Saturday, August 14, marks the 5th year of Ride for a Reason. It will begin at 8am, at Nimbus Flat, just behind the CSUS Aquatic Center, off of Hazel Avenue. Bicycle riders of all levels, ages, and abilities will take off and head toward Beals Point, along the American River Bike Trail. This is not a race. It is a fully supported ride to benefit cancer and Parkinson's research, survivors, and those still coping with these diseases.

John Crews, a BMX rider who signed his first pro contract at age 15, was number ten in the ABA rankings, rode until he was 24, and in 2006 was inducted into the Bicycle Association Hall of Fame, is the owner of Bicycles Plus in Folsom. He opened the store with a small loan in December of 1986, building one of the most successful single store bike shops in the US. In October, 2003, John was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He was 40 years old.

He had always given back to his community, and he has continued to do so. Ride for a Reason began in 2005. It is a charity event, established for the sole purpose of raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease and cancer. According to Lori Scheel, co-owner of RFAR with John,  RFAR has raised over $350,000 since then. She is hoping that they top the $500,000 mark this year.

Lori says that the stops along the way this year are simply "over the top with fun". The first stop is at Negro Bar. If you are living with Parkinson's, cancer, or are a cancer survivor, let the people at this stop know. You will receive a yellow bandanna and a raffle ticket. This special raffle ticket is a chance to win one of 3 Cadillac Yellow jerseys, and one Polka Dot jersey, signed by the broadcast crew from Versus--Liggett, Sherwin, Role, Hummer. The other 3 jerseys will be put into the big, overall raffle.

At all the pit stops along the way, Negro Bar, Beals Point, Willow Creek, Nimbus Flat, you'll find support, goodies, and raffle tickets for the big raffle at the end of the ride, when everyone returns to Nimbus Flat, ready for lunch. You don't have to ride the whole way, and can peel off at the Rainbow Bridge in Folsom to head back, if Beals Point is a bit too much for you. The official end of the ride is at noon. Lunch begins at 10:30 to accommodate the early finishers.

If you have signed up, it's a good idea to pick up your goodie bag and wrist band on Friday, starting at 10am at Bicycles Plus.

Last year, about 850 riders signed up. The limit is 1,000. Lori is pretty sure that, if you are unable to sign up prior to Saturday, that there will be still be room for you. Registration begins at 7am, and if you sign up then, the cost goes up by $10.

It doesn't matter what kind of bike you ride--road, mountain, townie, cross, recumbent--it just has to be safe. Children must be accompanied by an adult (no training wheels). ANSI helmets are required on all riders. If you are unable to ride, you may still donate to the cause.

This writer and rider will be there, to support John, RFAR, and because I am cancer survivor, happy to be able to ride. Join everyone for this very worthwhile event, right here in our backyard.