As Brian Whitecross pedals his way up the highway, he feels his legs getting heavy and his stomach rumbles.

The 40-year-old Merritt resident isn't just cycling to shed off some pounds. He is preparing for the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer, a two-day cycling event to support cancer research and treatment.

“I've never done any (road riding),” says Whitecross, who has been training with his cousin Alison Wood.

“She's the one who actually got me tied into it.”

The two have been taking on B.C.'s rugged and mountainous terrain on the weekends to get in race shape for the big tour.

Whitecross will have to build up his endurance, as he is facing the challenge of biking from Vancouver B.C. to Seattle, Washington over two days, from June 19 to 20.

“I lost my Mom to cancer last year, so my cousin felt that we should do something and I was on the same page,” says Whitecross.

“We looked around at a couple of different events, obviously to bring awareness and what not, and actually she was the one who looked at the Ride to Conquer Cancer.”

Funds raised for the vent will support cancer research, treatment, and the discovery of new therapies, according to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

About 44 per cent of men and 39 per cent of women in Canada develop cancer in their lifetime.

Hundreds of volunteers have signed up to assist the estimated 2,000 riders during their West Coast trek. They will help provide food, hydration, portable restrooms, medical services, and an overnight campsite.

“I thought it would be the perfect year to get all the cousins involved,” says Wood.

“I think its going to be about 5 and a half (hours) each day.”

“It's a hundred miles each day,” continues Wood.

Riders will start at Guilford in Surrey and ride to Mount Vernon on day one. They will be given breaks every 30 to 40 kilometres.
The B.C. Cancer Foundation raises funds for cancer research and for enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.