After more than 600 kilometres on the road, 22 cyclists crossed the finish line at the Montreal Children’s Hospital on Friday, marking the end of the 20th edition of the 401 Bike Challenge — an annual fundraiser supporting research into childhood cancers.
The three-day ride began in Toronto and wrapped up with cheers, cowbells and emotional reunions in Montreal.
“We’re here waiting for our grandpa Robert,” said a young boy on the sidelines.
“He’s been participating in this event for about 10 years now,” added a young girl beside him.
One of this year’s riders was 13-year-old George Anastassopoulos — a cancer survivor who joined the ride for the first time.
“I had to train really hard for the ride,” he said. “We got unlucky, like Jerry said, with the wind in our heads from the hurricane and it was hard. But yeah, it was my first year doing the three days and it was really, really fun.”
Anastassopoulos was diagnosed with Wilms tumor in his left kidney when he was just nine months old.
“Now it’s removed. I’m living with one kidney. That means I can’t smoke, I can’t have as much alcohol and all that, so yeah, it’s really nice to do this ride to raise funds for the kids that were like me,” he said.
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84-year-old Gerald Wiviott returned for his 17th year with the challenge and spoke about the motivation that keeps him coming back.
“It’s a wonderful cause. And so when I reach out to people for donations, people are very, very kind and generous,” Wiviott said.
“The second reason I do it is because we, the 401 Challenge people, have become a family.”
Founder Gene Piccoli said the 20th anniversary of the event was special for everyone involved.
“We had a lot of returning alumni, which made it good,” he said.
This year’s riders each raised around $3,500, with all proceeds going to cancer research.
“We had set a goal of 150 [thousand] and when I looked a couple of days ago we were close to 149,” said Angie Lemmo, a cancer survivor and long-time volunteer.
“There’s always donations that come in afterwards so I’m sure that will hit and surpass our goals.”
Despite the success, organizers noted the challenge of running this year’s event without a major sponsor.
“We have a very unique model,” said Piccoli. “For every dollar of sponsorship we get, our riders raise five to six times that. So we’re hoping that, you know, we can inspire or enlighten some sponsor to recognize that we multiply the effect of a dollar.”
Without sponsorship, the Piccoli family used their own savings to ensure the event could continue.
They’re hoping to return next year — for the 21st edition — with renewed support and the same determination to make a difference.
