On April 27, Niles Canyon Railway will be holding its 14th annual “Ride the Rails for Relay” as part of Relay For Life, a signature event of the American Cancer Society. This special one-day event is put on by Niles Canyon Railway and Teams from Relays throughout eight different cities.
Niles Canyon Railway generously volunteers their time and resources year after year to create one day of train rides along the historic route where ticket proceeds go to cancer research.
Cathy Norvell has been the primary organizer of Ride the Rails for Relay for the past 14 years as well as an active participant alongside her own team, the Cure Crusaders. Everyone is welcome, not just Relay For Life Members. Money raised goes to cancer research and advocacy, in addition to patient travel to and from treatment, Hope Lodge, bras, wigs and more.
The train will take passengers around Sunol Valley through Niles Canyon in both indoor and open-air cars. There will be three departures from Sunol, and rides last about 1 hour and 20 minutes. During the ride, volunteers roleplaying friendly “train robbers” will approach the cars, and participants can offer their donations.
The Niles Canyon Railway Museum will also be open during the event, along with Sunol Gift Shop and booths featuring local organizations such as the Nile Canyon Artisans, who will display handmade jewelry, paintings and other goods for sale. In addition to food and beverages, a free wine tasting will be available for those 21 and older. Riders can bring their own picnic to enjoy on the train or at the station.
Last year, Ride the Rails for Relay brought in over $13,000. Such events like this not only bring awareness to cancer but allow the community to bond with others who may be experiencing the same overwhelming circumstances.
Relay For Life is celebrating its 40th year. It began with one man who took to a track in Tacoma, Washington and walked for 24 hours to bring awareness to cancer. Now Relays are celebrated all over the United States and 35 other countries, with over 150,000 participants.
Ride the Rails for Relay
Sunday, April 27
Departure times: 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Sunol Station
6 Kilkare Rd., Sunol
ncry.org/ride/ride-the-rails-for-relay/
Tickets: $25 Adult; $15 Child
