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Lonesome peddlers on the roof

They’re feeling psyched and positive, but at the moment cyclists Cheryl Lydynuik and Brenda Jeklin aren't sure how their bikes are getting up onto the roof.
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They’re feeling psyched and positive, but at the moment, they’re not exactly sure how their bikes are getting up onto the roof.

That’s how South Surrey cyclist Cheryl Lydynuik and Ride for Hope teammate Brenda Jeklin are feeling heading into a 24-hour rooftop marathon they’re calling Peddlers on the Roof.

On May 20, they’ll climb to the roof of the Cloverdale Marketplace IGA, where they’ll spend 24 hours pedaling for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

The two women – great friends and cycling buddies – are members of Team Alliance, taking part in the 2011 Ride For Hope, a 200-km charity bike ride on July 13 that starts at Morgan Crossing in South Surrey and will end in the town of Hope, B.C.

But first, there’s that 24-hour rooftop “spin” in Cloverdale.

Cheryl says they’ll be using a ladder to reach the hatch to the roof, but so far, it remains a mystery as to how the bikes will be making it through that little hatch.

She’s confident that store owner, event organizer, and Team Alliance Cycling Club teammate Rob Neufeld has it all worked out.

“Rob is so supportive. He is so keen. He’s just been great,” says Cheryl, who is clearly excited about the physical demands that lie ahead, while all of Cloverdale parties below, first at the Rodeo Days Chili Cook-off at Clover Square Village Friday evening, then at the store’s charity barbecue fundraiser Saturday morning following the Cloverdale Rodeo parade.

The two “Peddlers on the Roof” plan to take rest breaks, and expect other Team Alliance members will be helping them out.

“Otherwise, we’ll be up there all night!” says Cheryl, urging supporters to visit during the night to cheer them on. “We’re going to be lonely in those dark, wee hours of the morning. It would be nice to have some company.”

Cheryl, who just turned 50, got into cycling last year, took part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a multi-day cycling event for the BC Cancer Foundation.

All proceeds from the Ride for Hope fundraiser go to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, a facility that provides specialized care for children with life-threatening illnesses, and support for their families.