After 14 days on the road, this year’s crew of Tour de Rock riders rolled into Victoria on Friday, Oct. 3, marking an end to their 1,200-kilometre trek. Sporting sleek helmets and smiles, the 18-person crew hit their brakes for the last time outside of the B.C. Legislature, where they were greeted by flashing cameras, encouraging posters and clapping supporters. “Over the past two weeks, we've lived, we've cried, we've laughed, and we broke together,” said Cpl. Megan Jones, a cyclist and military policewoman with the Canadian Armed Forces. “In doing so, we became a family.” Made up of law enforcement and emergency services personnel, the strong-legged group pedalled the length of Vancouver Island to raise money for childhood cancer research and support programs – all through the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). “This event is a powerful reminder of what we achieve when the entire Island comes together,” said Island District RCMP Chief Supt. Bruce Singer. “From the smallest villages to our First Nation communities to the largest cities, Vancouver Island has once again shown us what community truly means.” This year, Tour de Rock raked in a whopping $828,082, a large chunk of which will go to Camp Goodtimes – a CCS program that provides summer camps for children and teens living with cancer. “[Camp Goodtimes] is one the most amazing places,” said Tour de Rock representative and 2019 rider Simon Douthwaite, whose daughter is a leukemia survivor. “I’ve been with my family and you get looked after, you get food, you get nurses and the chemo drugs you need – and you just relax for a while.” The group began their journey in Port Alice, stopping at towns, cities, schools, businesses and events along the way to shore up donations. And though the trip was successful, it wasn’t easy. “People often assume that the hardest part of Tour de Rock is riding close to 100 kilometres a day, but the truth is, the real challenge was carrying all the stories of the children and the families we ride for,” said cyclist and North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Cst. Kyle Hicks. “Our bodies broke, our will was tested, but every time we thought we couldn't keep going, we remembered why we ride.” Despite challenges, there was plenty of fun to be had – especially on the easier stretches of road. “We like going fast down hills,” said Jones. But the best part was the support the group received. “We had beautiful songs sang to us, we had marching bands bring us into their schools,” added Jones. “Through it all, Vancouver Island communities carried us with love and care and support, and so we can't thank them enough for their generosity.” Since it was established in 1997, Tour de Rock has raised over $30 million in donations.
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