From 5 km to 110km: One rider’s big goal for Tour de Guelph
Some goals find you when you least expect them. For Emma, it happened at a finish line — watching Tour de Guelph cyclists roll in after the 110-kilometre ride and thinking, could I do that? What has followed: months of early mornings, long Sunday rides, and a whole lot of hill climbs. In this Q&A, Emma shares what inspired her to go from 5 km to 110 km, what the cause means to her personally, and why the right goal is sometimes the one that makes everyone else raise an eyebrow.
What made you first sign up for Tour de Guelph?
I work at Arbour Trails Retirement here in Guelph, which is one of the event sponsors, and last year I was invited to join the “Arbour Wheeler Dealers.” Last year, we had a group of about 15 riders participate in the 5 km ride. After finishing my 5-kilometre ride and relaxing at the finish line, I watched the first few cyclists come in from completing the 110 km route. At the time, the idea of biking 110 kilometres felt overwhelming. I had never ridden more than about 25 kilometres before!
I’ve always loved biking. I still remember getting my first bike when I was 16 years old. It was a beautiful deep purple colour. Looking back, that bike gave me a sense of independence before I was old enough to drive, allowing me to explore and go on my own adventures.
At the beginning of every year, I like to set a fitness goal for myself. Last year, it was a half marathon. At the start of 2026, I wanted a challenge that was just as ambitious but a little bit easier on my knees. That’s when Tour de Guelph came to mind.
“I can do 110 kilometres, right?”
Most people thought I was crazy. “Why don’t you do the 50 km ride instead,” my friends would ask. But that’s exactly how I knew it was the right goal. If other people thought it would be challenging, then it would be the perfect challenge for me.
As you go from 10 km to 110km, how have you been preparing for this big goal?
For the past three months, I’ve been cycling three to four times a week. I try to vary my training with tempo rides, hill workouts, recovery rides, and one long ride every Sunday. These long rides are usually my favourite. I don’t listen to music or podcasts; I just enjoy being present with nature, the road, and (of course) the wind. When my legs are burning as I climb yet another hill, I remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to ride and challenge myself in this way.
With fundraising for Tour de Guelph supporting Guelph General Hospital and local initiatives through Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium, what does the cause mean to you personally?
As someone who works in a retirement home, I see just how important quality healthcare is. Many of our residents spend time at Guelph General Hospital, and I’m incredibly grateful for the care and support they receive there before returning home to Arbour Trails.
Working in healthcare has shown me how important it is to have compassionate people around you during life’s most difficult moments. Supporting Tour de Guelph is such a great way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many people in our community.
What is it like knowing you have the support from Schlegel Villages behind you?
I feel proud to work at Arbour Trails, and even prouder that the organization (Schlegel Villages) supports the Tour de Guelph event. My coworkers are always there to hold me accountable by making sure that I’m getting my training in each week. Their enthusiasm for both the challenge and the cause has made a huge difference.
What are you looking forward to most on June 28th?
Most of my training rides are done alone, so I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with people who love cycling as much as I do. There’s something special about seeing people come together in support of a great cause. I already know the energy and encouragement on race day will be incredible, and I can’t wait to be part of it! Having friends and family cheering me on along the way will make crossing that finish line even more special.
