NANAIMO — Expect local highways and roadways to be a little slower than normal over the next few days.
The 21-rider Tour de Rock ensemble are making their way down Vancouver Island for the major annual fundraiser supporting the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cyclists and their entourage will make stops in Qualicum Beach and Parksville on Thursday, Sept. 29 before jutting west toward Tofino over the first half of the weekend. They’ll be back in the Nanaimo region in the mid afternoon on Sunday, Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 3.
“(We’ve met) some great people, everybody’s super excited for the ride and have welcomed us with open arms, fed us and kept us entertained,” Cpl. Terry Crawford from the Nanaimo RCMP said. “We’ve had a great reception in the North Island so far.”
Parksville Coun. Adam Fras will likely lead the group into the community Thursday, representing the area in this year’s group of riders.
Riders will make a host of stops at schools and businesses in Oceanside, staying on the mid-Island overnight.
Visits to Port Alberni, Ucluelet and Tofino highlight the weekend before rolling into the former Via Rail station on Selby St. in Nanaimo around noon on Sunday.
A banquet dinner Sunday night will serve as an additional fundraiser before more school and sponsor stops through the city into Monday.
“I’ve helped out with the ride by escorting the ride in the past touring around Nanaimo, but this is the first time being in the saddle for Tour de Rock,” Crawford said. “It’s been pretty wonderful to be honest, it’s amazing to see how people embrace this cause and get behind it.”
After visits in Nanaimo, riders will stop in Ladysmith and Chemainus on Monday before continuing to the end in Victoria on Friday, Oct. 7.
Funds raised over the ride’s 25 year history total more than $26 million with the goal to raise $600,000 this year alone.
Riders have visited communities on the North Island since the ride began earlier in September, snaking their way down Vancouver Island toward Victoria. (Tour de Rock)Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening
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