Rolling for a cause in the Tour de Cariboo
| Events |
By LeRae Haynes
The Tour de Cariboo is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, with momentum building as riders tune up their bikes, organizers line up schedules and track down musicians, and volunteers mark their calendars for this fun fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Williams Lake.
(Photo by Craig Smith)
Since 2005 the Tour has raised $306,750 for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), with Mt. Polley as the presenting sponsor, according to BBBS Executive Director Lorraine Levitt. She said that the Tour raised $37,500 last year, and that from the beginning, every dollar raised stays in Williams Lake.
“When we did our first ride, 20 years ago, we hoped that it would become an annual event, but had no guarantees that it would go beyond a ‘one-shot deal,’” she said. “Joanne Wright was our chair at that time, and she used to do a ride with the BC Lung Association, and thought, ‘why can’t we do that here?’“
She gathered some materials together, we tried it out, and it worked.”
Lorraine said that Mark Savard from Red Shreds was a big supporter in getting the Tour on the road. “He supported us through his shop, handed out brochures and invited people to register right at his shop,” she explained. “From the beginning, the Tour attracted enthusiasts from experienced riders to rank beginners. People saw it as a challenge and a goal, and it’s still that way.”
She said that there are a handful of racers who have participated from the very beginning, and that people travel from place around the world to do the Tour. “Last year we had riders from Wales and from other places in Europe, as well as riders from Burns Lake to Victoria,” she continued. “It’s a great event for people who are traveling—they stay free at Gavin Lake, and we provide transportation for them and their bikes back to Williams Lake.
“Riders get free meals, you can bring guests to join you and enjoy live entertainment, a bonfire and swimming in the lake.”
Long-time rider Ryan Oliver participates in races throughout the province and recruits for the Tour, telling people that it is the best-organized and most fun event he’s ever done.
She said that this year they’re strongly encouraging relay teams to take the Tour, which is a ride from Williams Lake to Gavin Lake. “It’s a great team activity, and a fun, easy way for a business, company or organization to have a staff party,” she suggested. “Let us be your staff party—you can have as many or as few on your relay team as you want. It’s a great way to do some team ‘bonding’ and let someone else take care of your staff party with a complete package that includes a nice dinner and great entertainment at Gavin Lake!”
You don’t have to be an experienced cyclist to get involved, according to Lorraine. “You can make this a personal challenge: your first step to getting fit. Give yourself time to get into it and start training.
“Take out your bike and go for a ride,” she said. “It’s a great start for a great cause.”
For more information about the Tour de Cariboo, which will take place on September 8, phone 250-398-8391, visit www.bbswlake.com or follow them on Facebook.
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