There were soap bubbles floating in the wind and some good-natured ribbing, Aug. 13, as RCMP constable Tom Stewart and colleagues from the Quesnel detachment held a car wash at Canadian Tire.
The car wash is just one of a series of fundraising events Stewart and his cohorts are hosting to raise funds for the Tour de North, part of the Cops for Cancer fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Stewart is a rookie when it comes to long-distance biking, but like many Canadians his family has been touched by cancer and this served as motivation to join the Tour de North ride to Williams Lake from Fort St. John.
“It’s still pretty daunting,” Stewart said of the 750-km trip set to start Sept. 9.
Last year, Const. Courtney Cross represented the Quesnel detachment. Despite the long hours cycling, she enjoyed the experience, especially the reception the cyclists received in every town.
“It was amazing,” Cross said as she soaped up an SUV in the Canadian Tire parking lot.
“In every community, people gathered and lined the route and clapped as we went by.”
Given Stewart is a rookie at long-distance cycling, Cross offered only one piece of advice.
“Ride a lot,” she said with a laugh.
Stewart took Cross’ advice to heart and began training three to four times a week last May.
“I try to ride one to four hours each time,” Cross said.
The riders make a stop in Quesnel, Sept. 14.
Funds raised through Cops for Cancer are used to battle childhood cancers.
Donations for Stewart’s ride can be made at the Quesnel RCMP Detachment. Stewart is always looking for sponsors and can be reached at 250-992-9211.
