On July 20th and 21st, eight teams representing hospices across Vancouver Island will hit the road for the 11th Annual Cycle of Life Tour, a two-day, 200-kilometer bike ride to raise money for hospice care in our communities on the island.
Our amazing local team of riders, the Cowichan Life Cyclers, are once again riding hard to raise funds for hospice care in the Cowichan region.
Still full of beans, Cowichan Life Cyclers arrive in Crofton in 2023 Tour
Every dollar raised during the tour will help provide skilled, compassionate hospice support for individuals and families in our communities as they navigate grief or advancing illness, or care for a dying loved one. Donations made to a specific team will go directly to the community they ride for.
Why do the Cowichan Life Cyclers ride? Its all about caring for their community.
“Hospices across Vancouver Island strengthen our communities’ capacity to care.” says co-captain of the Cowichan Life Cyclers Gretchen Hartley. “They provide emotional and practical support, information and community education, for some of the most difficult days of our lives.”
Co-captain Joanna Sofield agrees, “As a resident of Duncan, I am so appreciative that our community has hospice services through a wonderful team of staff and volunteers.”
Our Cowichan Life Cyclers co-captains are leading a team of extraordinary community members. “Riders are special,” says Gretchen. “I ride to participate in a community of people who care about the beautiful work of hospice!”
Gretchen Hartley and David Pope riding in the 2023 Cycle of Life Tour
David Pope, a long-time hospice volunteer, rider for the Cowichan Life Cyclers and hospice advocate knows continued community support is vital. “In 2020 our dream of having a hospice facility in Duncan was finally realized. However, hospice is much more than a place for end-of-life care. Cowichan Hospice also provides a very active, caring and supportive bereavement service to those who have lost loved ones.”
A phenomenal philanthropist, Mary Hof has been successfully cycling with the Cowichan Life Cyclers for many years. ”In my four years of riding for Hospice I have raised $46,000. I take my fundraising seriously; I could not do it without so many amazing people that sponsored me over these last years; not only financially, but spiritually and with a caring heart.”
Local farmer, hiker and COLT rider extraordinaire Mary Hof
Riding out of Chemainus, Marianne Palou is motivated to raise funds for hospice care in the Cowichan Valley as a Cowichan Life Cycler because it’s a cause she believes in strongly. “Vancouver Island hospices provide end-of-life palliative care, counseling, bereavement support and at-home care to over 12,000 patients and family members each year. The care and comfort they provide is only possible because of generous community support.”
Co-captain Joanna Sofield spinning with riders Marianne Palou and Rachel Anderson at the 2024 Spin-a-Thon Donation Duel
Life Cycler Rachel Anderson’s Cycle of Life Tour ride is dedicated to her brother. “Last year my brother chose to go home to die. His one wish was to be surrounded by family. With palliative caregivers, he passed peacefully in his own living room with his wife, siblings and children gathered around. Hospice care gave him and us that gift. Amazingly, it was this brother who taught me to ride a bike.”
New to the team this year!
We are thrilled to announce we have four new members to the Cowichan Life Cyclers team this year: welcome to Karen, Austin, Gay and Sonja!
This is Karen Hoffman’s first year as a member of the Cowichan Life Cyclers “I’m totally inspired by all the talented and strong people supporting the Cycle of Life Tour and Hospice. I have seen firsthand the need and value of Hospice and so am thrilled to be part of its support group.”
Austin Reid, who is a is a Clinical Nurse Leader at Cowichan Hospice House, has also joined the team! “Since I work in hospice care and have seen the incredible impact that this area of nursing has on patients, clients and families I have decided to embark on an adventure to raise funds for hospice.”
Gay Wise fell in love with cycling when she was 31 and used to race locally, provincially and internationally but now, with 53 years on two wheels under her feet, she rides for fun, fitness and transportation, and to raise funds for hospice care!
We are delighted to welcome the newest member of the Cowichan Life Cyclers Sonja Efford! Sonja moved to the Cowichan region 5 years ago to be closer to her parents and work as a teacher and paramedic. She feels honoured to have the opportunity to ride in memory of her father Ian Efford.
Our heats are filled with gratitude to see our Cowichan Life Cyclers team stepping up to the spokes and putting their wheels in motion to raise funds for hospice care in our community!
How can you help?
Hospice services across the island rely on community donations and events like the Cycle of Life Tour. If you would like to support the Cowichan Life Cyclers for the 11th Annual Cycle of Life Tour by making a donation to the team or to an individual rider, you can do so HERE, or follow any of the links throughout this article.
Since 2011, the annual Cycle of Life Tour has raised over $1.8 million for hospice care on Vancouver Island. Thank you to all who ride for hospice care and to those who sponsor them!
