Cyclists are gearing up for a major bike ride in support of a good cause.

“The Big Ride is a 300 kilometer cycle around the gorgeous Cabot Trail,” says Nicole Langille, director of operations for Give To Live, “It’s happening on July 17 this year.”

Thirty-two participants are signed up so far.

“We’d love to have 50 riders this year, but the main thing is that we want to raise $150,000,” says Langille.

The money will go to the Canadian Cancer Society’s The Lodge That Gives – a home away from home for cancer patients.

“We are going to use these funds to equip our fitness room as well as offer fitness and healthy living programs here at The Lodge That Gives and The Sobey Cancer Support Centre,” says Kendra Morton, interim CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Nova Scotia division.

Morton says these funds help provide programming they wouldn’t normally be able to offer.

“It’s an opportunity to enhance the lives of cancer patients while they’re staying here, and specifically from The Big Ride perspective, we’re able to offer physical activity as well as gentle movement which allows them to just lead healthier lives while they’re here,” says Morton.

The Big Ride participants are required to raise a minimum of $500 each. They can choose one of three distances – 100, 200 or 300 kilometers.

Langille says anybody can get involved.

“It’s not for competitive cyclists,” Langille tells CTV News. “We do have some of those out on the road, but really anyone who likes to cycle on a regular basis can take this on.”

Jeff Langill will be biking 100 kilometers for the second year in a row.

“Last year I had never even riden a bike, a road bike, so I went out and bought a road big and did The Big Ride last year,” says Langill. “Once I got out there I was hooked, and I was surprised how easy it was.”

For anybody looking for inspiration to get involved, participant Ron Allen says to look no further.

“I’m 71 and I’m going to start by training next week when the weather gets nice, so I’ll have about three and a half weeks to train,” says Allen. “Anybody can do this and I’m proof of it.”

“This is an opportunity for ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” says Morton. “Not only from a physical perspective, but also they’re making a huge impact in the lives of Nova Scotia cancer patients.”