Testimonials
Feedback from our amazing Tour for Kids riders!
Share your Tour for Kids experience here
This was my first year doing the Tour for Kids, and it was an amazing adventure. I have never been a part of such a huge event in my life. I only started cycling this spring and logged only about 700 km before undertaking the whole 4 day event. There were two parts to my participation in the event. The first, wanting to give back to an incredible cause and a responsibility I felt as being an Investors Group consultant who is a major sponsor of the Tour for Kids. The second was a personal challenge to see if as a 52 year old if I could manage to complete such a physical challenge. I could not believe how well organized this event was run and the sheer logistics of moving 550 cyclists from one location to another (tractor trailers of bikes, luggage, tents, medical staff, massage therapists, etc.). Each and every day, we made it to rest areas that were manned by volunteer's many of which were from the local towns themselves, using their local church and community centre parking lots. We had men, women, and teenagers all there to support the cyclists. The cheering, excellent food, and organization was truly amazing. All along the route, you were made to feel special. The routes were mapped out extremely well, and even if you started with one group of riders, and ended up finishing with another, you never felt alone on the ride. The support I received from other riders and the encouragement was absolutely fantastic, even though they were total strangers at the time. I made so many new and special friends. On a personal level, it was one of the most physically challenging things I have ever done in my life. I had no idea there were that many hills in Ontario until I actually had to ride to the top of each one. I learned so much about myself, how hard I could push my body, and how incredibly rewarding it was to finish each day knowing you had set a goal and actually completed it. There were many times when I felt I couldn't make it to the top of that hill, or I just had enough and maybe wait for the next support vehicle to come along, but the other cyclists just kept moving you along so that we all "finished the day together". The tireless efforts of Jeff Rushton, his close team of organizers, and all the volunteers is what truly makes this event so special. It was truly a "life experience" for me that I will never forget. I will be doing this event next year, try to push myself a little harder, and will do everything I can to have other consultants and staff in our Region either participate, or at the very least volunteer a few hours of their time in support of the Tour for Kids. As a 12 year consultant of Investors Group I am extremely proud that we are a major sponsor of the Coast to Coast Foundation/Tour for Kids and if there is anything I can personally do to assist in promotion, volunteering for the Inside Rides, etc. I would be more than pleased to help out. KM
T4K was much more than I ever expected and I am glad that I could help out a little. CC
…the epic experience was quite overwhelming. All of the four days were memorable on their own but I would have to say that Jeff's dedication on Saturday morning was one of the most memorable. RS
I feel like I rode somewhere meaningful, with a group of people who were all going to the same place. Simply put, an AWESOME experience!!! LL
I want to congratulate all the riders who participated in this year’s event, especially all of you who achieved personal bests. It was truly an honor to ride with all of you for such a great cause. MK
I feel like I've been part of an altered reality for four days. It's a bit like it was a dream. An incredible experience. JD
I met many very special people over the 4 days and look forward to seeing you all again next year. CK
Wow, for some people riding 50 km took far more effort than hammering out 250 and I want to seriously congratulate those individuals. DW
What an amazing ride! Riding for all the kids. Saddle sores and all the aches and pains are nothing compared to what these kids go through. Keeping this in mind, and thinking about what pain and suffering my sister went through, is what helped get me do the distance…. see ya next year. LJ
It was an experience of a life time. I personally walked away with much more than I could give to the cause and the group. I will promote this event as much as I can. I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing people AS
Thanks!!! The Tour was even more epic than billed. PD
Congratulations on organizing a world class fundraising event. Of course, it was so much more! The meals, the bikes, the rest stops, the logistics, the support vehicles, the tent cities...please know that your hard work and effort is truly appreciated. On behalf of the campers, volunteers and Board Members from Camp Oochigeas, THANK YOU! TM
