We've all heard stories about people raising money for cancer and there are all kinds of events, all over the country, practically every week for that cause.
Suppose I was to tell you there is a fundraiser called the Ride2Survive and it's a cycling event starting in Kelowna and ending in Delta. A distance of 400 km with over 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) of climbing over two high mountain passes, Penask Summit (1728 m) and the Coquilhalla Summit (1244 m).
Suppose I was to tell you that this ride was completed in one day, leaving Kelowna at about 3:30 in the morning and arriving in Delta at about 11:00 p.m. the same day.
Suppose I was to tell you that local River City Cycle Club member Jacob Koomen did this ride this year — and if you think that's incredible, what if I further told you he's 67 years old?
Well, it's all true, Jacob did indeed do this ride this past week on June 20. The Ride2Survive started 11 years ago and Koomen has participated in it for the past four years and has raised more than $15,000 for the Cancer Society.
“The ride, for me is still a great challenge being 67 years young and doing 400 kilometres in one day” Koomen said on his return to Campbell River. “But knowing that you are riding for a great cause — the fight against cancer — and riding with cancer survivors gives you all the inspiration to do it. We also have a great crew of which my wife Jannie is part, and they give us riders a big boost every time we come into a rest stop.”
“I also get great support from the residents of Campbell River, our local bike club, the River City Cycling Club and Outdoor Addictions. The Canadian Cancer Society (BC and Yukon) also help with their donations and I am already looking forward to do it again in 2016”.
You can join Jacob on many Wednesday evenings or most Sundays for an easy, short road ride. Check out the RCCC website at www.rivercitycycle.ca.