Elna Mayberry, Scheduling Assistant in the Office of the Registrar, joined the Brock Cyclones last year in the annual Big Move Cancer Ride. This year, the Cyclones will be riding individually to adhere with COVID-19 regulations. While the whole world has been simultaneously put on pause due to COVID-19, the Brock University Cyclones will still be riding full speed ahead to help fight for the cure for cancer.
The Cyclones are a group of Brock faculty, staff and students who ride annually in the Big Move Cancer Ride raising funds for the Walker Family Cancer Centre in Niagara. Over the past 10 years, the Cyclones have raised more than $70,000 and were inducted into the Platinum Peddlers club in 2016 for raising over $50,000 since the teams inception.
This year’s ride will look different from past years due to regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team is still looking forward to the annual event.
“The entire team either knows someone directly or indirectly that has been affected by cancer and know how valuable the ability to get treatments close to home and not have to deal with traveling and the associated expenses,” said Karl Thorp, Operations Supervisor/Instructor, Campus Security Services. “All of the funds raised stay here in Niagara, providing patients state of the art technology in their treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre in St. Catharines.”
This year, riders will each go on individual bike rides, riding distances between 12 kilometres to more than 75 kilometres. The rides will span from Sept. 1 to 13, with each participant tracking and sharing their experience through social media posts and photos.
Thorp has been the team captain of the Cyclones over the past 10 years. He said last year had the biggest Brock turnout with 17 members on the team, but the team is still encouraging more to join this year.
“We are always looking for more riders to join this worthwhile and local cause,” said Thorp. “We wear our Brock University cycling jerseys with pride whenever we ride.”
Along with new team members, the Cyclones are also encouraging the Brock community to donate to help them reach their goal of $5,000.
For more information on how to join the Cyclones, please visit the Niagara Health Foundation website.
Any questions about the team or regarding donations can be sent to Thorp at kthorp@brocku.ca
