Thousands of cyclists raising funds for cancer care and research are expected to arrive in Sundre next weekend.
Barb Rock, the municipality’s community services assistant, said an estimated 2,500 cyclists will embark on the 11th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Getting started on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17 in Calgary’s northwest at the Shane Homes YMCA, the riders will follow a route up range roads as well as secondary highways, arriving in Sundre from the south along the Bergen Road, or Highway 760.
“Remember to wear your smile and welcome our guests,” said Rock.
Along with family and friends, the riders will spend the night at the Sundre Rodeo Grounds and then return to the city the next morning to complete the second and final leg of the ride.
The non-competitive event, founded in 2008 to support the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, has since grown and branched out not only across Canada but also even reaching Australia and New Zealand. Participants travel roughly 200 kilometres by bike in just two days, seeking sponsorship support in the lead-up to the ride.
The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raises funds that will benefit the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Last year, the route had for the first time brought the riders to town from Calgary, and a sizeable tent city had been established at the rodeo grounds.
Some riders arrived in Sundre last year when organizers were forced to cancel the Ride to Conquer Cancer due to health concerns caused by stifling smoke from B.C. wildfires. File photo
“A little tent city just appeared — I had no idea it would be that big of a setup!” said Rock.
But organizers were at the time forced to prematurely pull the plug because of stifling smoke that had wafted throughout the area as a result of wildfires raging in B.C., causing health concerns.
“We appreciate that they’re going to give the community of Sundre another chance,” said Rock, explaining the decision was entirely up to the organizers.
“I’m happy we get that opportunity and that the riders will get to experience the beautiful scenery we have here.”
The rodeo grounds offer ample room to comfortably accommodate the large number of people, she said, adding organizers seemed to enjoy the location.
“Usually, they’re in a paved parking lot. They’ve never had so much space to set up for the event — they love the backdrop of Snake Hill. To have something like this, they’re really excited.”
Although the Town of Sundre is hosting the event, the municipality will not have a hand in any of the logistics involved, she said, adding the organizers are making all of the arrangements from traffic control and setting up the tent city to everything in between.
Visit ride.conquercancer.ca/alberta19 for the full route and other information, including volunteer opportunities that can be found by selecting the Rider Hub tab and scrolling down to Crew & Volunteer.
Rock encourages anyone who’s interested in lending a hand to consider completing a volunteer registration form online.
“I’m going to fill mine out today,” she said last Tuesday during an interview.
“I just want to be involved.”
People who want to participate but perhaps are unable to commit to volunteering are nevertheless also invited to come out and cheer on the riders, she said.
“Make signs and welcome them to the community!”
