Hello, I’m Nicholas Arnold, daytime correspondent for 89.7 Sun FM. Documenting my experience as part of the 2024 Tour de Rock team. This 14-day, 1,000-kilometre bike ride has taken place every year since 1997 to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer.
Today was a good day. One of my favorite days on tour so far. We departed from Port Alberni, had an early breakfast, and then headed to Ucluelet. This was the longest ride for the rest of the Tour and we knew it going into it.
It was also one of the most challenging rides of the trip, with several large hills, including Hydro Hill, and a constant series of rolling hills. On the bright side, I set a new personal record at 74.9 km/h. On another front, I broke the altitude record, which is an indicator of how much you can climb on a bike. Although it was physically demanding, it was a very fun day.
The road between Port Alberni and Ucluelet was empty, so it was an emotional day for a different reason. Today was the day our support crew for the first week of our luxury event left us. They are the team that keeps us well fed, gives us painkillers, helps transport all our equipment onto the island, and does everything that is logistically important for the Tour de Roque on a daily basis.
They stayed with us throughout today’s ride and as soon as the ride was over they handed us over to the week 2 support crew, who I am looking forward to getting to know. Everyone on my crew impacted my touring journey in some way.
From Chris, the paramedic who took the stiffness out of my shoulder when I was in pain. And one of my all-time favorite people, Mojo Joe, would always spot me when I stopped by for a snack and sneak me a can of mug root beer with a smile. Although soda is usually not allowed as a snack. Without her, I wouldn’t have had as much soda as I did. And for that I will be forever grateful.
Joe and I are passing the last root beers at the end of week one.
Tonight’s event took place at the Legion in Tofino. Overall we had a great time with the steak dinner. Warren Congus of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP did a great job as a live auctioneer selling items worth thousands of dollars. We shaved our heads again and had a few more strips coming out of our hairline as we collected just over $300.
Great story, we had raised a lot of money and I was looking around the room trying to figure out who was going to shave my head. My eyes were searching for the child. Just as we were looking, a guy in town named Johnny said, “If you’ll shave my head, I’ll shave yours.” So a guy I’ve never met before comes and shaves part of my head, and I shave his head. I shaved it all the way to the forest. So three others also raised their hands while shaving their heads. It was a really great experience. We also find a child shaving another strip, so the mummy’s hair is starting to look like a checkerboard pattern.
To be honest, I’m starting to get tired. Physical fatigue is less of a problem. I’m actually quite an introvert, and when I’m around people I don’t feel energized and get really tired. Being “on” every second of the last eight days has been a burden on me, but it is nothing compared to what children are going through as they continue to fight cancer. And anyone who comes to the Tour de Roque event and shows their support while we’re down the island deserves to be given the best that I can give them. I will continue to push forward with a smile on my face, telling myself that it is for the sake of the children.
One child with cancer is one child too many. If you are interested in donating to the Tour DeRock, you can do so at TourDeRock.ca.
Daily and overall statistics
Total distance traveled on day 8: 103.63 km
Total distance traveled: 707.30 km
Total elevation on day 8: 1,341m
Total summit elevation: 6,585m
Total soda consumed on day 8: 4
Total soda consumed during the tour: 38
