BEYOND YOUR EYE PRODUCTIONS
Spin4CF - Friday, May 2 • Vancouver, BC
Apr 27, 2014
GearUp4CF 2013 • Photo by Matt Smart
Spring has sprung and cyclists are heading outside to ride. But wait...how about one more epic spin class for a good cause? A four hour spin class called, Spin4CF is taking place outdoors in downtown Vancouver.
Date: Friday May 2, 2014
Time: 6 am – 10 am
Where: Shaw Tower Plaza (across from the Olympic Cauldron, corner of West Cordova and Thurlow)
Who: 15 riders from GearUp4CF
Why?
15 riders will be cycling stationary bikes for 4 hours to bring awareness to the GearUp4CF bike ride and remind people that May is Cystic Fibrosis awareness month.
What is CF?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians and adults. It is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. Cystic fibrosis is a fatal disease and there is no cure.
What is GearUp4CF?
On Saturday, June 21, 2014, over 100 family members and friends of patients with cystic fibrosis will GearUp4CF and cycle one, two, or nine days to raise funds in support of life-giving CF research. 22 cyclists are already registered for the 9-day (1,200km) ride over nine mountain summits from Vancouver to Banff.
Here are just a few of the inspirational cyclists taking part in Spin4CF and riding in GearUp4CF this year:
Bill Markvoort turns 65 this year and hopes to raise $65,000 in memory of his daughter Eva Markvoort, whose struggle with CF was documented in the film, 65_RedRoses. Eva lost her courageous battle with CF in 2010 at the age of 25.
Walter Brennen is the father of two girls with CF. Walter lost his daughter, Joanie to CF at age 12. His youngest daughter, Ali had a double lung transplant in 2012.
Bill Markvoort and Walter Brennen • Photos by Matt Smart
Three of those attempting the GearUp4CF ride to Banff have cystic fibrosis:
Paul Underhill is a double lung transplant recipient. As co-creator of the nutritional drink Rumble, Paul was seen on Dragon’s Den this season. George Keulen also had a double lung transplant and is endeavoring to complete his second ride. Mike Hamilton will be riding his third GearUp4CF, once again attempting the ride with his original CF lungs.
Paul Underhill, George Keulen, and Mike Hamilton • Photos by Matt Smart
Please come on out to Spin4CF and cheer on the riders! Broadmoor Bakery is supplying baked goods and Delany’s is providing coffee. Rumble supershake will be there too. Staff from Cystic Fibrosis Canada-Western will be on hand to provide information and accept donations. Dr. Mark Chilvers, Director of the CF clinic at BC Children's Hospital will also drop by.
Questions about Spin4CF? Email Sharron for more information.
GearUp4CF Ride Details
GearUp4CF 2013 - Paul Underhill in Creston, BC
Jun 30, 2013
On the day we finish the ride and arrive in Banff, I wanted to post one more interview with another person I greatly admire for attempting the GearUp4CF ride. Paul reminds me about the important of “balance.” While many of us are able to ignore signals from the body or put off taking care of ourselves, people with cystic fibrosis and those with lung transplants must necessarily be more vigilant than the rest of us. Paul explains how his new lungs mentally affect his ride.
Paul Underhill is one of the three riders with cystic fibrosis on the 9 day GearUp4CF ride. Only two years ago, Paul received a life-saving double lung transplant and with his new lungs, he has become a skilled cyclist to the point where he could consider riding GearUp4CF. Amazing.
If you’re able, please support my ride. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to Paul’s ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt. Thank you!
Paul Underhill is one of the three riders with cystic fibrosis on the 9 day GearUp4CF ride. Only two years ago, Paul received a life-saving double lung transplant and with his new lungs, he has become a skilled cyclist to the point where he could consider riding GearUp4CF. Amazing.
If you’re able, please support my ride. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to Paul’s ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt. Thank you!
GearUp4CF 2013 - Mike Hamilton in Rossland, BC
Jun 28, 2013
This interview with Mike Hamilton was done on DAY 5 as we were mentally preparing for DAY 6 and a massive climb up to the Kootenay Pass Summit. In an earlier video with Mike, he talked about having cystic fibrosis and in this one, he explains how he is keeping himself healthy on the ride. Cystic fibrosis is such a complex disease and it affects the whole body but certainly for GearUp4CF, Mike has to be particularly concerned with lung function and avoiding a lung infection. These are daily concerns for people with CF. It is truly amazing to me that Mike is doing this ride, and doing so well. Awe-inspiring!
I’ve said this before but I’m doing this ride because I felt moved to do more for cystic fibrosis after doing our documentary, LACE BITE. Not only are my thoughts with all of the people living with cystic fibrosis, those lost because of the disease, and all the many friends and family affected...but I’m always thinking about the Longest Game 4 CF players. Those 40 women who dug so deep to finish that game. Because of my work hours, I’m often tired and kind of used to it. However, the exhaustion I feel daily and having to get up each day and get back on the saddle to attempt yet another mountain summit and another long distance... The players in LACE BITE did not have the luxury of a full night’s sleep...not once in those 10 days. I once again, salute the LG4CF players and what they did for cystic fibrosis.
I am so very close to my fundraising goal and I’m so grateful to all who have supported me. If you’re able, please support my ride. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to Mike’s ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt.
Be sure to check out the daily photos and videos we’ve posted about GearUp4CF on the Beyond Your Eye Productions and Lace Bite - The Movie Facebook pages. You do not need a Facebook account to view these public pages.
I’ve said this before but I’m doing this ride because I felt moved to do more for cystic fibrosis after doing our documentary, LACE BITE. Not only are my thoughts with all of the people living with cystic fibrosis, those lost because of the disease, and all the many friends and family affected...but I’m always thinking about the Longest Game 4 CF players. Those 40 women who dug so deep to finish that game. Because of my work hours, I’m often tired and kind of used to it. However, the exhaustion I feel daily and having to get up each day and get back on the saddle to attempt yet another mountain summit and another long distance... The players in LACE BITE did not have the luxury of a full night’s sleep...not once in those 10 days. I once again, salute the LG4CF players and what they did for cystic fibrosis.
I am so very close to my fundraising goal and I’m so grateful to all who have supported me. If you’re able, please support my ride. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to Mike’s ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt.
Be sure to check out the daily photos and videos we’ve posted about GearUp4CF on the Beyond Your Eye Productions and Lace Bite - The Movie Facebook pages. You do not need a Facebook account to view these public pages.
GearUp4CF 2013 - George Keulen in Osoyoos, BC
Jun 26, 2013
Well it’s finally here. We are in the midst of the 2013 GearUp4CF ride. All the training and planning is now behind me and I am in the thick of some of the hardest rides of my life, not to mention, the hardest over-all physical challenge. On DAY 3, in Osoyoos, BC, I got to catch up with George Keulen. If you remember from an earlier video blog, he had a double lung transplant and on top of that, still endures the health complications associated with having cystic fibrosis in the rest of his body. One of the things that amazes me about George is how upbeat he is, and how forthcoming he is. In doing so, he increases awareness about the monumental challenges associated with cystic fibrosis. When I struggle on the ride, I’m reminded by my conversations with George that I can always find a little more in the tank. I am in awe of you George.
If you can give to the cystic fibrosis cause, please support my ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to George’s ride. I very much appreciate anything you can do and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve already received.
It’s a little difficult finding the time to blog much on the ride but I will do the best I can. Also, you can check out the public postings on the Beyond Your Eye Productions and Lace Bite - The Movie Facebook pages.
If you can give to the cystic fibrosis cause, please support my ride. All funds go to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and you will receive a tax receipt. Or if you’d prefer, here’s the link to George’s ride. I very much appreciate anything you can do and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve already received.
It’s a little difficult finding the time to blog much on the ride but I will do the best I can. Also, you can check out the public postings on the Beyond Your Eye Productions and Lace Bite - The Movie Facebook pages.
A Conversation with Mike Hamilton
Jun 21, 2013
Mike Hamilton, a cystic fibrosis patient, is cycling 1200 km through largely mountainous terrain from Vancouver to Banff, and he's doing it with his original lungs. On the eve before the big ride, Mike explains what riders can expect on the GearUp4CF ride and why it's so important. The ride is a tremendous undertaking for any cyclist which makes it all the more awe-inspiring that Mike did the ride last year as well. Joining Mike on the 9 day ride to Banff are two other riders with CF who have had double lung transplants. Truly amazing. Find donation pages for all the riders here.
Bike Tip #13 - Standing
Jun 19, 2013
Please click here and support my 1200 km/745 mi ride from Vancouver to Banff which starts on Saturday, June 22nd. Your help is very much appreciated. Funds raised support cystic fibrosis research and care. Let’s get rid of a very terrible disease.
Lesley Tomlinson of TaG Cycling explains what cyclists need to know about standing on a road bike. Thanks to www.tagcycling.com.
Lesley Tomlinson of TaG Cycling explains what cyclists need to know about standing on a road bike. Thanks to www.tagcycling.com.
Bike Tip #12 - Drafting
Jun 18, 2013
Drafting is not just used in competition. Everyone can benefit. Co-owner and coach Lesley Tomlinson of TaG Cycling explains and TaG cyclists demonstrate. TaG Cycling embraces cyclists of all levels and abilities. Find them at www.tagcycling.com. Please support my ride from Vancouver to Banff if you are able. All funds go to support cystic fibrosis research and care.
Bike Tip #11 - What to Bring on a Long Ride
Jun 16, 2013
There are no racks on road bikes, so what do you carry on a long ride? James Wilson walks us through needed accessories. Thanks to Obsession Bikes in North Vancouver. Click here for information about GearUp4CF. Contribute to my ride here. Thank you.
Bike Tip #10 - Changing the Lead
Jun 13, 2013
Co-owners and cycling coaches Lesley Tomlinson and Gina Grain of TaG Cycling explain how to change the lead when riding in a group. Please support my ride from Vancouver to Banff. All funds go to cystic fibrosis. Once again, thanks to Gina and Lesley for their time and expertise, and thanks also to the cyclists who rode with them for this video. Find Lesley and Gina at www.tagcycling.com.
Bike Tip #9 - Efficiency Checklist
Jun 12, 2013
Andrew Powell and Andrea Taylor take us through a checklist of what to focus on while riding outdoors. This is a quick overview of their earlier tips. Thanks to West Point Cycles in Vancouver. Please consider supporting my GearUp4CF ride. All funds raised are for Cystic Fibrosis and you receive a tax receipt. Check out Andrew’s triathlete blog here.
Bike Tip #8 - Group Riding Safety / Hand Signals
Jun 03, 2013
Cycling coaches Gina Grain and Lesley Tomlinson of TaG Cycling are back to teach some essential hand signals. These past Olympians are committed to helping scores of people of all ages and abilities improve and have a blast on the bike. If you can spare anything, please support my ride from Vancouver to Banff. All funds go to cystic fibrosis. Once again, thanks to Gina and Lesley for their time and expertise, and thanks also to the cyclists who rode with them in shooting this video. Find Lesley and Gina at www.tagcycling.com. Be safe and have fun out there.
Bike Tip #7 - Pedal Stroke & Body Position
May 30, 2013
Lesley Tomlinson and Gina Grain from TaG Cycling really know their stuff. With many years of competitive cycling between them, these past Olympians explain what you can achieve with a great pedal stroke and a good upper body position. I’m in training for GearUp4CF, a charity bike ride from Vancouver to Banff. If you’d like to contribute to my efforts and cystic fibrosis research, you can do that here. It’s very much appreciated. And many thanks to Lesley and Gina for their time and expertise, and thanks also to the excellent demonstration cyclists who rode with them. Find Lesley and Gina at www.tagcycling.com.
A Conversation with George Keulen
May 16, 2013
George Keulen has set a lofty goal for himself. He will attempt to cycle 1200 km in 9 days over mountainous terrain from Vancouver to Banff on the GearUp4CF ride. Despite having cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and now being immune suppressed because of a double lung transplant, George is determined to live life to the fullest and pursue a monumental challenge. If able, please support George’s ride or my ride. All money raised by GearUp4CF riders goes to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and supports research towards finding a cure for CF. For transplant information and to register to become an organ donor: BC Transplant.
Bike Tip #6 - Cadence
May 02, 2013
Here’s more from Andrew Powell and Andrea Taylor. This time they explain “cadence.” Cadence refers to the revolutions of the bike pedals and is an integral part of cycling efficiency. Thanks to West Point Cycles in Vancouver. All funds raised from my GearUp4CF ride goes to Cystic Fibrosis research. Check out Andrew’s triathlete blog here.
A Conversation with Ali Brennen
Apr 24, 2013
Ali Brennen is the youngest cyclist on the GearUp4CF ride. At 20 years old, she’s also a double lung transplant recipient and is planning to ride 100 kms with her new lungs just 8 months after the surgery. I spoke with Ali about her training and a little bit about her experiences with cystic fibrosis (CF) and organ transplant. If able, please support Ali’s ride or my ride. All money raised by GearUp4CF riders goes to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and supports research towards finding a cure for CF. For transplant information and to register to become an organ donor: BC Transplant.
Bike Tip #5 - One Leg Drill
Apr 23, 2013
Andrew Powell and Andrea Taylor are back to teach a drill that will significantly help your cycling efficiency and leg strength. Thanks to West Point Cycles in Vancouver. Donating to my GearUp4CF ride means supporting cystic fibrosis research, and you get a tax receipt. Check out Andrew’s triathlete blog here.
Bike Tip #4 - Shoes & Pedals
Apr 18, 2013
Picking the right pedals and shoes can be a little confusing. But for those looking to increase efficiency in pedal stroke and power transfer, choosing the best shoes and pedals for your needs is a good investment. James Wilson is back with more great information. Thanks to Obsession Bikes in North Vancouver. Click here for information about GearUp4CF. Support my ride here. Thank you. 
Bike Tip #3 - Good Form
Apr 15, 2013
What is “good form” on the bike and why is it important? Coach Andrew Powell explains and Andrea Taylor demonstrates how to achieve it. Thanks to West Point Cycles in Vancouver. Donating to my GearUp4CF ride means supporting cystic fibrosis research. Click on the green “contribute” box in the sidebar to help, I really appreciate it. Check out Andrew’s triathlete blog here.
Bike Tip #2 - The "Bike Fit"
Apr 11, 2013
Thinking about getting fitted for your bike? Andrew Fullerton explains what’s involved in a “bike fit” and why every cyclist might benefit from one. Thanks to West Point Cycles in Vancouver. Donating to my GearUp4CF ride means supporting cystic fibrosis research. Any help is much appreciated.
Bike Tip #1 - Choosing a Bike
Apr 05, 2013
Looking for information about what’s available these days regarding “on road” bikes? This is great information from James Wilson to help you choose a bike and get you out on the road. Thanks to Obsession Bikes in North Vancouver. Click here for information about GearUp4CF. There’s a green “contribute” button in the sidebar if you would like to support my GearUp4CF ride and cystic fibrosis research. Thank you!
The Journey to GearUp4CF
Mar 31, 2013
Welcome to my GearUp4CF blog where I will document my journey from now until the ride starts on June 22nd. This will be a huge challenge for me and to improve my chances for success, I bit the bullet and bought a new lighter bike to help get over the many mountain passes.
To get ready for this epic ride, I thought I would pass on to you the bike tips I am learning along my way. Stay tuned for some videos with some great biking information.
Here’s the link to my Donation Page. Thank you.
Cycling for a Cure
Mar 30, 2013
Hi. I’m one of the directors of the documentary, Lace Bite. Making the film was very impacting. Until you’re up close, it’s hard to imagine what a terrible disease cystic fibrosis (CF) is. Did you know that currently, because the odds are so stacked against them, people with CF can only hope for half of the lifespan the rest of us can look forward to? People are dying young because CF destroys the lungs and digestive system. Can you imagine the suffering as those two systems fail?
Cystic Fibrosis is the number ONE fatal genetic disease among young Canadians. It's a complex disease but there have been advancements. When CF was first discovered, children died as babies or toddlers. Investing in research really does make a difference. People are living longer but we have to do better. We need a CURE!
I am cycling 1200 km from Vancouver to Banff for the GearUp4CF ride this year to raise money and awareness for CF. Please consider supporting me. It would mean so much to me and to all those touched by CF. All donations get a tax receipt from Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Here is the link to my Donation Page.
With much gratitude,
Sharron Bates
Cystic Fibrosis is the number ONE fatal genetic disease among young Canadians. It's a complex disease but there have been advancements. When CF was first discovered, children died as babies or toddlers. Investing in research really does make a difference. People are living longer but we have to do better. We need a CURE!
I am cycling 1200 km from Vancouver to Banff for the GearUp4CF ride this year to raise money and awareness for CF. Please consider supporting me. It would mean so much to me and to all those touched by CF. All donations get a tax receipt from Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Here is the link to my Donation Page.
With much gratitude,
Sharron Bates
GearUp4CF - Public Service Announcement from Beyond Your Eye Productions on Vimeo.