The Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke isn’t coming to Orillia this year, but that didn’t stop a group of Ramara residents from supporting the cause.
The Ramara Chamber of Commerce had taken part in the Orillia ride for years, so when officials were told the Sunshine City was too small for the big bike, they decided to organize their own fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The Bigger, Better Bike Ride rolled through Lagoon City on Wednesday.
“It’s disappointing,” chamber president Roger Selman said of the cancellation of the Orillia ride. “A lot of groups went down there for it.”
As soon as the chamber found out the big bike wasn’t coming to Orillia, “we figured, ‘OK, we’ll do our own,’” Selman said.
“It’s a great cause that supports a lot of Canadians.”
Marg Pedersen loaded her dog, Percy, into a basket on the front of her bicycle and took part in the approximately five-kilometre ride.
“I love Lagoon City, so I do whatever I can to support events,” she said. “To me, it’s part of retirement: I get to give back.”
Selman said the riders were hoping to raise up to $2,000. A fundraising total was not available Wednesday.
He thanked the participants, as well as Keggers on the Water, which offered half-price wings for the riders upon their return.
