Listen Live

‘Those people just come together’: Tour de Rock riders strongly impacted by communities

Despite rain on day five, riders in the Tour de Rock 2022 remain in high spirits as people in communities along the route continue to touch their hearts.

Tour de Rock riders are on their sixth day of a 1,200-kilometre journey on Vancouver Island. The ride kicked off in Port Alice, and police and first responders are working their way down the Island to Victoria while raising money for childhood cancer research.

Not even a week into the journey, riders say they can feel the impacts of what they are doing in each community.

Steve Scott of Courtenay Fire Department says while riding, the spirit of community has stood out to him the most.

“Between Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, the small communities, man those people just come together for us, for the event, for the kids, raising money, it was amazingly impactful,” said Scott.

“To sit and have a meal with the locals and just chat, it was amazing.”

The sentiments are echoed by Robin Campbell from the Comox Valley, who adds the support has been an inspiration.

“There’s been a few impactful moments. Probably the biggest for me was showing up in Campbell River at Boston Pizza not knowing that my family was going to be there,” said Campbell. “My inspiration, Amaya, was there, my junior honourary rider.

“I just feel like the luckiest gal in this whole community.”

The riders are supporting honourary riders during the journey, giving them even more meaning to ride.

“My local honourary rider, her name is Aliana, and I’m riding for her and she’s been one tough cookie,” said Scott. “I know that she’s been battling cancer for quite a long time, she’s done very very well over the last couple of years in her remission.

“Kids are very resilient and it’s awesome to see.”

Riders are continuing on to Qualicum Beach and Parksville before heading to Port Alberni and the West Coast.

The tour wraps up on Oct. 7 in Esquimalt with more head shaves and fundraising to come.

Continue Reading

cjsu Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Former North Cowichan mayor receives Freedom of the Municipality award

The Municipality of North Cowichan has awarded the Freedom of the Municipality,  its highest honour, to a longtime community leader for his many years of public service.

Duncan Fire Department’s responses highest in third quarter 

An increase in the amount of fire calls have been reported to the City of Duncan for the third quarter.

Ladysmith RCMP report an increase in calls compared to last year 

A quarterly report shows crime in Ladysmith is trending upwards, but not in all areas.

Cowichan Aquatic Centre repairs complete, but more work needs to be done 

Cowichan Aquatic Centre upgrades are in the home stretch, but it still requires a few more tweaks.

Contactless payments coming soon to BC Transit riders

Bus riders may soon have an easier way to pay for their fare, as BC Transit prepares to roll out contactless debit and credit card payments across its network through the Umo fare system.
- Advertisement -