Join the Chilliwack Egg Farmer on a Cross-Country Cycling Adventure with Terry Fox Fundraising Team!

Juschka Clarke, an egg farmer from Chilliwack, is embarking on an incredible journey—cycling 7,000 kilometers across Canada to honor her mother, who lost her battle with cancer.

She’s one of eight cyclists participating in the National Ride of Hope, a fundraising event for the Terry Fox Foundation. Starting June 9, they’ll cycle an ambitious 220 kilometers each day for 32 consecutive days.

Clarke emphasizes their mission isn’t about overshadowing Terry Fox’s legacy but rather adding to it. This ride commemorates the 45th anniversary of his Marathon of Hope, which inspired the Ride of Hope initiative started by Terry’s brother, Darrell Fox, back in 2015.

Reflecting on her past rides, Clarke recalls how the event has grown from a one-day, 350-kilometer challenge to this massive cross-country effort. “Every year, it feels like we’re pushing the limits more,” she joked.

Training for such an endurance challenge is tough. Clarke admits, “We’re not professional cyclists. We all have jobs and families.” Despite her busy life, she has dedicated time to long rides and even incorporated weightlifting into her routine, but she knows the journey ahead will be daunting.

Mentally, she relies on her stubbornness. “I’ve faced hard rides before, but this will be different,” she said. The physical challenge of leaving British Columbia will be tough, but the emotional toll may be even greater. “We’ve all been touched by cancer,” she noted, her eyes welling up.

Clarke’s mother, Inge Drews, battled cancer three times. Initially, she conquered colon cancer but faced multiple myeloma later in life. Clarke often reminds herself of her mother’s strength, stating, “It’s a mean disease.” Inge passed away two years ago, leaving behind not just memories but also her commercial egg farm, Hazelsprings Organics.

While Clarke takes on this monumental ride, her family supports her. Her adult twin daughters will manage the farm, helping her balance family duties with her grand adventure.

The team consists of cyclists from various provinces, and Clarke stands out as the only woman. They will begin their ride at the iconic Terry Fox sculpture in Vancouver and finish in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where Terry’s journey began.

This year, the team hopes to raise $1 million for cancer research. As of late May, they were already halfway there, raising $540,000.

Clarke encourages supporters to share the names of loved ones they’ve lost to cancer. She plans to carry these names as motivation during her ride. “This isn’t just a fun ride. It’s a mission for cancer research,” she stressed.

The passion and dedication behind this event are palpable, and it reflects a significant community effort to honor those affected by cancer. For more details on the National Ride of Hope, visit the Terry Fox Foundation. To learn more about the team, you can go to Terry Fox Ride Team. If you wish to support Juschka Clarke’s ride, please check out her page here.

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Cycling|fundraiser|Terry Fox Foundation