Britany Klingmann
Special to the Tribune/Advisor
Summer is finally here! Time to dust off the bike, pump up the tires, oil the chain and come out to enjoy the spectacular scenery that Williams Lake has to offer.
Whether you are an avid cyclist, thinking it’s about time to find a new fitness challenge or just want to support a great local fundraiser, the 22nd annual Tour de Cariboo on Sept. 6, 2014 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, Aboriginal In-School Mentoring and Teen Mentoring. In 2013, over $45,000 was raised.
The Tour de Cariboo is a very scenic 75 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 75-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 wellbeing 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.
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.
Gavin Lake has full facilities, cabins and offers various recreational opportunities such as canoeing, fishing and hiking.
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 take advantage of the heated cabin accommodations at Gavin Lake or bring your own tent or trailer.
Registration is $40, and as this is a very important fundraiser for Williams Lake Big Brothers and Big Sisters, each rider is expected 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 Williams Lake Big Brothers and Big Sisters at 250-398-8391 or register online at www.bbswlake.com. Pledges can also be collected online.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles with useful tips about training, bike fitting, equipment as well as nutrition and hydration.
- Brittany Klingmann, MPT, BSc Kin, CAFCI