Submitted by Lee Kramer

The 2011 Cycling the Coast for a Cure fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life has become a growing tradition for the Kaiser Realty, Inc. team.

In its fifth year, the event included 86 cyclists and raised more than $4,000 for the company’s Relay for Life team on Saturday morning.

Three courses were offered this year to entice riders of all levels to the event; a 13-mile fun ride along with the more challenging 21- and 37-mile courses for more experienced riders.

The rides started at 9 a.m. at Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach and concluded at the restaurant with lunch, live music by the Keeners, raffle drawings and additional festivities.

As part of the fundraising efforts, cyclists are asked to sell raffle tickets for one of the various prizes that culminate to a $500 gift certificate towards a custom bike from The Bike Shop. This year’s winner was Ken Kichler.

“We would really like to thank all of our sponsors for their participation,” Leonard Kaiser, President of Kaiser Realty, Inc said. “With their support along with the help of those selling raffle tickets, like our top fundraiser Fred Williams, we are able to make a big difference for a great cause dear to many of us here today.”

Kaiser Realty was joined by the following event sponsors in support of the American Cancer Society: Tacky Jacks, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission, The Bike Shop, Sunny 105.7, Cooper Communications, Original Oyster House, Amazing Eyes, Baldwin EMC, C-Sharp Co. Waterproofing & Restoration, Road ID, Bayside Signs and Graphics, Lower Alabama Parrot Heads, Bruno’s, Alabama Glass Works, Gene’s Floor Covering, South Baldwin Hospital and Kaiser Landscape & Pool Services, Inc. Additional support came courtesy of the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach along with the Orange Beach Recreational Department.