Victoria cyclists pedal more than 41,000 km for African grandmothers
Published 2:30 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa marked two decades of cycling and fundraising with a 41,806-kilometre ride in support of grandmothers and families across Africa.
The group’s 20th annual Cycle Tour wrapped up Sept. 13, with 75 riders taking part over five weeks and raising about $197,000 toward a $200,000 fundraising goal.
The distance covered by riders is greater than the Earth’s circumference measured around the equator.
The finale, held on Grandparents Day, brought cyclists from three generations together at Mile 0.
Three rides converged for the event, including a three-day, 275-kilometre ride from Campbell River to Victoria, a Victoria-Centennial Park-Finale ride and a Grandmother and Grandkids ride.
Friends and family gathered to welcome the cyclists as they completed the final leg of the tour.
Funds raised through the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign support community-led organizations across Africa that work with grandmothers raising grandchildren and supporting their families.
The organizations provide resources and social support to help grandmothers send children to school, grow food, establish savings and loan groups, access HIV prevention and treatment information and create income opportunities.
The campaign also supports grandmothers advocating for their rights and holding governments and health systems accountable.
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa said funding cuts affecting global health and HIV programs are putting progress at risk.
The group’s fundraising page will remain active until the end of the year as it works towards its $200,000 goal.
This year’s ride also paid tribute to Stephen Lewis, who died earlier this year. The organization said riders were motivated to continue the work he began supporting grandmothers in Africa.
The group’s rallying cry is ‘We will not rest until they can rest.’