The Beacon Ride continues to shine bright within the local cycling community.
Now in year three, the event organized by the good folks involved with Sessions Ride Company and The Rolling Circus is set to go this Sunday, with all cyclists starting from the parking lot of the United Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street.
The rides include both a 60km option ($60) and 20km course ($20), with all funds raised being directed to the HSN Foundation, helping the group to obtain The MyHand System courtesy of Beacon 2024: Ride for Stroke and Brain Injury Rehabilition.
"Two years ago, one of our riders was diagnosed with myeloma and we wanted to help and raise awareness - and a beacon sends a signal," explained race organizer Olivier Dubreuil, tackling a more prominent role in this is third year of involvement with the cycling fundraiser.
"It was such a good event, we thought why not to a Beacon Ride for different causes. That's how it all came about."
Given the success of 2023, the group changed little from the logistics of last year - though the ride that is open to absolutely anyone is likely even more inclusive this time around.
"There were a couple of bigger hills with the 20km route (last year) and that was a struggle," noted Dubreuil. "We had to stop as a group and let everyone catch up. We modified that route so that it's easier and less hilly."
In fact, the avid riders that embody the bulk of the Rolling Circus membership fully understand that their leisurely jaunt on Sunday will be the furthest thing from "race pace" - for very good reason.
"We purposely built it not to have a fast ride and a slow ride," said Dubreuil. "It's about getting attention. When you are a group fo 200 cyclists riding in Sudbury, that really is a lot of fun."
"We do a lot of races throughout the year, so everyone has accepted the premise of this event."
Thanks to the support of IRegained Inc., United Steelworkers Local 6500 and CycleNorth Network, all involved are looking forward to greeting cyclists Sunday morning, with all riders expected to leave their gathering place right around noon.
For any further information, kindly contact event organizers at "hello@beaconride.com"