Sunday kicks off the 4th Annual Big Bike Ride in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Riders and organizers have been fundraising over the past few months trying to reach their $10,000 goal, they currently have $8,300 which makes them $1,700 away from their goal.

Organizer of the event and team captain, Tamara Boivin says they have held that event in conjunction with the ride including last Friday's Pound and Pour.

"The event consisted of a brand new drumming fitness class here in Okotoks which is called Pound and is super fun, we then followed it with the pour portion which consisted of an after party with some refreshments and some shopping with Stella and Dot."

50% of the commission made from the Stella and Dot sales is being donated to Sunday's ride. Currently, the event raised $100 from the fitness class and after party with an additional $75 to date from the Stella and Dot sales.

Boivon adds just like every other fundraiser, every little bit and every person helps.

That is a part of why she has been so thankful for the turn out in the past three years and hopes they can keep it going this year with the two bikes they have to fill.

"We have had them overflowing in the past and had to be creative, but we do still have some space this time being five seats shy on one bike and ten seats shy on the other."

Boivon says those who are interested in getting on the bike can do so by contacting her, or by registering here.

Boivon adds the Okotoks ride is different from others of its kind in Canada because of the way it starts and the activities that are done during pit-stops.

"The event will start at 11 a.m. in the northeast corner of the Rec centre parking lot where we will be warming up doing some fun zumba and exercise, then riding around to different locations and doing the same there, then coming back."

For more information contact Tamara Boivin at 403-607-9574.

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