Pedalling for cash?
That is exactly what a group of Cochrane cyclists did last weekend, when they took their stationary bikes to the streets of historical downtown.
Nine cyclists rode during the day in front of MacKay’s Ice Cream collecting donations for upcoming charity rides, the Johnson MS Bike tour and the 2016 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
“All the riders are from Cochrane and we have a great group,” said Jeff Simpson, part of the team.
The cyclists are part of the Café Roubaix team, Simpson explained. While some are riding for either the MS Bike tour or the Ride to Conquer Cancer, some of the cyclists in the group are riding for both charities.
The MS Bike tour goes from Airdrie to Olds June 25 and 26. The ride is approximately 160 km, riding 80 km a day. The cyclists will begin at 8 a.m. June 25 in Airdrie. Once in Olds, the participants will have the options of attending stretching classes, lawn games, beer gardens, and dinner and dancing. After spending the night in the dorms at Olds College, the cyclists will jump back on their bikes and head back to Airdrie, where they will have a finish line BBQ with participants, volunteers and supporters. Funds raised from the tour will go to MS research, programs and services, and advocacy work.
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer is another two-day cycling challenge that covers more than 200 km on Aug. 6 and 7. This ride takes cyclists out of Calgary through the Rocky Mountains, with the opportunity to camp under the stars overnight after day one. Funds raised go directly to support patients and families at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary, the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and 15 cancer centres throughout Alberta – while also providing funding for research.
Last year, the group set up their stationary bikes in Cochrane for 12 consecutive hours and raised $35,000 for the MS Bike tour and more than $30,000 for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, according to organizers.
Simpson encourages anyone interested to inquire about the charity rides.
“Everyone is welcome,” Simpson said.
Team Cafe Roubaix is an Alberta Bicycling Association affiliated cycling club and membership is required. For more information about the team go to caferoubaix.ca
For more information on the MS Bike tour, go to mssociety.ca and for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, go to ab16.conquercancer.ca
