Hundreds of cyclists will take the fight against cancer on the road by riding Foothills highways this weekend.
Hundreds of cyclists will take the fight against cancer on the road by riding Foothills highways this weekend.
Long-time Okotoks resident Kevin Matthews has pedalled his way along Foothills highways in the past, but it will have a personal meaning when he arrives in Okotoks after the first leg of the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer on Aug. 6.
Matthews is riding for his mother and stepfather. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and six weeks later his stepfather was diagnosed with leukemia.
Taking part in the ride is his way of contributing to the fight against the disease.
“I'm not a pro by any means, but it's my recreational hobby,” he said. “I always had heard of the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and once they got their diagnosis and started their path I thought it would be something good to do to represent them and let them know the donations and money raised is going to go towards the treatments and things that they need.”
It will be Matthews' first time participating in the two-day ride.
Riders will set out from Calgary Olympic Park on the morning of Aug. 6, passing through Bragg Creek, Turner Valley and Black Diamond before ending the day at the Pason Centennial Arena. The first riders are expected to arrive in Okotoks around 10:30 a.m. The rest of the pack is expected to ride into town over the afternoon, with the last riders arriving around 5:30 p.m.
Riders will spend the night in Okotoks in a tent city at the Pason Centennial Arena and will begin the return trip to Calgary Aug. 7 at 7 a.m.
Last year there were 1,741 riders that raised $7.4 million. The event has raised more than $54 million since 2009. The funds go to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, which supports 17 cancer centres across Alberta.
The total number of riders and funds raised this year won't be revealed until the opening ceremony is held in Calgary on Aug. 6.
Riders are asked to raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate. Matthews has nearly doubled that target, raising around $4,800 to this point.
He said the 200km distance will be a challenge, but it's one he is ready for.
An avid cyclist, Matthews has covered longer distances on recreational rides through the Millarville, DeWinton and Red Deer Lake areas, but this will be the longest distance he'll travel by pedal yet.
“Probably I'll do 60 to 80km on a ride,” he said. “It'll be a challenge because it's 100km back to back.”
Matthews is riding individually, but his parents will be with him. He said they will meet him in Okotoks at the end of the first day and they will be at the finish line in Calgary at the end of the ride.
And, they have some good news.
Matthews' mother has completed all her treatment and was recently given a clean bill of health.
“Obviously it's got to be monitored, but she has successfully made it through,” he said.
His stepfather, on the other hand, has a form of Leukemia that cannot be cured. Matthews said ongoing treatment and medication will keep it at bay.
“As long as he does that he should be okay, but it's not a curable form so he'll always have it for the rest of his life,” he said.
In the end, Matthews said they are fortunate.
“Even though my stepdad will always have it, it's at a controllable stage right now,” he said. “That's the good sign and my mom's gone through all her dark phases of it and came out at the other end successful.”
Matthews said the ride and everyone involved is working to keep up the fight against cancer.
“We're just doing our part to be involved with it in the ride and raise funds to help everybody out who goes through it,” he said.
