Talking About Bike for Brain 2024 with Dr. Sean Leung

The Toronto Anesthesia Cycling Club (TACC) is once again joining in for Bike for Brain Health in 2024. We sat down with the organizer, Sean Leung, to discuss the team's plans for this year. Read the interview below.

• What inspired the Toronto Anesthesia Cycling Club to participate in the Bike for Brain Health event again in 2024?

With the teases of beautiful weather sprinkled over the past few weeks, many members of the TACC have snuck their two-wheeled steeds out for rides already. I can feel the impatient energy buzzing as we await the official start of the outdoor riding season. In reminiscing on the epic day we had last year, I wanted to invite Toronto Anesthesia out with us again to tackle the DVP and Gardiner on our bikes while also contributing to a great cause!

• What are the TACC’s goals this year?

The TACC's goal for Bike for Brain Health this year is to beat our numbers from last year. We had 15 participants in the event and raised over $3000. We would also love to gain more membership in TACC in general so we can get some larger groups out to ride together.

• Is Bike for Brain Health a race, or is it less competitive?

Bike for Brain Health is not a race! It's a unique cycling event where large sections of the Gardiner Expressway and the Don Valley Parkway are closed to motor vehicle traffic and reserved for participating cyclists. There is a 25-km, 50-km, and 75-km route. And these routes are to be taken at your own pace and leisure. Last year, the TACC team 'Cycloflurane' stuck together for a whole 75-km, but we can certainly discuss our strategy/formation this year depending on our group size. There is an earlier time slot for those who feel a little more competitive/want to go faster. 

• Can anyone participate? What kinds of cyclists are you looking for?

Anyone is welcome to participate. As stated on the event's website, "if it has pedals, you can ride it," so this includes city bikes, e-bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, tricycles, unicycles...you name it. If you have an old bike sitting in the back of the garage somewhere...dust it off and ride it! As above, this is not a competitive event, and we welcome anyone who is even slightly curious with open arms. 

• Can you share any highlights or memorable moments from TACC's participation in the event last year?

A few highlights for me last year include:

1. When we created a tight pace line behind Drs. Eric You-Ten and Joe Fiorellino, zooming down the DVP at 40km/h
2. When the team stopped in front of the CN tower on the Gardiner to wait for a Cycloflurane team member who got held back #sportsmanship
3. When the group then followed up by doing an impromptu photoshoot in front of the CN tower with our cool custom team jerseys
4. When we cheered each other on as we crossed the finish line after completing such a great accomplishment!

• How can individuals who are interested in participating in the Bike for Brain Health event get involved?

Anyone in the Toronto Anesthesia community is welcome to join our team, 'Cycloflurane'. Simply visit the registration page, click "Community Team" >> "Join a Team" >> search "Cycloflurane" and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at sleung@qmed.ca. 

Additionally, please reach out to me if you would be interested in joining our WhatsApp group that we use to plan team rides, as well as our Strava and/or Zwift groups. I'm looking forward to seeing you out there!