It’s only day one of a 500-kilometre journey and it’s already resulted in a wide-range of emotions for Bianca Boyce.
She is joined by Terra Schmuland and Grayson Hawkins as Delta Police constables on the 20-team Cops for Cancer Tour de Valley Team that kicked off the 2021 edition on Monday in their hometown.
An official send-off in North Delta was followed by a reception and barbecue lunch at the Delta Police headquarters in Ladner. The team then headed to Tsawwassen for more stops before pedaling its way back north to complete the Delta leg.
Further rides will continue over the next four days in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley and Surrey, averaging more than 100-kilometres each time.
Cops for Cancer, which was launched in 1994, sees law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle hundreds of km to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support. There are four tours taking place throughout B.C. that have collectively raised over $48 million since its inception.
Joining the DPD trio on the Tour De Valley teams are officers Chilliwack, Hope and Surrey RCMP detachments, the Surrey Police Force, along with BC Sheriff and BC Correction officers. They have all been doing endurance training since the spring.
“This is super exciting and the training has been awesome,” said Boyce. “The last couple of training rides we actually got to do a little interaction with kids. Honestly, going from riding by ourselves and having to pump ourselves up, then going to ride to the schools and having the kids out there. Literally, I have cried multiple times already and we are not even halfway through the day. It has been amazing.
“I had never been on a road bike in my life. I have done a couple of spin classes. The clip-in shoes and having to balance and stuff, it’s a complete first time for me. I’m definitely now a lot better.”
The Valley team was welcomed by Delta Deputy Chief Michelle Davey who is a two-time past participant herself.
“This cause is near and dear to the policing community’s heart. You are making a difference in the kids’ lives and their parents as well. It resonates with them and they find it so powerful and meaningful that you are willing to put yourself out there to fundraise and to get on a bike and ride 100 kilometres a day. That’s hard. It’s a lot of work,” said Davey.
To donate to this year’s ride visit the Tour de Valley donation page via the Canadian Cancer Society website .
