Each year at the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer, the opening ceremonies and riderless bike procession create a powerful moment of reflection — a reminder of why this community rides and who they carry with them.
For Justin Gregoire, it was one of the moments that stayed with him long after volunteering at the ARC Resources Cheer Station over the past three years and ultimately what inspired his jump from volunteer to rider this summer.
Here is Justin’s story, in his own words:
“For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of taking part in the Tour Alberta for Cancer as a volunteer at the ARC Resources Cheer Station. Whether it was handing out waters, giving riders much-needed encouragement, or helping folks to cool off with a quick squirt of the water gun – it’s been so much fun to be a part of the event, and it’s been incredibly inspiring to see all those that conquer the Tour for the cause.
My most memorable moments have been during the opening ceremonies. To hear the inspirational speakers, including ARC’s own Janie Munro in 2024, talk about their cancer journeys and the support systems that have helped them along the way is truly moving. But the riderless bike procession is perhaps the most impactful moment of all. It reminds you of why we are doing this and offers a moment for each of us to reflect on those that we have lost from cancer.
For me, the riderless bike procession this year will represent my uncle, and godfather, who passed away in January after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer last summer. He was an amazing uncle, father, grandfather and educator. His passing is why I’ve decided to make the leap from volunteer to rider.
I encourage everyone to check out the opening ceremonies and head to a cheer station to support the riders as they go. The opening ceremony is incredibly inspiring, and the riders can always use a bit of encouragement when their legs or tush are screaming at them to stop. Once you experience the energy of the Tour, you can’t help but get involved as a donor, a supporter, or a rider.
I’m proud to work for ARC Resources. Giving back to our community has always been core to our culture, so it came as no surprise when ARC announced that it would be joining the Tour as a Northern Lights Sponsor three years ago, and I’m so glad they did. For our team at ARC, it is not only about being a financial sponsor of the Tour, but also about contributing to a cause that is so close to many of our hearts.
This is why so many employees, family members, and friends get involved in the Tour each year. Whether it is riding, coming to the opening ceremonies and connecting to the cause, or cheering on all riders as they complete the final few kilometres of their challenge. ARC has supported our personal journeys and enabled us to make a bigger impact in our community. I’m so proud of what ARC has done to support the Tour and its riders, and I’m very excited to be a part of the team hitting the road for the Tour this summer.”
The Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer has always been about more than the ride itself. It is about the community that forms around every rider and every reason for showing up.
Corporate partners are a meaningful part of that story. Their support helps make the weekend possible. They show up at cheer stations. They build teams. They volunteer, fundraise and ride beside one another.
That spirit of partnership is reflected in the way ARC Resources shows up year after year. Through their support and with the help of their riders and volunteers, it becomes something you can feel on the route and long after the weekend ends. It becomes encouragement, connection and a shared commitment to creating more hope for Albertans facing cancer.
This summer, Justin will take on his first Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer with Team ARC, carrying both his own reason for riding and the support of a team behind him.
Support Justin and Team ARC as they ride to create more hope for Albertans facing cancer.
