A bit of rain and wind isn't enough to dampen the spirit of the 2023 Tour de Rock participants, seen here making their way to Sayward on Vancouver Island on Sept 25. (Tour de Rock)

By Jordan Davidson

let's rock

‘It’s pretty incredible:’ Tour de Rock riders amazed and energized ahead of Oceanside stop

Sep 28, 2023 | 5:54 AM

PARKSVILLE — The 2023 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock is officially in motion, with riders snaking their way down Vancouver Island and into Oceanside Thursday.

The 19 riders, made up of Vancouver Island-based first responders and media personalities, will visit Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Thursday, Sept. 28 before heading west to Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet beginning Friday.

It’s part of a 1,200 kilometre journey down Island to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society, with Chemainus Fire Rescue’s Kayla Carlson saying it’s been a dream run so far.

“I think it’s pretty incredible some of the children and families that we’ve met along the way, especially those who are going through cancer diagnosis and battling cancer as we speak. But I think it comes back to why we’re riding, and why we’re here, and it’s really for those kids.”

The group is due in Nanaimo on Sunday, Oct. 1 for a series of events before heading south towards Ladysmith on Monday.

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The ride started on Saturday, Sept. 23 in Port Alice, with the finish line set for Victoria on Oct. 6.

Fellow team member Hannah Lepine joined this year’s team to raise money for an important cause and see Vancouver Island in a different way.

Lepine, one of the media riders, said she was blown away by how Island residents came together to support their neighbours, especially in smaller, more remote communities.

“A woman in Port Alice, like the smallest of communities, raised $22,000 all on her own and shaved her head for us and for the Canadian Cancer Society, It’s been amazing.”

Cst. Scott Hait with Westshore RCMP said he grew up on the Island and remembered Tour de Rock coming through his school as a kid, and he’s honoured to participate.

Hait is no stranger to the devastating effects of cancer. His niece received a cancer diagnosis at a very young age and is now thriving, while Hait has lost a grandfather and a close friend to cancer.

“I have that opportunity and that’s a really cool way for us to raise awareness and raise a bunch of money and help these kids not only get them to the point where they’re surviving cancer but to the point where they’re thriving after they’ve been through cancer treatment.”

Tour de Rock has run annually since 1997 and has raised more than $26 million towards cancer research and support programs such as Camp Goodtimes.

The fundraising goal this year is $1 million and donations can be made online.

The 2023 Tour de Rock riders made a stop at 97.3 The Eagle in Courtenay on Wednesday, Sept. 27 as they head south towards the Oceanside area. (Jon De Roo/97.3 The Eagle)

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