Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – For Darwin Pollock, it started as a way to fight back against the debilitating disease plaguing his wife.
It turned into an epic journey to help raise millions of dollars towards a cure for multiple sclerosis.
“We ride for Chantal,” said Pollock.
For three years, his team of family and friends, known as ‘Those Guys From Athens,’ have participated in the annual MS Bike Tour: Ottawa to Cornwall. The two-day event taking place this Saturday (August 8) and Sunday (August 9) at the Nav Centre.
The team departed from the Metcalfe Arena, following country roads south through Crysler, Finch, Ingleside and Long Sault.
“It’s a good ride, great cause, and the scenery is nice,” he said.
Karen Torrie-Racine, MS Society spokesperson for the Cornwall & District chapter, says over 700 cyclists have helped raise over $445,000. The final tally is still being counted. Proceeds are divided between the local and Ottawa MS Society chapters.
“It’s our biggest turnout. This event keeps growing,” said Torrie-Racine.
Cyclists have the choice to bus back to the Metcalfe Arena or to continue cycling the following day. Many distances are available to the cyclists participating in this event, including 80km, 100km or 125km (Saturday) and 65km or 90km (Sunday).
Those Guys From Athens also includes: Sam Pollock (Darwin’s son), of Sudbury, Dylan Stephenson, of Ottawa, Shirley Lazurko, of Athens, Christine Newman, of Ottawa, and Shane Zurbrigg, of Ottawa.
What keeps them geared up for the tour? The team had a few answers: “It’s a day on the bike. The lack of hills on the course. The beer after the ride is pretty good too.”
But it’s helping a loved one overcome a disease that three Canadians are diagnosed with every day keeping them motivated.
“It’s extremely important to support the MS Society,” said Pollock. “Research is expensive and there’s always hope for a cure. So the more we raise the closer we are.”
For more information, visit www.MSbike.ca.
