A bike rodeo, barbecue, and buzz off will be part of this year's preliminary launch at Canadian Tire for the ninth annual Cops for Cancer Tour de North .
The Canadian Cancer Society event, designed to promote awareness and support for the September bicycle trek to Prince Rupert begins Saturday at 10 a.m. beginning with a bike rodeo to be held indoors if the weather is rainy, said Selen Alpay, event co-ordinator at Canadian Tire.
A ceremony with city speakers, testimonies by those affected by cancer and introduction of riders will follow. There will be face painting, a police car and two fire trucks on site.
The 826-km tour from Prince George to Prince Rupert Sept. 10 to 16 will boast 27 bicycle riders this year including a paramedic, a media rider and a civilian. It is usually completed over seven days by riders and support team who attend a number of fundraisers and events in communities along the way.
Last year the northern tour raised more than $180,000 for its cause - research of pediatrics cancer - the second leading cause of death among Canadian children, following injuries.
