Just the thought of the B.C. Lung Association’s Life and Breath fundraiser is enough to leave many of us breathless.
The annual, two-day bicycle trek set for Sept. 6-7 extends 200 kilometres, from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back.
Though, there are three rest stops each day and sweep safety cyclists to support riders, the journey through Surrey, Langley and Chilliwack cornfields is not for the faint of heart, warns Richmond veteran trekker Doug Masuhara, with a smile.
Especially that final hill, he adds.
This year will be Masuhara’s 15th time participating in what he describes as a really well-organized event. Proceeds go toward the B.C. Lung Association and related research and treatment projects.
Riders in the event are asked to raise funds on an individual basis. Masuhara himself has raised about $15,000 over his 14-year campaign, and each time, he says, while riding a retro 10-speed from the ’70s.
He explains he was never really a competitive or long-distance cyclist, but was prompted to join the trek when his mom passed away in 2000.
“I just thought, ‘I should do this.’”
The very first Bike Trek was two days of pouring rain, Masuhara recalls.
“I remember riding through the cornfields with a 60-year-old woman who may have been colder and wetter than me but not complaining about anything. What could I say? Just keep pedalling and enjoy her company.”
The event is sponsored by a host of companies including Dunbar Cycles, Budget, Island Farms and Vitamin Water.
Dunbar Cycles, for example, works to repair flat tires or make other repairs, even through the night, just to keep cyclists riding without a hiccup, Masuhara says.
There is always some type of entertainment — from short skits put on by fellow cyclists, magicians, hypnotists, Flamenco dancers to improv — on the Saturday night as well, he adds.
Masuhara says, Tickle me Pickle from Richmond came out two years ago to do a show and Richmond’s Tetsu Taiko, of which Masuhara is a mentor and member, did a show several years ago.
“I still get the occasional rider who remembers the drumming and comments on the show as they see me cycling,” says Masuhara. “It’s a great weekend that I look forward to every year.”
Registration is currently open online.
Donations can be made by visiting the Bike Trek website: www.bc.lung.ca/campaigns_and_events/bicycle_trek.html.
