Boomer’s Legacy Bike Ride 2019

The Friends of Boomer’s Legacy, Vancouver Island would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all of our cyclists, sponsors, volunteers, and donors. Without any one of them this event would not have been possible. The 2019 event raised over $40,000 to Help Our Troops Help Others, at Home and Abroad.

On June 8 and 9 a group of 42 registered cyclists, 7 motorcycle riders from the Canadian Veteran Brotherhood, and a variety of support volunteers, set out to redefine an event that had a successful decade behind it. The 2019 British Columbia Boomer’s Legacy bike ride was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and tears as we collectively remembered and individually rode with cards of fallen military members. Those who participated will concur that lifelong memories were made during this first ride in the new format.

The primary reason for the altered route boils down to traffic south of Nanaimo having increased to a point where safety is a big concern. Change had to happen and Col (ret’d) Jim Benninger came up with the idea that if we rode to Nanaimo and back, essentially the same distance as to Victoria, it would be a safer and easier ride. This more accessible format opens the event up to participants of all levels of ability and experience.

The 2019 ride ended on a high note as the riders were welcomed back on Sunday afternoon to 888 Wing at CFB Comox after an incident-free, highly-enjoyable ride by supporters, friends, and family. It is hard to imagine anyone in the room not feeling the impact of the ceremony that concludes the ride, or being impressed by the feast served.

Funds this year will help Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs, a charity that pairs service animals with veterans in need, a cause that fits in perfectly with the mandate of helping our troops help others at home and abroad. The money raised can also go to the next project that our Troops wish to volunteer with, such as for Humanity Vancouver Island North, or the various humanitarian efforts our Navy ships and crews have contributed to (including helping orphanages and schools in Haiti and Vietnam. You can find out more about the projects that directly benefited from Boomer’s Legacy funds at – www.boomerslegacy.ca/About-Boomers-Legacy/Support-Stories/Boomer-s-Legacy-Successes-2018-2019

The organisers would like to acknowledge the following sponsors:

• Canex
• CFB Comox
• CFB Esquimalt
• Comox Cycling Company
• Comox Valley Record
• 97.3 The Eagle
• First Insurance
• Mount Washington
• Strathcona-Sunrise Rotary
• Thrifty Foods: Courtenay Crown Isle, Parksville, Nanaimo Port Place
• WestJet
• Mt Washington
• Tim Horton’s
• Rocky Mountain Chocolates
• Comox Legion
• Courtenay Legion
• Bowser Legion & Ladies Auxiliary
• RCL Branch #10 Nanaimo
• Gladstone Brewery
• Water Pure and Simple
• Sure Copy
• Costco
• 888 Wing
• Driftwood Storage

Those wishing to donate may continue to do so after the event, either via specific riders or towards the cause in general. To learn more, visit boomerslegacybc.ca