Kate Pettersen

My name is Kate Pettersen, and I am a Sports Reporter from Toronto. I started cycling with my mom (Lee) after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, as we trained to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. She was a nine-year Ride veteran and joined the Ride to support others she knew who had been touched by Cancer. Only one year after her first time on the Ride, she found herself riding for her own life as a survivor. She was given just two months to live when diagnosed with ovarian cancer but through numerous clinical trials at Princess Margaret, she lived 8.5 wonderful years. Many of the doctors have said that her physical fitness from all the cycling she did throughout her treatment, helped her push through and defy the odds. I spent many hours riding with her and crossed that finish line each year beaming with pride as I pedalled hard with the words “FOR MOM” written on the backs of my legs. My mom is my inspiration and I think of her every time I get on my bike.

I have fallen in love with cycling for so many reasons including the euphoric feeling of hitting the open road and the community of friends I’ve gained through the sport. My work life can be very hectic so my time on the bike allows me to take a breath and is the place I go for stress relief. I am currently living in the Blue Mountain area and there are so many avid cyclists and tons of new routes to explore. I’ve set a 5000 km goal for the year on Strava, so I’ve certainly got my work cut out for me this season but I’m really looking forward to it.

I love the values PEPPERMINT stands for, especially the work they do to support and grow the women’s cycling community. I’m proud to be part of the PEPPERMINT collective.