With just under a month to go before Wheel 2 Heal, Russ and Amanda Loader are hastily scheduling some tandem training rides and firing up their fundraising efforts for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.
Neither should be a problem for the already active father-daughter duo; it will be the third W2H event for Russ — who first participated about five years ago in the 40-km trail ride and is now gearing up for his second 100-km road ride in as many years — but a slightly new experience for Amanda, who's no slouch herself, having polished off several half marathons.
Still, "I've actually never been on a road bike," she said outside her parents' Port Moody home.
And while she's a bit nervous about the 100-km ride that is fast approaching — Russ had to correct her initial three-hour estimate to closer to five hours, which came as a bit of a surprise — she's eager to help her team, Cycle of Life, reach their $10,000 fundraising goal.
Both Amanda and Russ are in pharmaceutical sales and have sent out emails to friends, family members, colleagues and clients with a passionate plea to support Eagle Ridge Hospital and have so far brought in about $6,000.
"It's our local hospital," Amanda explained. "I've been there, my family and friends have been there. Without them, we'd have to go to Vancouver to be cared for."
She remembers well an emergency trip to ERH for a badly broken arm, a cheerleading accident at the age of 15. As well, more recently, she tells of visiting her aunt, who had been an avid triathlete, at the hospital; to help lift her spirits, Amanda picked up long-distance running to share the experience with her.
Russ has several long-distance rides to his credit and is keen to beat his 2015 fundraising record of more than $7,000.
"I've been road riding forever, I've done a bunch of the [gran] fondos, so I figured why not raise some money, send out a few emails and see what happens, and everyone has been very kind."
Father and daughter will be hitting the road over the next four weeks leading up to W2H on April 30, and Russ is confident his daughter can make the switch from spin classes to road warrior.
"She's young, she's got young legs," he laughed. "And hopefully it'll be a nice day."
ERHF executive director Charlene Giovanetti-King is hoping for much the same, particularly since organizers will be testing a new route.
"The new route is really exciting, it's crossing three bridges — the Port Mann, Golden Ears and Pitt River," she said of the 100-km route. And for those aiming for a shorter ride, there is a 55-km route and two trail rides of 15 and 40 km to choose from.
There are also fundraising incentive prizes for participants who raise $250 or $500. The "heroes" who raise $1,000 or more by April 15 get to join an exclusive ride with two-time Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Jens Voigt on April 17.
Organizers are also beefing up the celebration plaza at Town Centre park, with entertainment, games, food and beverage area.
Giovanetti-King said they are "trending ahead" for the number of registered riders and are on track to have 350 riders in the event, showing steady growth for the eighth annual W2H, and that's good news for the hospital — on average, 70% of the hospital's new equipment is purchased with funds raised by ERHF.
"The most important thing is our health," she said. "And having the best services in our back yard, in our community, is equally important."
• Wheel to Heal is on Saturday, April 30. For full details and to register or donate, visit www.wheeltoheal.ca.
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