On a whim, longtime Burnaby resident Pauline McGuigan signed up for a 200 km bike ride after seeing a poster for the B.C. Lung Association's Bicycle Trek for Life and Breath. That was in 1992.
This year will mark her 20th year as a participant along with her husband, Ash Dhanani.
Almost every year since their first ride, the couple has participated, together raising well over $1,000 annually for lung health awareness and research.
"I think it's a worthwhile cause and it's a fun weekend," McGuigan said.
The two-day bike ride, happening Sept. 8 and 9 this year, takes cyclists from White Rock to Cultus Lake and back.
The trek has taken on significant meaning for McGuigan and Dhanani. Over the last two decades, they have lost a friend to lung cancer and currently have another friend dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
McGuigan says she is grateful to friends and family who support her endeavor.
"I mean, there's just so many charities out there, so many worthwhile things to donate money to," she said, "so I really do appreciate that they continue to support Ash and I."
The association is still accepting participants for Trek. Registration is $25, and participants must raise at least $475. In return, they receive fully-catered rest stops and support, accommodation and meals.
For more information, or to donate, call 1-800-665-5864 or visit www.bc.lung.ca.
