The challenging 50 K Crank-Hammer ride or the peaceful 20 K Fun-Ride — it’s up to the participants in the 13th Annual Cycling for Independence.
This fundraiser for Independent Living Vernon supports Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) with programs for young people with a variety of disabilities. The program focuses on developing independent living skills, community networking skills and social support. Independent Living Vernon (ILV) also has support services for adults with disabilities. ILV estimates that 18 per cent of people living in the Okanagan have a disability of some sort.
Team Byron will be riding in memory of Byron Chatham, a youth who was an avid cyclist and participated in Cycling for Independence for many years. He died last year cycling just before the ride. His family and friends continue to ride to honour his memory and invite others to ride or contribute to Team Byron.
Cycling for Independence takes place May 6 starting and ending at Independent Living Vernon in the People Place (#107 3402-27th Ave). The Crank-Hammer ride starts at 8:30 a.m. and the Fun-Ride at 9:30 a.m. There are options for cutting the 20 K ride short for families or people who feel they can’t go that long. Participants who raise $100 in pledges have the $25 registration fee waived and the first 70 registered will get a free T-shirt. Cyclists get a pizza lunch from Uncle Dave’s Pizzeria, and a free massage from Okanagan Valley Massage Therapists. The participant with the most pledges raised receives a bike from Sun Country Cycle, and second prize is a $250 gift certificate from Skyride Cycle. The team that has the most pledges gets $200 from Simply Delicious and other prizes. There are also chances to win door prizes donated by local businesses. Skyride Cycle will be doing free helmet safety checks for people registered for the ride beforehand.
For more information and registration contact Lisa Kongsdorf at 250-545-9292 or lisa@ilvernon.ca or see www.ilvernon.ca. Registration forms are also available at Sun Country Cycle and Skyride Cycle.
