BT Edmonton host, Ryan Jespersen, talks to “inspiring Edmontonian” and Hillary’s father, Bill Werthmann, in this video clip from Wednesday 17 April 2013 on City (TV).
Bill explains how depression can happen to anybody, and why it’s so important we talk about it and reduce the stigma around those who are afflicted with mental health issues.
I don’t know if it means anything that my first ride of the year took place on April Fool’s Day, but it sure felt great to get actual pavement ( and some snow, water, ice and gravel ) under my wheels last night. It was a little chilly and I got a little wet but it was way more fun than my dining room on the trainer. I can’t wait to get out on the streets over the next 5 weeks before the big adventure begins and I can’t even begin to tell you all how much I appreciate all of the love and support that has been showering down on this project.
About a week and a half ago, I had thought it would be just a matter of days before I would be outside on my bike, to get in some actual road hours. However, Mother Nature had other plans, as a major spring snowstorm dumped a couple more feet of snow.
So I am still stuck inside on my trainer, doing 4+ hour spins in front of the TV. I am in the dark ages, no PVR, so I use the commercials to do intervals, one leg drills, fast cadence or strength work.
But yesterday, the sun came out big time and the melt has started….so I’m hoping to be outside very, very soon!
It has been a busy year – Patrick and I got married, had a couple of wedding parties, honeymooned in the South Pacific, and of course through it all we have been preparing for Hillary’s Ride.
Although we have been planning this for well over a year and a half, it has only just started feeling “real”. Sometimes it hits me – I’m cycling across Canada! – and I am overcome with a flood of feelings. Fear for one, as I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into. Adrenaline for another, as the concerts are planned, the charities contacted, and the fundraising tickets sold. But more than anything else, I feel honoured – to be part of the tribute to Hillary’s life, to dedicate two and a half months to a cause I feel passionate about, and to see first-hand the strength and dedication that a family can nurture despite a devastating loss.
We will be charting our journey on this blog over the coming months, and I hope you will follow along. Let the adventure begin!
Under the magnitude of the goal to increase awareness of mental health issues and to talk about suicide prevention, the other components of the ride can be pushed out of mind.
The training is one such component, and last week Bill was invited on to Edmonton’s Bicycle Traffic Report on CJSR to talk about the preparation he is physically making to ensure the team can ride across the country.
You can listen to that interview here:
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Upcoming Fundraiser
Friday, October 26 / 8:00
Bill Werthmann
Terry Morrison & John Gorham
Thomas Slaymaker & Byron Myhre
Blue Chair Cafe (http://bluechair.ca/)
reservations recommended / admission by donation
Tune in to CKUA’s Wide Cut Country on Saturday (Oct 13th) with Allison Brock. Our friend, Rod McMillan, has sponsored an hour of programming and dedicated it to Hillary’s Ride. Bill & Alison had a good chat about the Ride this week. Check www.ckua.com for your local station or listen on the web.
The riders gather their thoughts at Hillary’s tree. Bill Werthmann, Sue Sohnle and Terry Fannon.
When Bill told me about his plan to ride a bike across Canada, I thought, “I’ve always wanted to ride across Canada and what better time to do this, with Bill!” As I have learned why Bill wants to complete this ride, as a tribute to his daughter, Hillary, I have become quite happy to support Bill’s tribute to Hillary.
Immediately after I said “Yes, I want to join you” I wondered if I could actually pedal across the country. After a year of training, I have become convinced that we can do this. And while demonstrating a tribute and love for Hillary, we can raise funds to support agencies that help Canadians who are struggling with depression. I hope you will join us to celebrate Hillary’s life and support what this ride stands for.
Some photo’s taken at the Hillary’s Ride fundraising event at Expressionz Café on 10 September 2012.
Featuring Bill Werthmann, Celtara, Carrie Day and Braden Gates.
The event was MC’ed by Rhea March. Hillary’s sister, Katie Chapman, encouraged us to start a conversation on youth mental health and suicide prevention issues.
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On Monday, September 10, Celtera, Carrie Day and Braden Gates will join Hillary’s Ride rider, Bill Werthmann, on stage for a fundraising night of folk music at Expressionz Cafe, 9938 70 Avenue, 780 437 3667.
“Admission by donation”
“Expressionz Concessions” opens at 7:00, music 8:00 to 10:30 pm.