Cycle To Help- Ben's Story

Cycle To Help, An Inspirational Journey

Written By: Mark Ritter

Every once in a while we meet a person who has the ability to capture the imagination of millions of people, someone who is so moved by an event in their life that they make significant sacrifices to spread the word to many, someone like Ben Verboom. Who is Ben Verboom? Read on, his story will move you.

Growing up in Ajax, Ontario, Ben Verboom was introduced to cycling by his father, Tim Verboom. Ben and his father spent countless afternoons cycling the waterfront trails along Lake Ontario and exploring Ontario’s mountain bike trails. It was there, along those trails that the seed was planted, as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Ben was hooked, cycling was in his blood.

In response to the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, Tim cycled to Ground Zero, supporting the Red Cross relief efforts. Tim’s efforts went off with little fanfare, but Tim didn’t do it for the celebrity, Tim wanted to help spread awareness and raise monies for the families of the Men and Women who lost their lives on that historic day. Through his strength and determination, Tim set an example of selflessness and courage for Ben and others to emulate, a true unsung hero, an inspiration and a symbol of hope.

In January of 2004, tragedy struck the lives of Ben and his family, Tim, who had been suffering from depression for sometime, committed suicide. Tim’s illness was hidden by his tremendous generosity and love of life and family, no one anticipated such a terribly overwhelming event happening. Sadly, for the most part, nobody ever does. Mental illness is a very quiet illness, one that needs a voice.

On May 20th, 2009, in Cape Spear Newfoundland, Ben, now 20 years old, started a journey across Canada to help create awareness of mental illness and suicide. The 9000 kilometer transcontinental ride will take approximately 90 days to complete. Ben's goal is to start a compassionate dialogue about the issues of suicide and depression, making those who are suffering feel comfortable seeking the treatments and resources that are available, so that less people will have to experience the tragedy of suicide.

Ben knows that mental illness needs a voice, with your help Ben can accomplish his goal. Ben has started a not for profit charity called "Cycle To Help". All monies raised will be channelled directly to local Canadian organizations providing coping resources and treatments for those who are depressed.

Recently, I caught up with Ben via cell phone. At the time of the interview, he was just outside of North Bay, Ontario. When I first reached Ben he was full of energy and upbeat, he seemed to have a tremendous sense of purpose and pride in his voice, clearly this was a highly motivated young man that will stop at nothing to try to change the way we think about mental illness. His voice resonates confidence, he is mature far beyond his years, yet very humble and he’s single ladies...Sorry Ben, I just had to include that tidbit of information!

Ben, who is riding alone, had a tough start to his journey. When I asked Ben about his first days on the road he said, “The first couple of days were pretty challenging physically. The training I did in Ontario did not prepare me for the hills and winds associated with the terrain out here. Mentally it can be a grind, I have goals and sometimes you can’t get as far as you want, I set the bar for myself at 100-120 kilometers a day, early on, I remember thinking to myself at one point, what are you, crazy? Is this even possible?”

Along the way Ben has encountered thousands of Canadians. He was particularly fond of those from Nova Scotia. “Out East, in Nova Scotia, the hospitality was unreal," said Ben. “Wether it was someone offering me some food or a place to sleep for the night, the community outpouring was unbelievable”. Ben has been humbled by the kindness and unselfishness of his well wishers, he often thinks about them when he is on the road, they are a source of motivation and strength. “It can be pretty discouraging some days. My bike has needed repair at times and there are days I just don’t feel like doing it, but I always think back to the people that have supported me, their words of inspiration are always in the back of my mind. I am also motivated by my Mom and Dad, of course”.

For the most part, Ben is supporting himself on his journey. “I am sponsored by Westmont Hospitality Group, so I often have a place to stay. I’ll get up in the morning, have breakfast and then I usually stock up on a few bagels for lunch. My Uncle Bill slid me a few coupons for Mr. Sub, they have come in handy".  There have been other acts of kindness along the way. While biking through Montreal Ben encountered a man who owns a bike shop. He helped Ben make a few repairs and then asked Ben if he needed anything? “I said, I could use a pair of sunglasses. I couldn’t believe it when he took off his personal pair of Lance Armstrong Oakley’s and gave them to me".

As I interviewed Ben, I  got the sense that this is an individual that appreciates everything everyone is doing for him. Fact is, this is not about Ben, he has never lost sight of why he has embarked on his journey. I asked Ben why he chose to take on the challenges of his journey, Ben responded, “Terry Fox was one of my heros. Obviously, cycling across Canada, a lot of people draw similarities between us. I want to send the same message Terry Fox did, a message of hope and inspiration for the mentally ill, that’s my goal. When I am out there on the road and my muscles are aching, I often think about Terry Fox and his work ethic, it gives me a boost. He averaged what? A marathon a day? Terry inspires me to go on”. Terry Fox was indeed an inspiration, his Marathon of Hope serves as one of the most incredible feats Canadians have ever witnessed. Cancer research in Canada would not be where it is today without Fox. With that in mind, perhaps when Ben has completed his journey, Canadians can come together once a year for a day of cycling dedicated to mental illness, just like the Terry Fox Run. “That’s my dream", said Ben. “It would be a tremendous breakthrough for those who suffer from mental illness and a great tribute to my Dad.” Are you listening Prime Minister Harper?

Ben had other hero’s, Lance Armstrong for one. “Armstrong had to fight through so much adversity, it’s unimaginable," said Ben. “I wear a “Livestrong” bracelet everyday, I often look at it, it reminds me of his plight and it inspires me to move forward. Being a cyclist, we have something in common, He won what? 7 Tour de France’s? With all his struggles, it’s amazing...” Inspiration, indeed!

The next major city Ben will encounter is Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He anticipates being there by Monday, July 13th. Ben will continue North West on his journey towards Winnipeg, where he expects to be in 2 weeks time. Eventually, after a hard fought battle through the prairies, Ben expects to land in Victoria, British Columbia by the end of August. This will signal the end of Ben's journey, but not the end of his cause.

If you see Ben on the road, give him your support, it takes a lot of commitment to pull off what he is doing. You can make a donation at  HYPERLINK "http://www.cycletohelp.org" www.cycletohelp.org. Please, give what you can, help Ben be the voice for mental illness, help Ben give others HOPE where there is none.

If you didn't know Ben Verboom, now you know, spread the word.

Good Luck on your journey Ben! You are an inspiration for others and, like your father before you, an unsung hero.