The 401 Bike Challenge is a charity bike ride from Toronto to Montreal. Our mission is to help improve the care and treatment of children battling cancer, as well as to support their families and the dedicated people who care for them at the Toronto SickKids, the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and Ottawa's CHEO.
With three different ride options, we welcome cyclists of all levels! The 3-day Classic Ride is for the most experienced, while the two 1-day rides are for beginners to intermediates. For more information, check out our Ride Info page
This year, our committed group of cyclists and volunteers will depart from the Toronto SickKids on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, and arrive at the Montreal Children’s Hospital on Friday, August 16, 2024, travelling a total of 574 km over 3 days!
Our riders have all made a personal commitment to raise a minimum of $3,500 each for the 3-Day Classic Ride, and $1,000 each for those doing the 1-day Ride Out or Ride In. Our combined goal is to raise a total of $250,000.
To support the fundraising efforts of one of our riders, please make your charitable donation here. You will receive a tax receipt for 100% of your donation, as 100% goes to helping children fight cancer.
To become a rider and directly make an impact on the lives of children battling cancer, register here.
Where Your Donation Goes:
Make a donation and rest assured that 100% of the funds raised are donated to the Toronto SickKids, the Montreal Children's Hospital, and Ottawa's CHEO: No admin fees, no operating fees, all costs associated with putting on the event are funded by the riders and our corporate sponsors.
The cyclists, having fundraised for many months before the event, will make the inspired ride linking these two renowned pediatric institutions and make a difference in the lives of the children and families these iconic institutions serve. The funds raised are divided between the pediatric oncology departments at Toronto SickKids, the Montreal Children's Hospital, and Ottawa's CHEO.
You will be contacted by the organizing committee to process your registration fees.
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In 2005, Gene Piccoli, Investment Advisor and Vice President at CIBC Wood Gundy, decided he wanted to give back to the community. Inspired by his wife Angie’s successful battle with cancer prior to having their children, and his passion for cycling, the 401 Bike Challenge went from dream to reality. Organizing a cycling event between Canada's two major cities was always something Gene dreamt of, so drawing from Angie’s inspiration, he decided to launch his own initiative for children’s cancer. Gene quickly aligned the 401 Bike Challenge with the Cedars Cancer Foundation at the MUHC in support of Sarah’s Floor, the pediatric oncology floor.
Gene formed the first peloton with his son James by his side and a small group of friends. His daughter Lauren and wife Angie prepared and provided all the necessary support for the riders along the way.
In its inaugural year, the 401 Bike Challenge raised $17,000. Since then, the event has continued to grow each year in terms of dollars raised, numbers of riders, awareness and enjoyment, and its commitment to pediatric oncology. In its early years, under the title sponsorship of CIBC, senior management within CIBC joined the Piccoli family as they made their annual 580km journey from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Inspired by the increased generosity of its corporate sponsors and the many donors along the 401 corridor, the 401 Bike Challenge and Cedars proudly decided in 2009 to allocate a portion of the donations to the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital pediatric hematology/oncology department.
For the past fourteen years, what was earlier known as the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge, and now proudly flies the flag of Air Canada Vacations as the ACV 401 Bike Challenge, has been a remarkable grass roots success raising over $2 million to date. Together, with the support of the brave riders, donors and corporate partners, we are making a difference in the lives of children with cancer and the people who care for them.
In 2005, Gene Piccoli, Investment Advisor and Vice President at CIBC Wood Gundy, decided he wanted to give back to the community. Inspired by his wife Angie’s successful battle with cancer prior to having their children, and his passion for cycling, the 401 Bike Challenge went from dream to reality. Organizing a cycling event between Canada's two major cities was always something Gene dreamt of, so drawing from Angie’s inspiration, he decided to launch his own initiative for children’s cancer. Gene quickly aligned the 401 Bike Challenge with the Cedars Cancer Foundation at the MUHC in support of Sarah’s Floor, the pediatric oncology floor.
Gene formed the first peloton with his son James by his side and a small group of friends. His daughter Lauren and wife Angie prepared and provided all the necessary support for the riders along the way.
In its inaugural year, the 401 Bike Challenge raised $17,000. Since then, the event has continued to grow each year in terms of dollars raised, numbers of riders, awareness and enjoyment, and its commitment to pediatric oncology. In its early years, under the title sponsorship of CIBC, senior management within CIBC joined the Piccoli family as they made their annual 580km journey from Toronto to Montreal in support of the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Inspired by the increased generosity of its corporate sponsors and the many donors along the 401 corridor, the 401 Bike Challenge and Cedars proudly decided in 2009 to allocate a portion of the donations to the Toronto Sick Kids Hospital pediatric hematology/oncology department.
For the past fourteen years, what was earlier known as the CIBC 401 Bike Challenge, and now proudly flies the flag of Air Canada Vacations as the ACV 401 Bike Challenge, has been a remarkable grass roots success raising over $2 million to date. Together, with the support of the brave riders, donors and corporate partners, we are making a difference in the lives of children with cancer and the people who care for them.