Camosun instructor rides for the cure
Archived Content
This archived web page remains online for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. This page will not be altered or updated and may contain out of date information. If you’re looking for specific information and haven’t found it, please contact communications@camosun.ca.
September 17, 2007
After a 6-month, 3,000 km training regimen, Robin Baskerville Bridges is ready to ride with this year’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock cycle team. Robin is one of 10 guest cyclists joining 16 police officers on the gruelling ride along the length of Vancouver Island. This year marks the 10th anniversary for this popular event that raises funds for pediatric cancer research.
When he’s not training, Robin teaches business software application courses for Camosun’s School of Business. Robin has been teaching for Camosun since 1985 and currently teaches students in the Office Administration, Legal Office Assistant, Medical Office Assistant and Hotel & Restaurant Management programs.
Robin agreed to participate in this year’s ride because of his son, Aaron, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of six. Today Aaron is 15 and healthy, and Robin credits that miracle to discoveries made through ongoing cancer research.
When asked about his Tour de Rock experience so far, Robin has only good things to say. “We are 26 motivated and energetic people with a strong sense of humour, and a dedication to the cause and to each other. The team is a microcosm of our overall community. We all have strengths in different areas, and we each contribute in any way we can to help each other.”
One example where that contribution has shone through is in Robin’s workplace. For the two weeks that he’ll be on the ride, other Camosun faculty have volunteered to cover his classes. “It’s their donation to the cause,” explains Robin. “These are all very busy people, and their time and teaching expertise are really valuable.”
At times, the six months of training has been difficult and even scary, especially in the rain. But the team’s sense of humour keeps Robin going. “When we do something stupid, we have to wear the Cape of Shame for three training sessions, and I’ve received that dubious award twice already: once for falling over in the parking lot when I was first learning about my toe clips, and again for having six flat tires in only two weeks.”
And it’s been a learning experience. The first time Robin had to change a flat, it took him 33 minutes. But now he can whip through the procedure in only six minutes.
The Vancouver Island ride begins in Port Alice on September 22 and finishes in Victoria on October 6. The team will cover 1,000 km and visit 27 communities, raising funds and awareness for cancer research along the way.
If you wish to help the cause by making a tax-deductible contribution, it’s easy to donate. If you prefer, you can write a cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society and send to:
Robin Baskerville Bridges
c/o Camosun College School of Business
4461 Interurban Rd
Victoria, BC V9E 2C1 
Last updated: September 19, 2007 2:30 pm
