The challenge is on.
When the Test of Metal riders hit the trails to participate in the gruelling 67-kilometre race on June 18, another gang of racers will be following not so closely on their heels.
Squamish Rotary is challenging local good Samaritans to jump on a bike and wheeze their way up five kilometres of road, behind Test of Metal racers, to raise money for the Linda Carney Rotary Cares Fund.
"It's a great way to get in touch with people from the community who do good for the community," said Bianca Peters, Rotary member and charity race organizer.
"It's where friendly competition, outrageous outfits and charity come together."
Formerly dubbed the "Linda Carney Rotary Cares Celebrity Challenge," this year the concept has changed and is open to everyone. Peters said anyone who raises money for a good cause is more than a celebrity, but the designation intimidated some would-be riders, so the label has been dropped.
The challenge has entertained spectators and raised money for Squamish residents who need help with medical bills for the past 12 years.
Money from the event goes directly to help people in the community with conditions requiring medical assistance not covered by the Medical Services Plan. Since the fund's creation, more than $225,000 has been distributed locally to those in need.
"It's a great way to raise funds for people who don't necessarily have extended Medicare," Peters said. "There are a lot of people in our community who fall through the cracks of the Medical Services Plan."
It all began in 1998, when then-Rotary Club president Linda Carney set up the Rotary Cares Foundation.
The goal was to provide a permanent fund to help families who required financial assistance to alleviate health-related problems that were not covered by other sources of medical funding.
"It began as a tongue-in-cheek local celebrity bike race/fundraiser to take place after the Test of Metal with Rotarians and many other charitable spirits, many of whom hadn't been on a bike in years," Peters said.
When Linda Carney passed away suddenly in 2000, the race was renamed the Linda Carney Rotary Cares Fund in her honour.
With the fund, Rotary has been able to purchase motorized wheelchairs, hydraulic lifts, drugs and supplies as well as provide funding for renovations of homes to allow easier access.
Notable riders in the past have included federal, provincial and local politicians, local media and business people. In recent years, even miniature horses entered the challenge.
Peters said Rotary hopes the race raises $13,000 this year, the same as 2010, and that new faces will come forward to take part.
"It's money that's raised in Squamish and stays in Squamish," said Peters, adding that charity aside, the ride itself is exciting.
"It's really exciting being behind the Test of Metal start and getting the accolades - you get the crowds waiting for you and they're all cheering you on and it's a great big rush."
Riders are expected to raise $300 if possible. Anyone interested should contact Peters to get a pledge form via email at [email protected] or on her cell at (604) 815-8725.
To ride in the event or just cheer the riders on, be at Brennan Park Leisure Centre at 10 a.m. the morning of the ride or at the top of Perth Drive to see them finishing.
