SLATE RIVER VALLEY, Ont. - After a successful decade, Thunder Bay’s marquee cycling event changed things up in 2019.
In its 11th year, the charity ride switched the starting location from the Nor’Wester Hotel to Belluz Farms, and added Central Canada Industries as a new title sponsor.
More than 250 cyclists participated in the ride on Saturday, and organizers estimated $40,000 in donations will go towards the Northern Cancer Fund.
Cyclists could choose between the 41, 60, or 100-kilometre route, as riders started at Belluz Farms and were directed around the area.
The scenic slopes, never-ending farmland, and forest green mountains in the backdrop made for a gorgeous ride in the late fall setting of Slate River Valley.
“We’re getting a really positive feedback about changing the ride to Belluz Farms,” said committee member John Sims. “It gives us an opportunity to get onto rural routes much faster,”
Organizers said the ride is so popular among cyclists because it’s family-friendly, offers something for every level of cyclist, and helps a good cause.
“It offers something for riders with challenging routes, or riders who want to enjoy a shorter routes and catch up with their friends,” said John Sims, a committee member of the charity ride."
In the last 10 years, the ride has raised more than $350,000 towards the Northern Cancer Fund, all of which stays within the region.
Andrea Docherty, program director for the regional cancer program, says the money contributes to research for people facing a cancer diagnosis in Northwestern Ontario.
Recently the Northern Cancer Fund has implemented a retail pharmacy for oral chemotherapy safety, and this year, a team of experts has been working to bring prostate brachytherapy to Thunder Bay.
Over the last decade, the money has also been used to purchase equipment such as CT scanners, MRIs, and IV infusion pumps for people undergoing cancer treatment.
“I think people feel really good about coming out, going for a ride, choosing a healthy lifestyle, and as far as cyclists are concerned, it’s always much more fun to ride with a group of people as opposed to going out by yourself,” Sims said.
“We have a cycling group here in Thunder Bay that’s very family-oriented. I think that’s one of those things about cycling, it’s not necessarily unique to Thunder Bay, but I think that’s an option we give people to enjoy the day with their family.”
