The Bike-a-Thon now underway in Cochrane received some national exposure yesterday, thanks to local MP Blake Richards.

Richards rose to speak in the House on the trail link in the works between Calgary and Cochrane being spearheaded by the Cochrane Rotary Club.

He may have got a leg up in the friendly competition between himself and Mayor Jeff Genung to see who can raise the most money in the bike-a-thon. 

Richards spoke of the efforts to complete a trail from Calgary to Lake Louise and highlighted what sections have now been completed. 

Genung responded today, asking people to support him in his quest to earn bragging rights.

While both would like to finish on top, clearly they're both interested in supporting the bike-a-thon and the fundraising efforts for the future trail.

"I encourage everyone in our community to join us in supporting this important project, whether you collect sponsorships and get out for a ride, or make a pledge to the Cochrane to Calgary trail," Richards said.

Genung has chosen similar words in his campaign.

"Regardless of who you choose to donate to, your contribution will go to such a fantastic legacy community project."

The bike-a-thon runs until the end of June and wraps up with a celebration on July 3.

It was launched at a May 14 press conference.

The bike-a-thon is also being held in partnership with Cochrane's entry into the Better Community Challenge. Sport4Life is leading Cochrane's charged to be named the most active community in Canada. There's a $100,000 prize on the line to further develop recreational opportunities in the community.

More information on how to contribute to the bike-a-thon can be found here.