An inspiring challenge in support of our community’s health
A route that brings together hope and sharing
Following the resounding success of the first edition, which raised the impressive sum of $13,056, Richard Leclair, a dedicated volunteer and former patient of the Saint-Eustache Hospital, is hitting the road again for the health of our community. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, he invites you to join him for this cycling event where solidarity and gratitude are at the heart of every kilometer. In case of rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday, August 9.
The 2026 Challenge: From Saint-Eustache to Oka
Richard Leclair invites you to meet him in the parking lot of Saint-Eustache Hospital, and then complete a round trip: Hospital/Oka Marina. This beautiful route covers a distance of approximately 50 km. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or an amateur, this route is accessible and above all aims to be a movement of solidarity.
Your impact: Supporting a pillar of our region
We must not forget that behind every number is a story, a neighbor, or a loved one. Saint-Eustache Hospital is responding to an ever-growing demand for healthcare: in 2025, 54,213 patients passed through the Emergency Department doors and 8,663 patients underwent major surgery. Your participation is important—essential, even! It enables the Saint-Eustache Hospital Foundation to fund necessary equipment and innovative projects that transform and improve the stay of these thousands of patients within our facility..
How to participate and maximize your impact?
Registration is mandatory, but it remains free. To support the Foundation’s mission, we suggest that each participant contribute or raise $100. The goal for this edition is to bring together more than 50 cyclists and raise a total of $25,000. Will you be joining us?
Ride solo or as a team!
To amplify the sense of solidarity, we encourage you to create a team! Rally your colleagues, friends, or family. You can also choose to support an existing team or encourage a specific participant with a donation.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Register: Reserve your spot on our platform: Multi-Challenge | Community Events; Multi-Défi | Événements de la communauté;
- Get involved: Create or join a team to add a powerful group effect;
- On the big day: Bring your bike, your helmet, and your energy!
A story of courage that continues to inspire us
In 2024, Richard’s life changed when a major tumor on his spine threatened to paralyze him. Thanks to the vigilance and quick response of the Saint-Eustache Hospital team, notably Dr. Samuel Demers and Dr. Paul Korkmaz, the diagnosis was made in time. Transferred urgently to Sacré-Cœur-de-Montréal Hospital, he underwent a critical operation that saved his life.
Today, two years later, Richard is riding to give back to HIS Foundation, OUR Foundation. For him, every pedal stroke is a tribute to those who helped him regain his mobility.
A moving look back at the highlights of his journey
One year after his diagnosis, Richard had the opportunity to reunite with the doctors who quite literally saved his life during an emotional meeting organized by the Foundation.
➡️ In the first photo, he is surrounded by Dr. Paul Korkmaz (physiatrist) and Dr. Samuel Demers (emergency physician), the ones who made the right diagnosis at the right time.
“It was almost unreal to find ourselves all three sitting at the same table… When you see Richard today, able to walk and even eat normally, it’s almost hard to believe considering the state he was in a year ago.” – Dr. Korkmaz
“Thanks to this operation, I regained a normal life. I never thought I would be able to get back on a bike one day.” – Richard
Since fall 2024, Richard has joined the Foundation as a committed volunteer. This cycling challenge is a concrete way for him to give back and continue promoting the Foundation’s mission to the community.
Today, two years later, Richard is doing better than ever!
Key practical information:
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 (postponed to Sunday, August 9 in case of rain);
- Route: Starting from the parking lot of Saint-Eustache Hospital toward Oka Marina (round trip);
- Cost: Free registration (suggested contribution of $100).
Last year, we raised more than $13,056. This year, with your help, we can do even better for our hospital. Together, let’s ride for the Foundation!