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Fundraiser Cruisin’

Posted: Apr 09 2009

Ask yourself about your favourite bike memories, and chances are you’ll talk about a bike you had as a kid. Maybe your first bike, or your first new bike, or your first multi-gear bike.

Ask Val Mowatt of West Vancouver, and she’ll quickly tell you about her bike, a Raleigh bike she had as a young woman in Northern Ireland. The bike was freedom for her, independence. She rode it all over, including back and forth to school. Circumstances dictated that she move, and more than move, she left her country, the British Isles and in fact, Europe, to immigrate to Canada. She could not take her favoured bike, leaving it behind. That was the last time she rode a bike, and it was forty two years ago.

Recently, Val enthusiastically attended a gala Breast Cancer fundraiser hosted by Rob Simmons (a member of the Different Bikes extended family) and Duncan Miller. There are many things to lure you in at the fundraiser – the spectacular Martini Fountain, the smoke-powered dance floor, superb food. But Val knew as soon as she saw the prize table, “I wanted that pink bike!” she laughs. That pink bike, an Electra Townie, was donated by Different Bikes to support the fundraiser.

The fundraiser is a periodic effort by Duncan, Rob and a host of volunteers. Both Point Grey residents have family and friends that have been affected by Breast Cancer, and it’s clearly an issue that resonates with the party crowd as well. The fundraiser is both an excuse to have a party and a way to raise funds for Breast Cancer research. “This is the third one, and we are well over $12,000 raised from the three fundraisers”, says Duncan. “It’s clear that we cannot pull these off without tons of help from friends and family, and generous sponsor help”. The bike generated plenty of interest from almost everyone in attendance, but Irish luck and forty-two years of longing made sure the Townie ended up in the right hands.
Another twist? ”I’m a fifteen year survivor of breast cancer myself!” says Val.

Val plans on proudly riding the neighbourhood in West Van on her Townie, rekindling the fond memories of riding her bike as a young girl in Northern Ireland. She can’t wait to get husband Derek on a new bike as well. Don’t fight it Derek, it seems like Val gets what Val wants!

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