From mike to bike
Kool-FM morning man Brian Bailey hits the road as part of the Tour de Rock team this month.
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Updated: September 03, 2009 11:25 AM
It will be tough enough to endure a two-week, 1,000-kilometre bicycle journey.
But for Canadian Cancer Society Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock rider Brian Bailey, one of the biggest challenges will, quite literally, be getting to the bottom of a problem typical for two-wheeled participants.
Many riders use the double-chamois technique for extra padding, the Kool-FM morning man said of avoiding a bruised rear end. “But at the end of the day, you’re kind of walking funny.”
Bailey’s motivation to get involved in the cross-Island fundraiser for children with cancer came from his dad, who was blinded in a car crash as a child. His dad, now 60, used a tandem bike with friends or family to get around and completed a cancer fundraiser bike tour in Hamilton, Ont.
“He raised hundreds of dollars every year and people were just amazed,” Bailey says. “I thought, ‘Hey, if this blind guy can do it anything’s possible.’”
While Bailey doesn’t look forward to the broken capillaries in his behind, he is looking forward to a scenic, inspiring ride with the team.
“What I’m most looking forward to is ... being able to be a part of this team and seeing all the good you can do when you put 21 people together.”
Proceeds from Tour de Rock go to Canadian Cancer Society research and to Camp Goodtimes, a summer camp for children battling cancer, in Maple Ridge. The riders’ recent visit to the camp made a major impact on Bailey.
“You could see there was pain behind their eyes,” he says. “They’re going through things no six-year-old kids should go through.”
Bailey learned it costs $1,500 a week per child at the camp, funded entirely by donations and sponsors.
“After that week they don’t feel like they’re alone. It gives them that hope to keep going on and they want to go back the next year.”
As for earning funds for the cause, Bailey’s campaign receives $1 from every regular marathon smoothie sold at Booster Juice, and $2.50 from every Tour de Beef burger purchased at Moxie’s Restaurant. And Bailey’s biker legs are for sale at the Men in Uniform Auction at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Bard and Banker.
Bailey’s two-wheel training continues until the 21 riders set off from Port Alice on Sept. 19 and return to Victoria on Oct. 2.
“It’s going to be a lot (of work), but I’m excited for it,” he says. “It will be a challenge. I’ve never pushed my body that far.”
