Blind cyclists to travel from Toronto to Collingwood in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness

Jun 19 2010

On Saturday, June 19th, the vision impaired community will team up with cycling enthusiasts to embark on a 140 km journey for second annual Cycle for Sight, in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

The cyclists, many who are legally blind riding on tandem bikes, will travel from Toronto to Collingwood, where they will celebrate raising more than $200,000 for vision research. Cycle for Sight also includes a half-ride, 70 kms from Alliston to Collingwood.

Dr. Elise Heon, Chief of Ophthalmology at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto is heading up a team dubbed the "Sick Kids Warriors" and is a champion for this event because "it supports vision research, raises awareness and empowers people with vision impairments to tackle any challenges they face."

One of her patients, Molly Burke, is doing just that. "The last time I rode a single bike I was about 9, but I was having problems riding into things so my parents got me a tandem bike," said the 16 year old who is losing her sight to a degenerative eye disease. "I rode that for about 2 years but felt embarrassed and stopped riding completely. But this year, I decided to put my embarrassment aside for Cycle for Sight and I'm realizing that it's not embarrassing when I ride with friends! I'm actually really enjoying biking again, like I did when I was little!"

Date: Saturday, June 19th at 8 a.m. Departure: 8 a.m. for 140 km ride; 9:30 a.m. for 70 km ride Location: Downsview Subway Station, NW corner parking lot, Sheppard Ave W and Allen Rd., Toronto. Toronto Route: The parade heads west from Downsview Subway Station on Sheppard Ave. West towards Allen Rd. Stops En Route: King City Stop 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Schomberg Stop 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Alliston 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Water Stop on Webster Road Noon - 2 p.m.; and Stayner 12:30 - 3 p.m.; Collingwwod YMCA 3 - 6 p.m. Collingwood Route: Cyclists arrive in Collingwood along Hurontario Street, north of Hume Street at 3pm.