Wheelin’ Warriors gearing up for 12th annual ride.

Aug 6, 2024 | 2:29 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – As part of the Tour de Cure, the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North has been pedalling to raise funds for cancer care for more than a decade. And it is quite the journey.

“Leading up to August 24th, we’ll all be heading down to Vancouver or specifically Cloverdale,” explains Karin Piche, founder of the Wheelin’ Warriors.

On Day One, they will ride a hundred kilometres and another hundred the following day until they reach Hope.

The Wheelin’ Warriors has been around for a while and is a commitment that lasts.

“I have had some friends and family affected,” says Shannon Johnson, who will be on her seventh ride.

And as Piche says, this is not a race it’s a ride. The collection of riders is varied. According to the BC Cancer Foundation, half of British Columbians will face cancer at some point in their lives.

“We have people who are coming out of treatment who are doing the ride. We have, of course, riders who are a little bit and have a stronger skill set like I call them elite riders. But it is a ride, not a race,” says Piche.

The group has raised some funds this year already but without the annual gala, it can be a challenge. But the community steps up every time. The Wheelin’ Warriors has raised $1.7 million to date, all of which stays in the North, and they have a goal in mind.

“We have to have hit $1.8 million for sure, because right now, in 2024, the team has raised $111,000. So we’re really coming in close to that 2 million in the next bit.”

The goal this year is $150,000 though they wouldn’t turn their noses up at raising more than that.

Between Karin and Shannon alone, they hope to raise $7,500.