Riders for the annual Tour de Rock stopped in Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet over recent days and will arrive in Nanaimo Sunday. (Tour de Rock)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rock and roll

Tour de Rock rolling into Nanaimo as annual cancer fundraising ride continues

Sep 29, 2024 | 9:02 AM

NANAIMO — Drivers on the mid-Island can expect a few delays Sunday, for a good cause.

The annual Tour de Rock rolls through Nanaimo on Sunday, Sept. 29, making several stops throughout the city in support of pediatric cancer search and camp experiences for kids and families battling the disease.

The peloton is expected to be led by Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Ian George, as it moves into the downtown, as George is the lone rider from Nanaimo part of this year’s group.

Riders are just over halfway through their 1,200 kilometre trek down Vancouver Island, with a scheduled arrival in Victoria on Oct. 4.

Steve Ward, a member of the BC Emergency Health Services in Victoria, said the ride has been an amazing experience to date.

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“It’s happening so fast, in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to pick just one moment but riding into the small northern communities and having such wonderful greetings from the people has been amazing.”

Some early rainfall through the Comox Valley failed to dampen any spirits and riders are excited for largely clear skies the rest of the way.

Chris Baratto, a paramedic from Port Alberni said the regular shots of emotional boosts more than cancels out the physical toll.

“Every community we’re going into, they’re so welcoming and so energetic and excited to meet us and we’re excited to meet them, it’s a special time.”

A fundraising event in Nanaimo Sunday night will then lead to an early start for riders out of the Harbour City on Monday, Sept. 30 as they continue south to Ladysmith.

The annual Tour de Rock has raised millions of dollars over the last 20+ years for pediatric cancer research, with this year’s event currently contributing another $366,000 to the total so far.

Riders are making their way down Vancouver Island, raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society and their pediatric cancer research. (Tour de Rock)

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