On Saturday, June 18, a group of 15 dedicated road cyclists and four support volunteers began a nine-day, 1,200 km bike ride from Banff to Vancouver in support of cystic fibrosis (CF) research. They are cycling across southern British Columbia, crossing five mountain summits and arriving in Vancouver on Sunday, June 26. You can follow their journey on line at GearUp4CF.org where three riders Richard Boase; Daniella Givon and James Zlosnik blog about their remarkable quest.
To celebrate the completion of this incredible journey, for the first time ever since the ride's inception in 2006, cyclists of all ages and abilities can join the nine-day marathon GearUp4CF riders for the final leg of their journey. On Sunday, June 26, riders will cycle from Chilliwack to Vancouver, finishing at BC Children's Hospital where a special celebration site will mark the finish line. A BBQ, entertainment, refreshments and prizes will commemorate the incredible commitment of all GearUp4CF riders.
Since 2006, GearUp4CF has raised over $600,000. Funds raised from this event support research benefiting CF patients, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure or control for cystic fibrosis. Each rider participating in the full nine-day GearUp4CF ride has to raise a minimum of $5,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, although many of the riders have more than doubled this initial goal. The cyclists have been receiving donations and messages of support from across Canada, USA and Europe. Some of the riders have returned for their second, third, or fourth ride.
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The challenge of this grueling ride has inspired CF parents, researchers and community-minded cyclists all passionate about making the world a better place for those battling cystic fibrosis (CF). James Zlosnik, post doctoral CF researcher at the University of British Columbia and 2011 GearUp4CF participant, says, "I am taking part in this ride to help provide better futures for people with CF. For me, CF is a story of both tremendous hope and progress, mixed with the harsh reality of the impact the disease has on people with CF and their families."
As a research scientist, James came to Vancouver five years ago to get a better understanding of his research in the context of what it actually means for people with CF and how he could do more clinically meaningful work. His supervisor at the Child and Family Research Institute, Dr. David Speert, is one of the original Founders of GearUp4CF. This year Dr. Speert is joining the GearUp4CF team for the last three days from Osoyoos to Vancouver.
Martina Meckova, Director of Cystic Fibrosis Canada - Vancouver Chapter, who participated in the nine-day marathon last year comments, "This ride tests your outmost physical and mental limits, but the riders persevere in honour of the loved ones they have lost to this disease or for those who suffer from cystic fibrosis." Martina will be joining the riders this year for the Homecoming Ride from Chilliwack to BC Children's Hospital. "We are very fortunate to live in a city that strives to make our community a better and healthier place. This is why we wanted to share the last day of this epic ride with everyone. With more cyclists, we can make this event an even greater success for cystic fibrosis research. Each week, two children are diagnosed with CF in Canada and one person dies from the disease. The funds raised through GearUp4CF will help us move one step closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis."
Make a Donation to support a ride and Cystic Fibrosis Canada
