New Westminster's Alan Crosbie is gearing up this summer for the Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath, to be held Sept. 8 and 9 this year.
The annual event, in its 28th year, will see about 400 cyclists ride 200 kilometres over two days through the Fraser Valley to raise funds for the B.C. Lung Association.
In 1999, Crosbie rode his first trek event in inclement weather.
"It was torrential rain," he said. "I got to the end and I said, 'That was frickin' great! I'm going to do it again next year.'"
And so he did; and every year since, rain or shine. He says he has no plans of quitting any time soon, and intends to keep going until he's too old to get on his bike.
"I want to be the old guy that's still doing it when I'm 70 years old," he said with a laugh.
For Crosbie, it's a great weekend, but the trek is also a personally meaningful endeavour, since his daughter suffers from asthma and his father died two years ago of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
"So if I can help in any way to raise some money to stop this disease, and have that much fun doing it, it's a win-win situation," he said.
The first day, riders depart from White Rock and cycle 100 km to Cultus Lake, where they stay overnight, before doing another 100 km back the second day along a different route.
The course is mostly flat, and designed for both the experienced cyclist and casual rider.
Along the way, cyclists can stop at refreshment stations and enjoy a catered lunch and dinner.
Crosbie says he has always been impressed by the volunteers who help organize and run the cycling event, including staff from the B.C. Lung Association.
"From what I've heard from people who do a lot of cycling, the B.C. Lung Association's (fundraiser) is by far the best organized and just a great route to be on," he said.
This year, Crosbie hopes to raise $1,000 for the organization.
The B.C. Lung Association is still accepting participants for the trek.
Registration is $25, and participants must raise a minimum $475 for the B.C. Lung Association. In return, they will receive fully-catered rest stops and support along the route, accommodation, and meals.
Started by a dozen volunteers 28 years ago, today's trek attracts as many as 400 cyclists who are devoted participants.
Over the years, they've raised more than $5 million to fight lung disease.
For more information, or to donate, call 1800665-5864 or visit www. bc.lung.ca.
