Greg Doesburg, left, and Paul Hendriks, right, will be riding in the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer, from Niagara Fall to Toronto, June 20-22.

Paul Hendriks loves a challenge.

So when he heard about the inaugural Ride to Conquer Cancer last fall, he was intrigued. A runner by nature, Hendriks decided to give the more than 200-kilometre trek from Niagara Falls to Toronto, which will raise funds for cancer research, a shot.

"I love a good challenge. I'm a runner by nature, and over the last five years have been challenging myself to go faster and further than the year before," said Hendriks of the June 20-22 event. "When I heard about the ride, I thought this would be a real challenge for me to take things to the next level."

Hendriks has quickly learned, however, that running does nothing for the muscles you need to ride. He doesn't let that faze him, however.

"I'm fortunate to have my health and the ability to train to do this ride for the others that can't. This challenge is nothing compared to the challenge cancer patients face everyday, so completing this ride will hopefully help satisfy and eliminate so many challenges out there," he said.

He also has a partner to bike alongside him. Fellow Beamsville resident Greg Doesburg registered for the event after learning about it from Hendriks and they have been training together for the event.

Doesburg, an avid mountain biker, says this is a switch from his regular cycling routine, but he is excited about the event.

"It has been a humbling experience to see what people are doing to support the cause," he said.

Originally discouraged by the $2,500 entry fee, things quickly changed for Doesburg.

"I thought it sounded interesting but I wasn't sure that I could raise the $2,500 entry fee," said Doesburg. "I did not really think about it for a few weeks, then, my father-in-law, Joseph Bajus, past away from a lengthy bout with Leukemia. So, I decided to honour his life by registering and I raised over $2,000 in just eight days."

Now he has his sights set on raising $5,000.

Hendriks was also worried about raising the registration fee, but also received tremendous support and has exceeded that mark through family, friends and co-workers. He said he knows how important the funds are going to be.

"I've had family and friends that have passed away from various types of cancer," said Hendriks. "So many people are either directly affected by cancer or know someone who is, so most people become very passionate to help find a cure."

Knowing the impact the funds raised over the years have had on breast cancer research, both riders are hoping this ride will help elevate the cancer research towards a cure.

Hendriks already has his sights set on the finish line.

"Having ran many races, the absolute rush of pushing your body to its limit and succeeding in your goal that you have trained so hard for is second to none," he said. "Knowing how this ride is going to benefit so many people, and all the success stories that will come from it, I can already imagine how emotional crossing the finish line will be."

Local residents wishing to support the riders can visit www.conquercancer.ca, click, Sponsor a Participant and then type either Paul Hendriks or Greg Doesburg. You can also call 416-815-7433.