After months of fundraising, training and participation the rubber met the road for real last week in Port Alice as Cops For Cancer Tour De Rock got underway.
It’s been a wet slog for the riders, including local RCMP Const. Tom Gill. But despite the rain and gruelling hours of riding every day, when the riders arrive in Port Alberni today every one of them will have a smile on their face.
Not because they made it over the hump, but because they know that the people of Port Alberni share their passion for the cause: eradicating children’s cancers.
Chances are that Gill will be smiling the widest.
He’s been smiling ever since he learned that he was chosen for the privilege of taking part in the ride.
The only time he may not have been smiling is when he thought about the kids who are struggling with cancer.
Kids like Gill’s junior rider Brett Wasylyniuk, who is planning to meet up with Gill at the festivities in Port Alberni today.
Anyone who has seen what kids with cancer endure knows that cycling nearly 1,000 kilometres isn’t really all that bad by comparison.
And the riders know that their efforts are not in vain.
At one time, 80 per cent of children’s cancers were fatal. Now the numbers have reversed and 80 per cent survive. But that’s not enough.
If you haven’t made a donation yet there is still time to put smiles on more faces.
To donate and follow the riders progress go to albernivalleynews.com and click on the Tour de Rock link on the right side of the page.
– Alberni Valley News