RIDE FOR A CAUSE. Team Eau Claire has fundraised 80% of its $20,000 goal, all of which will go toward the Alzheimer's Association. (Pictured, left to right: Mark Tomaso, Anne Ryan, Kevin Potter, Stan Pieterick, Ann Ryan, Joel Roesch, Bob Swanson and Jeff Thielen. Members not pictured: Roxanne Backowski, Nicole Billings, Kelsey Heffling, John Satre, Tyle August.)

Team Eau Claire, a local 12-person group, is gearing up for The Ride to End ALZ event on Saturday, Sept. 19 – a recreation and fundraising event supporting the Alzheimer's Association's continued research.

As of August, Team Eau Claire – sponsored by Scheels and Costco, Red Flint Racing and Spring Street Sports – has raised $16,000 toward its $20,000 goal. The group, formed by locals Dr. Mark Tomasic and Jeff Thielen (each with family members who passed from Alzheimer's and dementia), completed last year's Ride to End ALZ.

General donations can be made to Team Eau Claire online, or if you know a team member, you can contribute directly to their fundraising efforts. All donations go to the Alzheimer's Association.

Oh, and if you've got a hankering for a 25-, 50- or 70-mile bike ride, Team Eau Claire is still accepting new riders.

Visit the Team Eau Claire website to make a donation or learn more.