Friday, May 24, 2013 — Partly Cloudy 11°C
Sports & Play

Photos of the 2011 Ride for Heart

Posted by Derek Flack / June 6, 2011

13 Comments

Becel Ride for Heart 2011The 2011 Becel Ride for Heart took to the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway on Sunday as thousands of cyclists rode in support of heart and stroke research. All told, the over 13,000 participants raised a whopping $3.9 million, $600,000 more than at last year's event. With 25, 50 or 75 kilometre ride options, the sea of cyclists enjoyed near perfect weather as they tested their mettle on the normally car-filled highways.

Here's what a city without cars might look like. Lead photo by backintheworld

Becel Ride for Heart 2011Also by backintheworld

Becel Ride for Heart 2011Photo by Mech Eng 1981

Becel Ride for HeartPhoto by PLTam

Becel Ride Heart 2011Also by PLTam

Becel Ride for HeartPhoto by vnc3

Becel Ride for Heart 2011Photo by Cobby17

Becel Ride for heartCobby17

Becel Ride for HeartCobby17

Becel Ride for HeartCobby17

Becel Ride for Heart 2011Cobby17

Discussion

13 Comments

Sort By Oldest First / Newest First

Subscribe

goodcause / June 6, 2011 at 01:04 pm
user-pic
This is an excellent cause, and helps many people. Unfortunately Doug Ford wants to make sure this never happens on the Gardner & DVP again. What a way to ruin something excellent.
Reply
Theraisa K / June 6, 2011 at 01:29 pm
user-pic
I never realized how many different types of bicycles are out there. I especially loved the unicycle one! Glad to see so many cyclists turned out for this great cause :)
Reply
Matt / June 6, 2011 at 01:58 pm
user-pic
It would be pretty amazing if that's what the DVP looked like during rush hour. People would be happier, healthier and super tired.
Reply
Welshgrrl / June 6, 2011 at 02:04 pm
user-pic
I'm sure these photos make gadfly's head explode, which is never a bad thing
Reply
robOnWheels replying to a comment from goodcause / June 6, 2011 at 02:17 pm
user-pic
@goodcause is this true? Did Doug Ford say they want to move/cancel the ride? At the 6:00 start, they finished the introduction by thanking Rob Ford for allowing the ride to take place this year.
Reply
Greg / June 6, 2011 at 02:38 pm
user-pic
This is truly a great event.

Really good photos. Especially like number 2.

Reply
KO replying to a comment from robOnWheels / June 6, 2011 at 02:47 pm
user-pic
Actually.. Rob Ford also wants to move these races to parks instead of the Gardiner and DVP. Rob Ford wants to ruin this city.
Reply
goodcause replying to a comment from robOnWheels / June 6, 2011 at 03:03 pm
user-pic
sure is, he has been running his mouth about this for a few months now. Saying they got a few calls from people complaining, i am sure one of them was gladfly.

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1003430--can-charity-events-be-moved-off-city-streets?bn=1
Reply
Laura / June 6, 2011 at 05:28 pm
user-pic
Rob Ford's life will one day depend on the 13,000 cyclists who raised 3.9 million for the Heart and Stroke foundation.... so it's a damn shame he wants to move the event.

Picture this - Ride for Heart in High Park = less space = less cyclists participating = less fundraising efforts = less money for life-saving equipment and research = Rob Ford suffers a heart attack and/or stroke and/or coronary heart disease and/or atherosclerosis and/or a pulmonary edema etc etc etc etc... and dies.

Reply
TS replying to a comment from Theraisa K / June 6, 2011 at 05:29 pm
user-pic
The unicycle guy was awesome! I met him out on the road during the ride, and this was his second time doing the 75K on the unicycle. After plowing through those slopes and inclines myself, I am more than impressed at his ability!
Reply
Antony / June 6, 2011 at 06:40 pm
user-pic
Ironically, the persons/hour throughput of the Gardiner during the Ride for Heart is higher than it is at rush hour... :)
Reply
Salt / June 7, 2011 at 03:22 am
user-pic
Dude in picture number two seems to be wearing his helmet backwards. Safety first!
Reply
Sherman replying to a comment from Salt / June 8, 2011 at 07:40 pm
user-pic
Hi there "Salt". Which cyclist do you see? The first rider with bluish tourquoise helmet? Seems okay to me. You have really good eyes.

I think his/her interest IS safety. Unless the rider is riding amongst public and friends for the 1st time in their life, chances are he/she would have been informed.
I give the benifit of doubt to the participant in question.

BTW, did you notice any riders without helmets? I didn't but did notice a rider that was having a prestart cigarette!!! All kinds!

regards,
Sherman (Toronto)
Reply

Add a Comment
Other Cities: Montreal