It’s big, it’s red and it’s rolling into Kelowna.

The Heart and Stroke Big Bike is saving lives by pedalling across the country to raise awareness and funds for the foundation.

In Kelowna, 33 teams consisting of more than 800 riders will take a seat on the bike, in an effort to raise a goal of $120,000 for the city and help raise $1.5 million for B.C.

Jessica Samuels with the Okanagan-Kootenay Heart and Stroke Foundation says residents are coming together with their colleagues, fellow students, or friends to raise money together to ride the Big Bike.

“Of course all the money raised goes to the Heart and Stroke Foundation,” she said. “We like to raise money for research and save lives and create survivors of heart disease and stroke.”

For the last 18 years, Richard Rappel has been a driver for the Big Bike.

“I take it all across British Columbia. We do about 200 rides or so for the Heart and Stroke Foundation,” explained Rappel. “Almost everybody that you know has always had problems with heart and stroke problems, so that is always a good cause for me.”

Cheer on the Big Bike as it rolls around Kelowna until Saturday, May 7.

                                                                                                                                  - With files from Rob Balsdon

Photo: Contributed