Soldiers’ Ride is an exclusive 20K/50K/100K cycling and fundraising event supporting enhanced patient care at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Every kilometre ridden translates into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care closer to home. Ashley Brown, an avid cyclist and one of the owners of Crank & Sprocket Bicycle Co. in Orillia rode the inaugural Soldiers’ Ride last year. She says, “I want to encourage people to take part. It’s a community event, not a competition. And we’re excited and feel privileged to be a part of it as it’s truly an honour to support and participate in this event.”
Scenic bike route
The ride will start at Quayle’s Brewery in Coldwater and continue through the picturesque and winding roads of North Simcoe and Muskoka, taking cyclists through, Upper Big Chute, Severn, White’s Falls, Honey Harbour, and back to Quayle’s Brewery. Every pedal stroke in Soldiers’ Ride resonates far beyond the scenic landscapes of the region.
Supporting Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital represents a collective effort, embodying the spirit of community and compassion. Heather Saba, Senior Annual Giving Officer at OSMH Foundation says, “Hosting a cycling fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity to engage even more of the community we serve. Our region has a large cycling community, and many want to engage in the sport. Our goal is to grow this event to encourage active living and enhance the health and wellness of our community by supporting resources at our hospital.” You don’t need to be a bike racer to participate in this event, you simply need to enjoy riding your bike.
Giving back to the community
The 2024 Soldiers’ Ride has a fundraising goal of $126,500 which plays a pivotal role in addressing critical healthcare needs within the community. Proceeds from Soldiers’ Ride will be designated to areas of greatest need which will allow OSMH to replace or upgrade essential equipment as needed, while enabling staff to continue delivering exceptional care to patients.
The ride is significant for Ashley Brown because she depends on OSMH healthcare staff whenever she or her children need medical attention. She says, “It’s a charity I believe in supporting because we all benefit from the hospital being in our community. OSMH is a vital lifeline for the region and requires our support.”
Brown had worked at OSMH prior to opening her bike shop and she has seen firsthand the challenges faced by an underfunded healthcare system. The more funds that can be raised for technology, the less individuals in the community need to travel for treatment.
From cutting-edge medical equipment to innovative treatment modalities, these resources enhance the capacity of OSMH to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the North Simcoe and Muskoka region.
Registration
Registration includes rider kits, exclusive access to on-route support, premier rest stations, and a post-event celebration lunch.
Soldiers’ Ride begins at Quayle’s Brewery, 4567 12 Line North in Coldwater.
Start Times
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100K 8:00am
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50K 8:45am
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20K 9:15am
More than 185 cyclists are expected this year, and it promises to be a memorable and inspiring day. Brown says, “Everyone that rode last year is eager to do it again. I’ve only seen the event grow.”
In an era of rising healthcare costs and strained resources, events like this highlight the importance of community support in bridging the gap. Grassroots initiatives play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of healthcare delivery.
Get involved and inspired
Soldiers’ Ride serves as a catalyst for community engagement and brings together individuals from all walks of life in a shared mission to support a worthy cause. The event inspires others to get involved and make a difference in their own communities. Heather Saba adds, “The addition of the new 20K route opens up the ride to more families and novice riders this year. The comradery amongst cyclists and volunteers, variety of routes, the scenery throughout the ride, and celebration at Quayle’s Brewery, all make for a memorable event that more and more riders want to be part of.”
Soldiers’ Ride exemplifies the power of community action in creating positive change. As cyclists pedal through the picturesque landscapes of North Simcoe and Muskoka, they help OSMH continue to deliver excellent and compassionate care to patients and their families.
Riders can participate on their own, with a team of friends or family, or as part of a corporate team. Visit www.soldiersride.ca to learn more.