The deadline to pre-register for the first annual Ride for Cancer, Save the Tatas has been extended to May 31 to give residents statewide an additional week to secure a spot in this year’s event.

The ride, slated for Saturday, June 23, is sponsored by the Dallas County Bikers for Christ and is being held in honor of Cindy Anderson. Anderson, a member of the group, was diagnosed with cancer last February.

Bikers for Christ member Angie Washburn said 50 percent of the funds raised, as well as 20 percent of money raised by vendors and all of the money from T-shirt sales, will go to Anderson. The other 50 percent of the funds will go to support research by the American Cancer Society.

“We wanted to help Cindy, as well as raise cancer awareness in the community,” Washburn said. “We’ve had a great reception to the ride so far, and are expecting more than 200 riders from all over the state to be in town.”

For $25, residents can register to participate in the ride, which will be an 85-mile loop that starts and ends at the Old National Guard Armory on Dallas Avenue. Although pre-registration ends on May 31, those interested in participating in the ride can still sign up the day of the event at 9 a.m.

Ride for Cancer, Save the Tatas is not limited to just motorcyclists, however, as Washburn said the group plans to have activities for children and those without bikes as well.

Ron Gordon, another member of Bikers for Christ, said Anderson was a dear friend, and that’s all the reason he needed to participate in the event.

“We’re all coming out to support Cindy,” Gordon said. “It’s going to be a fun time.”

Gordon said the group hoped to make the event an annual one, supporting different community members affected by the disease, as well as the American Cancer Society, each year.

To pre-register, go to the group’s Facebook page, Dallas County Chapter—Bikers for Christ, and message Washburn, or send your name, fee and shirt size to Bikers for Christ, 5 Grove Lane, Selma 36701. All checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can do so for $100, and should contact Washburn or mail a check made payable to Bikers for Christ to the above address.