Two Tri-City charitable organizations have joined forces to create a weekend of health and healing that's being dubbed as a chance to "bike and hike for your community."
Organizers of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation's Wheel to Heal event and Crossroads Hospice Society's Hike for Hospice - being held on May 4 and 5 respectively - said they were inspired to create the "2 Days, 2 Great Causes" weekend as a way of sharing the community's generous spirit.
"We're hoping people can come out and do both and support both organizations," said Shannon Gandy, the special events co-ordinator for Crossroads.
As an added incentive, a prize draw for people who participate in both events will include a moment of appreciation at Hike for Hospice.
"I can't think of a better way to spend my weekend than on the trails biking or hiking around the Tri-Cities," added Alison Johansen, ERHF board chair, in a release.
The fifth annual Wheel to Heal offers three routes for cyclists: the paved, family-friendly 10-km route takes riders of all ages around Coquitlam's Town Centre Park (best for young children, families and beginner cyclists, approximately 45 minutes); a 40-km course for cyclists who want to hit the scenic, mostly flat Traboulay PoCo Trail (best for intermediate cyclists or beginners looking for an endurance challenge, approximately two and a half hours); and the 100-km course, a challenging but picturesque ride around the Tri-Cities and to Fort Langley and back (for experienced cyclists comfortable riding in traffic, approximately four and a half hours).
Charlene Giovanetti-King, executive director of the ERHF, said registration numbers look poised to surpass last year's high of 297 riders.
So far, Wheel to Heal has raised about $400,000 for various patient comforts and much-needed medical equipment at the Port Moody hospital.
"Last year, both organizations had their events on the same day," Giovanetti-King said, prompting the groups to meet to find ways of working together instead of competing for fundraising dollars. "What came from this was having a weekend of active, healthy living and encouraging people to get out with their families and neighbours and enjoy all the lovely trails in the Tri-Cities."
One of those planning to attend both events will be Frances Maplethorp, although, at 90 years old, she isn't planning to hop on a bike for a 100-km ride.
"No, I'm too old!" she said with a laugh.
But as a longtime volunteer and supporter of both organizations, Maplethorp will be on hand to offer support to those who are biking and hiking on both days. Her husband, Cyril Maplethorp, was treated several times at Eagle Ridge Hospital and, last October, spent four days at Crossroads Hospice before he passed away.
"He always had wonderful service from the hospital," Maplethorp said. "He was going for regular diabetes and asthma check-ups, and not only did he go in but they would phone him and ask him how he was doing. It was absolutely wonderful."
Bob Tanaka, president of the Crossroads Hospice Society board, said he hopes the community "will embrace both events as a part of personal wellness and as a means to honour those who have been assisted by either group."
The 11th annual Hike for Hospice welcomes "hikers, ramblers and wanderers" for the pledge-based family event that will take walkers of all ages from the Hyde Creek recreation centre and out along the Traboulay PoCo Trail.
All funds raised go directly to helping Crossroads provide compassionate palliative care for those facing the end-of-life experience, and their family members.
Wheel to Heal for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation is on Saturday, May 4 at staggered start times (100-km start is 8 a.m., 40-km start is 10 a.m. and the 10-km start is 11:30 a.m.). For detailed information on the course routes, prizes, fundraising and registration, visit wheeltoheal.ca.
Hike for Hospice for the Crossroads Hospice Society is on Sunday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, leaving from the Hyde Creek rec centre (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo). For more information and to register, visit www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca.
CAP'S TEAM
It's no secret that the folks at Cap's Westwood Cycle like to bike, but an event like Wheel to Heal gives them an added incentive, said owner Kelly Hobbis.
"It raises money for the Eagle Ridge Hospital and buys the equipment they need so they can look after all our needs when we arrive in emergency," Hobbis said - though hopefully not after a cycling accident.
This year's Cap's team numbers 46 members ranging in age from 11 to 60 years, with most of them tackling the 40- and 100-km routes.
Hobbis - who hopes to ride the 100-km route in under four hours, with a stop for coffee - and her husband, Glen Hobbis, are leading the team of Cap's customers, various bike club members and people "who are just excited about supporting Eagle Ridge Hospital."
This is Cap's fifth year entering a team in Wheel to Heal; so far, its team has raised $41,000 for the hospital foundation and hopes to raise another $20,000 this year.
