Deciding to take part in Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast 2025 was personal for Powell River RCMP constable Paula Perry.
"I have two uncles and a really good family friend fighting cancer," said Perry. "I'm riding in support of them and to help fundraise for research."
Police agencies and emergency service personnel will cycle for eight-days and approximately 800 kilometres, starting in the Lower Mainland on September 12. By September 15, the cyclists will be in the qathet region.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, funds raised through this event help the society drive groundbreaking pediatric cancer research and send 600 children each year to Camp Goodtimes, which is a medically supervised recreation experience for children and teens with cancer and their families.
"Cycling is completely brand new to me," said Perry. "It's been really fun, but also a challenge."
So far, she has raised $7,393 toward the cause.
"I've been training since last fall, but on the bike itself since May," said Perry. "I have a great training team including retired [Powell River RCMP] staff sergeant Rob Wiebe, his wife Susie Wiebe, and Diana Lamont; they've been awesome."
On September 15, when Tour de Coast arrives on the northern Sunshine Coast, the cyclists will stop at a few elementary schools in the morning, have a fundraising barbecue in the afternoon in the Save-On-Foods parking lot, ride out to Lund, and finally end up at Powell River Town Centre Hotel for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
"We started out mostly just hanging around Westview doing little hills, and just getting in some kilometres and getting used to the bike," said Perry, referencing her training. "I went over to Courtenay one day and took a ride on the Inland Island Highway, then I went up to Lund and down to, not quite, to Saltery Bay."
Perry said she feels stronger now, especially in her legs. The ride is not for the faint of heart, especially cycling the very hilly Sunshine Coast.
"It's about 110 kilometres per day, but we have many stops at schools and businesses," said Perry.
The tour is fully escorted with police motorcycles, vehicles and ambulances.
"On the sixth day, we will roll out and head back down to the ferry, and then back down to Vancouver," said Perry. "I've been working really hard on the fundraising as well; each rider has to raise at least $6,000 for Camp Goodtimes and pediatric research, and I'm almost at $8,000."
Perry said her family members' reactions to her participating in the ride for them was touching.
"They were really appreciative," said Perry. "I'm actually getting a sticker design with their initials on my helmet for when I'm riding."
To help Perry raise funds for cancer research, folks can donate to her personal Tour de Coast page at support.cancer.ca/site/TR?px=14554795&pg=personal&fr_id=30362.
Tickets for the spaghetti dinner fundraiser can be found at the RCMP detachment at 7070 Barnet Street.
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