Steering Committee

Thrilled to back on the Friends For Life Bike Rally for the 8th time, I am ready to get on a new saddle as your incoming Co-Chair for the 27th Ride! My commitment to the Bike Rally stems from my dedication to the PWA agency and the work that they do to support those living with HIV/AIDS. As a POZ person living with HIV, I understand the daily STIGMA and subtle discrimination that sadly still exists – even though Undetectable = Untransmissible!

Being part of the F4LBR over the years allows me to be honest, proud and lead as part of the solution to living in a world where I’ll see medications will be FREE, infection rates will disappear, criminalization will end and our focus will remain on assisting those who will be aging with this insidious chronic illness. Until that happens, we need PWA and the services they provide to those who are marginalized within our system and need guidance and support to bring dignity to their lives.

 Whether you’re a rider, crew or donor,  know that your engagement with this annual magical journey is an honour. The Bike Rally is a herculean feat of grit, perseverance and will by all those committed to the cause. As your Co-Chair, along with Ariel and Robb, I welcome you to our family of generous hearts, open-minds and friends for life!

I am so excited to be back for my 9th year with the Bike Rally — and even more excited to be stepping into the role of Co-Chair!

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of taking on several roles: Crew. Rider. Ambassador. Team Captain. Sponsorship Lead. Each one has given me a deeper understanding of how all the pieces come together to create this incredible event and truly life-changing experience.

I am beyond proud to help guide this year’s rally — and even prouder of you. Every single person who has committed to creating an accessible, safe, empowering, and stigma-free world for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Together, we are building a legacy of positivity, connection, and change — one that elevates lives and helps people live to their fullest potential.

I can’t wait to meet you all and see your lovely faces!!!

This will be my 10th year involved in the "Friends For Life Bike Rally" and I’ve had quite a varied history with this annual fundraiser: several fundraiser shows, 1 yr as a rider, as well as 1 yr on Rustler crew, 6 yrs on Road Support crew, 4 yrs on Participant Engagement and 3 yrs on Steering Committee. 
For the 27th year, I’ll be working on Community Engagement and this summer I’ll participate in the Road Support crew again, twerkin’ on the side assisting and cheering riders along the way.

I did my first Friends for Life Bike Rally in 2016. This year will be my fifth ride to Montreal and my first time on the steering committee. This amazing event is always one of the highlights of my year. I am an avid cyclist so I love the time on the road, but I also love hanging out with old friends and making new ones every day. This year I am looking forward to contributing to this wonderful organization in a new way by helping to engage the community and spread the word about this important cause. 

This will be my second year involved with the Friends for Life Bike Rally and my first year serving on the Steering Committee in the Community Engagement role. I’m passionate about building connection, creating inclusive spaces, and helping participants feel supported throughout their Rally journey. Cycling, fundraising, and community-building are close to my heart, and I’m excited to help bring energy, encouragement, and meaningful connection to this year’s Rally experience. I look forward to an amazing year ahead with this incredible community.

This will be my 14th year of participating in the Friends for Life Bike Rally. After a brief break from a leadership role, I’m pleased to announce that I have joined the Steering Committee for the 27th year of the event, helping to lead the Road Support crew. Regardless of how we participate, whether as a rider or crew member, the important thing is that we’re participating. We share a common goal of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS and how there is still so much work to do in our communities to help break stigma and reduce the impact of the daily challenges faced by those living with HIV and AIDS. I look forward to helping the riders along the journey from Toronto to Montreal, and I’m really excited to start working with my fellow co-leads Connie Crosby and Ian Grant.

Connie Crosby has been both a rider and road support crew. This will be her 11th year participating in the Bike Rally. Connie was a team lead in 2023. She has also previously served on the Steering Committee as a co-lead of Participant Engagement.

As one of your Road Support co-leads for 2025, Connie is keen on helping riders feel safe and supported on the Rally. Let’s make this year one of the best ever!

2026 will be my third year participating as a rider and second year on the Steering Committee in Recruitment and Retention. The value that the Friends for Life Bike Rally has added to my life is hard to put in words. The rewarding feeling of giving back to the community, friends, fitness, therapy - this ride has it all. Wanting to add value back to the rally, I am here in the role of spreading the bike rally footprint, leading the first-year orientations, and retaining past riders on this epic annual bike ride. Looking forward to making some moves this year. The excitement is way up there. LFG! 

Hi, I’m Dave (he/him), and I am feeling very lucky to be participating in my 5th Rally this year. I have been an active member on the steering committee for the last three years with the recruitment and retention team. It will be such a fun experience guiding, sharing and enjoying your moments this year whether you're an experienced rally rider or a first year and have all feels and apprehensions I did on my first ride. We are all here to ensure a fun, safe, and inclusive week where we share in moments, break down stigma, and amplify voices that need to be heard. I can't wait to build on the friendships already made and all the new friends for life we will make in 2026.

I am very excited to be part of this year’s Steering Committee This will also be my 10th year participating as a 6-day rider. The Bike Rally means so many things to me - it’s a physical challenge, an opportunity to learn and fight stigma associated with HIV, and most importantly, an enduring community of friends for life. I’m excited to be able to contribute back to the community as Co-Lead for Fundraising alongside Rob and Trevor.   If you are looking for fundraising insights, suggestions or help reaching your goals, please reach out to our experienced team at fundraising@bikerally.org. I look forward to making this incredible journey with you!

Hello , I am Rob Veinott (He/Him) and I am really excited to be riding for my 15th year and my first as a team captain along with my friend  Michael Shreve . I have gained so much by my participation in the event. I love the beautiful training rides near Toronto , I love the idea of going for a bike ride on a weekend morning with my friends and I have loved the many teams I have been on over the years.Thats a lot of love but if you have participated in the event you will know what I’m talking about and if you are a new rider I guarantee you will feel it.

As a team captain I hope that we have fun together preparing for and during the event. I look forward to being with you at team socials and hopefully helping you put the fun in fundraising. And I hope you will help make this years event the best ever. And I will try to make sure to not get lost during the training rides but if I do and you follow me we will be lost together:-).

Hey Peeps! I’m Stiva (he/him), and I’m stoked to be back for my 8th year with the Bike Rally!

Over the years, I've had the awesome privilege of diving into different roles—Crew, Rider, Ambassador, Captain and Sponsorship Lead—each one giving me a new perspective and so much joy. Every year is an adventure, and I’m thrilled to continue this incredible ride with you all.

This year, I’m teaming up with Trevor to make sure you’re feeling prepped, pumped, and totally connected as you embark on this epic journey—whether it's your first time or you’re a seasoned pro.

Can’t wait to meet each and every one of you! Let’s make this an unforgettable experience!

This year will be my 8th year participating in the Friends For Life Bike Rally and my 4th year on the Steering Committee. I look forward to helping create a most memorable experience for all rally participants new and returning. Please feel free to reach out if you have any ideas that you would like us to explore at this year's rally. I look forward to an amazing year ahead.

I have been riding with Friends for Life since 2005. As a life-long cyclist the Rally was a good fit. What I didn’t expect was the remarkably caring and open culture of the Rally, sharing the DNA of Toronto PWA. I have been a team co-captain for several years and have been enjoying working on the Training and Support portfolio.

My name is Tak, and this will be my 7th year on the Friends For Life Bike Rally. I have been on the Nutrition Crew for all of those years.

I didn't know what to expect on my first Rally, but was made to feel a part of something bigger than myself. The commitment and dedication I saw around me, inspired and continues to inspire me.

I’m Keith, an activist, agent of change & work in Downtown Toronto providing harm reduction/outreach for our most vulnerable community members. This is my first year on the Steering Committee as Food Crew Co-lead. This year I celebrate 2 milestones: my 20th poz-versary and my 10th year with the Bike Rally. I was a rider one year and have been a proud Food Crew member for 8 years. My first Rally summer changed my life and I am excited to come back every year. 

Hello Everyone, I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in The Friends for life Bike Rally for three years. I’ve been a Rustler for two and rode for one. This year I’ve offered to help Co-Lead the Rustlers with Brent.

I’ve been on our Steering Committee for Two years with Jehd on Community Engagement and enjoyed getting in touch with others about the great work we are doing. I’m looking forward to this 4th year and doing some awesome stuff!

Vince

Patric Senson (he/him) is excited to be back on the Steering Committee after a few years away from the Bike Rally Leadership. He's especially thrilled to be working with Simon, who was one of the first friends for life that he made on his first rally in 2009! Patric brings a range of experience to the role of Team Leader, with more than a decade of involvement with the Bike Rally, including as a team captain, a member of the steering committee and the board of the PWA. Patric has also been involved in volunteer leadership for over 30 years. He's looking forward to another fun year of making friends and memories on the 2025 Bike Rally.

Simon can’t wait to be returning to the Team Leads role with Patric Senson. This will mark his 19th year of Bike Rally community, friendship, and kilometres! 

The strength that the rally offers both participants and the Family of HIV is life-changing! 

Nothing beats the feeling of hugs & happiness, found “en route” to Montreal!