A GREAT Biker Movie

[CanadianRider]

What would you do if you had one day, one week, or one month to live? This is the premise of the movie One Week starring Joshua Jackson as Ben Tyler.

 

I saw this movie tonight with my younger brother Sean. This is a great biker movie highlighting some of the best scenery from Toronto to the west coast of Vancouver Island.

 

In the movie Ben has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer of the blood, lymphatic system and liver. Given the news that he will only survive a couple years at most, Ben goes on a journey to discover himself and how he fits into the relationship with his fiance. What makes the movie special is the journey is taken on an old 850 Norton Commando. Leaving Toronto, Ben heads north up through Sudbury along the northern shore of Lake Superior and then onto Thunderbay. Ben crosses through to Manitoba where he has an accidental encounter with the Stanley Cup. Through the prairies and bad lands of Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta Ben meets interesting people along the way who help him in his search. Without giving too much of the movie away Ben ends his journey in Tofino on Vancouver Island then returns home.

 

This movie is not light at heart like Wild Hogs (a great biker movie in and of itself), but is a movie of much deeper meaning and reflection. For myself this movie has a lot of personal significance. I was choked up through most of the movie. Like Ben I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the blood, lymphatic system, and liver. My cancer actually started in the colon which has been removed. I too have only been given a couple of years to live and am in search of meaning for my remaining days here on earth. I have visited most of the places Ben travelled but not on a bike. I have always said I wanted to ride to the west coast – and now I have even more inspiration to make it happen.

 

In my opinion this is a great biker movie. Being a proud Canadian I am proud this is a very good Canadian production featuring Canadian actors and some of the best Canadian scenes you would ever see from the saddle of a bike. If you get a chance go see the movie. And think about it, what would you do if you were given one day, one week, or one month to live?

[99silver]

Ron,

My prayers are with you my friend.

I hope the movie shows here in the States soon.

I'm not sure if we have met but I turn up at as many events as I can.

 

May the Lord give you the strength for many a more miles,

Gary

[mother]

i will be checking into that movie for sure.

 

i watched a movie called The Bucket List, and it hit home with me. my dad always wanted to see the Smithsoneon museum, and now has Dimentia and is frail.

i dont know why he waited.

 

follow your dreams, dont wait.

 

we hope to meet up with you at one of the many rides that go on here.

 

Scott

[RandyR]

I'll watch for the movie locally. If not, it will eventually make it to DVD.

 

Live well while you can my friend. God be with you.

 

there's a web page for the movie http://oneweek.ca/

[mraf]

Seen a write up on it awhile back . It sounded like a good film to see when it becomes available here. Sometimes decisions are thrust upon us. For which the only answer is to soul search. To not experience inner peace for the time we have is a tragedy. Ride-on. If you do a ride to the west coast you will never wipe that smile off your face.

[91nwl]

Anybody who heads out on a road trip on a Norton needs lots of prayers.

 

I watched Easy Rider a couple of days ago. Dumb movie, but those scenes of the guys cruising down the highway are still awesome and make me want to take off and not come back til I'm good and ready.

[DragonRider]

With everything thats been happening with our members and some of my friends lately, I am questioning life, or what I have left of it.........nothing drastic going on here, but it sure does make you think about the future.........so.......I think I am gonna start on my "bucket list". I have done a lot and seen a lot, but there are still lots of things I want to see and do........

[Marcarl]

If I had only one day left to live,you ask? or one week, or what ever? I would first think it paramount to discover if there was really anything happening after I die. Some say there is, some say it's the end for us, and there are lots more opinions. Once I determined what was in store down the road, if anything, then I would decide what to do with the time I have left here on this earth.

I could go on for another couple of days, but the post would get a little long because I don't type that fast. Suffice it to say; plan your future, for today may be the only time you have for that.

[CanadianRider]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts. I have been openly sharing my Cancer Journey on Facebook and on my Journal on my old corporate website www.bottomlinecoaches.com. I hope through sharing my experience with others that they will 1) be more proactive in their own healthcare, 2) realize a sudden terminal disease can strike anyone at anytime, 3) live each day to its fullest, and 4) support cancer research to eradicate this terrible disease.

 

I have not met any of you on this website as of yet since I only got back into biking last June just prior to learning about my disease. However, I did get in 13,000 km last summer and plan to do that or a LOT more this year while I can still ride. I hope to have the opprotunity to meet many from this group during my travels.

 

My fiance Nancy asked me why I wanted to get back into biking (she had never been on a bike prior to last summer and she did all 13k with me). I told her on a bike you always have friends, there are always people you can talk to, that bikers are the salt of the earth and we help each other out in times of need. And of course, there is no better way to see this great continent we live on than in the saddle of a big bike.

 

Last June I knew I had to get back into biking, not until November did I realize how significant it would be. Things happen for a reason, we just have to find out what that reason is. God Bless all, hope to see you on the road this summer, Ron

[maxantinlive.com]

Always live in the moment rather you are sick or not,everything you said is true and riding is a beautiful thing,always have fun and know that we are JUST PASSING THROUGH!! PEACE BROTHER!!!

[ddoggma]

Life can be a brutal meat grinder at times. At my age...51, Its pretty much crunch time. I see some of my friends and myself, getting worn down. Parents dieing, brothers,sisters...friends. Stay strong bro, eat right and try and enjoy life. I find nature and dogs make me happy. I got you in my prayers, along with Don and all the rest. Good luck and watch out for the mooses up there. I'll keep an eye out for the movie, but I dont need any stimuli for deep thought and introspect these days. Its all I do,since my brother had a heartattack and died right in front of me.The Vent helps with that. As does this site and you guys. Thanks

[ibents]

Ron, I really admire your courage, life throws us some difficult challenges, how we react to them and face them depends on the inner strength of that person, you along with Freebird seem to be dealing with these adversity's in an outstanding manner.

 

I have read your journal and found it very touching and inspirational the way you are dealing with this terrible disease, as I mentioned in another thread I found out about a month ago that I have prostate cancer, I've had all the scans and it is confined to the prostate..so far..now I have to wait for the surgeon and though mine is more minor than yours I think we all go through the denial and the "can't be me" phase.

 

What I'm getting at is, whatever our lot in life is, we have to make the best of a bad situation and live life to the fullest, don't put off untill tomorrow what can be done today, always tell those close to you that you love them and if you've got a "Bucket List" follow it through.

 

God bless and keep you and your family Ron

 

Ian

[Richb]

Interesting question. First, Canadian Rider...my best wishes to you. Back to topic. I will turn 45 in August. I have worked fulltime since I was 19. ( I work in finance /sales analytics). I have been married 20 years to my wonderful bride and we are blessed with two outstanding teenage daughters. Without doubt, I am the luckiest guy in the world. I've ridden motorcycles for several years, but this is the first year I am going camping with my RSV. (Two trips already planed for this summer). I also play lead guitar in a local "Spanglish" rock band. www.spittnllamas.com

 

Co-workers (especially men) who are my age, are amazed that I do these things. I am often asked..."how do you do that", when do you do that", etc. My answer is..."I choose to do it". When I ask these same men what they do with their time outside of work, the answer is usually, "nothing". That's sad.

 

I try to find balance between being a responsible husband, father, breadwinner, and being a "biker", and guitar player. You see, I realized a few years ago that I am in the 2nd half of the game. It's time to start checking things off the list, while the list is still within reach. My heart goes out to anyone who is losing grasp of the list, but maybe even more-so to those who never took the time to create a list.

 

Best wishes to everyone on this forum who are working a list.

 

To quote John Melloncamp..."Your life is now".

[1 Canuck]

I've read your website. It leaves me speechless and my mind traveling with so many thoughts and feelings.

The older I've become (50+), I know more friends and acquaintances that are going through a similar journey. Unfortunately, I think I take most days granted, when it is everyday that I should be thankful to be here.

My wife and I both ride, but she has much more of a passion for riding than I. Her dream (ten top things to do) is to travel across Canada on her bike, down the west coast, and across the southern US, and return back up Atlantic coast, home. Cancer runs in family as well. I guess we both better look into her dream a little closer?

I'm planning to see that movie tonight with her, so I'm sure I'll get an earful.

Anyway, maybe sometime if you are up to it, we can catch up with each other at Tim Horton's @ 10 & Mayfield? Or if you need a riding partner, give me a call and maybe head up to the Forks or Wasaga Beach?

[CanadianRider]

I'm planning to see that movie tonight with her, so I'm sure I'll get an earful.

Anyway, maybe sometime if you are up to it, we can catch up with each other at Tim Horton's @ 10 & Mayfield? Or if you need a riding partner, give me a call and maybe head up to the Forks or Wasaga Beach?

 

1 Canuck I hope you enjoyed the movie and that you and your wife get to follow the dream. I probably do not live to far away from you - I am at Lakeshore and Hiway #10 (Port Credit) and love to travel north up Hiway #10. Right now I have a cold, then next week I go back into chemo, so perhaps in a couple of weeks we can take that ride. Ron

[RAMBLER328]

I did it in 1975 Toronto to Vancouver Island on a 1973 Yamaha 750 twin. The next year we went to Newfoundland. The memories will last a life time. I know the roller coaster ride your expriencing, I was diagnosed with leukemia Jan.5, 2005 at age 49 that April I was also told I have large B-cell lymphoma. Two blood cancers at the same time. The future didn't look good. They scheduled chemo at Sunnybrook to start asap. I asked my doctor if it could wait until the summer was over, I had planned a trip to New Orleans and thought this could be my last road trip. If I had stayed longer it might have been, I just got back home when Katrina struck. Since then I've done a lot of road trips. I've riden the tail of the dragon NC, been to Sturges SD., Americade twice, founders day in Akron OH. This summer I'm heading to the outer banks NC.

What I'm tring to say is never give up keep making plans. Live life too the best your abilities and enjoy everyday. If you would like to get together for a coffee we could meet at a Timmes. Best of luck with the chemo.

[JohnnyB]

I saw the movie last month and it was great. My wife and I rode from Vancouver BC to St John's NF and back last summer and a lot of the sights along the way were just like in the movie.

Go for it.

All the best.

Johnny

PS

If you make it to BC you have a place to stay, we live close to Vancouver.

604-792-2880

I am a cancer survivor

[BobE]

CanadianRider,

 

I too am dealing with Stage 4 Liver Cancer and some has spread into the lymph nodes outside the liver. My blood is good for the moment. I am in chemotherapy (not fun), been through three rounds so far, right now dealing with bloody noses and diarrhea, as well as dizziness and fatigue. When I get a chance I will check out your website.

 

While I would like to see this movie, I don't know if I could emotionally do so at this time. I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook and so far it's working, so I don't want to take an emotional dive at this time.

 

For the past 10 years my wife and I were making a major bike trip each year to a different part of the country because of her heart condition, as she wanted to see as much of the country as we could while she was able to. Well, it looks like it may be me who may not be able to, so we're glad we got the tours in while we could and while we had money!

 

Good luck on your ride and my thoughts and prayers are with you!

 

BobE

[1BigDog]

Bobe, sorry to hear your sick. Best I can offer is my prayers for you and your wife.

Same for you too, Ron and all the others fighting this terrible disease.

[CanadianRider]

Wow - is all I can say - I am so moved by the outpouring of honesty from so many people who have had to fight this terrible disease. It has just floored me at the number of people fighting. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement.

 

Personally, I find it beneficial to talk about what I am going through - to put a human face on a dreadful monster. On my website I talk about the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual journey I am going through. If I can get one person to go for a colonoscopy that subsequently catches the disease at an early stage, I have been successful. If this disease is caught in stages 1 through 3, life expectancy is very good. The disease caught in Stage 4 like myself - the odds are very bad. Men and women should get a colonoscopy as a routine exam by the time they are 40 - if you are clean, you don't need to repeat for another 5 years or so. If you are found not to be clean (small polyp growth) you will be scheduled for repeats every 2 to 3 years. In Canada we usually don't do colonoscopies until the age of 50 - well guess what - I was 48 and already at Stage 4. I have since met people in their 20's and 30's at Stage 4 - it shouldn't be happening, but it is.

 

Colorectal Cancer is the #2 killer behind lung cancer. Lung cancer rates decline quickly with the cessation of smoking. Colorectal cancer has many more causes that they are still trying to understand. For example I have three brothers. Two brothers are totally clean (one is younger than me, one is older). However, my youngest brother has had polyps (pre-cancer) removed from his colon several times now. Same family, similar diets and life style - yet two of us are predisposed to colorectal cancer and two are not.

 

If in doubt - check it out.

 

Ron

[CanadianRider]

CanadianRider,

 

I too am dealing with Stage 4 Liver Cancer and some has spread into the lymph nodes outside the liver. My blood is good for the moment. I am in chemotherapy (not fun), been through three rounds so far, right now dealing with bloody noses and diarrhea, as well as dizziness and fatigue. When I get a chance I will check out your website.

 

While I would like to see this movie, I don't know if I could emotionally do so at this time. I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook and so far it's working, so I don't want to take an emotional dive at this time.

 

BobE

 

BobE

 

First off I see you have a similar bike to my second bike. I had a 1981 XS1100 TransCanada version - this was Yamahas first attempt at selling a full dressed bike.

 

I am sorry to hear your chemo has been rough, I have been through 7 cycles and so far no real problems with nausea etc. However, I was taken off chemo 7 weeks ago due to the break down of mucous membranes in my rectal area (not nice). Now that the sores have finally healed, I will restart my chemo next Monday. I am looking forward to chemo restarting as it has so far been successful in stabilizing the growth of the cancer on my liver.

 

Sometimes, as you are probably aware, the oncologist have to play with the chemo drugs administered to get the right results - we are all different and we all react differently to the various combination of drugs. I hope your oncology team can get your regime straightened out to minimize the side effects while doing you the best good.

 

Continue to maintain a positive attitude - afterall, while dealing with this disease it is ALL ABOUT YOU. Do what YOU need to maintain a positive environment and outlook. For me the movie was positive, for others it may not be - do what YOU think is right. I am sure you are going to figure out what is and what is not important for you, let that guide your way.

 

God bless and best wishes for your continued treatment, Ron

[BobE]

Thanks for the support, Ruffy!

 

Ron, my cancer is a rare form of liver cancer that started in the bile ducts and spread from there. I had back-to-back endoscopy and colonoscopies done and I am clean in those areas, Praise the Lord!

 

I just finished Round 3 of a 6-round initial treatment, after the 6th round they will do the tests and scans needed to see how I am doing. They tell me the same thing about the different formulations of chemo, and so far it appears the one I am on now (a new one) is working well, despite the little side effects that is a small price to pay. My cancer is incurable, so as you well know, that means the best I can achieve is remission, but a cancer of some flavor will return in the future. The place I am going to here in Rhode Island is great, the people are great, and they all have a very positive outlook on making remission.

 

I have absolutely no problem talking about my cancer, most people seem to think I am unusual because I am so matter-of-fact. The main reason for that is because my Father died of a rare form of liver cancer, my mother died of a common form of liver cancer, my uncle died of some form of liver cancer I'm not sure of, and my wife's first husband died of lung cancer, so we've both been there, done that. That was back in the early 80s, this is now, medicine has progressed since then (it better, I'm spending enough money on it!), so hopefully things will get better. Because this is incurable, I have been placed on permanent Social Security Disability, although that doesn't start until September (5-month waiting period). I no longer have a job and at 51, a diabetic, and now cancer in my history, fat chance of me getting a job.

 

Anyway, in regards to my bike (The Old Coot), it's a full dresser with all Yamaha tupperware, kind of was the Venturer before the Venturer came out in 1981 from Yamaha. It needs a lot of fix-em-up, but I neither have the energy, knowledge, or the urge to do so right now. I used to have an 83, 93, and 05 Venture, as well as Gold Wings, among many other rides, but I imagine the Old Coot will be my last rig, unless I can afford a trike someday (fat chance of that ever happening).

 

Such is life. I put a period on this chapter and go on to the next chapter in my life. It's all we can do, just keep calm on the surface and paddle like hell under water.

 

Take care, and I'm heading over to your website right after this!

 

BobE

[BobE]

Hey Ron,

 

Just read your journal....I am also taking Avastin and those "flare-ups" happen for a couple of days after misery begins, but then it goes away until the next round. I will keep an eye on it and inform my doctor. Unlike yourself, I never had the problem until now, so I am hoping it is not an issue.

 

I have been through all the emotions you mentioned and then some. I even wrote about a day at Chemo for The Venturers who have never spent a day in chemo to digest. I can send it to you if you are interested.

 

I gotta admit, Ron, how many people would have a female doctor named Swallow....you are a unique case, my Friend!

Edited April 15, 2009 by BobE
Totally Emotional Reaction Brought On By The Need To Read...

[PastorPaul]

When I saw the title I thought you were talking about Wild Hogs. LOL I guess I will have to check this one out . Sounds good.