Cycling after cancer, every year, the Fondo Clinics bring together riders from all walks of life—each with their own goals, challenges, and stories. But every so often, someone comes along whose journey reminds us why we ride in the first place. Ron Guenther is one of those people.

Ron’s story is one of grit, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a cyclist. It’s a story that began like many others—with a love for riding and a goal to challenge himself. But what followed was a journey that would test every ounce of his strength.

A Dream Ride Turns into a Life-Changing Year

When covid-19 shuttered the 2020 RBC GranFondo Whistler, they created a 12 Day Challenge with all entry proceeds going to the Food Bank or Cycling BC’s iRide Kids program. One of the prizes was a Trek 2021 Emonda SL 5 and Ron won! It was a moment of joy and excitement, a symbol of the adventures to come. By June 2022, he was pushing his limits in the Improving Your Time Fondo Clinic with Coach Andrew, preparing for what would be his fourth Whistler GranFondo that September.

He crushed that ride in under five hours—a personal best and a testament to his dedication. But just weeks later, everything changed.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

In October 2022, after some abdominal pain and swelling, at his wife’s insistence, he made the appoint to see his doctor. Tests were ordered and within 10 days, Ron found himself in the ER. After dozens of tests and scans, Ron was diagnosed with Stage IV Lymphoma, an aggressive and life-threatening cancer. The news was devastating. For many, this would have marked the end of their riding journey, but not for Ron.

As a result of the cancer deforming his spine, Ron had 4 bulging disks and could only walk short distances with a cane. According to Ron, “the doctors said they caught the cancer within a month of it’s starting- thank goodness my wife exercised her spousal prerogative and made me see a doctor – I would have left it to resolve itself.”

By January 2023, he shared his diagnosis publicly, opening up about his battle and the road ahead. His courage in facing the unknown was nothing short of inspiring. And just a few months later, in April 2023, he announced he was in remission—a miraculous turnaround that spoke volumes about his strength and determination.

Cycling After Cancer: Back in the Saddle

After months of treatment and recovery, Ron got back on his road bike in June 2024. It was his first time cycling after cancer, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter. He wasn’t just riding for fitness anymore—he was riding for life.

He rejoined the Fondo Clinics in 2024, this time with Coach Edwin. The support of the community and his fellow riders helped fuel his comeback to cycling after Cancer. And in September 2024, Ron completed his fifth Whistler Gran Fondo—his first post-chemo. His only goal was to finish, and he did just that.

We asked Ron how it felt cycling after cancer, participating in the Fondo Clinics in 2024 and how it compares to this year so far as we move into the last few weeks of training and the notorious inaugural Cypress Climb.

In Ron’s Words..

“2024 was scary. My first time on a road bike since chemo was just 3 weeks before the 2024 SportMed clinics started. I signed up for one because I needed a supportive group to help me get back into road cycling after cancer and it was just the boost I needed. That first week I really struggled, but our ride coach Edwin & sweep Liz were super supportive. Liz definitely hung back for me as I worked hard to keep up with the group.

Over the next 12 weeks I followed the training plan, my strength on the bike slowly increased and my confidence returned. I wasn’t where I was before Cancer, but I felt confident I could finish the 122 km.

On Sept 7th, at the Granfondo start line, I told myself the only goal was to finish. I called it my Social Granfondo and I had fun. I rode conservatively using all the techniques we’d practiced in the clinic and stopped at all the aid stations to sample the snacks & drinks (shout out for the frozen slushies). 6.5 hours after leaving Stanley Park I crossed the finish line in Whistler with my wife cheering, no cramps and the biggest smile! My time was 90 min slower than in 2022 but that wasn’t important. Hearing them call out my name and getting that finisher medal was what I had aimed for – another step away from Cancer.”

“This year my goals are different. I want to do better than just finish; but still have fun. I’ve signed up for another SportMed clinic and also for the Resilience clinics with Kristen Anderson. After each clinic I compare my progress to last year, and it’s amazing how far I’ve come. For example, last year in week 2 I struggled to do 3 slow Camosun hill repeats while this year I did 5 quickly with energy left to do more. I’m very confident that I’ll finish faster this year than last, and still have fun doing it.”

“I strongly encourage riders to consider participating in a SportMed clinic, even if they’ve ridden the RBC GranFondo Whistler before. The skills I’ve gained are invaluable but the social connections are very important too. I’ve made many new rider friends over the years and we still keep in touch and support each other.”

Eyes on the Horizon

Ron is currently training with Coach Edwin and setting his sights on his sixth Whistler Gran Fondo this September. His goal? A five-hour finish—or anything under six. But no matter the time, Ron has already won in every way that matters.

A Story That Inspires Us All

Ron’s story is just one of many within the Fondo community, but it’s one that captures the essence of what these clinics are all about: courage, perseverance, and the will to keep moving forward.

Whether you’re training for your first Fondo or your tenth, Ron’s journey reminds us that the road ahead is never just about the finish line—it’s about the ride, the people you meet along the way, and the strength you discover within yourself.

So here’s to Ron—and to every rider who shows up, no matter the odds. You inspire us more than you know.