Tour de Rock Cyclists Complete 1,200 km Journey to Benefit Kids’ Cancer Research

The annual Tour de Rock, a fundraising cycling event dedicated to pediatric cancer research, concluded on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the British Columbia Legislature in Victoria. After two weeks and a grueling 1,200 kilometres traversing Vancouver Island, the team of nearly 20 cyclists celebrated their achievement while raising awareness for childhood cancer.

Starting from Port Alice on September 21, the riders aimed to raise $1 million for the Canadian Cancer Society. As of Friday morning, they had successfully raised close to $680,000, with proceeds directly supporting initiatives like Camp Goodtimes, which provides essential support to families affected by cancer.

The event’s website emphasizes, “Tour de Rock remains determined to continue supporting children and families living with and beyond cancer.” Throughout the two-week journey, the cyclists made stops at various communities and schools, engaging with local residents and raising funds through donations.

Emotional Reflections and Community Support

As the ride came to an end, Mackenzie Read, a CHEK News reporter and participant, reflected on her emotional experience during a video recap. She described the journey as “bittersweet,” expressing excitement to return home yet sadness to part with her fellow riders. “One final breakfast, one final day, one final ride,” Read remarked, capturing the essence of the team’s camaraderie developed over the past two weeks.

The event attracted significant community support, with friends, family, and supporters gathering at the B.C. Legislature for the grand finale. For those unable to attend in person, CHEK provided extensive coverage of the event, with reports airing at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. on the same day.

Training and Personal Connections

Read’s participation in Tour de Rock was deeply personal. Raised in Ladysmith, she initially watched the event from the sidelines. Her motivation to join this year stemmed from witnessing the impact of cancer on friends and community members. The cause became even more significant when her mother was diagnosed with lymphoma just weeks into the training.

Reflecting on her journey, Read shared, “That’s when it really hit home… you’re meant to be doing this ride, raising money and spreading awareness.” Despite the challenges of learning to ride as a cohesive team, they successfully supported one another, particularly during difficult segments like conquering the Malahat Highway.

The Tour de Rock not only provided an opportunity to raise funds but also fostered connections among participants and communities across Vancouver Island. The team’s journey underscored the importance of solidarity and support in the fight against pediatric cancer, reminding everyone involved of the critical need for continued research and funding.

As the team pedaled toward the finish line, the collective effort and determination of the riders highlighted the spirit of community engagement and compassion that defines the Tour de Rock, making it a cherished annual event for all involved.