A bike rodeo, barbecue, and buzz off was part of this year's preliminary launch 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 began Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. Selen Alpay is the event co-ordinator at Canadian Tire.
A ceremony with city speakers, testimonies by those affected by cancer and introduction of riders followed.
The 826-km tour from Prince George to Prince Rupert Sept. 10 to 16 boasts 27 bicycle riders this year including two paramedics, 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.
