Photo source: Kristian Thompson via Instagram, @krsitian.
By Chelsea McLellan
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
United Way East Ontario
Since 2015, we’ve welcomed hundreds of cyclists—beginning their ride in either Ottawa, Cornwall, Prescott-Russell or Montreal—and wave them off as they start their 100+ kilometer journey to the Beau’s Oktoberfest fairgrounds in Vankleek Hill in support of homeless and vulnerable youth.
Like many things, our ride looked a lot different this year.
The decision to move the event from in-person to virtual wasn’t easy, but we knew that as a result of the pandemic, social challenges were being amplified and disproportionately affecting our communities’ vulnerable people in ways we had never seen before. Youth experiencing homelessness, for example, are often unable to self-isolate, putting themselves and others at risk of contracting COVID-19. Cycling for a cause was as important as ever and we knew we could count on the loyalty and participation of our cyclists who, year after year, have been tremendous supporters of our communities.
Beyond that, our committed group of volunteers from Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co. (Vankleek Hill, ON), Bike Centric (Cornwall, ON), Cycles Campus (Montreal, QC) and Kunstadt Sports (Ottawa, ON) have been significant contributors over the years. This year was no different.
335 participants joined us virtually, biking anywhere and everywhere at their own pace, raising a record-breaking total of $72,596.15 to support vulnerable youth during this unprecedented time.
The 2020 Beau’s Oktoberfest Virtual Ride was one of our greatest and most successful rides to date, by many measures. We benefited from the generous support of our sponsors at TekSavvy and Anna Belanger and Associates. We welcomed one of our largest groups of participants from Ottawa, Cornwall, Prescott-Russell, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and more. We reached a top fundraising goal, had the most teams join, deployed new virtual tools and saw some of the greatest engagements online.
Fostering connection and community virtually
From a team planning multiple ride routes all culminating to a refreshing Beau’s beer; a 190 kilometre overnight trip with 61 pounds worth of bike and luggage; cycling to work every day; countless rides to the Beau’s Brewery; multiple birthday celebrations and all-star riders biking 500+ kilometres a week.
Our dedicated group of volunteers and cycling partners continued their unwavering support and despite not being physically together, greater online engagement brought us closer together and gave everyone a look into the unique rides and experiences happening across the region and country.
Hundreds, if not thousands of individual Beau’s rides took place this summer. All uniquely different, but collectively, they showed that connection and community can be fostered at a distance and driven by local love.
As the event organizer for the past few years, I am constantly inspired by the passion, commitment and unwavering support that this cycling community has shown our city, region and a local, family-run business: Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company.
In 2018, on the eve of our Oktoberfest Ride, tornadoes ripped through our region, but many participants—despite their personal circumstances that morning—chose to show up for one another and the community and biked for an important cause. In 2019, we welcomed our largest group of participants and beat all of our records—we were excited to see what 2020 had to offer.
The global pandemic brought about a lot of change and amplified challenges for many, but one of the brighter things it’s put a spotlight on is the small and big ways that our communities particularly this group of riders—show up for one another.
2020’s Beau’s Ride has been a tremendous lesson in creativity, and I’m confident it will only make this event better for the years to come.
Above all else, thanks to the generosity of Beau’s Ride participants during a time when we needed it the most, United Way is able to help keep our communities strong and press on through these challenging times.
Our committed group of volunteers and participants is the backbone of what makes this event succeed every year; we hope you’ll join us next year in having an impact.
Are you interested in riding with us in 2021? Fill in the form below and we’ll add you to our email list for next year’s Beau’s Ride.
