It's all about the cause for a cyclist taking part in North 400, a day-long endurance ride from Jasper to Prince George that raises funds for children's cancer research and supports Camp Goodtimes.
"It's all about the big cause, all about raising money for pediatric cancer research and for the cancer summer camp," said Matt Thomson, the Prince George Cycling Club's road racing director, who's taking on the 376-kilometre challenge for the second year.
It's a big ride, challenging strong cyclists, offering them an opportunity to master the extreme race in a supported environment, added Thomson. Riders are required to raise $500 for the cause but most raise more than $1,000, he added.
The riders begin the second annual expedition in Jasper after traveling there by train the day before. Then at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 they begin, completing the adventure at about 10:30 p.m. in front of City Hall.
There are lead and tail vehicles ensuring the safety of the riders, who remain in a group throughout the duration of the ride.
"I find it pretty easy to ride it [the North 400] and when we finished last year there was a few of us that could have kept on going for four or five more hours," Thomson said about himself and his fellow bike club members. "We felt like we had so much left in us."
Thomson, who has been road racing since he was 12 years old, is on his bike between 12 and 17 hours a week during bike season, preparing him very well for the endurance test.
The majority of the riders who participate are top cyclists in the north, Thomson added.
"The stronger cyclists ride in front and we shelter the sort of weaker riders."
It's easier to ride in someone else's draft and it requires 20 to 30 per cent less effort, he added.
"We help pull them along in a sense," said Thomson. Dan Bedard and David Lee, along with Thomson, took on the lead roles during the endurance ride last year that began with six people and ended with only four.
This year there are 10 cyclists already registered.
"The North 400 is particularly inspiring, for its duration and sheer physical requirement, and for the dedication of those that choose to participate," said Margaret Jones-Bricker, regional director, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. "There has been more emphasis on supporting pediatric cancer research and we are seeing great gains in survival rates for children because of research discoveries. These riders are an inspiration to us all."
The registration fee is $100.
For more information visit www.north400.com.
