The Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope, a one-day fundraiser in support of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) in Penetanguishene, is coming up later this summer on August 17.
Participants interested in taking part in the GBCSC’s largest annual fundraiser can register early and enjoy a special half-price early bird registration fee ($35) until June 1.
Last year’s event had a record number of participants (229) and raised close to $130,000 (a new record) for the centre, which provides cancer support programs and services across the region.
GBCSC executive director Eric Walter said he expects this year’s edition will see even more cyclists participating and another record fundraising performance.
“The Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope really is more than just a bike ride,” Walter said. “It is a celebration of the world-class cycling we are fortunate to have here at home. It’s also a celebration of the power of community."
Over the past decade, the annual fundraiser has raised more than $500,000 to help support local people living with cancer, their families and caregivers.
New for the 2024 ride are two additional routes starting in Collingwood, with one finishing in Penetanguishene, and a second looping all the way back to the start location for the most ambitious ride of the event.
The new routes come on the heels of a successful launch of new cancer support programs in Collingwood in January, and the expected expansion of services through 2024 and beyond.
“There’s a growing appetite for this event,” Walter said. “With our new routes from Collingwood, along with our expansion of opportunities or non-cyclists to get involved, we are expecting another amazing year.”
Along with the new routes, Cycle For Hope will feature routes for all rider levels including 10-kilometre, 25-kilometre, 50-kilometre and 100-kilometre routes.
Starting and finishing at Rotary Champlain Wendat Park in Penetanguishene, this year’s event will again feature the “Ice Cream Route,” an accessible option for people of all ages and abilities who want to walk, ride, or complete their route almost any way they would like.
Registration, which includes a free lunch, giveaways, draw prizes and some other cycling items, is open to both individual cyclists or teams. There is no minimum fundraising requirement, but participants are encouraged to collect pledges.
For more information about the Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope and how to support the fundraiser, click here.
