This trio knows how to put the fun in fundraising.

Even while dripping with sweat, bicycling on a stationary bike set up in the lobby of Bracebridge Sportsplex, David Graham can’t stop laughing as Terry Schindler snaps photos. Seated with friends, Rod Sallmen laughs, reacting to this impromptu photo shoot.

Better known for their dragon boat exploits, these three River Rats South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) team members were taking turns last week riding from 5 to 8 p.m. at the sportsplex to raise awareness for their “Cycle for Health” 100-kilometre ride around Lake Muskoka on May 11.

Led by Sallmen, an ultrasound professional at the hospital, who has been with the River Rats team since its inception, they will be completing the 100-kilometre ride with friends and SMMH staff members Graham and Schindler.

Each rider will be collecting pledges with all proceeds to contribute to the hospital foundation.

It’s been four years since the River Rats started its fundraising events with a dragon boat team at the annual dragon boat festival in Huntsville.

When the team started, they had to pay their own registration and had little time to prepare for the event.

They started with a cause to raise necessary funds for the hospital, but have always kept things fun, adding smaller events like a triathlon relay team for the Gravenhurst triathlon event.

Last year on Mother’s Day Graham and Sallmen rode around the lake, only realizing halfway they should have collected pledges.

“Anybody who knows us, know we’re a little off the wall,” Sallmen said.

He added it is the first big ride of the season for him, preparing him for other cycling competitions.

Schindler was asked to join the group because of his cycling experience and his participation in the relay triathlon.

“We didn’t want a big group because of the safety factor,” Sallmen said.

When compared to any other activity, cycling just didn’t have a comparison.

“It’s an exhilaration. These bikes get some great speed. It’s crazy,” Sallmen said.

Look for them and their support crew brandishing the River Rats banner as they take their ride that will start in Bracebridge along Falkenburg Road, through Port Carling, Bala, Gravenhurst and back.

There will be some 15 people helping the cycling team in their efforts.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a rider can call 645-4400, ext. 189.

Thus far the team has raised close to $2,000 for this event.

With the money, the team’s contribution helped to purchase an operating room monitor for anesthesiology.

The team has raised a total of $3,500 for the hospital foundation since 2006.

Despite some of the staff leaving the hospital for other locations such as Kitchener, Barrie and Sudbury, the same people have returned for various events.

“They have so much fun they come back,” he said.

Sallmen realizes there are many worthy causes that need funds. He just hopes his team can encourage people to get out and ride their bicycles with their families.

“Even if they don’t donate money out to us, we’d like to see other people just get outside,” he said. “If we can do it they can do it . . . everybody is always asking for money, so it’s hard to expect people to give, but the hospital is something we’re all going to need at some point.”