When the riders of the 2009 Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock roll through Ladysmith, the community will have an extra reason to cheer.

RCMP Const. Malcolm McNeil, who has worked at the town’s detachment for two years, is among the 23 cyclists training for the roughly 1,000-kilometre journey across Vancouver Island.

Funds raised from the bike ride go toward pediatric cancer research and to support children and families dealing with the disease.

With McNeil and his wife expecting their first child in November, it’s a cause that has added importance for the Ladysmith constable. He said his role as a Cops for Cancer rider has brought him into contact with children who were diagnosed with cancer early in life.

“I’m sure their parents were expecting a healthy and happy baby just like my wife and I are and unfortunately their child became sick. It could happen to us,” he said.

McNeil, a 35-year-old Nova Scotia native, worked as a high school physical education teacher before he joined the Mounties in 2006. As someone who has worked closely with youth as a teacher and through the DARE program in Ladysmith schools, he lauded the Camp Goodtimes program for giving children and teens a place to have fun.

He said he had a great time on a recent visit to the camp with other riders.

“For me, it doesn’t matter if you’re tired or you’re in a bad mood or whatever, you get there and the kids are having a good time. Interacting with them, that’s what I enjoy most,” McNeil said.

As with other riders, McNeil has seen the effect of cancer in his own family.

“We’ve all been affected by cancer, whatever it is – the loss of a parent, or aunt or uncle, sibling. We’re all touched in different ways. We all bring something,” he said.

As for training, McNeil has been riding three times per week with his teammates from Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni. He said the fitness level he has from playing soccer has helped him transition to road cycling. “I had a good cardio base to begin with. It’s just getting used to sitting on the bike in the saddle for extended periods of time. It’s not like when you’re a little kid and you go for a bike ride to the store,” he said.

The 2009 Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Vancouver Island Tour de Rock is set for Sept. 19-Oct. 2. The route takes riders from Port Alice to Victoria.