Three local cyclists will be saddling up to contribute in the battle against cancer, raising funds to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer on June 25 to 26.
“I’m very excited,” says Knight, preparing for her second year with the ride, “it feels awesome to have that many riders on the road supporting one cause.”
Knight, who lost her father in 2008 to a quick bout of lung cancer, and her team will be riding with the same organization which raised $7.3 million in Alberta last year.
Darryl and Bonni Benner joined the ride in honour of Bonni’s late grandmother who succumbed to her cancer, and in support of a coworker who lost her husband as well. Bonni said Darryl is supportive behind any sort of challenge.
“I’m nervous, but we’re having a lot of fun getting prepared. We’ve never taken part before and it’ll be a huge challenge,” said Bonni.
The team of three must raise $7,500 collectively to enter the ride, or $2,500 each. They’re hosting a not-so-typical fundraiser at the hall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 7 – a gourmet potato meal, silent auction, and a crafts and baked goods sale.
The ride will be 225 kilomtres long, although the route isn’t announced until a short time before teams gather for the ride. Last year’s event started in Spruce Meadows.
Knight admits “it was a hard go last year, I wasn’t fully prepared.”
“I’ve been training hard: riding indoors, going indoors. As soon as it warms up we’ll be biking outdoors, because actual hills and roads are important to get used to before a long ride like this,” said Knight.
Right now, the team is generating donations for the silent auction, and collecting private donations. They hope the May 7 event will be a big boost to their fundraising goal, as only about 20 per cent of the required pledges have been secured, said Knight.
Those who wish to donate items for the auction or private pledges may contact Knight at 403-821-0560 or Bonni at 403-823-1636.
