The Texas 4000 charity ride makes its way through Northeast B.C. next week.
Cyclists are scheduled to arrive in Fort Nelson on Tuesday, July 26, according to a news release, as they ride more than 4,000 miles from Austin, Texas, to Alaska, to raise funds for the fight against cancer. More than 45 students from the University of Texas are taking part.
“With the significant drop in preventative cancer screenings seen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Texas 4000 for Cancer is even more focused on spreading our cancer awareness and prevention message as the 2022 team rides across North America this summer,” Scott Crews, executive director of Texas 4000, said in the release.
“While the team shares hope by riding for those touched by cancer and charity through our donations to cancer research and support services, we believe spreading knowledge on cancer prevention will help increase preventative cancer screening numbers and save people’s lives.”
The student cyclists are on day 48 of their 70-day ride that began June 3, billed as “the longest annual charity bike ride in the world.”
Two dozen cyclists are taking part in this leg of the ride through the northeast. They are currently in Edmonton, with other stops planned in Whitecourt, Little Smoky, and Grande Prairie before they enter B.C.
The cyclists have a planned drive day between Grande Prairie and Fort Nelson, according to organizers. They'll later meet and catch up with two dozen of their peers who are currently cycling their way up to Alaska through the interior and northwest B.C.
The Texas 4000 ride has now raised nearly $13 million since launching in 2004. Students must apply to take part in the 18-month program, which includes a $4,500 fundraising commitment, 2,000 training miles, and at least 50 hours of community volunteerism.
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