OCA Revival of "THE RIDE" - Sept 12
For 10 years from 2010 to 2019 OCA members passionately participated in the annual RIDE THE RIDEAU (later changed to THE RIDE) fundraiser for the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and specifically for cancer research.

The construction industry annually represented the largest number of corporate teams and riders in the event raising a disproportionate share of the overall $14 million raised for the Ottawa Hospital Foundation in those 10 years as evidenced by these cover stories below.

Recently I was inspired by the family story of Mike Bull of OCA member Enterprise Commercial Truck who annually led the Enterprise Team on THE RIDE. That story triggered the creation of this OCA ride to build on the fundraising by Mike but also to challenge other member firms to join in as well.
The Inspiration behind Reviving THE RIDE
Like so many who participated in THE RIDE Mike had a personal story as to why he was raising funds for the Ottawa Hospital.

In 2017 his wife Rie suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and the Ottawa Hospital was there to save her. It is Rie's journey to recovery and the care that saved her life that motivates Mike to give back each year. It is a great story of beating incredible odds and you can read Rie's story at this Ottawa Hospital LINK.
Mike did not let the 2019 cancellation of THE RIDE deter him from giving back to the Hospital. In 2020 he raised several thousand dollars for cancer research by riding not one single ride but a whole season's worth for a total of 2,262 km.

He has raised the bar for 2021 by committing to riding and rowing a total of 7,821 km - the length of the Trans-Canada Highway between April 15 and ending on Sunday, September 12th. You can visit his fundraising page at this LINK.

I know there are many similar stories out there like the Bull family within OCA so I thought it would be a nice opportunity if we could provide an event to celebrate the success stories like Rie but also to celebrate the memories of those taken by cancer and to raise funds for the fabulous cancer research going on at the OH under Dr. John Bell so that more people hear the miraculous words 'You are now cancer free!".

So on Sunday, September 12th - on the anniversary date when THE RIDE would have been held and also when Mike Bull concludes his 7,821 km personal challenge that I invite anyone so motivated to join me in a leisurely 2 1/2 hour cycle tour with a BBQ wrapup back at OCA headquarters.

Raising funds for cancer research is a goal with this event but it is not a prerequisite to joining in this ride.

John DeVries, President

DETAILS ON THE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH RIDE - The approximate 2 1/2 hour ride will start at 9 a.m. and end at the OCA headquarters at 9 Antares Drive. The ride will go west along Hunt Club to Cedarhill, north to the Ottawa River, east along the SJAM Parkway, cross over into Gatineau at Portage Bridge and cross back at McDonald Cartier Bridge to get on the Rideau River eastern bikepath and then south back to the OCA via Hogs Back Falls bridge and Prince of Wales drive.

See the Google Map at this LINK.
Creating your own Company or Personal Fundraiser

Setting up an individual fund raising page on the Ottawa Hospital website takes very little time and is easily done by any OCA member or individual. Simply go to this LINK and click on the START A FUNDRAISER button as shown below.

If you do start a fundraiser don't forget to tell OCA so we can track all the member efforts and give you a shout-out.