Submitted by The Mayday Foundation
For decades, the Capital Bicycling Club has hosted the Two-County Double Metric Century ride in late June. Organized by Bill Stevenson, Paul Cruz and their crew of dedicated cycling volunteers, the bike club added Providence as a partner in recent years. The ride starts and finishes at the Providence Regional Cancer System Lacey clinic and includes a celebration as cyclists complete the ride.
On June 23, 2019, cyclists are invited to ride 20, 50, 100 or 200 kilometers in a show of support for cancer patients. While more serious cyclists will opt for the 200km route to prepare for the STP ride, anyone with a desire to ride along a clearly marked trail is welcome to register.
New this year is a fundraiser component for the ride, benefiting The Mayday Foundation, a Thurston County-based non-profit organization. “The Mayday Foundation provides immediate, practical support to local families coping with a cancer diagnosis,” said non-profit founder Amy Rowley. “We’re covering household expenses like rent, utilities, gas and groceries to make life a little bit easier for the family.”
“Many cancer related charity events are very important to research and promoting education, prevention and treatments available. They rarely touch the needs of the people you know, currently impacted by the disease, in a meaningful way,” explained Dr. Barbara Lazio, a neurosurgeon and avid cyclist. Dr. Lazio has been instrumental in coordinating the ride.
Riders will make a minimum $25 donation to build The Mayday Foundation’s scholarship fund for children pursuing education beyond high school. “Our goal is to support local families impacted by cancer who are having a hard time paying for college due to a family member’s cancer treatment,” said Rowley. “We are helping high school seniors or students already enrolled in an accredited college with a jumpstart on financing their education.”
To register for the Two-County Double Metric Century ride, visit www.providence.org/swbikeride. More information about Capital Bicycling Club can be found at www.capitalbicycleclub.org. To learn more about The Mayday Foundation, please visit www.maydayfoundation.org.
Featured photo credit: Providence Southwest Washington
