3rd Annual Cycle for ALS
August 16, 2025

"This is bigger than me. Today is my best day and I plan to enjoy it.”

Cycle for ALS event is an inspiring annual ride through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, bringing together participants to raise awareness and funds for individuals and families affected by ALS in Alberta. This unique event combines the beauty of nature with a shared mission of hope, support, and community.

Open to participants of all abilities and ages, Cycle for ALS offers a welcoming and inclusive experience, with exciting prizes and a complimentary lunch to enjoy together after the ride.

The Fenlands Recreation Centre in Banff is the starting point for the 2025 event.

Participants have the option of:

- Cycling to Lake Louise Ski Resort Parking Lot & Return to Fenlands Rec Centre (snack stop at Castle Junction) - 119 km, 738m elevation +/-

- Cycling to Castle Junction & Return to Fenlands Rec Centre (snack stop at Castle Junction) - 61 km, 243m elevation +/-

- Cycling from Banff along the Legacy Trail to Canmore (or as far as you choose) & Return to Banff - 46 km, mostly flat

The 3rd Annual Cycle for ALS is held in loving memory, and honour of Rita Stegerman.

          Rita's story, as told by her in Spring 2023:

I sit here at our kitchen table with my iPad, a small camera is attached, and a small sticker on my glasses. This allows me to use the apps and to write this story.  For this, I am truly grateful and not trapped inside my mind. My both hands and arms have stopped working. My tongue is weak making it difficult to swallow and impossible to say simple words. My legs are weak and today I was measured for a wheelchair. Tonight, I will be fitted with a bi-pap machine to help me breathe at night and a feeding port installed in my stomach, as I am a shadow of my former self. 

My journey started 17 months ago with my right hand and forearm feeling very cold. Then my fingers were stiff and so I bought the ergonomic correct pads, as my job included a lot of computer work. This didn’t help so I decided to go to my doctor. He suspected carpal tunnel and referred me to a neurologist. A month went by and then I got in to be tested. It was a series of nerve tests with no diagnosis other than I was to wait another couple of months and then get tested again. It was not carpal tunnel and was affecting my left leg and tongue as well. I waited another couple of months with my right hand getting worse. After another appointment with my GP, I learnt they thought I had ALS? I never heard of it. I remember going home and telling my hubby. I googled it and began to read out loud what it was. We both were in denial and would wait for the specialist at the Kaye Clinic.  A few weeks later I went to learn the raw truth. I had a very aggressive ALS. It was terminal. Maybe 2-3 years. 

I remember sitting in my truck in the parking lot feeling numb. I really don’t remember driving home. From there we met some of the most incredible people.  They truly helped us get ahead and understand the changes that came. The support came emotionally, physically, help finding financial aid to equipment. I went through all the stages of grief. I begged God to heal me. Then I had it out with him. Broken, I wept and surrendered. That is when I heard, this is bigger than you. What does that even mean? My eyes were opened, and I started working with three research teams to find out more about this disease in the hope for an early diagnosis and possibly a cure. 

Then I began working with the ALS Society of Alberta to see how to help. Now I need to back up a bit. Three weeks after my diagnosis we lost our God Child and nephew Cole, in a terrible accident. And through this all, I kept hearing, this is bigger than you. This life isn’t fair, and it downright sucks sometimes. I have learned to find my gratefuls every day, thank God for what I can do and make today the best day. Our son Cody and my hubby George came up with the idea to cycle from Canmore to Lake Louise this summer for a challenge. This became bigger than us and we decided to ask everyone to join us and turned it into a fundraiser for ALS. 

So, do you own a bike? Do you like the mountains? Sounds overwhelming or challenging? Everyone can get involved. Whether you ride only a few kilometers or all 88. The proceeds will go toward research for a cure and funding for the ALS Society of Alberta for equipment that is available to patients who need it.  The biggest thing I believe would make a difference is simply raising awareness. Please consider sharing this and getting involved. A huge thank you to my family, friends, caregivers, and the ALS Society of Alberta.