Sargent Spring Fling to raise funds for cancer research

This weekend, Sandi Lytle of Grand Island will fight cancer the best way she knows how -- riding her motorcycle and spending time with some old friends.

The Spring Fling in Sargent is a laid-back event, but Lytle is passionate about seeing cancer stopped.

Losing a mother, an uncle and, last month, a husband to the disease will do that to you.

"Somehow, we've got to find a way to beat this disease," Lytle said. "What it does to the body is terrible. I've watched it firsthand."

The 12th annual fling, which runs today and Sunday, will raise money for the University of Nebraska Medical Center Eppley Cancer Research Center in Omaha. The centerpiece of the weekend is its bike rides, but it also includes camping, a hot dog roast, a pancake breakfast, an auction, raffles and a light parade.

Eppley will also be on site today with its mobile screening unit.

The event is organized by the Loup Valley Road Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts. But Lytle said you don't need a bike to enjoy the festival.

For the past 11 years, Lytle said, the event has been a gathering for old friends and new ones who have just gotten the word of mouth about the fling.

"It's kind of like a big family reunion," Lytle said Friday while working in Sargent to set up the event. "No matter what else is going on in your life, we knew that this weekend we could just come up here and enjoy this."