TAZ VISRAM

I’m still evolving and I hope that never changes! My family says I’m a big kid and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I was born in Tanzania but moved to Canada when I was 13. I lived in Toronto until I moved to Vancouver in 2013 (which is seriously the best place on Earth—and also the center of the universe because my wife lives here!). I have a degree in technical engineering, so I like complex problems and finding solutions to them. I love good food—eating it and cooking it. I lose stuff a lot, but it’s all good: My wife helps me find whatever it is because she’s the one who hides it in the first place.

I was once a big guy. I was diabetic and out of shape. Any type of exercise was hard. It still is—but not in the same way. Now it’s a good “hard.” Challenging myself physically to do more with my personal trainer or to improve my form or to try new activities I haven’t done before is rewarding. I’m amazed at what my body can do, how I’ve improved, and how much better life is. In fact, I believe I’m more fit and active now than I was in my teens and early twenties (even while playing football in high school). Exercise or activity of any sort needs to be a part of my life—of every life. I feel better mentally and physically because of it and because of all the inspiring people I meet along the way.

I love cycling—like, really, really, really love cycling. I cycled when I was in Toronto, but the move to Vancouver changed my life because I was able to cycle year-round. It was a game-changer! I’ve completed five Ride to Conquer Cancer events (with one being virtual because of COVID-19) and I’ll continue to ride as long as I’m physically able. Adding other activities, physical therapy sessions, and yoga has only helped me get stronger, which makes me an even better cyclist. You know, I used to hate hills. Now I embrace them: I look forward to them and I chase them.

I recently conquered riding my bike up Cypress Mountain! It was hard, but I didn’t give up. In the past, I would have stopped or given up. I continued on and reached the top. Total elevation on that ride was close to 1,400 meters! Life is amazing, and without an active lifestyle, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this ride and it wouldn’t have been as great!