I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Day 1 – First Real Ride!
By Sasha Aubin
Today was the first day I took my bike out for a real ride—farther than just going to work! I’ve only had my Electra Bali Cruiser GO! e-bike since Saturday, so it’s still really new to me. But I finally got to stretch its legs a bit, and mine too.
Technically, today was also the first time I biked to work, and then after work I decided to go for a longer ride—to the Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay (Skidegate Museum) and back. That round trip was about 14 km total (7 km each way). These kilometres don’t count toward the official Great Cycle Challenge yet—that starts in August—but this was a test run for me, to see how I’d do… and honestly, I feel pretty good!
This ride was a big step for me because about a month ago, I injured my left knee coming down Mount Reager. I’d hiked up with friends and carried a 30-pound rock down the mountain (because I thought it would be a good way to get a workout in—classic me). The next few days of walking to and from work just made it worse. For a while, even going up stairs had me saying “ow ow ow” with every step.
That’s part of the reason I got this e-bike. It’s not fully electric—you still have to pedal to activate the motor. It doesn’t just take over for you. It gives a small boost, especially helpful on the big hills we have around here, which makes it perfect for protecting my knee while still letting me challenge myself.
After the ride today, I went and sat on the beach in the sun, just taking it all in. The beauty of Haida Gwaii, the sound of the waves, the animals, the birds—it fills me with gratitude. I feel so blessed to live in such a wild, sacred, and beautiful place. Days like today remind me why I’m doing this.
This fundraiser is for children living with cancer, and I’m so excited for the journey ahead. My goal is to raise $1,000 and ride at least 100 km, but I already know in my heart that I’ll go beyond both. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Thank you for following my journey. If you’d like to support the cause, here’s my donation link:
👉 https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/SashaAubin/m
More rides (and reflections) coming soon 💛
With love,
Sasha
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.