Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond: A local Livestrong ride open to everyone

Here's a great opportunity for fans of Livestrong and those who want to make a difference in the many ongoing efforts related to cancer.

Anyone with a bike and some basic fitness can enjoy this event, which begins in Davis on June 24. There's still time to get your bikes tuned and get in some good training miles. You'll be able to choose the distance and difficulty that suits you.

Here's the press release we received from Livestrong, including information about how to register:

AUSTIN, Texas - May 24, 2012 - The 2012 Team LIVESTRONG Challenge series kicks off on June 24 in Davis, Calif. before making its way to Philadelphia (Aug. 18-19) and Austin, Texas (Oct. 21). The second annual Davis Challenge is designed to attract a wide-range of fitness levels with a multi-distance bike ride, including 20-, 65-, or 100-mile options.

The Team LIVESTRONG Challenge is the organization's popular three-part series in Team LIVESTRONG's roster of more than 20 athletic events designed to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. The Challenge inspires and empowers individuals, teams, families, friends and co-workers to unite in the fight against cancer. One hundred percent of participant and donor gifts to the Team LIVESTRONG Challenge series go directly to support cancer programs and initiatives. Since 1997, the Challenge events have raised more than $70 million.

"Our team is looking forward to being back in Davis for the second annual Team LIVESTRONG Challenge bike ride," said Doug Ulman, Lance Armstrong Foundation president and CEO, and three-time cancer survivor. "We hope we will be celebrating the passage of the California Cancer Research Act, the $1 tobacco tax increase set for a vote on June 5. If passed, this measure will have a profound impact on the public health and economy of this state - saving countless lives, billions in healthcare expenses and bringing desperately-needed new jobs and investments. We hope the people of Davis will join the U.S. cancer community in our unified support of Proposition 29."

"Being a cancer survivor is a challenge, a compacted awareness that our physical lives end," said Eytan Grinnell, a prostate cancer survivor who is participating in his first Challenge. "Cycling has been so important in my own process. I was immediately attracted to the possibility of supporting the work of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and have registered for the 100-mile ride."

To date, the LIVESTRONG Challenge Davis has raised $338,355 this season. The ride will begin at Central Park in downtown Davis. Registration is currently open for all interested at TeamLIVESTRONG.org.

In 2011, the 1,500 cyclists who participated in the Davis Challenge raised nearly $1 million for programs and initiatives supporting people affected by cancer. In addition to the ride in Davis, this year will mark the seventh year for the Challenge to take place in Philadelphia and the 15th year in Austin.

About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world's leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer throughout the world. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand - LIVESTRONG - the Foundation is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.