This past weekend, from September 20th to 22nd, Solidxperts was proud to take part in the annual 48-Hour Bike Ride, an extraordinary charity event organized by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Held at the Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, the event brought together hundreds of riders, all pedaling towards a shared goal: to help grant life-changing wishes to children battling critical illnesses.

Why We Ride

At Solidxperts, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. For the third year running, our 2 teams of 6 riders jumped at the chance to participate in the Make-a-Wish bike ride, knowing that each kilometer we pedaled would bring hope and joy to children facing unimaginable challenges.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with us. The organization grants wishes to children with serious medical conditions, providing them and their families with a beacon of hope during some of their darkest times. Whether it’s a dream vacation, meeting a celebrity, or becoming a superhero for a day, these wishes can be transformative for the children and their families, offering not only a brief escape but a lifelong memory of joy and empowerment.

The Event: A 48-Hour Challenge

This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. Riders gathered at the ICAR Mirabel Circuit, a racetrack turned cycling course, where teams had 48 hours to take turns riding as many laps as possible. The event kicked off on the morning of Friday, September 20th, with an energetic opening ceremony, where riders heard directly from children whose lives had been changed by Make-a-Wish, setting the tone for a truly inspiring weekend.

The Solidxperts team was all smiles as we donned our cycling gear, adorned with our company logo, and began our first lap. Each member took shifts throughout the weekend, riding through day and night to keep our teams going. There were moments of exhaustion, but with each pedal stroke, we were reminded of the greater purpose behind our ride—raising funds to grant wishes and changing lives.

A Few Stats from the Weekend

The 2024 edition of the Make-a-Wish 48-Hour Bike Ride was one of the largest yet, with over 3,000 riders in attendance, spread across over 500 teams.

Over the course of the weekend, our team completed nearly 2,000 collective kilometers on the track! We’re incredibly proud of this achievement, but more importantly, we’re thrilled to have been a part of an event that makes such a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

More Than Just Cycling

The 48-Hour Bike Ride was about more than just cycling. It was a community coming together, united by a shared cause. Between shifts, riders gathered to share stories, cheer each other on, and enjoy the family-friendly activities on-site. The event featured everything from food trucks and music to games for the kids.

For the Solidxperts team, these moments of camaraderie and connection were just as important as the hours spent on the bike. We met new friends, bonded with our teammates, and were continually inspired by the stories of the children whose wishes were being granted. Every interaction was a reminder of the profound impact the event has on so many lives.

The Power of Teamwork

The 48-Hour Bike Ride is a test of endurance, but it’s also a celebration of teamwork. Solidxperts has always valued collaboration in the workplace, and that same spirit was alive on the track. Team members took turns, strategizing our shifts to keep the momentum going, supporting each other when fatigue set in, and celebrating each milestone we reached together.

We couldn’t have done it without the dedication of every rider on our team, nor without the support of our friends and family who cheered us on from the sidelines. Special shoutout to the incredible event volunteers who kept us hydrated, fed, and motivated throughout the weekend!

Looking Forward to Next Year

As the event came to a close on Sunday, September 22nd, we were tired but filled with pride. The final laps were bittersweet as we reflected on the incredible journey we’d taken together, not just over the past 48 hours, but in the months of preparation and fundraising leading up to the event.

Though the 2024 edition of the 48-Hour Bike Ride has come to an end, the impact will last far beyond this weekend. We’re already looking forward to next year, eager to participate again and continue supporting the Make-a-Wish Foundation in their mission to bring hope, strength, and joy to children facing critical illnesses.

How You Can Help

The Solidxperts team may have completed our ride, but the need for support continues year-round. You, too, can make a difference!

If you’d like to donate, get involved, or learn more about the charity efforts, visit the event website at Make-a-Wish.ca.

The ride might be over, but our efforts won’t stop! Our fundraising continues, donate today through our official Make-a-Wish Foundation links below:

Thank You!

We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who supported us during this year’s 48-Hour Bike Ride. Whether you donated, cheered us on, or simply followed our journey, your support means the world to us—and to the children and families whose lives are forever changed by the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Stay tuned for more updates from Solidxperts as we continue to find ways to give back and make a difference in our community. Until next time, keep riding for a cause!