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igh spirits were all Haround last Sunday during the 10th annual Manulife Ride for Heart, held at RIM Park in Waterloo. Over 1,400 people helped make this event a huge success, raising money for St. Mary‘s Hospital Regional Cardiac Care Cenâ€" tre. This centre services 450,000 residents in Waterâ€" loo region and the surâ€" rounding area. This year, I had the unique opportunity to work alongside Howard Seto, the Ride‘s event manager, and his crew of eight, to set up and see how ‘ride day‘ actuâ€" ally comes together. Last year, I rode in the event with the team from the Radisson Hotel, Kitchener (an official sponsor of the event for the past 10 years}, and realized from a rider‘s point of view what an amazing and fun event this is. When given the opportunity to see the event from an overall angle, 1 leapt at the chance. The true realization of what it takes to put on an event like the Ride is beyond comprehension. The organâ€" izers â€" Howard Seto, Daina Feick (ride project managâ€" er}, Ann Moser (corporate challenge manager), Nicki Carroll (administrative assistant}, Liz Bickerton (St. Mary‘s) and Martha Terdik (Manulife) started working on the 2002 Ride almost EXT 1OR pain&tain Physical set up for this vear‘s event began May 31. My involvement started on Sunday, June 2, at 2 a.m., working with Howard and his crew to start marking the cycling and inâ€"line skating routes. Loading and moving the food and beverages came next. By 6 a.m. we were back on site at RIM Park to get the final details organized. Ride volunteers were already arriving by that time, bright and cheery and as excited as we were about this incredible day. immediately after last year‘s Ride ended. One aspect of the Manâ€" ulife Ride for Heart is the corporate challenge, geared to local businesses. In addiâ€" tion to raising pledges, busiâ€" nesses can purchase a table in the Corporate Tent. This entitles them to a delicious continental breakfast on ride day, team Tâ€"shirts and team photos. At 8:45 a.m., things got rolling. First, an aerobic warmâ€"up helped particiâ€" pants loosen up their musâ€" cles. Greetings were given by Bruce Antonello, St. Mary‘s CEO; Mac Voisin, the ride‘s honourary chair; Bruce Gorâ€" don, head of Manulife‘s Canadian Division; and Gavin Tucker, 96.7 CHYMâ€" FM‘s general manager. Mac started the cyclists in interâ€" vals with the customary blowing of the air horn. Cheers rang out among the crowd as the excitement mounted that the Ride had finally began. After the cyclists rode off, the inâ€"line skaters lined up to skate their 13 kilometres. Finally, the walkers left for their 3 kilometre walk. By 9:30 a.m., the event was in full swing. An event of this magniâ€" tude relies heavily on the generosity of over 300 volâ€" unteers. Some of these peoâ€" ple â€" better known as route marshals â€" directed traffic and encouraged particiâ€" pants on the route. Some worked at rest stations, handing out food and water. Everyone willingly provided assistance to anyone who needed it. Participants _ started returning around 10 a.m. Upon their return they were treated to Domino‘s pizza, cool drinks, desserts, popsiâ€" cles, a souvenir baseball cap, live entertainment, face painting and pony rides, giveaways and one of the most popular activities n complimentary massage. Cyclists darted from the starting gate Sunday morning at this year‘s Manulife Ride For Heart at RIM Park The event started windâ€" ing down around 1 p.m. as the tired but exhilarated participants headed home. Although many people left around 1 p.m., the event was not completely finished for about five more hours while Howard‘s â€" team cleaned up. Now that this year‘s event is over, I stand back in awe, with admiration and a sense of personal satisfaction in the Manulife Ride for Heart. It was absolutely amazing to Benjamin Moore Exterior Products see over 1,000 people from our community donate their valuable time for such an amazing cause. Thank you to Howard Seto and Daina Feick for the privilege of volâ€" HEAD to TOE Yes, it‘s hard to top a Tilley Hat for Father‘s Day. Designed to withstand the elements, each Hat comes with a lifetime guarantee. Now with seven styles to choose , from, your only challenge is picking zy the Hat your Dad will like best. t From Tilley, home of the finest travel and adventure clothing in the world. Guaranteed to go to his head. available at On Until June 15th! unteering with such an event and seeing what goes on behind the scenes. Congratulations to all the ride participants, volunteers and organizers for creating a 583 King St. N.,Wgt_erlg)l(‘) HEERS â€"â€"â€"# DESIGN CENTEKES Upstairs in River Works, St. Jacobe 664â€"2668 (at the corner of King & Northfield) Phone (519) 772â€"1 127 Tilley & Royal Robbins Clothing Adventure Wear for Everyday Hate, Gloves, Footwear This year, over $140,000 will be raised for St. Mary‘s cardiac centre. See you at the 2003 Manulife Ride for successful event. ANDREA BAILEY PHOTO