When you combine wild ideas and practical expertise, you can create something wonderful.
That’s what Graham Robertson and Beth Turner did when they launched the Cycle of Life Tour to support hospice care on Vancouver Island. The event has raised more than $1.5 million to date.
Their recipe for success: he’s the visionary founder and she’s the voice of reason, they joke.
“I had great big ambitions and some ridiculous ideas. Some of them were realistic and some were not. I had no event experience before the Cycle of Life Tour,” Graham says. “All the logistics – the gears, components, and moving parts of the event were thanks to Beth.”
Kicking off in 2011 with Graham riding solo from Anchorage, Alaska to Victoria, the fundraiser now includes hundreds of cyclists, volunteers, and supporters who keep coming back, year after year.
The two-day, 200-km Cycle of Life Tour winds through the Saanich Peninsula, the Cowichan Valley, and Salt Spring Island. It includes a few ferry rides, a campout (hot showers included), great meals, and at least a few challenging sections offset by the motivation that propels the riders and volunteers.
“People who have been touched by hospice are everywhere, and they are the most dedicated human beings you will ever find,” Beth says.
Victoria cyclist Kelly McClaren remembers her loved ones when she rides. She also rides for everyone who might need hospice care, she says.
“When you see the difference hospice makes, you want to make sure it’s available and the standard for end-of-life care. I want to make sure everyone on the Island has access to this important service.”
Cyclists commit to raising more than $1,000 for the ride and include bottle drives and garage sales along with physical training to prepare for the event. Some are seasoned cyclists who choose the “enduro” option for the ride, and others are committed novices. But they all share the same excitement when it’s time to saddle up for the weekend, Graham says.
“It’s great to see the reunions at the start of every ride, with everyone sharing the positive energy of celebrating the experience. But also they’re sharing their grief and that’s really meaningful as well.”
The event is now organized by Victoria Hospice on behalf of Vancouver Island hospices but continues to be inspired by Graham and Beth.
“It’s amazing to see how the event has grown from the momentum of their vision and leadership,” says Wendy Innes, Victoria Hospice Director of Development. They’ve created an incredible legacy that picks up speed every year.”
This year’s Cycle of Life Tour runs Aug. 26-27. Find out how you can sponsor a rider or get involved or contact debbie.greenway@victoriahospice.org.