It was a muggy day but that didn't stop the sunshine that beamed from the faces of participants in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Big Bike event in Langley.

On June 28, nine Langley-based teams of approximately 235 participants rode to raise about $28,000.

They gathered in the western parking lot of Cascades Casino and kept heads turning wherever they went.

The Surrey Heart and Stroke office held seven Big Bike days from the end of April to the end of June throughout Langley, Surrey and White Rock.

A total of $141,000 is expected from the seven events.

Cheering, music and laughing are common sounds as the Big Bike goes by.

This bicycle built for 30 is kind of hard to miss.

Overall, the Big Bike visits 50 communities throughout B.C. with the goal of raising $1.4 million in 2012 over 84 Big Bike days.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is a volunteer-based organization devoted to eliminating heart disease and stroke.

The charity also works to reduce the impact of these conditions through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living, and advocacy.

Participants in the June 28 Big Bike day came from the Sutton Group Langley, Langley Rotary, Cascades Casino, and other supportive local businesses and organizations.

editorial@langleyadvance.com