Heather Jager of the Delia area is getting back on her bike to take on the 2011 Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.
“I’ve done it before so I guess it isn't too spooky this time around,” she told The Mail. “Having met some of the kids and families affected by cancer and seeing what a difference the programs the foundation supports make in their lives, it is pretty hard to walk away from that kind of an experience and not feel like there isn’t more that can be done.”
The benchmark fundraising goal for the ride is $25,000. Last time Jager took on the course, she raised more than $47,000, and this year she has set her goal at $50,000.
This is the fourth year for the ride, which starts in Halifax and ends in Vancouver. The riders will be taking on upwards of 350 kilometres a day in the saddle. The ride will make stops at many of the 17 pediatric oncology centres across Canada, and at Sears stores along the route.
She said there will be two teams, one will focus on the trek while the other team will handle more of the community outreach aspects, meeting people and garnering support. She chose to be on the ultra riding team.
To that end she began training six days a week in October, and once the weather clears up will be back on her bike.
“Right now on a weekly basis I am riding (on a stationary bike) about 210 kilometres. But as it peaks closer to the ride, I will be riding up to 900 kilometres a week,” she said,
Jager has already started fundraising and has a crafters retreat coming up at the Delia Hall on April 2 and 3. This is a weekend where people can bring their projects and take time out to work on their crafts and enjoy the camaraderie of other crafters.
“We cook lunch and supper…and generally take care of them so they don’t have any distraction and can work on scrapbooking or quilting or whatever craft they enjoy,” she said.
She is also planning a Ladies Diamond Dinner and fashion gala for May 7 at Delia Hall.
“It’s right close to Mother’s Day so it would be a great gift,” she said.
Jager is looking forward to the excursion.
“It’s a great cause and it is still something I like to do,” she said.
For more information, readers can go to www.searsnationalkidscancerride.org, or contact Jager at h.Jager@hotmail.com.
