The Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock riders passed through the Comox Valley on Wednesday and Thursday, making several stops along the way.
The riders, primarily police and first responders, are again riding from north to south on Vancouver Island to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support programs. This marks the 22nd year for the event.
Cpl. Gord Burton, who works as military police in Comox, is representing the area on this year’s team.
“It’s great, lots of support from communities up and down the Island so far. I can’t wait to get back on the road again and see what’s to come,” he said.
For him, it’s been a chance to see the communities north of Campbell River for the first time.
With such a gruelling rider ahead, the team started training in the summer, which, Burton says, has paid off on the road now.
“The butt’s a bit sore, the legs are a bit tight, but no major issues,” he says.
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On Wednesday, the team made stops at several schools in the area and held a relaxed meet-and-greet during the evening at École Au coeur de l’île. On Thursday, they started the day greeting students at Valley View Elementary before leaving for Cumberland, Royston, Union Bay. Qualicum and Parksville.
The tour started in Port Alice on Sept. 21 and will finish in Victoria on Oct. 4. Organizers have not confirmed how much has been raised so far, but they estimate that it is at least $600,000. The riders will cover about 1,000 kilometres over two weeks. For more information or to donate, see https://www.tourderock.ca/
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