After weeks of training and thousands of kilometres logged on the bike, the time as come.
The Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley team begins its epic nine-day, 800-pluskilometre journey tomorrow.
Cops for Cancer brings teams of law enforcement and emergency personnel (and the odd reporter) together for four separate fundraising rides - Tour de Valley, Tour de Coast, Tour de Rock (Vancouver Island) and Tour de North (northern B.C.). Tour de Valley takes riders all the way to Boston Bar and back from Sept. 22 to 30.
Along the way, the team visits schools, businesses and community groups to spread the word about cancer and what Cops for Cancer does.
I am honoured to be taking part in the ride this year as a media rider. The Delta police department also participates and this year, constables Catherine Fiddick, Shane McLaughlin and Dave Ogilvy, and reserve constable Carlye Towne, are all taking part.
In addition to committing to train for, and complete, the ride, Cops for Cancer riders also pledge to raise a minimum of $5,000.
The money raised goes to the Canadian Cancer Society, specifically to pediatric cancer research and programs that support children living with cancer and their families.
We had a dress rehearsal of sorts last Tuesday in Hope, visiting three schools during a ride around town.
We will ride through Hope again on Sunday, so this gave the group an opportunity to get a feel for how things work.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's a pretty awesome feeling to ride up to a group of cheering kids. You can't help but have a big smile on your face.
We spent about 15 to 20 minutes at each school, where we aim to raise awareness about the cause and cancer prevention in general.
It also gave us inexperienced riders a chance to try out some of the potentially more challenging experiences, like riding slowly while high-fiving a line of students without running them over.
Tour de Valley kicks off tomorrow morning with an opening ceremony at Langley Fine Arts School. Then we're off.
I'll be filing daily updates that can be read on the Optimist's website, www-delta-optimist.com. I will also be posting frequent updates on my blog, www.mybigride.blogspot. com.
To find out more about Cops for Cancer, or to make a donation, visit www.copsforcancerbc.ca.
