Scenic. Epic. Thrilling. Exhausting. When the group of 27 brave Royal LePage® Riders set off on the Colombia Ride for Shelter, they knew they were in for an adventure of a lifetime but couldn’t yet comprehend just how challenging – yet rewarding – the experience would be.
Following in the footsteps of the 2022 Himalayan Ride for Shelter, this year’s challenge was to ride across the unrelenting deserts of the most northern tip of South America, through lush tropical jungles, and over the magical mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada. The 9-day mixed-terrain adventure was defined by long, hot, humid days on the bike and tested both the skill and confidence of riders as they pushed themselves to their limits.
“These journeys are designed to be challenging and this one absolutely did not disappoint,” said returning Ride for Shelter participant, Royce Finley with Royal LePage Prime Real Estate in Winnipeg, MB. “This trip took a lot out of us all physically, but it was extremely rewarding and a memorable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’m so grateful to my fellow riders and every single donor who made the event such an incredible fundraising success.”
Organized in support of the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™, each participant covered their own trip and travel expenses and was required to raise at least $3,000 for the cause to be eligible to participate. Far exceeding their original goal, the group of riders collected a staggering $191,000 to fund their local women’s shelters and national programs aimed at breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence in Canada. An additional $3,000 in donations from the riders themselves were collected to fund a worthy Colombian charity, Helmets for Kids. These gifts will provide close to 100 helmets for poorer children whose families rely on motorcycles for essential transportation.
While there were several injuries from low speed falls while navigating the unpredictable terrain, everyone received great care from the experienced guides and leaders with Colombian tour operator, Adrenaline Addicts. All Riders are now happily home and ‘back in the saddle’ again. “Not a single one of us walked away from this adventure without bumps, bruises, scratches or pain,” said veteran Rider Val Brooks with Royal LePage® Wolle Realty in Kitchener, ON. “But our discomfort truly pales in comparison to the reason we all signed up for this experience in the first place. Our Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is helping women and children bravely escape violence and abuse happening under the roof where they should be the safest. I know I speak for everyone when I say it was an honour to take on this Ride to support their journey towards safety and healing.”
With consistent cell service connecting Riders with their families back home being completely non-existent, Riders relied on one another for emotional support over the course of the 9 days. First-time Rider Deb Vukelich with Royal LePage® NRC Realty in Niagara Falls, ON remarked on the bonds that quickly formed between participants as they made their way through the spectacular itinerary. “The support and camaraderie from fellow riders was everything for me. We pushed ourselves and helped each other at every turn. Having now been a part of this Ride, I have such crazy love and mad respect for our Royal LePage Riders Club family.”
The international arm of the ‘Ride for Shelter’ series has now raised over $321,000 in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Those interested in joining the Royal LePage Riders Club can reach out to shelterfoundation@royallepage.ca for more information.
