PORT HARDY—The Glen Lyon Inn Restaurant and Pub hosted a Burger and Beer Night Sunday in support of the upcoming Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.
Port Hardy rider Constable Tyson Richard attended the event, which he said was the last big fundraiser for the year.
“It’s a pretty good turnout,” he said, looking around the crowded dining area Sunday.
Tickets could be bought at the door or in advance. The event also included a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards Tour de Rock. Hats, T-shirts, and bracelets in support of the ride were also offered for purchase.
The two-week bicycle journey begins on Saturday September 20, leaving from Port Alice, and will end when the team reaches Victoria on October 3.
“In the meantime, people are enjoying beer and burgers,” Richard said.
The riders will enjoy the traditional send off from Port Alice, with a dinner and auction scheduled for Friday night, Sept. 20, at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 180. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are available now from the Legion.
Volunteers and donations are always welcome; contact Ashley Bigham at 250-284-0015 to lend your support.
The following morning the riders will set off on the first leg of the Tour, arriving in Port Hardy at 11:15 a.m., immediately following the Battle of Britain commemoration at Carrot Park.
From there, they will head to the Civic Centre where a kids’ bike rodeo, entertainment and hot dog cookout await.
After refuelling, the team will get back in the saddle and set off for Port McNeill where a 4 p.m. barbecue meet-and-greet at Black Bear Resort will close out a busy first day for the team.
The annual fundraiser is now in its 14th year and raises money for pediatric cancer research and support programs. Since 1998, the Tour has raised close to $20 million for the Canadian Cancer Society.
This year the 20 RCMP riders taking on the challenge will be joined by three members of the media and one guest rider.
For more information on the Tour see www.tourderock.ca or show your local rider some support on Facebook at Tour De Rock Tyson.