Ride2Survive raises heart rate and funds for cancer research

KELOWNA – Ride2Survive is a gruelling 400 kilometre, 19-hour bike ride which not only raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society, but is also designed to represent a day in the life of someone living with cancer.

The ride is hard, long and emotional — but the key is not giving up. 

In the last 15 years the event has raised over $8,000,000, according to a Ride2Survive media release. The fundraising goal this year is 1,000,000. 

The ride will begin Saturday, June 22 at 2:30 a.m. from Kelowna.

Cyclists will ride to Britton Creek and meet the escort officials: Delta police, BC Ambulance, six RCMP motorcycle and six Abbotsford motorcycle police. The team will cycle into Delta along the Lougheed Highway and over the Golden Ears Bridge, with escorts blocking traffic as they pass.

The ride was started by Kerry and Vicki Kunzli and a few friends personally affected by cancer. Ride2Survive is currently the largest independent fundraiser in Canada

The ride is expected to be complete around 10 p.m. June 22. The final mile of the ride honours cancer survivors, who wear yellow vests and lead the team to the finish line where streets lined with supporters cheer them on. 

The progress of the ride will be tracked live through the event's Facebook page.

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