The 5th annual “Cycling for Seafarers” on September 15th featured 71 riders sponsored by donors who contributed $38,000-the largest total yet – and it is still rising’, says Senior Port Chaplain, the Rev. Nick Parker. “22 riders completed the 100 kilometer route while 49 cyclists rode 40 kilometers on a perfect day.”
All riders returned from Belcarra Regional Park on private motor yachts to the Main Street dock near the Waterfront mission. Bicycles rode back on two tugboats. Riders and volunteers were refueled by a wonderful salmon barbecue prepared by mission board members, staff and volunteers. The Colin Parker Quartet entertained everyone with great jazz music.Saint Mary’s Kerrisdale team (Gwen Ingham, Gail Helmcken, Glen Mitchell, Andrew Pike, John Taylor and David Wood) raised the team amount. The Christ Church Cathedral team included Ed Friesen and Jane Dittrich, the rider with the largest total raised). Also riding was Anne Marie Milner from St. Timothy parish in Burnaby.
“Sponsors of the event included some members of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Seaspan (tugboats), Tymac (Main St. Dock), Canadian Fishing Company (salmon) and Cima Coppi Cycle Wear (merino wool cycling jackets and hats),” said Nick Parker who extended a big thank you to all those who rode, donated or volunteered to make the event a great success in support of the Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver and Delta.
Images: Top and homepage, Jane with two riders Adam and Howard from Seaspan enjoy a break stop at Iona Beach. Middle right, A rep from Team CCC and a rep from Team SMK, Jane and Glen on the boat after the ride. Below Jane relaxes on the bike barge