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Riding For A Cause

August 12, 2009

Cyclists participating in the 401 Bike Challenge get ready to depart SickKids on August 12 to a tackle 576 km ride . They will arrive at Montreal Children's Hospital on August 14. They are riding to raise funds for SickKids and Montreal Children's haematology/oncology divisions.

And they're off! On August 12, 18 eager cyclists hit the pavement pedalling at 9:30 a.m. leaving from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) en route to Montreal Children's Hospital, 576 kilometres away.

The riders, taking part in the 5th annual 401 Bike Challenge presented by CIBC, will cycle from Toronto to Montreal in support of SickKids and the Sarah Cook Fund of the Cedars Cancer Institute at Montreal Children's Hospital. From August 12 to 14, these cyclists will make the inspired ride to link these two paediatric institutions and make a difference in their respected haematology/oncology divisions.

After four years, 401 Bike Challenge has shown great promise and success with more than $140,000 raised. The event organizer, Gene Piccoli, investment advisor and vice president at CIBC Wood Gundy, along with CIBC, have shown their commitment and dedication to the ride year after year.

"Each and every year the ride proves to be more enjoyable and even more rewarding," says Piccoli, event Chair of the ride. "Thanks to CIBC's commitment, our sponsors, the hundreds of donors and the increasing number of cyclists taking part in this annual journey, we can make an even greater impact in paediatric oncology."

Piccoli experienced cancer first-hand when his wife Angie discovered she had stage 2 Hodgkin's disease. Her chances of survival dropped significantly and she had to put her hope for creating a family on hold. After nine months of aggressive chemotherapy and many struggles, she was declared to be in full remission. She became pregnant a few months later.

"My son James rides by my side in the peloton for the 401 Bike Challenge and my daughter Lauren supports the riders along with Angie," Piccoli said. "I could not have asked for a better ending."

For more information about the ride, visit www.401bikechallenge.ca.