The Tour de Rock riders began their journey last Saturday. It is more than a journey across the Island, but also a journey to make a lasting impact on the fight against childhood cancer. The riders will be arriving in Ladysmith on Monday, Oct. 3. Their first stop will be at the Tim Hortons around 2 p.m. After a meet and greet for the better part of half an hour, the riders will embark up First Avenue with a lead car and bullhorn announcing their coming. The riders will also be joined by a pipe band at High Street as they make their way to the Ladysmith and District Credit Union. There will be a low-bed trailer from the town at the credit union fully furnished with make-shift barber chairs for those shaving their heads. Noriko Nakahara, who is helping organize the Tour de Rock event in Ladysmith, said they are never sure just how many people are going to be taking part in the head shaving, but we average around six every year. After the final locks have fallen, the riders, and ticketholders, will be treated to a Red Serge dinner at the Eagles Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. On the menu is roast beef with all the trimmings and dessert. There will also be a silent and live auction and a 50/50 draw. There are still tickets available, $35, at the Ladysmith Cancer Society unit, located in the new High Street building, the Community Policing office at Coronation Mall some will be available at the head-shaving event and the rest sold at the door. You can also call 250-245-0671 for more information. Nakahara said the trip through Ladysmith is always an uplifting one for the riders. “The riders always enjoy coming to Ladysmith because they get good home-cooked meals.” After a restful night and full bellies, the riders will start the day, Tuesday, Oct. 4, in Chemainus for a breakfast at the Legion from 7:30 a.m. to around 9 a.m. complete with donation presentations. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the Legion. After the breakfast the riders will be heading over to the Chemainus elementary school for another donation presentation before the riders head to Lake Cowichan. There are still plenty of chances to donate around town, at the cancer unit and online. This year, local resident and Black Press employee Chris Bush is one of the riders. You can follow his progress on Twitter, Facebook and through www.ladysmithchronicle.com.