The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer will continue with route choices and tracking chip technology for 2013 event in British Columbia

June 17, 2012 (Vancouver):  The Enbridge Ride To Conquer Cancer announced the 2013 Ride will again feature route choices and tracking chip technology between Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington, after Riders and supporters had overwhelmingly-positive reactions at the finish line today. 3,011 Ride participants raised $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation this year, where funds support breakthrough research and enhancement to care at the BC Cancer Agency.

“These two days have been absolutely amazing, providing a personal experience for our 3,011 riders,” said Douglas Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation.

“Riders are telling us they enjoyed choosing their route and felt a surge of pride as they crossed the finish and heard their name or team name called out. This personalization took the ride experience to a whole new level. We’re going to continue and build upon these successes for next year,” Nelson added.

For the first time in British Columbia, Riders selected between two routes.  “The Classic Route ” took Riders along the coastline of the Pacific Northwest, and “The Challenge Route” took Riders through rural country roads in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.  From start to finish, each Rider cycled over 200 km to complete either route; and tracking chips on Rider helmets enabled many participants to enjoy customized announcements as they crossed the finish line, with details such as their name, fundraising level, team affiliation or hometown.  Additionally, brief videos from the friends and family of several hundred Riders played on the screens at the finish, which added to the overall experience.

“For the past three years, I’ve been fortunate enough to participant in The Ride to Conquer Cancer. This year I was thrilled to be able to test my endurance on the challenge route and hearing the names of some of my teammates as we crossed the finish line was an incredibly moving and fulfilling moment,” said Rick Parsons, captain of the team A&W.

Ride organizers introduced SUGOI black and white Polka Dot Jerseys this year, which were awarded to the first ten riders to reach $15,000 in fundraising.  Also new were gold flag pins, which designate a cancer survivor.  Survivors are also designated en route with a yellow flag affixed to their bike.

“I lost my daughter to cancer when she was only ten,” says Roger Steers, one of the Polka Dot Jersey recipients who raised over $20,000 this year.

“It is amazing that my community gave so generously.  I hope that with the continued support for research, cancer will become a thing of the past and no other families will have to lose their loved ones to this disease.  And that’s why I Ride,” Steers added.

Now going into it’s fifth year in B.C., The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised over $11.2 million for the BC Cancer Foundation. The annual event draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate in the annual two-day Ride.

“Significant strides in cancer treatments have transformed once terminal cancer diagnoses into curable or manageable outcomes. While this is great news for British Columbians, more research must be done to alter the course and better prevent and treat all cancers,” said Dr. Poul Sorensen, Johal Chair in Childhood Cancer Research with the BC Cancer Agency and 2012 Ride participant.

Dr. Sorensen is working to better understand rare childhood cancers by utilizing genome-sequencing technology to treat patients based on the genetic fingerprint of their cancer.

“I take part in the Ride because I know the impact of this event and the incredible funding it provides to cancer research.  Ride dollars will make a difference for children diagnosed with cancer in B.C.,” Dr. Sorensen added.

“We are grateful to all riders, donors, volunteers and crew members who helped make this event such an overwhelming success.  The money you all have raised will ensure that researchers and doctors can pursue our goal of a world-free from cancer. Having just crossed the finish line, we are already looking forward to the 2013 Ride and hope everyone will join us next June 15^th-16^th. For more information and to get registered, go to our website or call (888) 771-BIKE,” Nelson concluded.