Registration for the fifth annual Cycle of Life Tour opens on Friday, Feb. 10 and there are only 80 spots available.
This much-loved event sells out every year, so interested riders are encouraged to register quickly at www.cycleoflifetour.ca. On Saturday, July 22, riders will embark on a two-day cycle tour through the Saanich Inlet, Cowichan Valley and Gulf Islands. The route covers close to 200 kilometres and includes camping overnight on Saltspring Island. The annual two-day group cycling fundraiser has raised more than $365,000 for hospice care on Vancouver Island.
For the second consecutive year, Think Communications (a local enterprise IT and cloud solution provider) will be the presenting sponsor of the Cycle of Life Tour.
“This is our way of giving back,” said David Saele, president and founder of Think Communications.
Saele and business partner Tony Woods have both been touched by end-of-life care. In 2013, they each lost a parent to cancer four days apart and they say they were blessed to have hospice palliative care in their final days.
“The love, support, kindness and compassion towards our parents and families changed our lives and helped us through very difficult periods,” said Saele. “Cycle of Life has become part of our company legacy.”
They actively participate each year. Saele, Woods and several staff make up the cycling team known as Them Think Boyz For Hospice. Since 2014, Them Think Boyz have collectively raised more than $45,000.
“As individuals and as a company, we are passionate about supporting community organizations that need critical funds to operate.”
To participate, cyclists must commit to raising a minimum of $500 in pledges for their local hospice. There are 10 hospice societies on the island including Victoria, Saltspring Island, Sooke, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Oceanside, Alberni Valley, Pacific Rim, Campbell River and Comox Valley.
More sponsorship opportunities are available. Every dollar raised by the riders will stay on Vancouver Island to support local hospices.