Barrhead business leaders have been urged to promote, participate in and support the June 29-July 4 “cycleforward” fundraiser.
The event will see cyclists go from Assineau, northwest of Slave Lake, to Barrhead, travelling through Slave Lake, Hondo, Smith, Fawcett and Westlock.
It will culminate with a July 4 celebration dinner at the Agrena.
Money will go towards the Barrhead pool project and specialized equipment for cycle ride organizer Trina Preugschas, who was told she would never walk again after a road accident. The equipment includes a $2,000 battery for her tricycle.
The plea for business support came last Thursday when cycleforward spokesperson Courtney von Rennenkampff delivered a presentation to Barrhead &District Chamber of Commerce.
Von Rennenkampff said cycleforward was founded in 2012 by Preugschas and is made up of volunteers from the Barrhead and Westlock area.
“We are fresh and new on the market,” she said. “We would like to draw your attention to our slogan. This is what cycleforward and Trina feel very strongly about. ‘When we move together, anything is possible.’ Cycleforward strives to create active adventures, to challenge, share and inspire.”
Von Rennenkampff said that last summer cycleforward organized an informal 386 km tour of Vancouver Island.
“Trina had a passion to get it done, she called up a few people, friends and family, and made it happen,” she said.
On the strength of the tour’s success, said Von Rennenkampff, Trina had a burning desire to hold another cycle.
“So how can you as business leaders get involved?” she said. “It is as simple as this: promote, participate and support.”
She said cycleforward posters were being circulated.
The event was also being promoted on a webpage and a very active Facebook site, which will be updated as the tour progresses, she said. Von Rennenkampff asked Chamber members to consider putting the posters up in their businesses.
“I would like to extend an invitation to you, your families and your businesses to participate in the ride,” she said. “We are very flexible. We realize that not everyone can give up six full days of their lives, especially in the business community, to be part of the cycle tour. However, if you have two hours one afternoon and you can drive out to meet us somewhere, we would love to have you along the route.”
She said cyclists would be camping en route and averaging about 55 km a day.
“We will be starting at 10 a.m. every morning of the cycle ride,” she said.
She added help could also be given by offering food services – such as sponsoring a meal or providing cookies – or through monetary donations.
Other areas of possible help include laundry services, campsite set-up, en route safety and transport.
“We intend making this an annual event,” said Von Rennenkampff.
Anyone who wants Agrena dinner tickets should ring 780-674-3307.
