2,000 cyclists ride 200 km for cancer research at an event in British Columbia
For Victoria resident Bonnie Gunderson, this year’s Tour de Cure is more than just another bike ride.
As she prepares to embark on her tenth 125-mile journey from Cloverdale to Hope, Gunderson carries the burden of a challenging 18 months and the strength of three generations of her family.
“We’ve had a rough year with three of our family members being diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment in the last year and a half,” Gunderson said. “My mom is a nurturing caregiver by nature and it’s really hard for her to watch her kids go through this and not be able to do anything to support them. Instead, she sponsored me in this ride and I’m riding for her.”
Gunderson’s motivation is deeply personal. Her youngest sister is battling breast cancer after losing her husband to Ewing’s sarcoma in August 2018. Another very close family member is also undergoing cancer treatment. In addition, Gunderson’s 34-year-old niece Tegan has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Gunderson will join about 2,000 cyclists in the Tour de Cure on August 24 and 25. The tour, presented by Wheaton Precious Metals, has been a major fundraiser for cancer research since 2009. To date, $124 million has been raised for the BC Cancer Foundation, which supports research and patient care across the province.
Gunderson’s journey with Tour de Cure began in 2014 and has been life-changing ever since.
“I fell in love with cycling from my first ride,” she says. “There are so many unforgettable moments – I love this ride and look forward to it every year. The volunteer support and the ‘cheerleaders’ make it so much fun.”
Her preparation for this year’s challenge is the same as in previous years, involving year-round training to maintain her fitness and endurance. But for Gunderson, the significance of the Tour de Cure goes far beyond the physical challenge.
“I am much more aware of the progression and treatment of cancer than ever before,” she notes. “This was especially helpful last year when I witnessed my siblings being treated.”
For her tenth ride, Gunderson has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $3,000, adding to the event’s impressive track record.
Such fundraisers remain urgently needed. One in two British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 30,000 new diagnoses are made in the province each year, so the impact of events like Tour de Cure is greater than ever.
As a seasoned competitor, Gunderson offers heartfelt advice to newbies: “Your hard work is done, now enjoy the experience! Listen to your body, bring rain gear, drink plenty of fluids and eat frequently. Most importantly, take the time to honor your loved ones. The ‘headspace’ of riding allows you to cry, laugh, or whatever you need in the moment. You are not alone – everyone, including the riders, volunteers, and spectators, is right there with you.”
As the event approaches, organizers are asking for the public’s support by donating and cheering on the riders along the route: https://tourdecure.ca/find.
