It's going to take 30 people to power the Big Bike when it shows up in town Aug. 1.
Joanne Braun, owner of the Curves in Innisfail said her company has been supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Big Bike campaign for the last six years and hopes this year is like past events, bringing in dollars and raising awareness for heart disease and stroke research.
“The bike weighs a ton — it's 2,000 pounds,” she said. “You need a full bike to propel it especially in Innisfail where we're on a tilt.”
She said in the past Curves members filled the seats of the bike and took it for a 20-minute ride around town. This year she hopes even more people come out so it can become more of a community event.
“It's getting harder to find people to ride it because it's not a comfortable ride. It takes a lot of manpower and women power to get it going,” she explained. Last year was the first time they weren't able to host the ride because not enough people signed up.
“You don't have to worry about balance,” she said, explaining because of the bike's size the tires are quite large similar to car tires.
“Once you sit, you're sitting. As long as you can pedal, you can do it.”
People are asked to raise at least $50 to be part of the event. In 2010 Curves competed against other Curves in the area to see who could raise the most and they won with $4,800. While they're not competing this year, Braun hopes to raise as much this time around.
“It is a lot of fun,” she said. Pledge forms are available at Curves. She also said prizes will be given out for people raising money. People also have the option of re-donating their prize back to Heart and Stroke.
For more information call the local Heart and Stroke office at 403-343-7091 or drop by Curves for a pledge form.
