GearUp4CF

GearUp4CF is a Metro Vancouver bike ride fundraiser for cystic fibrosis. The event includes cycling, food and an after-party in South Surrey.

GearUp4CF is one of a couple of fundraising events benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. It takes place on the Father’s Day Weekend in June. The other event, the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, happens in May.

The GearUp4CF bike ride takes place on June 17th in 2023. It starts at Blackie Spit Park near Crescent Beach and finishes at Crescent Park.

To donate, register or for full details about the event, visit gearup4cf.com.

The Gear Up For Cystic Fibrosis Bike Ride

GearUp4CF is a fundraising event in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Participants collect as many donations as possible before riding their bikes and enjoying other activities on the day of the event. The cycling ride isn’t a competitive race. Instead, it’s a fun way to support a great charitable organization on their mission to cure cystic fibrosis.

There are two ways to participate in GearUp4CF. Riders can either attend the in-person event or cycle on their own route and time on the same day. The virtual option is ideal for anyone who can’t make it to the actual event. The in-person option, however, includes a lot more than just cycling. The 112 km route features pit stops with terrific views. There are also refreshment stations and a full lunch celebration at the end with an awards ceremony.

In 2023 the 18th annual GearUp4CF takes place on Saturday, June 17th. That’s the day just before Father’s Day. This year, the event begins at Blackie Spit Park, located at 3136 McBride Avenue in Surrey. The lunch after-party happens at Crescent Park, located just a few blocks away at 2585-132 Street. As of mid-April, the event schedule and route are to be confirmed.

Registration Details

Regular bikes and e-bikes are both permitted at GearUp4CF, meaning you don’t necessarily have to be super fit to participate. However, all riders must be at least 16 years old.

Registration for GearUp4CF is open online. You can sign up as an individual or as a team, and there’s both a virtual ride and an in-person event. Everyone gets their own fundraising page, but the registration fees differ. In 2023, virtual participation costs $55 per person. Registration for the in-person event, meanwhile, costs $80 and includes snacks, beverages and lunch.

The main goal of the event is to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. All riders must raise a minimum of $1,000. Cystic fibrosis is fatal and hereditary. It affects the lungs and other organs until the body stops fighting. Funds raised for GearUp4CF help researchers and caretakers prolong the life of patients and, hopefully, eventually find a cure. As an extra incentive, riders who raise at least $1,000 before June 1st have a chance to win a special prize.

Visit the GearUp4CF website to register and for full details about the event.

2023 Cycling Route

Participants in the virtual ride can cycle anywhere and at any time on June 17th in 2023.

The in-person GearUp4CF route begins at Surrey’s Blackie Spit Park. It goes all the way to Abbotsford before returning to Surrey at Crescent Park. In total, riders cycle for 112 km. It’s a long but scenic route on mostly flat roads. Along the way, there are directional signs, viewpoints, portable toilets and refreshment stations for riders. There are also bike technicians scattered along the route to help with basic repairs.

GearUp4CF in Vancouver

Tips and Suggestions

Listed below are some tips that are good to know before doing GearUp4CF.

TIP#1: Cycling helmets are mandatory for all riders. They must be buckled on at all times when cycling. Headphones and stereos are not permitted.

TIP#2: All riders are required to check-in at each pit stop during the cycle. It’s a safety precaution, so even if you don’t need the break, be sure to stop.

TIP#3: Riders are welcome to bring backpacks and bags to GearUp4CF, provided that they’re no bigger than 21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches. Before the cycling begins, bags can be checked in and held until the end of the event.