The 2011 Tour de Rock riders barely caught their breath in Nanaimo before they were off on the road again.
The riders arrived to a warm welcome Sunday, taking part in a fundraising community dinner at Beban Park.
Monday the team was up early for breakfast at the Woodgrove White Spot before heading over to Nanaimo North Town Centre for a series of presentations.
From there the riders cruised through the city to Diana Krall Plaza downtown, where a large crowd gathered to salute their arrival. The riders and support crew spent roughly 90 minutes fuelling up on lunch, shaving a few heads and accepting more donations from the community.
Nanaimo riders Chris Bush, representing Black Press and the Nanaimo News Bulletin as a media rider, and Const. Sandi Holman, of Nanaimo RCMP, also presented plaques of appreciation to a number of ride sponsors.
Bush said the riders continue to feel strong despite the many challenges of the route. Riding into Nanaimo Sunday provided a few special moments for him personally.
"That was pretty cool – a lot of people out," he said. "Somebody yelled at me, 'Welcome home Chris.' ... It's a pretty good feeling."
From Nanaimo, the Tour de Rock is heading south the Ladysmith, where the riders will take part in a Red Serge community dinner, and Chemainus, where they'll spend the night.