PICTOU – Hearts will be beating at a healthy pace this summer when local cyclists take part in the fifth consecutive Heart Land Tour.
This annual event that welcomes cyclists to travel through Pictou County and the province promoting good health was the dream of cardiologist Dr. Nick Giacomantonio, who has witnessed the costly effects of obesity and inactivity in his practice.
His vehicle of change was the bicycle. He challenged other health care professionals to sign on to his mission and spread the word of active living and risk reduction. Five years later, the tour has grown to include participants from all walks of life, in growing numbers.
The tour travels to several communities across Nova Scotia and hosts a day-long bike ride, inviting local cyclists to join in for all or part of the day. All site routes and timelines are posted on the Heart Land Tour website. www.heartlandtour.ca
In Pictou County, the Core Team members are Dr. Gordon Young, Katherine Saulnier, Ross Landry and Andrew Joyce.
Young is a family physician, who has committed to the Heart Land Tour every year. He has always been active, and has played a key role in his community in influencing healthy public policy and infrastructure to support active living. He is an avid cyclist, and also a key leader in the Cape to Cape Trail project.
District Cardiovascular Co-ordinator Katherine Saulnier has also been a core team member for the five years of the Heart Land Tour. Her background work as a critical care nurse and her lifelong commitment to staying active have been motivating factors for her involvement.
This is the second year that Nova Scotia Justice Minister Ross Landry has committed to the tour. He too is an avid cyclist and spin instructor. RCMP member Andrew Joyce is completing his first year as a local team member, and is looking forward to cycling the entire week with the other core members.
Avid cyclist Sherry Huybers will be back again as a rider and as the marshal for the event, keeping riders on a timeline to allow stops in various communities. She has participated every year, and often travels to other communities to support their rides as well.
Pictou County Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Pat Lee has supported the event every year since its inception and will take part in it again this year.
Other local individuals who will be part of the Heart Land Tour include Mark Henderson, with the plan to complete the entire 100 km. Dr. Pat Craig, family physician and avid cyclist, also hopes to make the 100 km mark. Triathletes Tony and Peter Corbin will ride and help out with the RCMP Children’s Bike Rodeo. Ironman Ken Hetherington will set a fast pace for morning riders up for the challenge.
Active Living Co-ordinator Rae Gunn will be there and she hopes to bring a large youth contingent with her as she networks with the various recreation departments in the county. Former HLT Core Team member and Community Health Board member Pat MacDonnell has once again helped with the planning stages of the event.
Cyclists who wish to join the ride should visit the website www.heartlandtour.ca . There they will find timelines and locations that best suit their abilities. At noon, all riders will be fed, and at the end of the day a short reception will celebrate the day. Local leaders will say a few words and active living door prizes will be given away. The event is free and everyone is welcome!
Where: Pictou waterfront, Carver’s Field
When: July 10 (see website for times)
Who: Everyone, but be sure to select the ride that matches your ability!
Why: it’s good for you!
For more information about the local event, contact Kathy Saulnier at 752-7600 ext 2480.
