Sunshine and smiles marked the beginning of the 25 and final Tour de Cariboo Saturday morning.
About 40 riders set off from the Cariboo Memorial Complex parking lot for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake Final Tour de Cariboo fundraiser.
A staple of the town for 25 years, the Tour de Cariboo is a 76-kilometre bike ride staring in Williams Lake and ending at Gavin Lake taking place regardless of rain, smoke or sunshine. In its time the ride has raised hundreds of thousands dollars for the BBBSWL, according to executive director and Tour de Cariboo organizer Melissa Newberry.
Spirits were high prior to their 9 a.m. start with long-time riders greeting one another warmly and sharing anecdotes of years’ past. In addition many younger first-time riders came out for the final chance to participate in the venerable ride.
Related: It’s been quite a ride for Tour de Cariboo
Darcy Lazzarin has biked in the ride 20 times, one of the longest other than her ride partner Betty Donahue who has attended every event. Lazzarin was happy to be at the last event and getting one last chance to ride with all her friends.
“Every year we keep thinking it should get easier but each year we keep getting older,” Lazzarin observed. “Still, we’ll get there.”
After a group photo and stretch Newberry wished the riders well and advised them to try and beat the rain to Gavin Lake. After some light ribbing from the riders, Newberry set them off for the final time.
