Sometimes things have a way of working out.

Just ask Frank Alvarado.

When he and a dozen friends decided to skateboard around Lake Tahoe to raise money for breast cancer research and help raise the spirits of a friend who was fighting her own cancer battle, Alvarado started to think that maybe this was a concept that could be expanded beyond its alpine confines.

So after starting a skateboard company of his own and continuing his personal quest to raise money for breast cancer charities, Alvarado contacted “Boarding for Breast Cancer” to see if he could get the okay to start a satellite event similar to the Tahoe gathering that had planted the seed.

“Ride the Tide” was born.

Now in its second year, the event – which begins with registration Saturday at Library Park at 8 a.m. – already, has nearly 70 people committed to embark on the 13.1-mile route that meanders through Manteca along the Tidewater Bikeway.

And it’s not just for people on skateboards.

“We have a roller derby team that’s going to be coming out and there are going to be people on bikes and even people that are walking,” Alvarado said. “Even people that aren’t sure if they can make it the entire route are going to come out and try. Seeing that kind of dedication is what really gets me – knowing that people are willing to try something like this for a cause that affects so many.”

Over the last two months Alvarado has been busy lining up sponsors, organizing volunteers and trying to get all of the necessary paperwork filed with the City of Manteca to make the event possible.

Thanks to a huge outpouring of support from friends, family and people in the community, everything managed to get done in plenty of time.

While there is no set goal in terms of fundraising, Alvarado said he’s hoping to raise as much money as possible through individual donations and pledges so that he can in turn pass that money straight on to an organization that is near and dear to his heart.

“I’m going to write a check right there on the spot to Boarding for Breast Cancer – I’m so grateful that they got behind us and realized that even though we’re a small town we can do big things,” he said. “The support I’ve gotten from friends has really made all of this possible.

“Right now we’re just looking forward to Saturday and hopefully raising as much money as we can.”

The event is being sponsored by Vitamin Water, Alvarado’s Vida Loca Skateboards, Vertical Smile Skateboards, Fayuca Skateboards, Manteca Optometry, Jill Paddack Photography and CCS Mail Order.

A silent auction will be held at the event to raise additional money for the cause, and various cancer-related booths will also be on-site to distribute information to the public.

Raffle Prizes, a BBQ and a live performance by Funky Tim and the 209 All-Stars will take place immediately following the event at Library Park. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ridethetidemanteca.