The weather may have left something to be desired this weekend, but even the bleakest of skies couldn’t put a damper on spirits as the Tour de Rock kicked off its 2013 ride.
The annual event starts in Port Alice and makes its way through Port Hardy and Port McNeill before continuing south on a two-week, 1,000 km bicycle ride to Victoria.
The riders are predominantly serving RCMP officers who take time away to train and participate in the ride which raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Since 1998 the event has raised in excess of $18 million for the charity, supporting pediatric cancer research and associated programs like Camp Good Times.
This year the team is made up of 17 police officers, one guest and four media riders.
The team had its traditional send-off dinner at the Port Alice Legion Friday night before hitting the road Saturday morning bound for Port Hardy.
There they were me at the Civic Centre where the riders took a well-earned break as ten locals took part in the annual head shaves.
Along with local detachment members, local teen Sarah Case went under the razor, raising over $2,000 for the cause and donating her hair to Locks for Love.
The team them made its way to Port McNeill where they were welcomed at the Black bear Resort.
After spending the night the riders got a send off from the kids of Sunset Elementary , who took part in a bike rodeo after escorting the riders on the first portion of their journey.