Mark Hiemstra
- National: 28th
- Province: 14th in ON
- My Team: 1st
I'm Riding For
Christine Hiemstra
Christine, my mom, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015. Sadly she lost her battle on June 17, 2024. This year I will be not only cycling for all the kids and their parents, but also for Mom.
My Story
This August, I’m participating in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer.
Why? There are three key reasons:
- Over 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada, and it remains the leading cause of disease-related death among children.
- While we lost our baby girl Evelyn to a different cause, I can deeply understand the fears and heartache of losing a child.
- My mother was diagnosed with melanoma and tragically lost her battle on June 17, 2024.
This year, I will be riding in honor of all the kids, their families, Evelyn and my mom.
Kids should be living their lives, not fighting for them.
This will be my fifth year taking part in this incredible challenge. This year, I’ll be riding along the Guelph-to-Goodrich (G2G) Rail Trail, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. I invite you to join me! Every Saturday in August, and the last week of the August, I will be riding the 132 km G2G trail. On my final day, I’ll complete the challenge with an epic 260 km ride—end to end... and end to end, along the entire trail.
I’m raising funds to support SickKids Foundation in their efforts to develop treatments and ultimately find a cure for childhood cancer.
Please consider supporting my ride by making a donation to help give these children the brighter future they deserve. As a thank you:
Anyone who joins me for a ride will receive a customized, handmade wooden medallion. And all those who donates $200 or more will receive a special thank-you gift from On The Mark Laser Engraving (www.onthemarklaser.ca). More details to come.
Additionally, to show my gratitude for donations of $100 or more, we’ll be hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Rib & Chicken BBQ on Saturday, September 6. We’ll also be handing out awards to those who donate $200 or more.
Thank you for your support. Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of these children.
Mark
My Legacy
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605 km Ridden$1,081 Raised2021
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728 km Ridden$1,540 Raised2022
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1,195 km Ridden$4,000 Raised2023
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1,536 km Ridden$6,548 Raised2024
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1,574 km Ridden$10,658 Raised2025
My Challenge
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Cycling Trip - Day 5 (G2G Double Double)
1 Sep 2025This is the last cycling day for me. Maad and I started at 3:00 am from RIM Park. It was another chilly morning dipping down to 4 degrees, glad I had my winter gloves with me. Maad was also struggling with energy levels (Poor guy spent two weeks moving, I would be struggling too). So we both decided to part ways in Blyth, where he got a ride back.
My friend Marv met me in Goderich at the beach. He was the backup plan, in case something wasn't working out. Cycling back, especially to Blyth from Goderich, is hard. I took a small break in Blyth, then pushed right through to Millbank, where I had a very tasty pita. When I left Millbank it was dark again, but it wasn't long before I met up with Christopher, who cycled with me straight through to West Monterose. Then it was just another 20 km home. I arrived home at 11:45 pm.
I burned over 7856 calories, and traveled 260.02km, climbed 737 meters, average speed was 17.4 km/h.
Posted 72 days ago -
Crossing The Maitland River
28 Aug 2025I talked a lot about the Maitland river that I literally walk through by Auburn. The alternative is a 10 km detour around the river on lose gravel roads, which is not fun on a road bike. So I made this movie that takes me through the river. If you are planning a trip, check out my video.
Posted 76 days ago -
Cycling Trip - Day 4
28 Aug 2025Boy oh Boy it was chilly this morning. The temperature dipped down to 7 degrees. BBRRrrr!!! I didn't leave quite so early at 4:45am. I also decided to take my time. The first 30 km was very cold. It was nice sitting in Tim Hortons for 1/2 hour. I got attacked by a bush while I was crossing the river. It was scary... it growled and then jumped out and bit me on the nose. I do promise it's bark was worse then it's bite. I was planning on taking more pictures and videos, however I ended with less. More volunteer crews were out laying down my fine gravel for the trail, making it better and better.
Posted 76 days ago -
Cycling Trip - Day 3
28 Aug 2025Tuesday morning up and early again. Left the house this morning at 3:00 am. It turned out to be a day with some rain. Saw the G2G volunteers hard working on making the trail better. I arrived up at camp at 12:30 and Dad and Zachary had the heater on in the trailer, which was really nice. Thanks Dad & Zachary!
Posted 76 days ago -
Cycling Trip - Day 2
26 Aug 2025Monday morning up and leaving the camp site at 3:00 am… Yep you read that correctly 3:00 am. I crossed the river and it was very dark. It rained a couple of times and I got to see the rainbow in the rain.
Just outside Wallenstein, I met up with another cyclist who wipped out right in front of me. It was awful to witness, but I’m glad I was there to help Ken out. Nothing broken other than his bike, and I rode with him till he was basically home.
Stopping at the 100km to eat & refuel is important. I skipped it yesterday, and by the time I got home, I had terrible leg pain, and my blood sugars were low.
Tomorrow we are back on the trails.
Posted 78 days ago -
Cycling Trip - Family Camping
26 Aug 2025I cycled up to Point farms on Friday, but stayed over the weekend with the family. Kristyn and the three boys joined us, dad was there, and my little sister Joyce came with her family. It was a great weekend.
Posted 78 days ago -
Cycling Trip - Day 1
22 Aug 2025Good morning everyone. It’s cure 4:53 am, and I’m headed Goderich along the G2G. It’s day 1 of my cycling trip and planning on doing 780+ km in the next week. I’m so pumped.
Posted 82 days ago -
Appreciation BBQ - Saturday September 06th.
17 Aug 2025You're Invited!
To my supporters who sponsored me $100.00 or more, we would like to show our appreciation for supporting my Great Cycle Challenge this year, by inviting you to a BBQ on Saturday September 06, starting at 11:30 am. We will be serving BBQ ribs and chicken, vegetarian options, and drinks. We are asking if you could please bring a salad or a dessert?
Please RSVP by Saturday August 30th.
If you have any questions, please send me an email (mhiemstra@me.com).
I don't have everyone's contact information, please email me if you would like to RSVP.
We are looking forward to celebrating with you on Saturday September 06th!
Posted 87 days ago -
100, 50 , 20 KM Donut Run
17 Aug 2025Yesterday was an awesome day as 4 of us started off on a 100km donut run. We Started off at RIM Park, and traveled along the G2G to Anna Mae's in Millbank. We picked another three riders in Elmira, and one more rider in Millbank. We all stopped for breakfast/snacks at Anna Mae's (best apple fritters on the planet). I also handed out custom made medals For all our riders. It was a really good afternoon.
Posted 87 days ago -
Kick Cancer Butt - Charcuterie Board Winner
14 Aug 2025I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you again to all my sponsors. Across Canada there was a total of 1,890,417 raised. WOW! It was a record breaking day for Great Cycle Challenge Canada.
It was also a record breaking day for me too. As I type this. We have raised $8,926.00. TOGETHER WE KICK CANCER'S BUTT!!! I am so grateful for the support.
We have a WINNER for our handcrafted walnut charcuterie board... Joyce H is the winner. Congratulations Joyce.
Thank you again, for your support.
Posted 90 days ago
My Sponsors
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation made possible by the generosity of long-time SickKids Foundation supporters, the Garron family. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$2,387.46Received this donation 90 days ago
Mark
“Garron family, thank you so much for this opportunity to match funds. Thank you so much.”
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Bryant Harris
“Way to go, Mark!! I wish you much success!!”
$1,035Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! That is incredible. You are a super hero helping to fight childhood cancer. Thank you so much.”
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Thomas Luckhart
“Proud of all your accomplishments.”
$828Received this donation 75 days ago
Mark
“Tom. Thanks so much!!!”
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Lockdoor Canada
“Glad to sponsor Mark on this very important cause. Go Mark go.”
$750Received this donation 161 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Steve & Lockdoor for the amazing support. Together we are changing little lives.”
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David Hillis
$538.20Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! Thank you so much for your generosity & support. It means a great deal.”
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Chris Hiemstra
$520Received this donation 67 days ago
Mark
“Chris. Thanks so much for your generous donation. Together we are making a difference in kids and their families lives.”
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Randy & Eileen Henderson
“Happy to participate with you in this great cause Mark!”
$350Received this donation 115 days ago
Mark
“Amazing!!! Thanks Randy & Eileen so much for the donation. We are kicking cancer in the BUTT”
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Steve Brnjas
“Keep riding Mark! You are doing great!”
$274.28Received this donation 93 days ago
Mark
“Wow!!! Thanks for the generous donation. Together we will kick cancer in the BUTT!!!”
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Joyce Hiemstra
“In support of all the early mornings and long days of riding for such a great cause. It been a hot summer for riding.”
$258.75Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“Wow little Sis! Thank you so much for all your support.”
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Lockdoor Canada
“We supporting you all the way.”
$258.75Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“Thanks Steve. Means so much.”
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Thomas Luckhart
$258.75Received this donation 114 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Tom for your generous donation.”
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Anonymous
$217.35Received this donation 115 days ago
Mark
“WOW!!! Thank you so much for the generous donation. Together we are changing lives.”
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Donald Paul Tuck
“Always glad to support you, Mark, in this great cause!”
$207Received this donation 118 days ago
Mark
“Paul & Pam. Thank you so much for helping me fight Cancer.”
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John Driezen
$207Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“Johnny, thank you so much for your continued support. Together we are saving lives. One kilometre, and one dollar at a time.”
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8+ Inc.
$150Received this donation 111 days ago
Mark
“Thank you 8+ for your amazing support.”
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Julie Whittal
$124.20Received this donation 117 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Julie for your generous donation.”
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Neil De Boer
“Thanks for bringing awareness to this great cause Mark. Keep up the great work!”
$124.20Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“Thank you Neil for your support.”
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Sean Teschke
“Mark and I rode from Goderich to Guelph to support Cancer research”
$124.20Received this donation 99 days ago
Mark
“Sean thanks for your support, and thanks joining the G2G group ride.”
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Arie Vanspronsen
“Good luck Mark. I rode for 5 years but unfortunately osteoarthritis hit me last year and can't ride anylonger. This way I can still help to fight this terrible disease especially the kids!”
$103.50Received this donation 76 days ago
Mark
“Arie. Sorry you can’t ride anymore, that must be frustrating. Thank you so much for your donation and helping me fight kids cancer. .”
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Grant Watkinson
“Nancy and Grant are behind you!”
$103.50Received this donation 91 days ago
Mark
“Thanks Nancy & Grant for all your support”