As the clock ticks closer to midnight July 31, Highlands resident Katie Woodward is counting down the minutes for the official launch of her month-long cycling fundraiser benefitting SickKids hospital in Toronto.
Now in its fourth year, Woodward’s Great Cycle Challenge has raised more than $30,000, while her journeys have seen her navigate 2,103 kilometres of the County’s roads and trails.
During her first event in 2022, Woodward rode 624 kilometres and raised $6,193. In year two she increased those totals to 783 kilometres and $7,218, before completing another 696 kilometres and raising a record $11,291 last year.
She’s making great ground already this summer, raising $5,879 as of July 31 – before doing any pedalling at all. She’s aiming to hit $7,000 and ride at least 500 kilometres.
“I’ve enjoyed cycling for a number of years. The first year I signed up, I really had no idea what I was capable of doing in a month. I targeted 200 kilometres, but quickly went past that. It’s always interesting to see how much more I can tag on for the month,” she said.
She primarily trains on the Haliburton County Rail Trail and is a frequent visitor to scenic systems around Sir Sam’s. She says that’s where the bulk of her rides will take place, though noted she pounds her fair share of pavement on roadways too.
While people can contribute on the fundraising side of things, Woodward is also encouraging the public to join her on rides. She’s organized two community events, Aug. 2 and 9, cycling from Gelert to Haliburton village and back.
The first was planned so Woodward could meet Haliburton Lions Club members, who have donated every year, with the second including members of the Haliburton ATV Association. The approximate 40 kilometre round-trip rides will begin at 10 a.m., with Woodward estimating arrival at their destination, the plane at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) around 12:30 p.m.
“Any cyclist that wants to come out is absolutely welcome – it will be more of a leisurely, fun ride,” Woodward said, with the latter event also including ATVers. “It’s such a random pairing, but it’s a perfect example of people from different interest groups coming together for one really good cause.”
Woodward said she was inspired to raise money after seeing the impact cancer has had on several friends and members of family. One day, she came across a story online about a child fighting for their life at SickKids and it struck a chord.
“Just the thought of it affecting kids really broke my heart and motivated me even more to keep pushing,” she said.
Following her second ride, she connected with Tabitha Tiley-Warring, a fellow County resident, whose young daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, aggressive B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, four days before Christmas 2023. She was referred to SickKids and, after some treatment, has been in remission since April 2024.
“She is one year cancer free thanks to the work SickKids does. It’s such an important organization, they do absolutely phenomenal work – it’s a no-brainer to support them,” she said. “Any donation is appreciated, even if it’s a few dollars. Every penny that goes into that organization is directed where it needs to go and stays in Canada helping those who truly need it.”
To donate, visit greatcyclechallenge.ca/ riders/katiewoodward.
