They were cold, wet and tired but they got it done.
Twenty-two riders from Cops For Cancer Tour de Rock arrived in Port Alberni on Friday afternoon. The group pedaled 51wet kilometres from Parksville.
Black Press rider Arnold Lim was spent after the ride but was mindful of more than just the physical riding on his trek.“It isn’t often you are given something from someone who doesn’t know you, expects nothing back in return and gives without any ulterior motive,” Lim noted in his blog. “On tour, that is the norm, and has happened several times already, sometimes with a teary story or a silent promise.”
The Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock raises money for pediatric cancer research and programs for children with a history of cancer. The Tour de Rock team cycles from one end of the Vancouver Island to the other, over 14 days, covering 1,000 kilometres.
The riders made stops at Alberni Toyota, Walmart, the Co-op gas bar on Johnston Road and John Howitt School where they were either fed, participated in fundraising, or were presented with donations.
At Walmart, employee Melanie Anderson had her long locks braided, snipped, then her scalp shaved like Sinead. Anderson donated her hair and proceeds to Cancer charity.
The riders finished their night at a dinner, silent-auction fundraiser hosted by Boston Pizza.
On Saturday, riders beared down and made a 100 kilometre trek to Ucluelet, a trip that included climbing Sutton Pass and Radar Hill.
"After the long, twisting, climbing, plunging roller coaster to Ucluelet, this is as close as it gets to a recovery day," Lim said.
Riders head to Nanaimo, Duncan, and Victoria this week.
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