We Ride Again in 2021.
In 2020, our Ride community came together while staying safely apart.
Last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ride for Cancer established a new event structure and COVID-19 safety protocols where Riders, volunteers and spectators came together on Ride day in person. A safe and successful event was executed through a staggered start format to keep event grounds capacity low, a COVID-19 pre-screening process, increased sanitization stations, encouraged mask wearing and social distancing protocols. This year will be no different. #WeRideAgain in 2021, in person, rain or shine. Together, we will face the fight against cancer – as one united front.
The following event structure was developed for Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal to deliver a safe and epic event experience for our Ride community in 2021 amid COVID-19. The health and safety of our Riders and our community is our top priority. The event will adapt to comply with any current Provincial Government protocols and will abide by any restrictions that are in place at the time of the event.
Our logistics team has conducted a thorough review of all in person operations for this year’s Ride for Cancer. We have examined the event experience in full; starting with the very first touch point at our event kit pick-up, all the way through to our Riders crossing the finish line on October 2, 2021.
In developing this event structure in 2020, we consulted with several sources from the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, HRM Special Event Task Force, Halifax Regional Police, CSTA National Covid-19 Recovery Task Force and others. These key stakeholders will be re-engaged to consult if needed in 2021 based on the evolving COVID-19 environment.
Opening Ceremonies:
- Our Opening Ceremonies will be recorded and sent as a video to all riders the night before the event on Friday, October 1, 2021
Event Grounds:
- All Riders will start and finish at the same location, but with staggered start times to avoid large gathering numbers
- The event grounds will be capped at the provincial gathering limit that is in place at the time of the event, this includes Riders, volunteers and other event personnel
- Exact details regarding the location of the entrance to events grounds, parking and drop-off area near event grounds will be communicated to all Riders closer to event day
Bike & Rider Transportation:
- All Riders will start and finish at the same location (Event Grounds, Bayers Lake)
- All Riders will be responsible for their own transportation to the Bayers Lake start location with their bikes
Start:
- Riders will be assigned a staggered start time based on their distance. All team members riding the same distance will be scheduled together
- Scheduled arrival and staggered start times will be sent to all Riders via email and text message two weeks prior to event day
Routes:
- All trail distance routes will be out and back, beginning in Bayers Lake, with designated turnaround points
- The 75km and 100km road routes will be out and back, beginning in Bayers Lake, with designated turnaround points
- The 130km and 160km road routes will be a loop, beginning in Bayers Lake
- For more information on specific routes, and to view the detailed maps click here
Pit Stops:
- Pit stops and hydration stations will be pre-assigned based on your distance on the road and trail
- Pit stops and hydration stations will be designed to adhere to the provincial gathering limit, including Riders, volunteers and other event personnel
- Pit stops will equipped with snacks, lunches, hydration, restrooms, mechanical support, medical support, entertainment and more
Finish line experience:
- Our finish line celebration will have two photo booths available. As a Rider, you will receive an official finish line photo with your medal to take home with you
- We will have a finish line celebration with food, beverage and entertainment this year. However, we will not be able to allow spectators at our finish line if we are still in Phase 4 as a province. The capacity on event day will be determined Provincial Government limitations and guidelines at the time of the event.
Other things riders can expect to see:
- Hand sanitizer stations will be placed near high touch surface areas such as portable washrooms and pit stops
- Event personnel and volunteers with personal protective equipment (masks, gloves and hand sanitizer)
- Increased communication leading up to the event about COVID-19 safety protocols and what Riders need to know for event day
- Signage at the start, on routes, at pit stops and at finish area reminding everyone of physical distancing
We are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and following provincial guidelines closely. Ride for Cancer will follow all current provincial guidelines and our 2021 event structure is subject to change at any time.
