Sue Dewar
- National: 167th
- Province: 96th in ON
I'm Riding For
Riding for anyone affected by this disease.
Who hasn't been affected, right? But I ride for the children especially. Special mention to my lovely cousin, Marlin, gone too soon.
My Story
This August, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Why? 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.
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
So 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.
Your support will change little lives.
Thank you.
My Legacy
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668 km Ridden$635 Raised2016
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502 km Ridden$761 Raised2017
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914 km Ridden$1,161 Raised2018
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1,108 km Ridden$1,738 Raised2019
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1,115 km Ridden$2,562 Raised2020
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1,280 km Ridden$4,368 Raised2021
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1,030 km Ridden$4,146 Raised2022
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1,174 km Ridden$4,709 Raised2023
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800 km Ridden$3,994 Raised2024
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1,082 km Ridden$4,770 Raised2025
My Challenge
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Finish strong, aye!
31 Aug 2025Last day of August, last day of the Great Cycle Challenge 2025, and I'm already heading towards withdrawl!!! What will I do with this free time? What if I get bored? What if I resort to cleaning? Hahaha, like that's going to happen!
Before I get sidetracked, a huge THANK YOU to all of you!!! I initially set my fundraising goal at $1000, that was smashed in July. Then $1500, then $2000, and ended with a personal best of $4770!!! Some of you have supported me EVERY year, for 10 years, I'm so humbled. Your generosity and encouragement make this possible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Ok, so here we go...the inner workings of my brain.
Last night we tried to watch 'Dead Poet's Society'. I found it too depressing, but it did generate some conversation, giving us a destination for today, our last 'official' ride...Ivy Lea(gue), Gananoque. Carpe Diem, right? And Scott created a poem:
There once was a girl named Sue,
Who didn't know what to do,
She biked for miles and miles (ad nauseum),
With some cursing and smiles,
From here to Kalamazoo,
I was speechless.
We headed to the 1000 Islands Parkway since it was such a beautiful biking day, parking near Butternut Bay. Saw a few things we haven't seen in awhile, like green grass, and ripe pumpkins in a garden.
Also saw a few things we've never seen, like a dead fish on the trail (and you think a skunk stinks!!); like a man on a bike wearing headphones, with a dog on a leash...but what was exceptional was the dog only had 3 legs, and he was moving at a good clip. He was the one who heard our bells!
Saw a lot of people not wearing helmets today, about 50% actually. Just not right, no thank you!
There is no easy way to break in a new pair of cycling shorts. Trust me.
Saw at least 227 motorcycles along the Parkway, only 10 of which had mufflers. Seriously!
Saw a Petit Train du Nord cycling shirt today; a lovely couple, who might have been mid to late 70's, had pulled over so I stopped to interrogate. They have done the 201km trail from Mont Laurier to St Jerome 4 separate times, just finishing their last trip 4 days ago! They were amazing, so strong, friendly, fit and couldn't say enough about the experience. We've done portions of it at separate times, but never the entire trail end to end in one trip. Yet!
I realized today why Scott often lets me ride first. Apart from the obvious drafting (haha), it also discourages any unwelcome encounters with a certain beastie, ie snakes. It backfired today, I heard that distinctive shudder and knew. He caught up with me and said he thinks he ran over it's tail. My remark of 'That's not good' was immediately countered with, 'What if it had coiled up and constricted me?' Again, speechless.
And then, I almost fell off my bike when Scott said to me there were some nice dinnerplates up ahead...and he was talking about hibiscus. That man never ceases to amaze me! The inner workings of his brain is a scary place!
So, Scott came home on Aug 28 with a bike rack for the truck. It just made me so happy that he's already getting pumped for next year's Challenge! Stay safe everyone and do what makes you happy!!!!
Posted 17 days ago -
75.1 km ride - Finish strong, aye! - Sunday, August 31, 2025
Logged this ride 18 days ago -
Get er done!
27 Aug 2025I increased my goal to 1000km last week (once I was fairly certain I could do it!), and got there today. Pretty chuffed, not as sore as I was 1st week, but 'Saddle bag Sue', 'That'll Dewar' and 'Grandma Numb Bum' seem like appropriate nick names. Already getting a bit sorry we are nearing the end of August!
This challenge is such a great motivator for me, such a worthwhile cause, such a supportive organization so good at bringing people together. It pushes me to get out there and pedal my arse around the beautiful Ottawa Valley. Cycling really is my happy place (minus the trucks, the wind, the worms, the roadkill, the potholes, the construction, the trucks, the construction...). Scott says I really do 'Hee Haw' around the house during the challenge. Guess he's right! Hoping this old gray mare can get her sidekick out for one more ride before Sept! Yee Haw!
Posted 21 days ago -
80.2 km ride - Get er done! - Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Logged this ride 22 days ago -
Why, is it windy?
25 Aug 2025'I don't think you're going to enjoy a ride today!' said my sidekick, as he toddled off to his favourite activity, chainsaw in hand. And you thought it was biking!ðĪĢ
Well, he was mostly right, although the tail winds were delicious, just not long enough! Those gusts almost got me riding on a diagonal angle. Out to Ashton, CP, Almonte and home on some dirt roads. Hallelujah, amen.
Of all the rides I've done this year, I've only seen one other GCC jersey, until today. A rider went by me, said 'Nice shirt' and kept going. Not only did he have the current jersey, but also bright orange cycling shoes AND GCC socks to match! Very classy, even if a bit too coordinated for me! Good thing I don't have any more electrical tape on my handlebars, right? ðĪŠ
Today was a 'If I see someone going faster than me, I assume they're not going as far' kind of day. Guess every other cyclist was doing a sprint then!ð
Guess that adrenaline rush I had wasn't due to being stronger, but really from a tailwind on a slight downhill. Rats.
Guess that DQ Blizzard I had really did go straight to my hips.
Guess that 'May the wind be always at your back' saying is just a cruel Irish prank.
But glad I went, even more glad to be home. Like this sign in Carleton Place, along the CT trail (beside a bicycle friendly brew house btw!).
Posted 23 days ago -
68.1 km ride - Why, is it windy?! - Monday, August 25, 2025
Logged this ride 24 days ago -
Code Rd/Tennyson loop de loop!
22 Aug 2025Thanks to the amazing donations that are still coming in, I have surpassed my previous best fundraising amount!!! That is a definite cause for celebration right? So no whining, no ranting, no complaining, no swearing (I'll try!). Just a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, and hope for these children. Indeed, a beautiful day! Thank you!ððīââïļð
Posted 26 days ago -
47.0 km ride - Code Rd /Tennyson loop de loop! - Friday, August 22, 2025
Logged this ride 27 days ago -
Back in the saddle!
21 Aug 2025It was such a picture perfect August day today, just had to get back in the saddle. And although my pardner was trying to lure me to the dark side (motorcycle), I gleefully declined, mounted up and headed out! Black Velvet (my trusty steed) was very happy!
One would think that 5 days off would rid the body of any aches and pains, but no. Upon point of contact, all the creaks and groans returned. Did I complain? Goodness no (quoting Pete the Cat here!). It helped that I was sporting my brand NEW Superhero jersey today. A huge HUGE shout out to my very kind 'family' of sponsors who have once again, gone above and beyond by generously supporting this worthwhile cause.
Some observations from today. I know I'm slow (at cycling). The tortoise, not the hare, and OK if others pass me. I'm sorry, Kevin, it's true. However, as I was heading north out of CP on Ramsay 7, a fellow cyclist whizzed past me. No bell. No yell. No 'On your left' call. No hello. Returning on Appleton Sd Rd, a group of 3 cyclists ripped past. Not a sound, except for my exclamation of surprise, which may have sounded like swearing! But another cyclist, even older than me (I hope!) called, came up beside me, we joked about an approaching garbage truck, and he sped off. It seems many people have lost the ability or desire to slow down. Seriously?
On other, more positive notes, saw a van go by today, covered in plaid detailing, advertising McKinlay Plumbing, and their slogan? 'The pipes are calling'. Made me laugh!
We also got a couple of rides in on le P'Tit Train du Nord back in July. They have always done a great job marking potholes and trouble spots. Whoever did that job this year would be the one I would hire...compared to the one who wrote on a street in Almonte! All about attitude!
Posted 27 days ago -
72.7 km ride - Back in the saddle! - Thursday, August 21, 2025
Logged this ride 28 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!”
$790.23Received this donation 34 days ago
Sue
“I am so shocked and humbled and totally floored by the generosity and support by everyone, THANK YOU!!!💕”
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Ivana Arambasic
$250Received this donation 26 days ago
Sue
“Ivana! Oh my goodness!! I am floored by your kindness and generosity year after year!!! And very humbled and proud to have your support. Very very VERY kind, thank you!💕”
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Jacquie Fuller
“Sue, you have supported our great niece, Logan, for a number of years. She continues to struggle. Thank you❤️”
$155.25Received this donation 166 days ago
Sue
“Awww, Jacquie, your continued support is so kind, and very generous. Hoping for your niece, hoping for a cure, hoping... Thank you. ❤”
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Katherine Kerr
“I am really happy that you are going again this year. I wish you, and yours, the best cycle yet!! XOXO”
$155.25Received this donation 166 days ago
Sue
“Kathi! Your kindness, continued support and encouragement is so kind. Thank you for your good wishes and generosity. ❤”
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Steve Carlson
“Go Sue Go! Ride Sue Ride!🚴♀️ Stay hydrated and….. Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty thing!😁”
$155.25Received this donation 35 days ago
Sue
“Words of great wisdom, as always! Thank you Mr C for your amazing support and kindness, year after year after year. Simply the best!😅”
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Ann Kelly
“Sue, I am so proud of you. You have raised over 25,000. dollars over the years. That is truly amazing! Thanks for your efforts for the kids at CHEO. Smooth sailing this summer. Love from Annie”
$124.20Received this donation 67 days ago
Sue
“Annie!!! Thank YOU, chicklet!!! Your support, generosity and cheery encouragement mean so much, for the kids and for me, you've made me cry. You are the best, darlin!!! Xoxo”
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Cathy Macdonald
“You go girl, again! Wow”
$124.20Received this donation 157 days ago
Sue
“Aww, Cathy, wish I could say thanks in person...someday k?! Thank you so so much for your continued support and encouragement. You are so generous and kind, it means so much. Thank you!!!💕”
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Elizabeth Cameron
“Go Sue go!”
$124.20Received this donation 190 days ago
Sue
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for your continued support and encouragement! Xoxo”
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Hermann Wallner
$124.20Received this donation 45 days ago
Sue
“Hermann and Anne!! Thank YOU both so much! Your support and generosity mean so much. Thank you neighbours! Xxx”
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Juergen Seeger
“Have a great and successful ride this year!”
$124.20Received this donation 35 days ago
Sue
“You are THE best! Thank you so much for your continued support and kindness, neighbour! 😊”
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Kathleen Hunter
“Wishing you another good ride.”
$124.20Received this donation 166 days ago
Sue
“Cousin Kathleen! Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. Very grateful for your support. Xoxo”
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Sandy and Keith Chisholm
“We're very, very proud of you Sue. And your sidekick!”
$124.20Received this donation 29 days ago
Sue
“Awww, you Chisels!!! That is so kind, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. From the bottom of my 💕, thank you. I will relay the message on to that sidekick!🥰”
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Sharon Bramwell
“You are Amazing Sue!! Cycle on.”
$124.20Received this donation 35 days ago
Sue
“Sharon!!! Thank you so very very much! Your kindness, support and encouragement mean sooo much!💕”
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Stewart Kennedy
“It's amazing how you commit to this every year. Big shout out to Scott for being a cycling buddy”
$124.20Received this donation 35 days ago
Sue
“An even bigger shout out to you for supporting and encouraging me (us) year after year. Thank you so much Uncle Stew (and Sheila). It means a lot!🥰”
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Susan White-Heaven
“Bravo Sue! You are truly an inspiration!”
$124.20Received this donation 35 days ago
Sue
“Susan, thank YOU so much for your support and kindness!!! It really means a lot. Thank you, cousin!💕”
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Jennifer Westbrook
“Go aunt Sue!!! I’m so amazed that you continue to do this year after year!! You’re the best!!”
$103.50Received this donation 187 days ago
Sue
“Jenny Jenn Jenn, no YOU ARE the best!!!! Awww, sweetie, thank you soooo much!!! Very very kind, I'm so grateful for your continued support and encouragement, year after year. XOXO!!!”
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Joan & Kenneth Purcell
“Congratulations Sue on your efforts to help fight kid's cancer. You are a trooper!!”
$103.50Received this donation 81 days ago
Sue
“Joan and Kenny!!! Thank you both SO much! Your support and encouragement means a lot, it even helps motivate that Scott! Thank you! Xxx”
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Lynne Rochette
“As always, a WONDERFUL lady supporting a very worthy cause❣❤❣”
$103.50Received this donation 47 days ago
Sue
“Awww, Miss Day, you are the bollocks and then some! Thank you SO so much for your kindness and support again. It means so much. Xoxo”
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MAUREEN and STEVE TOOTLE
“Way to go Sue! Have a great 2025 race!”
$103.50Received this donation 76 days ago
Sue
“Awww, Maureen and Steve, thank you both so much for your continued support and encouragement. You are so kind, it means a lot! Xoxo”
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Nhu Truong
“Wishing you all the best on your bike challenge! 🚴♂️ What you’re doing to support kids with cancer is truly amazing! You’ve got this — ride strong and know we’re cheering you on! 💛👏”
$103.50Received this donation 42 days ago
Sue
“Nhu Truong!!! You have made me laugh today, now you've made me cry! Thank you so much for your very generous donation and very kind words! Simply the best, thank you!❤”