If you aren’t familiar with it, the Tour for Kids is a 2 or 4 day charity bike ride in Ontario and Alberta aimed at helping cancer children. Riders get to chose daily between a 100km+ or 200km+ ride. The routes are well planned and quite scenic, and the staff & ride support is beyond belief.

This was my first year riding in the Tour for Kids, and I can’t see myself missing this event in the future. You will meet many people, make lasting friends, and, most importantly, raise money to send cancer children to camp.

Why should you take part in the Tour for Kids? Here’s an excerpt from the organizers:

“Your participation in Tour For Kids raises awareness and funds for three extraordinary camp organizations that help [cancer] children and their families build confidence, courage and friendships. With multiple locations staffed by health care professionals, volunteers and camp alumni, the camps provide tremendous emotional support coupled with various degrees of essential medical attention. The single greatest miracle these retreats provide is enabling children to escape the shadows of cancer treatment and feel the thrill of being just another kid. “

If you register before December 31st, you will receive a $50 discount on the 4 day epic ride. We hope to see you there!

The Lapdogs showed up for this event in full force, bringing about 12-13 total riders and splitting members among the 160 and 233km groups. I chose the 233km route for maximum punishment. At times there were struggles, but everybody hung in there to finish strong.

Bancroft is a great place to ride because of the constant rolling hills, extremely low traffic, and generally nice roads. The organizers of this event were great, and I’ll certainly travel up to Bancroft next year for another go at the ‘Hilly Hundred.

A few items of note:

• Shamrock Hill Bed & Breakfast is a better all-around deal than the Best Western.
• While the Fox and the Hound serves a delicious Autumn Pasta, they might accidentally spill beer all over you.
• Don’t wear a King of the Mountains jersey to this event.
• There are no washrooms in downtown Bancroft.
• Country Bits are not the same as Tim Bits. Don’t, just don’t, waste your money on the Country Bits.

Here’s the 160km route map if you’re in the area and would like to check out the loop. Also, check out the pictures of all of the ‘dogs at the event!