Six-year-old Owen Meyer has a favorite routine when he hops up into the chemotherapy chair: He gives a big thumbs-up and says, “Don’t worry, I got this!” Owen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor earlier this year; if surgeons were to attempt to remove the tumor, it would leave Owen paralyzed. Instead, Owen undergoes chemotherapy every 28 days to shrink the tumor and reduce his symptoms, which are now affecting his right arm, leg and hand. Owen has three siblings and his parents, Cherlyn and Tim Meyer, who support him through his treatment and the growing medical bills—which is why the Tour De Bar committee nominated this family for their charity bike ride.
The Tour De Bar was co-founded in 1988 by Dave Peterson, who still participates every year. When the ride first started, it was just a fun get-together, biking to and from different bars and restaurants in the White Bear Lake area. But Mike Shearen, who started eight years later, said they should ride for someone who needs it; a new benefactor is named each year. “It’s really important that we pay it forward to people in our community,” Shearen says.
This year, the 12-mile bike ride includes 19 bar stops through Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights. All the proceeds from the ride will help with medical bills.
Tour De Bar
Date: August 6
Time: 11 a.m. meet time, noon departure
Start: Sak’s Sports Bar, 1460 E. County Road E, Vadnais Heights
End: Rudy’s Redeye Grill, 4940 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake
info.: Contact Mike Shearen at mshearen@msn.com, or tourdebar@hotmail.com to see if any spots are still available. Donations are also accepted.
