His dad was an avid motorcyclist, and Cpl. Trevour Harding followed in his footsteps – spending much of his time growing up on two wheels.

It’s just one reason why he’s taken on the challenge of the Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, a cross-Island bike ride to raise money for pediatric cancer research and programs.

“It’s a little different challenge,” says Harding about the fundraising ride.

Tour de Rock ride raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society’s pediatric cancer research and its programs that help children and families.

“It’s all taking it day by day now, the training – it’s all new experiences for me,” says 24-year old Harding.

Of course, first he had to get a bike – something he could pedal from Port Hardy to Victoria. Thanks to Comox Valley Dodge and Black’s Cycles, now he’s on his way.

A few times a week, he rides a 50-kilometre run by himself, and then meets up with members of his team once a week.

“We’ve been doing this since March – I’ll be good and ready by the time September comes around,” says Harding.

Harding, who has been a Canadian Forces military police officer at CFB Comox for three years, says he decided to sign up for the ride to help the cause their detachment has long-been committed to supporting.

“It’s just something our unit does,” he says. “It’s a good cause.”

This year, he will join 20 other police officers and media riders – and says meeting the other riders is a good part of the experience.

“We’re all cops too – so we have a common bond right off the bat,” says Harding about the team feeling that’s developed.

Over the summer, they’ll continue training and fundraising, aiming to meet their goal of $300,000. Harding’s personal goal is $5,000.

Last year, the Tour de Rock raised $1.7 million for the Canadian Cancer Society.

While preparing for the 14-day ride is difficult, Harding says it’s just a little effort to give for the cause.

“It’s not nearly as difficult as (it is for) kids with cancer,” he says. “It’s one year out of my life — it’s not much in the whole scheme of things.”

The Tour de Rock begins in Port Alice on Sept. 19 and ends Oct. 2 in Victoria.