A local team is looking to grow its ranks for next year's Ride to Conquer Cancer.
Team captain Simon Amesbury took part in the epic, two-day cycling event last year, at which time he learned there were several other local participants, either riding individually or in pairs. He decided to try and pull them all together for 2015.
This year five South Delta residents formed the South Delta Riders team and were able raise $29,076. Joining Amesbury were Mike Heras, Sean Johnson, Tom Keady and Rich Niebuhr.
Their vision is to grow the team each year and to raise more money for the cause.
"The fundraising and training is so much easier when you work as a team," says Amesbury. "You don't necessarily have to do everything together leading up to the weekend ride, but over those two days the support you get from your teammates gets you through the tough times."
The support on this year's ride was invaluable as the first day saw participants battle headwinds reaching more than 100 km/h. Since its inception in 2009, the Ride to Conquer Cancer, which sees cyclists pedal to Seattle, Wash., has raised over $70 million. There were 2,087 riders this year that raised $8.4 million.
Funds raised through B.C.'s largest cycling fundraiser support breakthrough cancer research and enhancements to care at the B.C. Cancer Agency.
Anyone planning on registering for the 2016 ride that wishes to join the South Delta Riders team, or anyone that would like to sponsor the team or its members, can find information on the Ride to Conquer Cancer website or by contacting [email protected].
Next year's ride takes place Aug. 27 and 28.
