1. How long have you been cycling?
   About 15 years as part of organized rides via the Niagara Freewheelers cycle club.
   
2. What is your favourite place/route to cycle and why?
   The Fenwick area. World-class cycling routes in a beautiful part of our country.
3. What is your favourite piece of cycling gear?
   My bike helmet.
   
4. What is your pre-ride routine?
   A few simple stretches then a bike safety check.
   
5. What motivates you to cycle for NC in the Big Move Ride?
   Being part of the NC team.
   
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the NC team or who is new to cycling?
   It’s a great cause. The September 8 ride is a group-cycling event to look forward to and it provides motivation to ride now in preparation for that ride.