Shimano’s Peterborough corporate headquarters comes through for local kids cancer support ride
While many of us know about Peterborough’s historical canoe pedigree, did you know that the corporate headquarters for Shimano Canada is right here in Peterborough? OK, it’s not quite the same thing, but it is kinda cool that the parts that are on so many bicyces in Canada have a Peterborough connection.
Having that bike connection close to home does have some benefits. While a free “trade in your drive train” event would be really cool, Shimano does provide sponsorship to local organizations. Of interest to Peterborough cyclists would be their sponsorship of the Peterborough Cycling Club and the Pedal For Hope cycling tour.
Advanced technology for the Pedal For Hope team
Their sponsorship of the Pedal For Hope cycling tour took on an extra dimension when they stepped up to the plate and provided advanced technology to the team which will allow team member and Peterborough police Constable Keith Calderwood to continue riding despite having a hand injury; an injury he sustained after being shot in the line of duty last June.
A story by Peterborough This Week, revealed how Shimano is supplying the Ride For Hope team with advanced shifting technology to allow Constable Calderwood to participate in the ride. Constable Calderwood’s bike will be fitted with Shimano’s professional-level digital integrated intelligence system that will allow him to shift using buttons. The article highlights Shimano’s support, quoting Shimano’s bicycle component division national marketing manager Greg Hammond: “It’s electronic shifting…It made total sense for us to do this”. Shimano has sponsored the Pedal For Hope event since it began by providing cycling components and service for the 13 to 14 bicycles used by the police officers.
Pedal For Hope
Formed in 2005 from the Peterborough Chapter of Cops for Cancer, the Pedal For Hope Cycling tour is a support team for local children fighting cancer. Starting in late April for 3 weeks, the Pedal For Hope team cycles 1,000 kilometres, visiting local schools delivering a message about kids living with cancer.
A presentation in each school takes on a serious side about how important it is to support paediatric cancer research. We show a team video, shave a few heads, cut a few ponytails and then turn on the fun. Students are involved in ice cream eating contests against their favorite police officer, showing the lighter side of police officers in their community.
This worthy cause is supported by a dedicated team of local police personnel, a retired N.H.L. hockey player and a great crew of support personnel.
You can support them here.