Lorne Bodin Bike Ride 2013

I have written before of my friend and mentor Lorne Bodin.  Lorne passed away after a fight with stomach cancer in January of 2011 (see photos of his Celebration of Life), but his legacy lives on in countless ways.  He is missed by so many people, but the way he treated others is something that all who knew him aspire to carry forward.

 

After two years of riding in the BC Ride to Conquer Cancer (which I have written about here and here), a large group of his friends decided to bring the ride closer to home and open it up to more participants.  On Saturday, May 25th, a 25 km ride starting at Burnett Secondary School (where Lorne began his teaching career in Richmond) went south to the dyke, then east to Number 5 road and back.  An after-party BBQ was hosted and everyone got a chance to visit and talk about how Lorne impacted their lives.  Over 120 people participated or organized the event, and with a registration fee of only $30 (for a t-shirt and lunch), almost $2000.00 was raised for the Lorne Bodin Scholarship fund.

Students helping hand out t-shirts

Bonnie Leslie and Glenn Kishi

Looking good, ladies...

The boys sharing a laugh and some coffee

 

Rob Laing helping get everyone "pumped up"

Bert Wiens getting ready

It was this kind of day...

 

Jason Leslie with some opening remarks

Jan Bodin saying "Welcome and thank you for coming"

 

The Laing family at the turn-around

Superintendent Monica Pamer refueling

 

Mike Whittingham and daughter Reese

Birgitte Biorn and others doing some real riding

Jim Allison cheering people home

Spencer Leslie helping out with the BBQ

 

Checking out some tribute photos

 

Rose Sebellin and Dora Ho

 

Enjoying a burger in a good-looking shirt

Dora Ho and Team Leslie-Lorne was all about friends and family

 

Rob and Deb are ready for next year's ride

Jan Bodin and Andrew Ferguson having a chat

Enjoying a BBQ in the sunshine

The ride, as you can tell by the photos, was a smashing success, as the weather held, people thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we all came together to remember and honour our friend, Lorne.  Thanks to everyone for their contributions and participation in a great day.  Special thanks to Deb Wheeler-Brown for the fantastic photos.

 

Some of the members of Team Bodin are still participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and in order to ride, each participant needs to fundraise at least $2500.00.  If you are so inclined, they would welcome any donations. Contributions can be made here.

 

The ride will become an annual event, as we look to grow the participation and keep Lorne's memory strong.  We welcome anyone to join us (and I know Lorne would love to have everyone there), so keep your eyes open for the Second Annual Lorne Bodin Bike Ride in May of 2014.

As Lorne would say, "You all look good, my friends"