Cyclist conquers Iceland for SickKids, raises $63K
Braving fierce winds and days of isolation, Michael Riley cycled the entire 1,322-kilometre Ring Road of Iceland — all to support children battling cancer and other serious illnesses.
The local cyclist, who has raised more than $140,000 for SickKids Hospital over the past five years, made this year’s Great Cycle Challenge his boldest yet. His goal was $40,000. Instead, he surpassed it by more than 50 per cent, raising $63,000.
That ride was no small feat. Iceland’s rugged coastlines are notorious for brutal winds, unpredictable weather, and long stretches of road with little civilization. Riley had trained for months in preparation, steadily building his mileage.
Iceland has a saying he now knows well: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
“The wind was by far the most challenging part of this trip,” Riley said. “I started training for this ride in January. I would ride a stationary bike for hours each week to get my legs ready. The fact that I raised over $63,000 was the absolute best part. It made the blood, sweat, and tears worth it.”
Riley cycled for 22 of his 24 days in Iceland, enduring 108 km/h gusts, subzero temperatures, and long stretches of wilderness while camping along the way. At times, he said, “I wanted to quit more than once, but I couldn’t.”
His drive comes from both personal and family experience. Riley began cycling for SickKids in 2021, shortly after becoming a father. When his young daughter Emma had a brief stay at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Riley saw firsthand the importance of pediatric care.
Riley emphasizes that his mission has always been a collective effort. “I’m also lucky to have an incredible network of people I rally with—family, friends, and businesses. When I talk to all my supporters, be it $1 or $10,000, it’s all about ‘we,’ not ‘I.’ Sure, I’m riding, but we are a collective.
For those considering the Great Cycle Challenge, his advice is simple: “Get out there. It doesn’t matter how much you ride or raise—it’s about awareness.”
Donations continue to be accepted at greatcyclechallenge.ca/riders/MichaelRiley.
Photo: Braving fierce winds and days of isolation, Michael Riley cycled the entire 1,322-kilometre Ring Road of Iceland — all to support children battling cancer and other serious illnesses.