Laurie Vanderhaeghe
Age: 43
Occupation: Certified Orthotist
Hometown: Sweaburg, Ontario
Family: Married to my best friend Perry for 16 years. Mom to three great children – Parker (14), Brooke (11), Hudson (8)
My biggest physical accomplishment(s) to date: My kids
In the News: Women spinning their wheels for good cause
In the News: Cyclists pedal to help kids with cancer
In the News: All for a worthy cause
In the News: Cross-country marathon all for the children
In the News: Trek to fight cancer
In the News: Elite cyclist rides for a cause
In the News: Kids Cancer Ride
Stacking the deck..
In 2003, I became addicted to spin classes – up to 5 classes a week. In the fall of that year, I volunteered at the World’s Road Cycling Championships in Hamilton. What a thrill it was to see these guys tackle the escarpment like it was just a little bump in the road. The following spring, I bought my bike. In 2005, I did my first O cup race in Niagara and climbed the infamous Effingham Hill 7 times. Slumped over my bike as I reached the finish line at the top….I was physically exhausted….and never felt better in my whole life. I found my passion and never looked back. In 2006, I guided a group of 20 men and women through their first duathlon/triathon. For 10 weeks, I asked them to push themselves beyond their limits – physically and mentally. I asked them to believe in themselves and to take a leap of faith with me that it would all be worthwhile on race day. As they each crossed the finish line, I knew by their smiles and by their tears that this was life changing for them (and me). 2007 and 2008 brought 2 more groups of ‘newbies’ who successfully competed in their first event. It was amazing to see these groups of strangers support and encourage each other throughout the training and on race day. Many continue to train together and have made lasting friendships. Whenever I race, I think of each one of them….I think of my friends….I think of my family….and with every face that comes to mind, I get a surge of energy. It’s like having a deck of energy cards and all I need to do is pull one out and I can climb a little easier, I can ride a little faster, I can hang on a wheel a little longer. My kids are my ‘trump cards’….I always save them for the final kick to the finish. I’m doing this ride for them…and you can bet they’ll be with me for every pedal stroke.
I heard about the SNRKC in the spring of 2008 and followed the website daily – reading blogs, watching videos, scanning pictures – and I knew I wanted to be a part of this incredible event someday. Riding my bike coast to coast has always been a dream of mine….what better way to do it than with a group of enthusiastic individuals and for a great cause. I planted the seed with my family in June 2008 and started to make that dream come true with my application in September. I feel incredibly honored to be chosen to ride in 2009. I look forward to ‘stacking my deck’ with more aces and trump cards as we visit the children’s hospitals across Canada.
“The Route you take in Life is as important as your destination”
