A Monster Run being organized in Quesnel to fight muscular dystrophy will pass through Clearwater next July.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of hereditary muscle diseases that weaken the muscles.
In high school, Stew Castle befriended a young man suffering from MD who, at various stages in his young life, had been told he would die from the disease.
Castle was there for his friend through the good times and the bad, always aware of the toll the disease exacted.
Leonard Yalowega is now an adult and thinks his friend Stew is crazy for embarking on a MD fundraiser that will take him and those bikers who chose to join him on a 1,800 km, 30-hour Monster Run.
The route will begin in Quesnel, July 8, run to Prince George, McBride, Valemount, Clearwater, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Osoyoos, Oliver, Keremeos, Princeton, Merritt, Spence’s Bridge, Cache Creek, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and back to Quesnel.
Another long time friend, Ross Adams, has been working closely with Castle on organizing the event.
“Most bikers use any excuse to hit the road,” Adams said.
Castle emphasized the Monster Run will be an endurance ride, not a race.
Bikers are encouraged to collect pledges to generate donations for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, but those who just want to participate, a minimum $75 donation is required.
“The safe return of every rider is our first concern,” he said.
As far as Castle knows, this is the first nonstop fundraiser endurance ride in the province and he expects riders from across B.C. to be interested in the Monster Run.
His goal is to raise at least $5,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, which fully authorizes and recognizes the Monster Run.
Registration deadline is June 1.
To find out about the Monster Run call Castle at 250-983-6325, e-mail, ular@quesnelbiker.com or visit the website, quesnelbiker.com.
– Quesnel-Cariboo Observer
