A Vancouver cycling team is testing the limits of endurance, all in support of a worthy cause.
On June 11 a group of seven local riders will conquer the 'Triple Crown' of Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress Mountain (a well-known route in the cycling community), plus make a trip to Whistler Village — all in one day.
The planned journey is roughly 240 kilometres with over 5000 metres of elevation gain. There will, of course, be breaks along the way.
The epic feat of strength will benefit the Coast Mental Health Foundation as part of its 'Courage 2 Go Further' fundraising initiative.
Richmond resident and 'Crowns and Clowns' team member Andrew Ross sees it as an opportunity to promote mental health awareness, an issue that has been magnified during COVID-19.
"We all like to be out and about and right now we're all sort of cooped up. We can't see our friends; socializing is just not there," he explains.
Ross also says people often balk at the idea of the ambitious route until they realize why the team is doing it.
"We're trying to raise money for a great cause, for mental health. So why not do something that's challenging? Because that's what people go through with their challenges. So we thought we'd try it out," says Ross.
The 'Courage 2 Go Further' campaign helps thousands of people across the province access critical resources through support services and employment or education opportunities.
