On Oct. 17, Janelle Komnick of Gowensville will take off on the ride of a lifetime.

She plans to take part in the Challenge to Conquer Cancer ride from Greenville, S.C., to Austin, Texas. The ride leaves Greenville, S.C. on Oct. 17 and is expected to arrive in Austin about four days later. Cyclists ride relay style 24 hours a day.

Once the riders arrive in Austin, they will participate in the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong challenge weekend events.

Komnick’s first challenge, however, is to find the $5,000 that all riders are required to raise in order to participate. As of last week, she had raised about $1,900, so she still needs about $3,100.

Komnick is a fitness instructor and personal trainer at The Cliffs at Glassy in Upstate South Carolina. A student majoring in environmental science and natural resources, she is also an equestrian who used to work for Jeanne Smith at Clear View Farm in Landrum.

The event is organized by the Palmetto Peloton Project in Upstate South Carolina, a nonprofit corporation that exists to promote the advancement of cancer research and advocacy efforts locally, regionally and nationally through fundraising fitness events.

In 2008, the First Annual Challenge to Conquer Cancer relay ride to Austin included 23 cyclists and 31 support crew members. Last year, the sponsor, Palmetto Peloton Project raised&bsp; more than $200,000 between the Challenge to Conquer Cancer and another event called the Stars and Stripes.

If you would like to make a donation to help Komnick make the ride, go to http://secure.p3ride.org/donate/index.php?eid=3 and select Janelle Komnick from the drop-down list of riders at the top.

For more general information about the ride, check www.p3ride.org. You can also read riders’ blogs at www.ridetoaustin.com.