Big Bike rolls into Regina

Driving a 30-foot-long, 2,000-pound behemoth of a bike is more than just a summer job for Kyle Anderson.

Along with his driving partner, James Liebrecht, Anderson is travelling across the province with the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike.

“It’s great to be able to do my part in raising awareness and money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation,” said Anderson. “I feel proud to be a part of the experience.”

The Big Bike, which has 30 sets of pedals for 30 riding members, rolled into Regina Wednesday morning. Teams from Scotia Bank and the Conexus Credit Union will get a chance to pedal it this year.

The first ride started off late Wednesday along 11th Avenue, and the final ride started at the Legislature later.

People don’t pay to get on the bike. Instead, they raise funds to get on it.

The 29-member cycling teams are recruited by a team captain. The team then raises a minimum of $50 each from the community to get on the bike.

This year’s tour marks the fundraiser’s 20th anniversary and will see the Big Bike travel to more than 40 communities in Saskatchewan.

Lorie Langenfurth, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Saskatchewan, said proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward cardiovascular research and the foundation’s efforts to help Canadians live long, healthy lives.

The foundation is hoping to raise at least $350,000 from the rides this year.

Langenfurth said heart attacks and strokes are the leading causes of death and disability in the province and that only half of Saskatchewan people are active enough to be “heart healthy”.

Every day in Saskatchewan, 23 people suffer a heart attack or a stroke. And nine out of 10 people have at least one of the major risk factors for stroke.

Langenfurth said it’s through fundraising efforts like the Big Bike fundraiser that the Heart and Stroke Foundation raises money to help Canadians take charge of their own health.

Anderson described the bike as “a tonne of fun” and invited Reginans to take part in it by supporting the riding teams.

“I think they’ll have a lot of fun watching us have a lot of fun.”