Riding for Hope: An Epic Ride in Support of Wellspring Alberta!
I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news of my upcoming adventure—the BC Epic 1000—a challenging ride spanning from Merritt to Fernie across diverse terrains via rail trails, gravel roads, single track trails and some highways. I embark on this journey not merely to conquer miles, but with a burning passion to make a meaningful difference. You can find more details about the ride here: (https://bikepacking.com/event/2023-bc-epic-1000/).
This ride is more than a physical challenge; it's a testament to my commitment to supporting Wellspring and raising awareness for cancer. In 2019, I faced the daunting diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer, a prognosis that seemed insurmountable. Yet, with resilience and the invaluable support of organizations like Wellspring, I not only stabilized my health but thrived, embracing life's challenges with renewed vigor. Wellspring stands as a pillar of support for those impacted by cancer, offering crucial programs and services addressing the emotional, social, physical, and practical dimensions of their journey, all provided at no cost to cancer patients, caregivers, and families.
I am reaching out to you, seeking your support for this noble cause. Your contribution will directly enhance the well-being of individuals battling cancer and those caring for them. Regardless of the amount, each donation, big or small, goes a long way in creating a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. I also encourage you to share this message with your friends and family, as increased awareness amplifies the reach of Wellspring's incredible work.
Thank you in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!
Dave Nitsche
LIVE!
My Achievements
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Fundraising page
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Updated Profile Pic
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Added a Blog Post
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Received 5 Donations
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Reached Goal
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Increased Target
My Updates
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trackleaders
Wednesday 26th Jun Good morning trackleaders is up and running in order for everyone to follow me along the route. Thanks for all your support!![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/be4c29714f0c7a53281f1d43a8834841.jpg)
25 days left!
Wednesday 5th Jun![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/59f351b982de0513d87ee6c6785e8f52.jpg)
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May 2
Thursday 2nd May Well I got the last little bit of kit for the bike yesterday and things are looking good for the upcoming ride. Donations have taken off nicely since the Globe and Mail article and the word is getting out!  Share![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/be4c29714f0c7a53281f1d43a8834841.jpg)
64 days
Friday 26th Apr Only 64 days left till the start of the BC Epic 1000. Training is going well and gear is pretty much sorted out. Got transportation to Merritt so looking good! Share![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/be4c29714f0c7a53281f1d43a8834841.jpg)
Canmore weekend
Friday 12th Apr Off to Canmore this weekend for a little "off the bike" training.  Should be a great weekend then its back to winter in Calgary so that means the pain cave! Share![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/be4c29714f0c7a53281f1d43a8834841.jpg)
End of March
Friday 29th Mar Training has been going well. Logged 400km this week in the pain cave. Going to get out on the road soon to get "real" miles. Thanks for all the support its going to be fun.![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/be4c29714f0c7a53281f1d43a8834841.jpg)
Training
Thursday 21st Mar![](https://d1bnzmsi60m06a.cloudfront.net/df0d4fede048d1b268bd6ad36eebb70e.jpg)
Thank you to my Sponsors
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$520
Anonymous
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$520
Clayton Gall
Hi Dave. I am Shannon’s husband Clayton. I know that you and her helped and supported each other through your journeys. I know she would have wanted to support you through this epic ride. Good luck and let me know if the route takes you through Kelowna and I will try to come out to support you. Feel free to text me 250-870-8921. Saw your article in the Globe and thought the name looked familiar but as I read the article I thought it was great. Bringing awareness to the reality of lung cancer and hopefully changing the stigma around it. Awesome. Cheers and keep up the good work.
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$500
Jonathan Huyer
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$500
Tom Ebbern
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$263.75
David Ray
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$211
Jim Nan And Carter
Don’t choke
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$211
Don Watt & Cindi Reopell
Go Dave, go! And have as much fun as possible! We will be cheering you on as you ride and rest and ride some more.
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$211
Susan Low
Go Dave Go
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$211
Ralph R Cross
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$200
Harold Lau
Go Dave!
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$200
Glenna Healey
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$158.25
Michelle Jackman
Good luck Dave! You will crush it :) Cheering for you from Grasshopper hill :)
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$105.50
John Swaine
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$105.50
Sarah Nitsche
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$105.50
Barb Sittlinger
So glad to have bumped into you at the campsites along the way Dave! You are inspiring. Ride On!
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$105.50
Angus K Pratt
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$105.50
Pat Fream
Good luck Dave!
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$105.50
Steven Woodside
Epic event you’re planning. Go Dave!
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$105.50
Natalie Tasker
Your amazing!!!
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$105.50
Kim
You've got this!
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$105.50
A Bike Loving West Hillhurst Family
Enjoy the ride & congratulations!!
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$105.50
Cindy Casper
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$105.50
Duane & Marnie Kelly
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$105.50
Rudy
You rock buddy!
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$100
Esther
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$100
Lori C
Good luck! Have a blast! Be strong! You got this!!
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$100
Nancy Lee
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$100
Claire Allen
Keep going Dave! You’re doing great. Cheers from Claire and Matt (fellow BC Epic riders)
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$79.13
James Giesinger
Behind you in your life journey Dave. Your friend James
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Robin Martens
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Daniel Cadigan
Thanks for representing all of us stage 4ers so incredibly well
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Greg
Ride on easy rider. Congrats
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$79.13
Colette Hubner
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$52.75
Rena Wallace
It was great meeting and talking with you this morning during Creative Conversations. Dave 2 (😄) has mentioned you many times; talking about your positive attitude. He sees you as an inspiration. We'll be following your bike travels.
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Rachel Mckinley
Proud of you Dave!
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$52.75
Phil Robinson
Congrats on your achievements, and good luck on this adventure!
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$52.75
Laura Istead
Cheering you on Dave!
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$52.75
Anne A Slater
Best Wishes on your ride
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Heidi Onda
Keep going Dave! Have the best adventure! Thank you for your advocacy
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Tim Monds
Congrats Dave, Awesome work!
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Kevin And Stephanie
You are amazing Dave!!!
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David Craig
Hi Dave. My sister Anne Slater told me about your ride. - sounds Epic!
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Leon D
Good luck with your ride! Thanks for helping raise funds for Wellspring!
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$52.75
Mike Lowe
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$52.75
Lisa Weir
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$52.75
Brian Schroeder
Ride like me or better!
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$52.75
Anonymous
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$52.75
Maggie Billings
Way to go Dave!
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$52.75
Terrance Morey
Good luck and have a great ride!!
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Nancy K
You continue to amaze and inspire! Have a terrific ride in every way 👌
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Helmut & Lyn Kokemor
May the wind be at your back, Dave.
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$52.75
Roger Wagstaff
My son, Matthew and his friend Claire, also doing the bc epic spoke with you at the start, and shared your amazing and inspirational story. All the best to you Dave, enjoy the ride and many more to come!
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Karen Braun
Way to go Dave!
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Gabriele
Good luck Dave - it sounds amazing (and hard). If anyone can do it - it’s you!!
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$52.75
Jacqui Sanderson
Have a great ride Dave!
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$52.75
Matthew Wagstaff
Hey Dave, great to meet you the night before the start of the Epic, very inspirational to see you taking on such a big challenge! Hope you enjoyed the ride (Type 2 fun for sure) and all the best for the future! Matt
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$50
Howie Hall
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$36.93
Lisa
Good luck.
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$36.93
Liana Doran
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$36.93
Andrea Aspeslet
You are such an inspiration Dave, and I wish you all the best on your ride!
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$36.93
Scott B Clark
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$36.93
Holly Abel
Amazing Dave!
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Jan Bell
Good on you and proud of all you are accomplishing including this fundraiser! Bless you! Jan from Alabama
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$36.93
Stuart Mackey
Great meeting you in Fernie !
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$36.93
Maryann Bradley
This fundraiser is pretty amazing and I am so thankful that you are one of the riders. Way to go Dave, we are all behind you.
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$35
Janice Paskey
Good luck Dave!
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$35
Anne Woods
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$26.38
Anonymous
You GO Dave!
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Rick Istead
Good LUck on your Journey!
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$25
Dave Nitsche
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$21.10
Richard Bone
Looking forward to following along on your tracker as you CRUSH the BC Epic! Good Luck! And Thank You for the inspiration!
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$21.10
David Coffin
Best wishes Dave!
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$21.10
Kevin Johnston
I saw Tom Ebbern’s share of your ride. Here is little bit to help.
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$20
Great job Dave - you are strong!