Third Caribou Ride set for Sept. 11

More than 400 cyclists are expected to pedal in support of cancer research next month.

Cyclists will be taking part in the third annual Caribou Charity Ride for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, which starts on Saturday, Sept. 11. The fundraising event will offer a 50- and 100-kilometre ride through the rolling hills of Oliver Paipoonge.

The event raised about $25,000 last year and event organizer Jeff Hupka said they hoped to surpass that amount by the conclusion of this year’s event.

“This gives everyone from the weekend warrior to the competitive cyclist a chance to get out on their bike,” Hupka said on Tuesday. “One of our goals when we created this ride was to give Thunder Bay a premiere cycling event, which we didn’t have before.

“Over the past three years, I think we have really accomplished that goal.  We create cancer awareness and also empower those who have been impacted by the disease.”

Hupka said they had more than 300 riders last year and hoped to have 400 cyclists come out this year.

Frank Wilson, president of the Thunder Bay Cycling Club, said the Caribou ride was one of the largest cycling events in Northwestern Ontario.

“It’s a great way to get a friend to go for a cycle on rural roads and enjoy the scenery and the safe surroundings and contribute to a great cause,” Wilson said.

“It’s a ride for fun and that’s what you get. You get to spend a day with like-minded people doing a healthy activity.”

Participants can sign up online at the Caribou Charity website. The registration fee is $65 and includes an event t-shirt, a post-ride lunch and a $10 gift certificate to the Thunder Bay Auditorium.