This summer marks 10 years and over 10,000 kilometres of cycling for long-time SickKids Foundation rider Jarrod Russell.
The 49-year-old Lloydminster resident has a soft spot for the cause and hopes to help kids suffering from cancer.
Read more: Russell cycling again for SickKids
“When I was four years old I had brain cancer, too. It’s dear to my heart,” he said.
When asked why he rides, he said it’s for all the kids stuck in hospitals.
“I’m riding for the kids that are in hospitals,. They look out the window, but they can’t actually go on a bike and enjoy their friends,” said Russell.
“That’s the thing I cry about.”
Russell’s love for cycling started when he was young, first riding on a two-wheeler before eventually switching to the more stable recumbent bike.
He’s determined to keep riding until a cure for cancer is found.
“I said every year, I’m not going to stop riding until there’s a cure,” said Russell. “I’ll ride until I get a cure for child cancer.”
This year’s no different as he takes to the trails of Lloydminster for a good cause. He says the decade he’s been riding has been a journey.
“It feels pretty good, it was a journey,” he said. “The first time I didn’t know what it was going to be like. The nine years went fast.”
Physically, he’s ready to take on the 1,300 kilometres riding challenge in August.
“I’m doing pretty good,” he said about his physical health.
Sporting his 2025 Great Cycle Challenge jersey as he trains, he was quick to point out he only ever wears the newest jersey, which feature a new design every year.
“The kids from the SickKids design them,” said Russell.
“One design then becomes the hero jersey for the year,” finished Russell’s sister Lana Lane.
“You’ll notice he’s got all these different jerseys,” she said. “He’s kept all the jerseys for over the last nine years. You’ll get your initial sign-up jersey once you’ve reached that $500 (raised) milestone. But when you get to $2,500 raised, they do a hero jersey.”
Russell can be seen throughout the community accumulating his riding distance, usually at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. Safety is a point that Lane wants to emphasize.
“There are a lot of riders out in Lloydminster. But, being so low to the ground, that’s why he’s got his flags on his bike,” she said. “We try to stick to the pathways, so Jarrod will do a lot of riding in Bud Miller and a lot of the trail system in Lloyd because of the safety issue.
“It’s always nice that people can keep their eyes out for that recumbent bike that’s coming down the road.”
Lane says being recognized in the community means a lot to Russell.
“Jarrod really appreciates when people stop and cheer him on and he often will have his donation box on the back of his bike,” she said, noting people can also donate online at GreatCycleChallenge.ca/riders/JarrodQRussell.
“I used to get kids in Bud Miller cheering me on and I stop and they take a picture,” said Russell. “It’s nice to get recognized.
“I also have one guy from Just Kruzin’, two Harley motorcycle people following me because I’m low to the ground. They want me to be safe.”
His bike, which has seen thousands of kilometres, is a newer bike, something he noted is initially difficult to adjust to.
“It’s hard to switch; it’s like a vehicle,” said Russell. “The controls are different, the seating is different.”
In August, Russell embarks on a month-long journey of daily cycling to hit his goal of 1,300 kilometres.
“He normally would have to ride between 40 and 50 kilometres a day throughout the month of August to make the goal,” said Lane.
When asked if Russell will mark 11 years of cycling for a cure, he said, “We’ll see,” mentioning it’ll be the big 5-0 for him next year.
More events to support Russell’s fundraising efforts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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