A Drumheller resident is preparing to embark on a huge 200 km bicycle ride one month from now. Victor Bustamante will be joining many others on the Ride to Conquer Cancer June 23 and 24.
The ride is for the benefit of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Riders collect donations and pledges to help fund cancer research and support families and patients at 17 cancer centres throughout Alberta.
“It’s exciting to see so many people riding together,” said Bustamante.
Bustamante first joined the ride in 2010. At the time, Bustamante was working to get fit and has dealt with cancer in his family.
“When I started getting healthy a couple years ago, it was a goal to train and do the ride,” said Bustamante. “But, that’s not why I ride. My grandma passed away early last year. My aunt has been battling cancer for awhile. She’s okay now, but it’s one of those things that you never know when it’ll come back.”
Bustamante’s family is in Peru, but Bustamante hopes that efforts here in Alberta will find a cure that will benefit everybody, though the money raised by the ride stays within Alberta.
“Through efforts everywhere, hopefully a cure will be found sooner, rather than later,” said Bustamante.
Two years ago, Bustamante did the ride at the urging of his friends who were participating. At first, considering he wasn’t in shape, Bustamante had his doubts, but resolved to help.
“I just thought to myself that if people do [the ride], it’s not impossible. You don’t have to be Superman. So, I decided to join and put my butt on the bike and train,” said Bustamante.
Last year, Bustamante didn’t ride, but still wanted to help and volunteered helping to make tents for the riders.
This year’s ride will take riders from Spruce Meadows to Chain Lakes Resevoir, through Okotoks and High River, and then back through Tuner Valley and Priddis.
“On the way there you’re going up and up. On the way back it’s a little easier, because you’re coming down,” said Bustamante.
When asked what was involved in the training, Bustamante said is was simple.
“Just sit on your bike and pedal,” said Bustamante.
However, it’s not just training that is needed to participate. Riders must raise $2500 to be able to do the 200 km trip.
“If you want to be part of the ride, you have to be serious about both, [riding and fundraising],” said Bustamante.
To raise money for him and his team, Bustamante is taking donations through www.conquercancer.ca/goto/Victor. Bustamante will also be selling popcorn during DinoFest and will be doing a barbecue at IGA on June 9 to raise money.
“I’m going to write the names of all my donors on my ride tee shirt. I’ll be carrying everyone with me,” said Bustamante. “There are so many that die so young, it’s something that we need to do. Once we find a cure, things will be much better for everybody.”
