St. Paul Woman to Bike 500 Kilometres for Jumpstart

Since the snow melted you’ve probably seen Jada Anderson riding her bike all around St. Paul. Not an unusual sight as the town has beautiful trails, like Legacy Park, to discover, but what is unusual is Jada is preparing to ride 500 kilometres over five days for Jumpstart, Pedal for Kids.

Jumpstart is a fantastic program that allows kids who may not otherwise be able to afford to play sports, play. Jada became involved after she started working at Mark’s Work Warehouse (yes, that’s also where you know her from!). She actually used the program when her son started football, she was a newly single mom and really wanted her son to have his dream of playing for the St. Paul Lions come true, but wasn’t sure how she would come up with the fees.

This is the third year Jada is participating in the ride. In the past she’s traveled all over the country; including Quebec and Ontario.  Riders are responsible for their own travel expenses, bikes, and equipment.”The have a great organization, Great Explorations, they help with flat tires and broken parts,” Jada says the company travels with the riders to ensure the equipment is safe and provide immediate assistance.

“I’m thankful this year it’ll be held in Alberta,” laughs Jada, who is also excited that friends she’s made through the ride will be able to see her part of the world. “We’re going from Red Deer to Olds, to Calgar, then to Cochane, then Canmore, then Banff to Canmore again, then Calgary to finish.” Jada laughs that it’s challenging to train for all the hills between Canmore and Banff in the north.

Ride Info

• Day 1- Sept 8 Red Deer to Olds
• Day 2- Sept 9 Olds to Cochrane
• Day 3- Sept 10 Cochrane to Canmore
• Day 4- Sept 11 Canmore to Banff to Canmore
• Day 5- Sept 12 Canmore to Calgary

“Not a lot of people know about it, here in St. Paul, and the need is so high. It’s roughly $100 a kid to get into sports, so the more we can raise, the more we can help our kids. Considering how much football or hockey is, a little bit goes a long way,” Jada says all the money she raises stays in the community.

To sign up or find out more about Jumpstart, visit Gary Ward, the Town of St. Paul Rec Director at the Town Office. You may donate to Jada’s ride on the Jumpstart online donation page.  You can also donate in person at Mark’s Work Warehouse or on June 20th the Elk Point Soccer Club has invited Jada to host a Jumpstart BBQ at 5:30 at the soccer fields in Elk Point. Special thanks to Golden Loaf Bakery in Elk Point and Extreme Oilfield Services for donating buns and BBQ trailer for the event.