Jeff Otto Celebration of Life Bike Ride
On August 4, 2024, the Friends for Life Bike Rally community tragically lost Jeff Otto, one of their brightest lights on Day 1 of their trek from Toronto to Montreal to raise funds for those living with HIV and AIDS in our communities.
Jeff has been fundraising for the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA) for 10 years and has been a fearless leader among us. To say that Jeff will be missed is an understatement. Loved by all who knew him, he touched every life he met in a way that made him indelibly remembered and affectionately adored.
In honour of Jeff, members of the Bike Rally community will be hosting a memorial bike ride with an arrival at Jeff Otto’s Celebration of Life that will be held from 1 PM to 4 PM with the eulogy at 1:30 PM sharp at the Country Heritage Park (Gambrel Barn).
RIDE INFORMATION
This is a 61 km (the age Jeff was) round trip “no-drop” ride (meaning that we all ride together the whole way there and back) led by Team Shift$ Creak (Jeff’s 2024 Bike Rally team) and swept by Team Shania Chain (Jeff’s last sweeps before the 2024 Bike Rally) to pay tribute to this incredible human:
The route is a relatively flat mix of bike paths, bike lanes & country roads and will be car swept.
Riders should come prepared with water, snacks and dressed for the weather.
The celebration is being held indoors. Riders are encouraged to bring a small backpack to hold additional clothing & comfortable shoes as you will cool down while in attendance.
TRAVEL OPTION 1: Take the GO Train to Oakville GO Station (departure times vary based on location) for a 9:30 AM arrival (See GO Bike Policy).
TRAVEL OPTION 2: Drive to Oakville GO Station for a 9:30 AM arrival
(free parking is available on a first come, first served basis).Warm-up for the ride at the Oakville GO Station starts at 9:45 AM
Departure will be from the Oakville GO Station is at 10 AM
Snack stop is at the Starbucks Plaza at 26 KM (Main Street West & Tremaine Road)
*** Since this is a “no-drop” ride, we will all depart from the snack stop together so we arrive together at Jeff’s Celebration of Life ***
Arrival for the Celebration is at Country Heritage Park (8650 Tremaine Road, Milton) at the Gambrel Barn will run approximately from 1 to 4 PM (eulogy is at 1:30 PM sharp)
A warm-up for the ride back starts at 4:05 PM, departure will be shortly after.
*** Shift$ Creakers are asked to wear their team jerseys. All other 2024 Bike Rally participants are asked to wear their Day 1/6 official 2024 Bike Rally jersey. All other cyclists are asked to wear their most recent Day 1/6 official Bike Rally jersey. ***
For those who knew Jeff Otto and/or who are unable to attend the ride, his loved ones encourage donations to his fundraising efforts for the Bike Rally in lieu of flowers.