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Pair pedalling around Lake Simcoe in bid to help conquer cancer

Duo will begin and end at Barrie waterfront, passing through Orillia, Brechin, Beaverton, Sutton, Keswick, Queensville and Bradford
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(stock photo)

The Princess Margaret Foundation’s Ride to Conquer Cancer may not be happening like it normally would, but COVID-19 isn’t cancelling the event for two Barrie riders.

On the weekend of Aug. 8 and 9, Edward Moll and Trudee Romanek will bicycle 219 kilometres around Lake Simcoe in support of the event that has run for 12 years.

Moll told BarrieToday he has been involved with the ride “for some time,” and didn’t want anything to stop him and friend Trudee from continuing on.

“Obviously, COVID put a hold on the regular event,” he said. “But when the organization announced they were encouraging folks to get out and ride in another area, we knew we could ride around Lake Simcoe. It's better to do it together than alone.”

The ride usually raises between $14 million and $17 million each year and riders enter when they have accumulated at least $2,500 in donations. 

“They waived the minimum requirement to donate this year, but I know myself and Trudee, and likely everyone else involved, want to make this a huge year for donations,” said Moll.

Their respective spouses will also accompany them in a support van for the trip, providing updates on social media. 

The usual route for the event takes back roads from Toronto Exhibition Park to Niagara Falls, with an overnight stop in Hamilton.

The duo will begin and end at the Barrie waterfront by the Spirit Catcher, passing through Orillia, Brechin, Beaverton, overnight in Sutton, then Sunday on to Keswick, Queensville, Bradford, and heading north to return to Barrie.

Romanek is an editor, playwright and author of books for young readers who was born and raised in Barrie. She spent some years in Toronto before returning 25 years ago to raise her own family here. She began cycling in 2011 to raise money for the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.

Moll is a local singer-songwriter who just completed his second album. He had participated in his third ride in 2018. When the 65-year-old Moll had a heart attack at the beginning of February 2020, he thought he had to bow out of what was then thought to be the ride in June. 

“My wife and I scouted the lake and I’ve always wanted to do a ride around it,” said Moll. “I’ll take it easy and take a few more breaks than I usually would, but all in all, this will be a great ride.” 

To sponsor their ride you can visit Romanek’s page here.