We Roll for Emma

Saturday September 16, 2017

By Nick Reimann, Vernon

Riders gathered at the Kamloops White Spot for a good breakfast to fuel us for the last long leg of the ride. We were fortunate to have the parents of one of our little ambassadors that we lost last December and decided to give back to the Cops for Kids Foundation. The emotional meeting was an inspiration for the team which reminded us all why we are here. Emma was certainly on our minds all day today.

The ride today started at the wildlife park towards Vernon and within the first 10km we hit a hill… oh yeah, another one. That made sure everyone warmed up pretty quick for our 100km day, …. with a head wind yes nothing more pleasant than riding with the wind hitting your face so hard that it feels like you spend a whole day in the sun but it’s only 9:30am.

We stopped in Falkland for lunch, graciously provided by Sedo’s Deli in Salmon Arm. Fuel, fuel, fuel for our legs. Going forward in the head winds we knew we were making time and rolling towards Vernon on a good pace.

A few hills left for the day and more pacing working through together brought the riders at the entrance of Vernon with some spare time. 2 by 2 all ready to bring it to Vernon, riders strolled on the highway with sore legs and b***, oh yes…that! we are sore but we were smiling knowing what we do for our kids in our community.

We arrived at the Vernon Boston Pizza a Platinum sponsor of the Cops for Kids ride, greeted by the Mayor of Vernon, Akbal Mund, Inspector Gord Stewart of the Vernon RCMP detachment, friends and families, all crucial supporters. We were also lucky to meet one of our little ambassador Anna who Cops for Kids Foundation helped her with a wheel assist for her wheelchair providing her with more autonomy.  A cheque from the Armstrong Kinsmen was presented to the rider, supporting the foundation years after years.

As fuel is always required to keep going, we were happy to have our dinner provided by Sean and his team at Boston Pizza in Vernon during our last night together at the Asgard Hostel up at Silverstar Mountain. Well now let me tell how the riders appreciated the crew from Okanagan Valley College Massage Therapy and Helix Integrative Health that pampered our riders.

This is my 4^th ride with the Cops For Kids Charitable Foundation and would like to personally thanks all riders and support crew that make this happen. Everyone works together with the same vision to help our little ambassadors, no matter what, no matter the weather, no matter what’s in front of us… we will make it happen. My friends, enjoy tomorrow and the home coming, you all deserve it! Cheers. Nick.