Cyclists to resume cross-country mental health fundraiser after bikes stolen in Winnipeg

Two cyclists undertaking a cross-country fundraising journey for men's mental health are set to continue their trek across Canada after their bicycles were stolen in Winnipeg. Valentin Duquenne and Thomas Clark, originally from New Brunswick, had their bikes, valued at about $15,000, stolen last Friday morning. They are raising money and awareness for the Men Don't Ride Alone Campaign and Movember Canada.

“

I was just walking towards the car and then all I could see was the back bike racks where they should have been. I started to go quicker and run towards it and then I realized they’re actually gone. And so, me and (Duquenne) just started looking around.

The pair picked up their replacement bicycles on Monday from a Winnipeg shop. Duquenne described the initial shock and disbelief upon discovering the empty bike racks where their essential equipment had been. "The one thing we need the most to do this ride is now gone," said riding partner Thomas Clark, recounting the moment they realized the bikes were missing.

“

We were just in shock for the first bit. We were like, ‘Did this actually just happen?’ The one thing we need the most to do this ride is now gone.

Despite the setback, the cyclists found significant support within the Winnipeg community. After contacting the Winnipeg Police Service, which had previously reported over 1,350 bicycle thefts in the city last year, the community rallied around them. Rodney Bolianaz, a former Winnipeg police officer who previously cycled across Canada for charity, donated $5,000 to their fundraiser. Additionally, owners of three local Canadian Tire stores contributed $8,900, ensuring the cyclists could meet their goal for new bikes.

“

It was definitely shocking. Not fun at all, but the city of Winnipeg really came together for us.

Duquenne expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community response, stating, "Not fun at all, but the city of Winnipeg really came together for us." The cyclists plan to resume their ride on Tuesday, continuing their journey from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, towards their final destination in Victoria, British Columbia. The incident, while deeply upsetting, has highlighted the generosity and solidarity of the community in supporting their cause.

“

For these guys to come through Winnipeg and have that happen to them, we as Winnipeggers, we reach out. We just decided we have to do something big for these guys to make sure that their time in Winnipeg was memorable.