My name is Brittany Klingmann. I am a physiotherapist at ProPhysioworks in Williams Lake and am a recreational cyclist (road and mountain).
Summer is finally here! Time to dust off the bike, pump up the tires, oil the chain and come out to enjoy the sunshine and spectacular scenery Williams Lake has to offer.
Whether you are regularly active, an avid cyclist or thinking it’s about time to find a new fitness challenge, the 21st annual Tour de Cariboo on Sept. 7 is the perfect event for you.
This is a major fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Williams Lake. All the money raised through the event remains in Williams Lake and benefits more than 100 local children through programs such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Couples for Kids, In-School Mentoring and Student Mentoring.
The Tour de Cariboo is a very scenic 76-kilometre bike ride from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake. Some riders are competitive and treat the event as a race while others choose a more leisurely pace to enjoy the journey.
Also, if the thought of completing a 76-km hilly ride is too overwhelming, come join the fun as part of a relay team. Encourage friends, family or colleagues to join as a team and train for the event together.
The event is a perfect opportunity to meet up with old friends, make new ones, improve your health, fitness and well being, as well as enjoy a sense of accomplishment when it is all said and done.
For those who are unfamiliar with the format, there are friendly volunteers located at several checkpoints along the route to offer snacks, drinks, first aid and lots of motivational support. A tasty lunch is provided at the Big Lake Store rest stop and support vehicles monitor the route and will carry extra gear, assist with mechanical difficulties and offer encouragement when necessary.
Once you reach Gavin Lake there is plenty of time to socialize, shower, swim or just relax. Massages will be available to riders after completing their journey — a perfect remedy for fatigued muscles. Participants and volunteers are then rewarded with a fabulous buffet supper, as well as musical entertainment.
Festivities will continue into the evening so if you’d like to stay the night you can take advantage of the heated cabin accommodations at Gavin Lake or bring your own tent or trailer.
Early bird registration is $40, and as this is a very important fundraiser for Williams Lake Big Brothers and Big Sisters, each rider is required to raise a minimum pledge of $100. There are motivational prizes for top pledge earners.
Sign up for the Tour de Cariboo today. to register contact BBBS at 250-398-8391 or register online at www.bbswlake.com. Pledges can also be collected online.
Stay tuned to the Tribune for upcoming articles with useful tips about training, bike fitting and equipment, as well as nutrition and hydration.