Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - Gary Norkum

The team

This weekend the Cyclepath Cyclotrons will head down to Vancouver for the 2012 Endbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer this weekend.

The Kelowna team of 28 riders, has raised over $78, 000 which is close to their target of $100,000, to help support leading research at the BC Cancer Agency. 

Garry Norkum of Cyclepath, says the team has had great support from local businesses who have donated to the fundraising effort.

"We're currently in 21st place with money raised and would really like to exceed $100,000."

The money raised has a direct impact on the Okanagan as well. Riders from the Interior are allowed to dedicate the funds they raise to help out close to home.

In 2010, the Cyclotrons raised around $35,000, last year they hit $85,900 overall.

The Cyclotrons, who have been sponsored for the last three years by Cyclepath, are the largest team participating in the event from Kelowna, however there are a number of other teams from the Okanagan participating. 

Approximately 3000 riders will leave the Lower Mainland and travel as far as Mount Vernon in Washington State, where they overnight and then return back home.  What riders don't know yet, is the actual route they will travel this year.

Organizers like to keep it a mystery until the ride is ready to begin.

Norkum says most of the teams have spent the last few months training for the this ride.

"One of our training rides was on May 27 at the Armstrong Century Ride."

The Cyclepath Cyclotrons have until August to collect donations for this year's ride.  If you would like to contribute please visit their website.