This year's 21-member Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock team will begin their two-week fundraising journey on Saturday, raising money for pediatric cancer research.
The team will be sent off in style Saturday morning (Sept. 21), with a community send-off at Admirals Walk in View Royal.
"Saturday's send-off isn't about sending the riders up-island, it's about community and showing support for an important cause that can have a deep impact on communities everywhere on the Island" said Black Press media rider Arnold Lim.
Lim and his fellow teammates – police officers, media members and special guests – will cycle nearly 1,100 kilometres from Sept. 21 to Oct. 4 from Port Alice to Victoria. Money raised will go to pediatric cancer research and support programs for children living with cancer.
Lim says he's looking forward to Tour, after having spent the last eight months training on the bike and fundraising.
"What I'm quickly realizing now is that the training that prepared us physically isn't necessarily the toughest part. There's a lot, mentally and emotionally, that's happening already and that will happen when we're on Tour," he said. "I'm trying to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for what I believe will be the most intense two weeks of my life."
Saturday's send-off runs from 7 to 9 a.m. in front of the Admirals Walk Coast Capital Savings branch (1499 Admirals Rd.). Refreshments and snacks will be served before the Tour riders begin their journey.
Visit tourderock.ca over the next two weeks for a complete listing of fundraising events and to read blog posts from the riders as they share their experiences from being on Tour.
kslavin@saanichnews.com