Riding the Big Bike down Goderich Street through Port Elgin, the Port Elgin Posse wave and cheer to onlookers and motorists. Hub photo

Hub Staff

Drivers along Goderich Street in Port Elgin on May 6 were witness to three local groups and businesses riding the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Big Bike as part of the their annual event

Starting in the parking lot of the Port Elgin Shopping Centre, close to the LCBO, the teams on separate trips, pedaled their way approximately two kilometres north to downtown Port Elgin waving and cheering to reciprocating motorists and pedestrians before turning around and heading back.

The three participating teams, Saugeen Shores Family Eye Care's Cardiac Cruisers, Destinations Unlimited and the Port Elgin Posse, collectively raised $5,929.50 towards heart and stroke research.

Over $8 million was raised for research through the Big Bike event last year, which covered 200 communities across Canada with more than 70,000 riders taking part.

“It's a lot of fun,” said Heart & Stroke Foundation Program Coordinator Margaret Humphries who coordinates the Big Bike in Grey and Bruce. “The money raised promotes research and that's the big thing for us. Years ago if four people had a heart attack, three wouldn't come home, now three come home so it's a big thing,” she said.

Team captain for Destinations Unlimited, Roberta Burton said her team had almost a full bike made up of family and friends who were dressed as Disney characters and superheroes as they rode the bike. “We raised almost $3,000,” she said, explaining that the team has been participating in the event for the last few years. “I'm a heart attack survivor so it's something that's been important to me,” she said.

Angela Belair, co-leader of the Port Elgin Posse, along with Jennifer O'Reilly, said that they had been participating in the Big Bike event for the past four years. It's a lot of pedaling,” said Belair. “Everybody rides for someone here, a memory of someone,” she said.

The Destinations Unlimited Has Heart team dressed as Disney characters and superheroes for their Big Bike ride. Photo submitted

Saugeen Shores Family Eye Care's Cardiac Cruisers team ready for their Big Bike Ride, May 6. Photo submitted

The Port Elgin Posse before their Big Bike ride along Goderich Street in Port Elgin. Photo submitted

Team captains of the Port Elgin Posse, Jennifer O'Reilly (L) and Angela Belair stretch their legs after completing their Big Bike ride. Hub photo