Cops for Cancer riders carry northern support 850 kilometres from Fort St. John

A week ago they were standing together in Fort St. John with their bikes ready and a whole lot of northern highway still ahead of them, and by Thursday afternoon the Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders were expected to roll into Williams Lake.

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Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen, members of council and local RCMP joined the Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders for a pancake breakfast and send-off in Fort St. John on Sept. 11, before the group began its seven-day, roughly 850-kilometre ride south to Williams Lake. (Lilia Hansen/Facebook)

What sat between those two moments was roughly 850 kilometres, seven days on the road and stops in communities along the way, all part of an annual ride raising money for childhood cancer research and programs supporting children and their families.

Thirteen first responders and community riders began the 2026 Tour de North here in Fort St. John on Sept. 11, gathering for breakfast at Canadian Tire before getting on their bikes and beginning the seven-day journey south.

Mayor Lilia Hansen was there with members of council and the Fort St. John RCMP to see the riders off, sharing a few words about the reason behind all those kilometres before they headed out of town.

“Today is about much more than a ride. It is about determination, hope, and the power of people coming together to support families,” Hansen wrote following the send-off.

“These riders are taking on an incredible challenge, dedicating their time and energy to raising funds for cancer research, support programs, and services that help families when they need it most. To all the riders, thank you for turning compassion into action.”

The tour has taken riders through northern B.C. over the past week, with community events along the way including Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Prince George and Quesnel, giving people throughout the north a chance to welcome the riders and support the cause.

By Wednesday evening they had made it to Quesnel, leaving one final day of riding Thursday before the Tour de North wraps up in Williams Lake, where a closing ceremony is scheduled at the Williams Lake Visitor Centre.

The riders are expected to arrive around 5 p.m., bringing an end to a journey that began seven days earlier and roughly 850 kilometres north in Fort St. John.

Money raised through Cops for Cancer supports childhood cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society, along with support programs such as Camp Goodtimes for children and families living with cancer.

It is a cause that brought plenty of people into the picture beyond those doing the pedalling, something Hansen also made a point of recognizing as the tour got underway in Fort St. John.

“To the volunteers, support crew, organizers, sponsors, donors, and everyone who has contributed to this event, thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” she wrote.

“On behalf of City Council and our community, I wish all participants safe travels, strong legs, and a successful Tour de North.”

For the riders, those strong legs have certainly been put to work, after months spent training and fundraising ahead of seven days travelling through northern communities for a cause that has brought people out to support them along the way.

For Fort St. John, though, there is something a little special about looking back at the photo taken before they left.

The bikes were ready, the riders were smiling and Williams Lake was still 850 kilometres down the road.

That road started here.