Mike McClary’s Tour de Cure Journey

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Mike McClary’s Tour de Cure Journey

June 3, 2022

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Personal Well-being

When Mike McClary decided to take up cycling after purchasing his first bike in 2018, he never imagined he would participate in a 200km ride that same year. When his friend found out about his new hobby, he encouraged Mike to participate in the Tour de Cure, a cycling fundraiser supporting the BC Cancer Foundation.

“When my friend found out that I got a bike, he asked me to join the team,” Mike recalls. “I was intrigued by the challenge of riding over 200km in two days and seeing if I could push myself to those limits. As a newbie rider, it seemed like an impossible task, but I eventually committed to join after a lot of encouragement.”

Not only did Mike revel in the challenge, but he strongly supported the cause. Like many, Mike has a personal connection to cancer. Both his grandmothers battled cancer, his mother-in-law is a cancer survivor, and some of his close friends have lost loved ones to cancer.

“The number of people affected by cancer in their lives is staggering, and I believe the BC Cancer Foundation is doing great work in finding a cure and providing care for those suffering,” says Mike.

Cycling to Save Lives

Mike joined the Conquistadors of Cancer when he started participating in the Tour de Cure, a group of 35 individuals that ride and raise money as a team. The Conquistadors consist of people who have all been affected by cancer, either personally or through someone close to them.

“The team started as just two riders in 2011 and has been growing ever since. A diverse group of 35 people now make up The Conquistadors team, including some of my closest friends. Some team members are cancer survivors, some of them have lost loved ones to cancer, all of them are incredible people.”

A Team’s Effort to Generate Funds

To raise money, Mike and the Conquistadors hold different events in the months leading up to the ride.

“In past years, we have provided services such as lawn aeration,” says Mike. “We’ve done bottle drives, pub night fundraisers with silent auctions, dinner party events, and spin-a-thons. We always have an absolute blast at our events, and the fact that we’re out there raising money for a good cause makes it that much more enjoyable.”

Individually, every team member must raise $2,500. Not an easy feat, but Mike has the support of those around him.

“It’s not an easy task to go out and raise $2500,” says Mike. “You have to rely mostly on people close to you, and having support from my employer, SMS Equipment, is huge and goes a long way towards reaching my goal.”

The Greater Purpose

On top of it being a good cause, Mike enjoys the camaraderie and sense of community he feels when riding in the event. Reflecting on why he continues to participate in this fundraiser, Mike recalls a memory of the first year he participated in the Tour de Cure.

“It was the second day in 2018,” says Mike. “It was a cold, rainy day and, overall, an absolute struggle. I remember thinking about how brutal it was riding through the rain - freezing, sore, stiff, and miserable. But then I thought about why we were out there and what people who face cancer go through daily. It was hard, but it did not compare to the challenge of facing cancer, and it was that thought which helped me push through. And at the end of the ride, going through that struggle made it that much more gratifying.”

Mike and the Conquistadors will be riding on August 27th for the Tour de Cure in the Fraser Valley – a 100km trek from Cloverdale to Chilliwack. This year will mark Mike’s third year participating in The Ride.

At SMS Equipment, our people define us, and we value the communities in which we live and work! We are very proud to support Mike on his cycling journey. He is truly an inspiration through his repeated commitment to raising funds that support the health of cancer patients in his community. Join us in supporting Mike raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation by donating to his page.

Donate to Mike's Cycling Journey

More About Mike

Mike McClary, Product Support Sales Representative - Surrey, BC

Mike McClary is a Product Support Sales Representative based in Surrey, BC. He has been with SMS Equipment for 15 years in various roles. Starting as a Warehouse Technician, Mike knew he wanted to move into a field position to support customer needs and help grow local branch business. Through his experience, Mike has built exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. His favourite part of his job is that it constantly brings new challenges.

Mike enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and being outdoors in his off time. He loves playing and watching golf, hockey and baseball and attending live sporting events and concerts. You can always count on Mike for a good laugh.

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