By Mark Emmerson, RMC

On March 16, 2019, the 11th Annual Bike-A-Thon at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) raised in excess of $12,000 and biked over 13,000 kilometres in support of the Soldier On program. The officer cadets competed in a 15-hour stationary bike relay race with each squadron aiming to cover the longest distance and raise the most funds.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Soldier On program, an initiative designed to support ill and injured soldiers to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Major (Retired) Robert W. Hicks from Soldier On said, “The amazing contribution made by the officer cadets at RMC, during this year’s Bike-A-Thon in support of the Soldier On, left me feeling extremely proud, honoured, inspired and confident, knowing that today’s and tomorrow’s ill and injured serving members and veterans will be very well supported.”

Event coordinator Officer Cadet Mathew Michie said, “It was an honour to be part of the organizing team for this year’s RMC Bike-A-Thon.” He went on to add, “I’m still in awe of the overwhelming support for the event this year, from both the college and the community.”

The members of 11 Squadron took the honours this year, crushing the competition by nearly doubling the closest squadron in their fundraising efforts, (an impressive $2302) in addition to coming second for total distance covered.

Members of the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY) finished third, an impressive feat for the group that numbers a quarter of the size of most squadrons.

“We brought the fire,” said OCdt Samson Collin. “To compensate for our small squadron we had to constantly grind at a level that Colonel Chris Ayotte described as a ‘Herculean effort’.”

“I am extremely proud of the effort and dedication the cadets have put into this event, not only in terms of the athletic and physical drive from the whole cadet wing but also the support for our veterans and Soldier On,” said RMC Director of Cadets, Colonel Chris Ayotte. “This year’s Bike-A-Thon has been the most successful to date and we hope to continue this proud RMC tradition.”