After travelling through nine cities and cycling 850 kilometres, all safer communities co-ordinator Dave Dickson and Williams Lake RCMP Const. Chris Ives hope is they’ve helped make a difference.
The two Williams Lake residents rode as part of a group of 18 riders in the Cops for Cancer Tour de North, which began Sept. 14 in Prince George and wrapped up seven days later in Prince Rupert.
“We had a good ride,” said Ives, who completed his first Tour de North. “It was a little smaller group than is probably the norm, but we had a great time. The first two days I think were a little slow but, as a group, the last five days we gelled and supposedly were one of the faster groups in the last five years. It probably had something to do with the phenomenal weather we had.”
Dickson, riding in his second year, and Ives said they estimate together they raised close to $30,000 locally. They also figure, despite final totals not yet being tallied, this year’s Tour de North exceeded its goal of raising $260,000.
“A huge, huge thanks from both Chris and I to the very kind donations that the many businesses and people made to the bike ride,” Dickson said. “We strongly believe we’ll exceed our goal of $260,000, which is delightful.”
Dickson said he dedicated his ride to 16-year-old Nick Paul, who was going to be the honourary rider, but passed away earlier this year after a long battle with leukemia.
“It was with an extremely heavy heart that I rode,” Dickson said. “Nick and I had talked about it, and Jimmy [Paul] and Zena [Chelsea], Nick’s parent’s, and I had talked about it before he passed so it was planned, and I did it. I’ll do another ride, too.”
Ives said he and Dickson both trained extensively, riding a combined 4,723 kilometres before riding the Tour de North.
Ives added it was completely worth it.
“Having kids myself, it’s something I wouldn’t want to see happen to them and it’s just something where if I can help another family by putting myself through a few hours of exercise a day then so be it,” Ives said. “If we can raise some money to end cancer and this dreaded disease then why not?”
Dickson added he plans to participate in the ride again next year.
“It’s a wonderful cause,” Dickson said. “Next year the ride is the north, south route and the ride finishes and ends up in Williams Lake.”
Donations to Cops for Cancer can still be made online at www.copsforcancer.ca/tourdenorth, at the local RCMP detachment, or at the Canadian Cancer Society office in Williams Lake at 176 Fourth Ave. North.