Cyclists.
Anyone who has traversed Montana’s roads and paths has seen them, these athletes toiling on two wheels through Big Sky country, traveling with only themselves as a power source, zipping down mountain trails or clad in aerodynamic gear as they pedal along the highways.
For many of these cyclists, the question isn’t “Why would someone put themselves through that?” but rather, “Why wouldn’t I?”
A passion for riding was what kept Steve Rademaker pedaling, even through his bouts of chemotherapy treating the cancer that had invaded his pancreas.
Rademaker, who worked at Kalispell Regional Medical Center as the laboratory director, passed away last December. An avid cyclist, Rademaker was enthusiastic, relentlessly positive, and a source of pure energy to those who knew him.
“He inspired us,” Kip Smith, the telehealth services director for Kalispell Regional Healthcare and one of Rademaker’s cycling partners, said. “For someone who went through the battle of cancer, his positive attitude throughout the entire process was inspiring for all of us. Even during treatment, we did multiple bike rides with Steve, including things like Going-to-the-Sun Road.”
In honor of Rademaker’s zest for life and his love of cycling, KRH is hosting the first-ever Rad Ride on Aug. 29, a bike ride on the paved Great Northern Historical Trail starting south of Kalispell at Fun Beverage.
The ride isn’t a race, Smith said, but rather a time to get out and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of riding a bike. The setup is a ride-out-ride-back system, with 5-, 10-, and 20-mile options.
“People can basically go out and ride as far as they want and come back to Fun Beverage,” Smith said.
It’s an extremely family-friendly event, with a family fun circle at the Fun Beverage starting location for even the smallest riders on their tricycles, scooters, and balance bikes, which includes an obstacle course.
Along with the ride, attendees also receive lunch, a Rad Ride water bottle, and snacks and water at each assistance station along the route. KRH will also give away 160 helmets to those who need them, and there will be music from Ed Boggs during lunch.
The whole event not only honors Rademaker: Proceeds collected will go toward the relatively new Cancer Support Community at KRMC. Cancer Support Community (CSC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing emotional support, education, and hope for those with cancer and their loved ones.
CSC’s services are provided free of charge.
The entry fee for the ride is $20 for individuals, and $30 for a family of four. Registrations will be accepted up to the day of the race.
Smith said Rademaker would be pleased that the money will be used for cancer support, and that he would have been one of the most enthusiastic riders at the event.
Bringing together awareness and cycling, Smith believes the Rad Ride will be a fitting tribute to Rademaker, and the committee behind the ride hopes to make it an annual event.
“We have to remember somebody who was this positive and enthusiastic, who tried to show up for work every day with this amazingly positive attitude. He wouldn’t let any of us get down,” Smith said. “We’re going to celebrate Steve’s life and his enthusiasm; we know he’s watching.”
For more information about the Rad Ride, visit www.facebook.com/radrideforcancersupport or call 406-751-6697.