Major cycling fundraiser for Cancer Assistance Halton Hills rolls this weekend

A version of this article originally appeared on HaltonHillsToday June 24.

It's almost time to Tour the Hills for a good cause.

The cycling fundraiser in support of Cancer Assistance Halton Hills returns on Saturday (Sept. 21), and riders can still sign up and create their fundraising pages to collect pledges.

“This is one of Cancer Assistance’s main fundraisers for the year,” said Julie Liddle, executive director for Cancer Assistance Halton Hills.

The non-profit organization provides transportation to and from treatment appointments as well as personal and practical home care services, at no charge, for Halton Hills residents dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Last year’s event attracted more than 120 riders and raised over $50,000.

The ride begins and ends at Trafalgar Sports Park and there are four routes available to participants ranging in length from 20 to 100 kilometres. Aid stations set up along the route supply riders with refreshments, healthy snacks, first aid and bicycle repair. Pick up vehicles will also be provided to ensure safety.

The 20-km route takes riders through Limehouse and Glen Williams and then back through Georgetown along Victoria, John and Mill streets, across Princess Anne and Halton Hills Drive to Maple Avenue, leading back to the park.

“The 20-km route is very popular,” said Liddle. “It’s more palatable for novice riders and stays mainly in town and on low-traffic roads."

There will be new 50, 75 and 100-km routes this year. The 50-km jaunt takes riders out to Sixth Line Nassagaweya, up Dublin Line into Acton, looping around coming back through Limehouse and down Sixth Line (Halton Hills) back toward the park.

The 75-km route takes riders down to Glencairn Golf Club, up through Speyside, out to Sixth Line (Nassagaweya), into Acton, across to Ballinafad and the Terra Cotta Conservation Area, through Glen Williams, across 22 Sideroad and down Sixth Line back toward the park.

The 100-km ride goes to Glencairn, up through Speyside, across almost to Brookville, back through Acton, through Ballinafad, past Terra Cotta Conservation Area, back through Glen Williams and Limehouse, down to 17 Sideroad and back to the park.

There will be a barbecue waiting for riders when they return, with chicken donated by Maple Lodge Farms.

Each year it takes approximately 50 volunteers to make the event happen, including marshals at intersections to ensure riders cross main roads safely and aid station workers. Liddle said it's a great opportunity for high school students looking to fulfill volunteer requirements.

Volunteers can also participate by setting up fundraising pages.

“There are people who want to be a part of it, that want to participate in some capacity, but they are not riders,” noted Liddle.

To register for this year’s ride, visit tourthehills.ca.