The training is done, the rides are logged and bags are packed.
This year's group of Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock riders are just about to start their 14-day, 1,0000 kilometre bike trip across Vancouver Island.
The goal is to raise money for pediatric cancer research and programs for children with a history of cancer.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone. I've done a lot of events in the Valley, and I've met so many kids," said Comox Valley rider Cpl. David Thompson.
"I'm certainly going to remember them when we stop off at schools (coming through the Valley)," added the patrolman with the military police at 19 Wing Comox, and the only rider in the 2012 event north of Nanaimo.
The tour is scheduled to make its way next week to the Comox Valley on Wednesday and Thursday, and is filled with events and stops, including schools, a fundraising lunch, a gala dinner and a breakfast, said Patti Mertz, community fundraising co-ordinator, Vancouver Island North for the Canadian Cancer Society.
From 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on the day (Wednesday) they arrive, following school stops and riding, the team will arrive at White Spot for lunch — a chance for people to meet the team and make a donation, noted Mertz.
She said one of the highlights of the Comox Valley stop later that day will be the Gala de Rock red serge dinner from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Crown Isle.
"It will be so beautiful and very elegant," she explained and added one of the many events that evening will be a golf ball drop from a helicopter.
The closest ball to the pin will win a percentage of the proceeds, with 900 available for purchase at $10 each.
The Crown Isle event will also feature a live auction, chance to meet the team, and a casino theme.
Tickets for the gala dinner are $75 each; a table of 10- $650. Tickets are available at the Comox Valley RCMP detachment.
The following morning, the team will head to Thrifty Foods for a breakfast in the parking lot between 7 and 10 a.m, available by donation to Tour de Rock.
The 2012 Tour de Rock begins in Port Alice this Sunday, passes through the Comox Valley Sept. 26 and 27 and ends in Victoria on Oct. 5.
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Visit the Black Press Tour de Rock site at bclocalnews.com/tour-de-rock for updated information every day of the tour, and a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards from Thrifty Foods.
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