Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders had a busy long weekend throughout the region as they prepare for the September event. Whether it was holding spin-a-thons, participating in friendly competitions or getting in a training ride, the riders were out in force.
Cops for Cancer Tour de North is an annual event where law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle seven days and 800 km across northern B.C. raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Riders Fraser Bjornson and Jamie MacPhersen were at the Williams Lake rodeo. They participated in a friendly competition between the Williams Lake RCMP and Williams Lake Fire Department to see who could set up fencing for the bull riding competition the quickest.
To raise money for Tour de North, Bjornson is also doing a “Flush Out Cancer” event where he’s putting a colourful toilet on people’s lawns in Williams Lake. In order to get the toilet removed from their lawn, people will need to donate to the cause and help “Flush Out Cancer.”
At the rodeo, Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty nominated Williams Lake mayor Surinderpal Rathor to have the toilet on his lawn.
In Prince Rupert, riders Kasper Green and Jordan Vendittelli held a spin-a-thon outside of the Prince Rupert Fire Department, while riders Sabrina Maaske and Leighton Johnston attended the Canada Day celebration in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, partnering with Prince George RCMP to raise awareness for Tour de North.
Rider Roland Dixon took on a lengthy training ride through Fort St. John.
Riders must complete three mandatory training rides in the months leading up to Tour de North’s launch in September. The rides gradually increase in distance, starting out at 80km, quickly increasing to 120km, and finally ending with a 140km long training ride.
While this sounds intense, it is all in preparation for the week-long bike ride stretching from Prince George to Prince Rupert.
You can follow the riders journey’s and find out more about Cops for Cancer Tour de North on Facebook or Instagram, or check out their website.
