– by Susanne Laperle, for Sustainable Orillia
The 2024 Sustainable Orillia Bike Challenge—Sustainable Spokes Healthy Folks—concluded June 8th. This past Saturday morning (the 15th), winners of this year’s challenge came together to receive their well-earned recognition. The group gathered at The Bike Stop on Colborne Street on a perfect morning to celebrate cycling. Event Co-Chair Doug Daley kicked off the presentations with a brief intro on the event, its objectives and the assembled community of enthusiasts.
This is the Bike Challenge’s second year. Organized by Sustainable Orillia, with great help from lead sponsor ‘The Bike Stop’ and in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the event is gaining recognition and support year over year. Participation in the 2024 event increased by 20% over its 2023 debut – a promising sign for the future of cycling across our community.
Alongside Doug for the presentations were Paul Belanger (The Bike Stop), Charlotte Knegt (Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) and David Campbell (Orillia Councillor – Ward 1). Together, they presented certificates and prizes to the assembled winners. This year there were first, second and third prizes awarded for three categories:
• Adult – most kilometres cycled
• Youth (14 and under) — most kilometres cycled, and
• Adult – most cycling trips registered.
Let’s start with the Youth category. One family, the Oldfields, swept the category and took first, second and third place. Encouraged and accompanied on their rides by their grandmother, Heather Shilling, Madelynn Oldfield, age eleven, and her younger sister Kaydence, seven, both rode for 23.9 km. And believe it or not, their younger brother, Greyson, just three years old, rode for 15 km. to earn third place.
In the Adult – Most Kilometres Cycled category, dedicated cyclist Matt Thomson once again claimed first place 
having travelled 1723 kilometres during the challenge period. Second-place, with 924 kilometres cycled, was Jay Rothenburg, followed closely by first-time challenger, Donna Winters, who cycled 914 kilometres.
The Adult – Most Trips Cycled category was won by returning participant, Michael Bells (57 trips). Matt Thomson earned second place with 53 trips, and third place went to Wilfred Wong who registered 37 trips during the challenge.
Overall, participants were challenged to cycle a total distance equal to or more than 7560 kilometres (the distance across Canada). This year, Sustainable Orillia Bike Challenge participants blew through that goal handily. By the end of the challenge, in geographic terms they had cycled across the country and half-way back, having registered a combined total of 10,767 kilometres. Great cycling by all! And in response to that accomplishment, Sustainable Orillia is making a $100 donation towards the local Eco-Justice project to implement a ‘community refrigerator’ at St. Paul’s United Church.
Everyone present expressed enthusiasm for the event and for cycling as a healthy, enjoyable and eco-friendly alternative. Matt shared how cycling gets us out into our neighbourhoods and on the many trails we have close by. Michael built on that, referencing the increased support for cycling as more bike trails and lanes come on-stream. Donna is looking forward to catching up with Matt’s mileage next year – lending some competitive juice to the 2025 challenge.
And hats off to Heather Shilling, who saw an opportunity to involve her three grandchildren in this event and cycled with them to and from their local school – where she also works – throughout the challenge. A strong testimonial to how families can make cycling a healthy part of their shared lifestyle.
In addition to the generous contributions of our lead sponsor, The Bike Stop, Sustainable Orillia would like to thank the other valued contributors to the success of this year’s event, including Crank and Sprocket, Bikeland, Pedal People, Hardwood Hills, Horseshoe Valley Resort and our neighbouring townships of Severn, Oro-Medonte and Ramara.
Thank you all and special thanks to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, whose partnership on this event has been invaluable, along with Sustainable Orillia Director, Dave VanAlstyne who was unable to attend for the award presentations – but without whom, this event would not have gotten off the ground.
During the span of four weeks, this year’s challenge demonstrated that it is possible to use cycling for everyday travel and leisure. As we wrap up our 2024 bike challenge, let’s keep the momentum going. Whether its exploring new trails, commuting to work and school, or simply enjoying the fun, the freedom, and the health benefits of cycling – let’s pedal on and make every ride count.