“We’re riding for a purpose,” says North Vancouver’s Grace Menning, a breast cancer survivor and Tour de Cure rider.
Tour de Cure is B.C.’s largest cycling fundraiser, raising over $124 million to fuel research at BC Cancer via the BC Cancer Foundation. Each year, thousands of cyclists from across the province gather in the Fraser Valley to ride 200km from Cloverdale to Hope.
Menning has been cycling in the Tour de Cure for many years, but the ride took on new meaning after receiving her diagnosis following a routine mammogram in 2022. The cancer was caught early, treated quickly and today she is cancer-free. “I’m happy to say the process worked for me, she says.”
Menning is sharing her experience with the hopes her North Shore neighbours will join her on August 24-25 for the ride.
“I love the weekend’s energy and uplifting spirit of community. For some people, this is their first big ride and it’s so inspiring watching people challenge themselves.”
Last year was Menning’s first year wearing the ride’s signature gold sleeve – a sign to her fellow riders that she’s faced cancer. It’s a club no one wants to be a part of, but also a mark of strength and a reminder of why the 2,000-cyclist-strong group is there.
Beyond a bike race
While Menning is grateful for her treatment, she notes that’s still not the case for many facing cancer, especially types without early detection technology or the more rare, understudied cancers.
That’s where Tour de Cure comes in. Funds raised by the event support over 20 BC Cancer research programs and more than 100 clinical trials each year and have even helped establish a provincial lung cancer screening program – a first in Canada.
“When you’re fundraising, you’re not asking your friends and family to support you,” Menning notes. “You’re asking people to support a cause that affects so many – and being a survivor now helps.” You can support Grace’s fundraiser here.
This will be Menning’s second ride with her armband and second year riding on Team Velogrit Lontreau. She formed the team with her close friends last summer, including another cancer survivor. “We really enjoy riding together and another friend sponsored us. We made jerseys with her logo, so we even have a team kit now,” she describes.
Supporting cancer patients and their families in North Vancouver and beyond
While a 200km ride may sound intimidating, Menning’s advice is to take it one day at a time. Be consistent in your training and you’ll build stamina and kilometres.
“And you’re fully supported,” she adds, pointing to the pit stops stocked with water and snacks, and the bike repair and medical teams accompanying riders along the scenic course through the Fraser Valley.
The ride takes place August 24-25, and riders can choose between a 200 or 260km route. After the first day, riders look forward to a welcoming overnight camp in Chilliwack with food, showers and festivities. For the first time, there’s also a one-day option, where participants can join for the second leg between Chilliwack and Hope.
Ready to join Menning and others at the Tour de Cure? Register or learn more at TourdeCure.ca.
