Motorists travelling north of Cochrane this weekend should be prepared for delays and be on the alert for cyclists.

The 11th annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation takes place this Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 17-18). Most of the 200-plus kilometre journey takes place north and east of town along roads regularly travelled by area residents.

Both Saturday and Sunday they'll be travelling Bearspaw Rd., Bill Hill Springs Rd. and Hwys. 766, 580, 760 and on Hwy. 22 northbound from Cremona. They have a lunch stop in Cremona on both days and will be camping overnight Saturday in Sundre.

About 30 Cochrane area riders are among the thousands of participants.

The ride kicks off at the Shane Homes YMCA on Rocky Ridge Rd. in northwest Calgary. Opening ceremonies begin at 7 a.m. Following speeches, a riderless bike procession will be lead by cancer survivors down an aisle while riders take a moment of silence. 

Over its 11-year history, the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised nearly $75 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Funds raised enable the Alberta Cancer Foundation to support breakthrough cancer research, clinical trials, enhanced care and the discovery of new cancer therapies at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Cross Cancer Institute and 15 other centres across Alberta.

The full route is available here.