Picture Play Gallery: Ride of their lives

Jonathon Strang and his friend Alex Milne set off for the ride of their lives Monday morning.

It was a morning full of nerves and adrenalin as two local men, surrounded by family and well wishers, pushed off on a gruelling two-day charity bike ride to Toronto at Euphoria Smoothies on Lakeshore Drive.

Jonathon Strang and his friend Alex Milne decided that they would like to bike to Toronto in support of a cause, one that is close to Strang’s heart, following an intense conversation a few months back.

“Actually we were driving down to Toronto to meet his (Alex) girlfriend when we see someone crossing the highway on a bike,” explains 19-year-old Strang.

“And I said I always wanted to bike to Toronto and he said well me too, and we talked for three hours on the way down and that’s how it started, and I called the Alzheimer’s the next day and we were good to go.”

Strang says that considering it is the duo’s first attempt at a big fundraiser they wanted to find a purpose that would drive them and stay focused.

“My Grandfather passed away a few years ago and I will be riding for him.”

“It’s a really big deal it shows that we are dedicated, we want to do something great and show that we are committed to this and that’s why we picked biking to Toronto.”

The young men, who have been working daily at the gym to get into shape for the trek, know that their success will not only be a personal milestone but that their efforts will help the non-profit agency financially and publically.

“Of course they (Alzheimer Society) are getting a lot of media and voice out there,” states Strang.

“We’re doing a good thing for them and people keep talking to them and joining their support groups and finding out more and more about this disease ... hopefully one day it will be a thing of the past.”

Strang says if there was one thing anyone remembers at the conclusion of the bike trek is that everyone can make a difference no matter the effort big or small.

“Just fight for what you believe in really ... just do your best and make a difference.”

The pair aim to raise $30,000 ($15,000 each) in support of the local Alzheimer Society and has earmarked any funds above the goal, be directed to Alzheimer Research.

To make a donation to the boy’s ride please contact Amanda at 495-4342 or email at [email protected]