Nearly one in two people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. But they’re not just people, are they? They are our parents, siblings, children, and friends. Our revered aunts and uncles, neighbours and co-workers. Maybe even you.
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is working hard to help fund a cure. This year they’re celebrating the fifth anniversary of their Northern Pass cycling event that weaves its way through scenic Muskoka. “This is the second year of it being a little different,” says Brendan Ennis, Director of Northern Pass. “Last year we changed to a virtual event for this bike ride, but this year we had such an outpouring of support from our riders to try and come together in August and put on a safe ride event.”
With the support of their rider community, the Northern Pass event planners felt they could go forward with a bold plan to go live this August and set an ambitious goal of registering 40 of the desired 200 riders by World Cancer Day, on February 4th of this year. “Within the first two days we had completely sold out for the event,” Brendan laughed.
All participants must raise a minimum of $1,000 in donations; many riders are thousands of dollars above that figure already.
Though the road event has sold out, there is still a great opportunity to participate. The incredible support this year is what led event organizers to create the new Northern Pass Gravel Ride which takes place off the beaten path on August 8th. Like the road event, the Gravel Ride will start and finish at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge. “We’ll be announcing full route details soon, but expect to cover 60 to 70 km as you explore forest and gravel lanes, taking in beautiful scenery and lakeside views as you ride rolling hills on mixed terrain.” The Gravel Ride requires a $50 entry fee and also has a $1,000 fundraising minimum to participate.
“Whether it is a connection to Princess Margaret, a connection to the fight against cancer, or looking for a physical challenge, each individual rider in Northern Pass is inspired. They did something about it and signed up, raised funds, and their journey on Northern Pass makes them an inspiration to others,” says Brendan.
“Those inspirational riders are why I would like to personally invite anyone interested in joining the Northern Pass community and our shared vision of conquering cancer in our lifetime, to contact me directly.”
Northern Pass is still looking for partnerships, sponsorships and, of course, donations.
TEXT KARI KLASSEN
