The Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer supports Albertans who have been or are currently experiencing cancer–those with us and those we have lost. The ride takes place from July 22 to 23, 2023, beginning at the Strathmore Stampede Grounds, live and in person.

This year will be Team GGA’s fifth year participating and we are ready to hit the pavement. Team GGA is bigger than ever, with 35 dedicated cyclists participating who are all busy training and fundraising both individually and as a team. The Tour will span 200 km over two days, taking place in the prairies of southern Alberta. GGA has raised over $200,000 over the past four tours and we aim to raise upwards of $100,000 this year alone.

Our team has rallied around this cause for many reasons. We sat down with a few members of the GGA Tour team to learn why they ride and have the pleasure of sharing their stories with you:

Why Andrew Rides:

Andrew has dedicated his tour to his late grandfather Paul Lingard. Paul passed away on May 2, 2011, from hepatocellular carcinoma and osteosarcoma.

Although Andrew was relatively young at 14 years old, his grandfather’s passing had an overwhelming initial impact on him. Paul was one of his closest friends and role models. Event though time has healed some of the grief Andrew experienced, there are still gentle reminders of his grandfather’s absence in Andrew’s life, now tied to milestones he wishes his grandfather was here to celebrate.

Andrew writes, “Whether it be a first beer, a graduation or the building of a career, I will never again be able to have [my grandfather] attend or be alongside me for the experience.”

“My hope is with the money I’m able to raise, someone else will be able to have their grandparent, parent, sibling, spouse or child be alongside them for their journey without cancer interjecting and stopping it short.”

Why Hannah Rides:

Having been moved by the efforts and compassion of those involved in the Tour, Hannah joined Team GGA to support a cause that extends into the lives of so many. Though there have been incredible strides in cancer treatment, many answers remain unknown–the fight continues. Knowing this, Hannah could not pass up the opportunity to support this meaningful movement. The Tour Alberta team inspired her to clip in and ride 200 km alongside many incredible individuals who support a cancer-free future.

“When I hop on my bike this month,” says Hannah, “I dedicate this ride to my friends and family affected by cancer. For those who are fighting, those who have fought and those who have overcome–we’re all in this together.”

Why Jonny Rides:

Jonny rides for all those affected by cancer including his grandfather Elmer. This year, Jonny holds the memory of Rick Lewis, a mentor and critical fixture to GGA, close to his heart. Elmer and Rick shared a similar zest for life, bringing joy and laughter to those around them. Jonny looks upon both of their memories fondly, reminding himself to emulate this kindness and care in his own walk through life. 

“We ride for the people who show us what it means to be good to one another and to live every day while we have it,” says Jonny. He hopes the money raised by team GGA will help others bring more opportunities for laughter in a life well lived through experiences.

Why Eric Rides:

Eric joined Team GGA in 2017 when our first Team Captain, Rick Lewis, had asked him to ride in the 2018 tour. At the time, Eric didn’t think much of it other than seeing it as an opportunity to get out to cycle with friends and maybe help raise funds for a good cause, but that quickly changed. 

Soon after joining the team, Eric’s father was diagnosed with stage four lung and brain cancer. His father’s battle with cancer ended with his passing just before the 2018 Tour began. Not long after, his mother-in-law also had a brief but heartbreaking fight with pancreatic cancer making 2018 a very difficult year for his family and giving him a purpose. Since that first ride, Eric has experienced the unfortunate reality that cancer can take away loved ones at any time, as we have all likely experienced throughout the years.

“This year,” says Eric, “I lost someone near and dear to me, Team GGA’s fearless leader and Captain, Rick Lewis, who was my mentor and friend of 20 years and the reason I joined the team in 2018. I continue to ride for my father, mother-in-law and the many friends and family members who experienced cancer first-hand, and this year especially, I ride for Rick. Now as Team Captain, I will do my best to fill the big shoes Rick left behind and can only hope I can do him proud.”

Why Dennell Rides:

Dennell and her daughter Kristin joined the GGA Tour Alberta team for their second year. Although there were many tears last year during months of training for those two days of riding, in reality, those tears were a drop in the bucket compared to losing her Dad 15 years ago at the young age of 69 from cancer. Dennell’s dad was the foundation of their family. She reminisces that “rarely does a day go by when [she doesn’t] miss hearing his voice.”  

Three years ago, Dennell’s son-in-law Thomas lost a brave battle with cancer at the age of 32. “It broke our spirit, which has taken years to heal, but every pedal stroke we take helps mend our hearts one hill at a time. Thomas and my Dad are gone but NEVER forgotten,” says Dennell. 

Ready to Ride

We are so proud of our team; their dedication to the Tour Alberta for Cancer has become a key component of our company culture. The commitment of our Tour Team Leaders and passionate riders has guided Team GGA through rigorous training and promoted an encouraging and supportive collective energy that spans beyond the riders to our whole staff, clients and consultant teams. 

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have helped make this possible–we can’t wait to get on the road on July 22 and 23.

Thanks to our generous Jersey Sponsors from RJC Engineers, Aspen Properties, Custom Electric LTD, D.B.K. Engineering LTD., ELAN, EMBE, JAKROO, DesignCore, Ledcor, Centron, Remington, Chandos, Create. Construction Group LTD., ROYOP, NorthWest, Remedy, Foothills Country Hospice, M3 Development Management, Western Electrical Management LTD., TRL & Associates, PCL Construction, Western Securities Limited and AME Group. 

Donate to Team GGA to help us reach our fundraising goals for Enbridge’s Tour Alberta for Cancer!