With 400 km logged on their bike computers, the Cops for Cancer crew stopped at Camp Olave in Roberts Creek Wednesday night to stretch their legs, enjoy a Rotary sponsored dinner and reflect on the journey so far.
Local riders Const. Mike Etele and Const. Spencer Mylmok told Coast Reporter the journey had been an emotional one at times and more tears were expected as they rode the last 200 km to the Plaza of Nations in Vancouver on Saturday in support of pediatric cancer research.
"Bowen Island was, I think, the most emotional greeting we've had so far. We had the entire school there (they only have one elementary school) come out to the dock to cheer us in. We were on the ferry and we heard them from about 500 metres away. They had banners held up and they were lining the streets and at the entrance to the school they were banging thunder sticks. It was just amazing," Mylmok said.
Etele agreed that was the most emotional stop so far on the 2006 Tour de Coast route where 33 riders from the Coast, Bowen Island and the Lower Mainland pledged to cycle 600 km to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
"It's emotional because you don't expect to see especially young children pour out their heart like that to you," he noted.Another highlight for Etele was the start of the tour from the Plaza of Nations on Saturday, Sept. 23.
"We left the Plaza of Nations and went down to the PNE and everywhere you go there are people honking and waving. Even in Skid Row we saw some support. There was support in the strangest of spots and we heard all the time people saying 'thanks a lot' - that's a pretty amazing feeling," Etele said.
The thanks are heartfelt as the annual Cops for Cancer rides in B.C. raise millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research in Canada.
Last year tours generated more than $2.8 million through riders putting on community events and taking pledges from those in their community.
Etele and Mylmok have raised approximately $15,000 combined so far through community events and individual donations, and they hope Coasters will continue to give.
"You can donate through the [RCMP] detachment by dropping off cheques or cash there, or you can donate online at www.cancer.ca," Mylmok said. Etele notes the website is a little bit difficult to navigate if you want to give specifically to the two Sunshine Coast officers, but says giving to the general Cops for Cancer pot is good enough.
"This is something that we are in as a team and any money to the Cops for Cancer cause helps whether it's to us individually or not," Etele said.
The two officers would like to thank the community for all their support so far and say they will be involved in some way in the Cops for Cancer event next year.
"We may not ride but we will help organize more events and it's safe to say those will start earlier in the year next year and be spread out more," Mylmok said.
Local Cops for Cancer buddy 12-year-old Renee Desaulniers is happy to hear they will be involved again and said having the officers ride in her name is "cool." In March, 2007, Renee will be three years cancer free.
