These two Powell River cyclists will ride 200km in two days in support of lung health
How do you inspire others to donate to a worthy cause like lung health in BC? You put your own lungs to the test with two long, challenging days of cycling.
Veteran participants of the BC Lung Association’s Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, Powell River cyclists Melissa and Hugo Sloos will saddle up again for the 2-day, 200km ride on September 12th and 13th
Veteran Trekkers, Powell River’s Hugo and Melissa Sloos are looking forward to participating (for the 8th and 3rd time respectively) in the BC Lung Association’s Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, an annual fundraiser in support of lung health.
But before hitting the road on September 12th and 13th, the Sloos’ make sure to put in some training time. They ride, a lot! Melissa said, “We start at the beginning of the summer, and slowly increase our ride distance. By the end of August, we are doing 100 km rides to get a feel for what we’ll be experiencing at Trek. In Powell River we often train by riding a loop of the city, from Westview through Cranberry, Townsite, and finally Grief Point.”
Melissa crosses the finish line at her second Trek.
“We continue to do Trek because we both feel a deep personal connection to raising awareness about lung health, and because it is a fun challenge,” continued Sloos. “Our participation is a testament to how well organized and supported, and just plain great this ride is. Hugo and I have to travel 5 hours each way from Powell River to Vancouver by car and ferry, and rely on friends to offer up a couch. But we keep doing it because this is a great event and a great charity.”
“We do Trek to show those with lung disease that we care, to breathe hard on the ride for those who can’t, and to show them that we support them no matter what,” said Sloos. “It’s true that if you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”
A two day, 200km journey from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back may seem daunting to some, but BC Lung Association organizer Marissa McFadyen said it’s more of a personal challenge than a race, “Not to mention, it’s a lot of fun. We provide a full-supported experience: our very own bike mechanic team, tons of great foods, snack rest stops all along the route, evening entertainment and your very own cheerleading squad – we’ve got you covered.”
Join the Sloos’ and hundreds of others at the BC Lung Association Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath on September 12th and 13th. For more information or to register call the BC Lung Association at 604.731.5864 or toll free at 1.800.665.5864 (outside Greater Vancouver) or visit bicycletrek.ca.
About the BC Lung Association
Hugo, all smiles as he crosses the finish line.
A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the BC Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The BC Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.
Quick Facts
- One in every five British Columbians currently suffers from lung disease
- The rate of asthma in children is four times higher than it was 20 years ago (300,000 British Columbians currently suffer from asthma) and is the #1 cause of child emergency visits
- COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – is the #1 cause of adult hospitalization and the 4th leading cause of death in Canada
- One Canadian dies every 20 minutes from lung disease
Melissa and Hugo each have their own donation pages, so you can decide which to use to make your donation to support the BC Lung Association. Here’s Melissa’s. And Hugo’s.
