Mark Hiemstra
- National: 83rd
- Province: 40th in ON
I'm Riding For
Christine Hiemstra
Christine, my mom, was diagnosed earlier this year with melanoma. Sadly she lost her battle on June 17, 2024. This year I will be not only cycling for all the kids and their parents, but also for Mom.
My Story
This August, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Why? For 3 reasons. First, because right now, over 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it's the biggest killer of children from disease in Canada. Second, we lost our baby girl, not to cancer, but I can relate to fears and unending heartache of losing a child. Thirdly, my mother was diagnosed with melanoma and lost her battle on June 17, 2024. This year I will be riding for all the kids, their parents, and my mom.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
This will be my fourth year taking part in this amazing challenge. Every year I have challenged my self to do something big. Last year, at the end of August, I challenge myself to cycle from Waterloo to Point Peele . In 8 days I did over 762 km. It was hard work with some interesting challenges, but it was also Amazing.
This Year it's all about riding the G2G (Guelph to Goodrich rail trail). ...And riding with old, and new friends. Will you join me for a ride? Every Saturday in August, and last week of August, I will be traveling along the G2G, 132km every day, with a big BIG challenge at the end (more details to come).
I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids and support SickKids Foundation to allow them to continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.
Please support me by making a donation to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve. Everyone who goes on a ride with me will receive a customized medallion. Everyone who donates $200 or more, will receive a customized (Your Name on it), serving board, cutting board or a charcuterie board.
As a thank you to everyone who donates $50.00 or more, We will be hosting a BBQ on Sat Sept 14. I will also be handing out awards for those who donate $200.00 or more
Thank you for your support. It will change little lives.
Mark
My Legacy
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605 km Ridden$1,081 Raised2021
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728 km Ridden$1,540 Raised2022
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1,195 km Ridden$4,000 Raised2023
My Challenge
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Thank you BBQ
7 Sep 2024My Wonderful Sponsors and Supporters
What an amazing month! Together we cycled 1,536 km, and raised $6,548.00, to fight kid’s cancer and kick it in the BUTT. WOW!!! You are AMAZING!!!!
We would like to thank you for all support and encouragement by inviting you to a BBQ on Saturday September 14 from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm. We will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, some vegetarian options, with all the toppings. Once the RSVP list has been confirmed, I will be contacting everyone to either bring a salad or a dessert.
Please RSVP by Thursday September 12th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
We look forward to seeing you on the Saturday 14. We will have a few yard games out, and if it’s warm and sunny, feel free to use the pool (All children must be supervised by a parent).
Posted 87 days ago -
BIG Trip - Day 7 - 260 km
2 Sep 2024Bike Trip - Day 7. What a day. Started at 3:15 am travelling along the G2G Rail Trail, from Waterloo to Goderich, and back to Waterloo.
Saw lots of wild life along my way, including skunks, rabbits, snakes, a turkey, a bird that hit me, and lots of cats.
Stopped in Milverton for breakfast, then again in Goderich for lunch. My friend Marv picked up some supplies at my house and met me in Goderich. The plan was, he would meet me at preplanned spots along the trail with supplies. The less I carried the better.
The hardest part of the day was from Goderich to Blyth. I was hot and it was a steady climb up hill. By 4:30 it was better.
Kept seeing dark clouds and was hoping for rain to cool me off. I did come but not until later around 10:30. A hug thunderstorm hit and I was drenched to the bones. I family along the trail provided me with shelter and a towel to dry off.
The last 20 km was on the road and in the dark, but Marv followed behind me with 4-way flashers going. It made me feels special. Thanks Marv.
It was an epic Journey. Thanks Great Cycle Challenge Canada for this opportunity. It was an amazing year.
Posted 92 days ago -
267.9 km ride - Waterloo to Goderich to Waterloo - Friday, August 30, 2024
Logged this ride 95 days ago - View on Strava -
BIG Trip - Day 6
30 Aug 2024Left the camp ground at 3:22 am. It was a dark ride this morning and didn’t start to get light till I got to Blyth.
This was a tough ride. Long story short, I got a bike seat that didn’t keep up with its promise. I have a sore butt and I was in pain. Took me longer than normal to get home because I kept stopping to rest. I have changed the seat, so hoping for a better ride tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the big day. Bike to Goderich 160 km, then bike back home again, another 160 km. It’s going to be a long tough day. When it’s hard a tough, I’m going to think about our sponsor kids and their parents. They have it a lot tougher.
Tomorrow ride, my last ride, is for them. WE ARE GOJNG TO KICK CANCERS BUTT!!!
Posted 96 days ago -
136.7 km ride - Night Ride - Thursday, August 29, 2024
Logged this ride 96 days ago - View on Strava -
Big Trip - Day 5
28 Aug 2024One more rest day. Spent the day relaxing, said goodbye to my baby sister and nephew Amos, went into Goderich visited an old Gaol prison, took dad to BP for dinner, and ice cream down town at Cravings. Another excellent day.
Tomorrow starting at 3:00 am, it’s back to work I’ll be heading home, another 130 km ride.
Friday is the big day. I will be cycling to Goderich and then back to Waterloo in one day. 260 km. My biggest day ever. Fighting to KICK CANCERS BUTT!!!
Posted 97 days ago -
Big Trip - Day 4
28 Aug 2024Today was a rest day. Catch up on some sleep, walked the beach with my little sister, went into Goderich for some supplies. Went down to the beach for a swim and a sleep, hide in the car as a storm came through, watch the most amazing sunset (after the storm), sat by the camp fire and talked about the good old days, and went to bed.
Posted 97 days ago -
Big Trip - Day 3
27 Aug 2024Back to camp. Started at 3:00 am, it was Milverton before it got light. This ride was better than the yesterday ride. Much cooler ride. Stopped a few times to take video (will post on the weekend). My motivation for today is my sore butt, our sponsor kids have it a lot rougher.
I also found my shoe 😆
Let’s kick cancers BUTT!!!
Posted 98 days ago -
Big Trip - Day 2
27 Aug 2024I got up early and left camp @ 4:30 am. 2 1/2 hours of my ride was in the dark. As I got farther away from the lake, the colder it got. I got to the river it was still dark, and crossing it in the dark was its own adventure. When I got to Blyth discovered I lost one of my water shoes. Hopefully I will find it tomorrow on the return trip.
At the 1/2 way point it was hot. Ended up riding with a group for 1/3 of my ride. The last 20 km was rough. It reminds me that our sponsors have it a lot rougher, that gives me the push to go the extra mile.
Posted 98 days ago -
Big Trip - Day 1
26 Aug 2024Short blog, will add more on the weekend.
Set out this morning heading to Goderich. Made a video about missing Mom, because she was going to be at the camp ground, but she she’s not there. It’s been heavy on my heart all week without her being there.
Then this happened 10 minutes after I made the video.
More to come.
Posted 99 days ago -
130.9 km ride - Waterloo to Goderich - Day3 - Monday, August 26, 2024
Logged this ride 99 days ago - View on Strava -
136.5 km ride - Morning Ride - Sunday, August 25, 2024
Logged this ride 100 days ago - View on Strava -
142.6 km ride - Waterloo to Godericht - Saturday, August 24, 2024
Logged this ride 101 days ago - View on Strava -
The BIG Trip
24 Aug 2024Tomorrow I set off on the BIG trip... sort of. Last year I cycled from Waterloo to Point Peele and back again, some 760+ km. Mom and dad would set up camp & tear down camp every day, while I was cycling. It was an amazing trip, with lots of great memories.
Back in April when we (Mom, Dad & I) were planning this trip, knowing mom health wasn't that great, we came up with camping one location, and I would travel back and forth. 130 km a day, I can get my kilometres in, and mom and dad would be at one location.
So... tomorrow morning I set off. It's just dad and I. I'm looking forward to this trip, but I'm also sad. So tomorrow ride is for you mom.
Let's kick cancer's BUTT!!!
Video is from last year's trip.
Posted 102 days ago -
31.8 km ride - Home Loop - Thursday, August 22, 2024
Logged this ride 103 days ago - View on Strava -
Thank You Lockdoor
19 Aug 2024Stopped in on my ride to say thank you to one of my Corporate sponsors. Thank you Steve @ Lockdoor Canada for your generous gift of $750.00 to kick cancer’s butt!
Posted 106 days ago -
31.5 km ride - Home Loop - Thank You Lockdoor Canada - Monday, August 19, 2024
Logged this ride 106 days ago - View on Strava -
31.2 km ride - Home Loop - Stormy - Sunday, August 18, 2024
Logged this ride 107 days ago - View on Strava -
104.9 km ride - 100 km Donut Ride - Saturday, August 17, 2024
Logged this ride 108 days ago - View on Strava -
We Kicked Cancer's BUTT!!!
16 Aug 2024WOW!!! Wednesday was kick cancer's butt day, and what a day it was... Massive. The Garron family, wonderful supports of the GCC were personally matching donations up to $1,300,000.00. Across Canada, all the GCC riders raised $1,939,643.00 a record breaking amount. WAY TO GO!!!
I asked many of my supporters if they would be willing to support me on Wednesday, and boy-oh-boy did you rise to the occasion. I was blown away by our support. Wednesday, with your help, we raised over $2500.00. Total amount raised so far this year is $6027.00. WOW!!!
I just wanted to say thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!.
Posted 109 days ago -
Evelyn Hope Hiemstra
16 Aug 2024
Posted 109 days ago -
33.3 km ride - Home Loop - Dedicated to Valerie - Thursday, August 15, 2024
Logged this ride 110 days ago - View on Strava -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 111 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 111 days ago -
33.1 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Monday, August 12, 2024
Logged this ride 113 days ago - View on Strava -
Evelyn's Tree
11 Aug 2024In Parkview Cemetery, there is a magnolia tree that has the most beautiful blossoms every spring. Below the tree is a bronze plague that reads "Magnolia - Little Girl Magnolia - Generously Donated by - The Hiemstra Family - In Memory of - Evelyn Hope Hiemstra - May 3, 2019.
That day was devastating... the day we lost our baby girl three days before her due date. She was perfect.
Parkview is very close to our home, and I often stop by to see her tree when I'm out cycling. It's been 5 years and I miss her every day. I know the endless heartache and pain of losing a child and I can relate some of those feelings that parents are going who have lost children to cancer.
So I ride for Evelyn, and all our sponsor kids Leena, Nolan, Iris, Jasper, Hallie Lynn, Nori, their parents and families. For all the kids who are battling for their lives. Evelyn is one of the reason's why I joined the Great Cycling Challenge so we can fight kids cancer and kick it in the butt.
Posted 114 days ago -
32.4 km ride - Home Loop - Sunday, August 11, 2024
Logged this ride 114 days ago - View on Strava -
97.7 km ride - 100 km Donut Run - Saturday, August 10, 2024
Logged this ride 115 days ago - View on Strava -
32.4 km ride - Evening Ride - Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Logged this ride 118 days ago - View on Strava -
131.5 km ride - Waterloo to Goderich - Monday, August 5, 2024
Logged this ride 120 days ago - View on Strava -
2nd Ride - Goderich
4 Aug 2024My second ride took me 130 up the G2G to Goderich. It was a tough ride... a combination of 2 things. I was really tired, and it was hot, Hot, HOT!!! about 1/2 way my legs where burning and I was thinking, "Why I'm I doing this again?" Then I thought about the kids, and their parents and all the suffering and pain. My ride got better after that.
Posted 121 days ago -
130.4 km ride - G2G Waterloo to Goderich - Saturday, August 3, 2024
Logged this ride 122 days ago - View on Strava -
1st Ride
1 Aug 2024First Ride starting off with a ROAR!!! 🦁.
Posted 124 days ago -
31.2 km ride - Afternoon Ride - Thursday, August 1, 2024
Logged this ride 124 days ago - View on Strava -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 156 days ago -
Mom Lost the Battle
18 Jun 2024Mom passed away after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer in the early hours of Monday, June 17, 2024. She was my unwavering champion from the very beginning. Last year, the three of us—Mom, Dad, and I—traveled from Waterloo to Point Pelee. While they drove the truck and camper, I cycled to raise awareness and funds for children's cancer. Each night, they set up camp and prepared for my arrival. Mom seized every chance to talk to people about the incredible journey her son was undertaking to fight childhood cancer. Thank you, Mom, for all your love and support. We love and miss you dearly.
Posted 168 days ago -
Anna Mae’s Doughnut Run
6 May 2024Great trip on Saturday, which included Free breakfast from Millbank Hardware.
Posted 212 days ago -
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 255 days ago -
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 255 days ago -
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 255 days ago
My Sponsors
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation made possible by the generosity of long-time SickKids Foundation supporters, the Garron family. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$1,618.03Received this donation 110 days ago
Mark
“Thank you so much for matching my donations. Your amazing support to kids cancer over the years is inspiring. Thank you so much!”
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Bryant Harris
“Yore doing great, Mark!! I’m proud of you!!”
$538.20Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! Thank you for the generous donation. Together we are saving little lives.”
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S.M. Clappison
“This is for a great cause. Keep up the hard work.”
$517.50Received this donation 255 days ago
Mark
“Thank you for the very generous donation. Together we will make a difference in the lives of kids & parents fighting this terrible disease.”
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Randy Henderson
“Eileen and I are happy to help you reach your goal Mark.”
$300Received this donation 159 days ago
Mark
“Thank you so much for the generous donation to help me kick Cancer's butt. Randy Hope you will join me for a ride.”
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David Hillis
$274.28Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Thank you so much for all your support. Thanks for joining me on the Donut run. Together we are fighting kids cancer.”
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Anonymous
“What a great cause. Go Mark Go!!!”
$250Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Tom for your support”
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Donald Tuck
“We believe in you Mark and hope that this cause makes a difference!”
$207Received this donation 154 days ago
Mark
“Wow. Thank you so much for the generous donation. Together we are kicking cancers butt”
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Neil De Boer
$207Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! Thanks for your amazing support. We are KICKING CANCERS BUTT!!!”
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Marvin Rempel
$200Received this donation 113 days ago
Mark
“Marvin. WOW. Thank you for the generous donation. Helping me to kick kids cancer in the butt.”
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Marvin Rempel
“To a real champion!!”
$194.58Received this donation 94 days ago
Mark
“Thanks Marv. Thanks for being my spotter for the 260 km ride. For driving behind me on the road with your 4 way flashers going, I felt like someone important. It was an epic journey.”
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Mark Brubacher
“What a great way to raise money for a good cause .All the best to you, Mark”
$155.25Received this donation 157 days ago
Mark
“Mark, thank you so much for the generous donation. It's making a difference in family's lives.”
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John Hiemstra
$124.20Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Thanks Dad for all your support. Looking forward to camping with you in a couple of weeks.”
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8+ Inc
$103.50Received this donation 123 days ago
Mark
“Thank 8+ for the generous support. Together we are changing little lives.”
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Grant Watkinson
“Nancy and I have your back here Mark”
$103.50Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Grant & Nancy. Thank you again for your on going support. Together we are fighting kids cancer.”
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John Driezen
$103.50Received this donation 97 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! Thanks so much for your generous support.”
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John Driezen
$103.50Received this donation 124 days ago
Mark
“Thanks John for the generous donation. We are kicking cancers butt together.”
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Paul Pickering
$103.50Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Paul. Thanks again for your continuous support year after year. We are kicking cancer’s butt”
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Ruth Anne Breithaupt
“Go for it, Mark!!!!”
$103.50Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Ruth Anne & Ken. Thank you for your ongoing support. Means so much.”
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Tim Riley
“You are an encouragement and inspiration Mark. May this help you achieve your goal, to help the children who are fighting cancer and that your heartache be lightened and comforted as you work physically hard in this cycle challenge Tim”
$72.45Received this donation 124 days ago
Mark
“Thanks Tim. Together we are making a difference”
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Hadi Rahmat Khah
“Mark, I'm inspired by your dedication to the Great Cycle Challenge and the fight against childhood cancer. Your personal story and commitment are truly moving. I’m proud to support your journey. Thank you for making a difference! ~Hadi”
$51.75Received this donation 115 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Hadi for your support & encouragement. Thank you for cycling with me all over southern Ontario, the donuts are pretty good ;). Together we are fighting Kids cancer and kicking it in the butt”