GORE BAY—While he has participated in the Wounded Warriors bicycle rides previously, Gore Bay resident Duncan Sinclair is looking forward to taking part in the Wounded Warriors Battlefield Bike Ride this year. It is called DDay80 in turn with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy, France landings.
“I really wanted to sign up for this ride, which coincides with the commemoration of the Allies landing in Normandy,” stated Mr. Sinclair. “We lost lots of Canadian military in Normandy, and I want to take part in the ride, to honour them and raise money for programs that the Wounded Warriors benefit, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the biggest one, along with service dogs, resilience camps and other programs that benefit our veterans, first responders and their families.”
“The ride I usually take part in is the Wounded Warriors Ride for Mental Health (which takes place in Ontario) and I will be participating in that one as well in August,” said Mr. Sinclair, who is a member of the Gore Bay Volunteer Fire Department.
“These battlefield bike rides are pretty special,” said Mr. Sinclair. “Each year the organizers take 100 Canadians to ride in different parts of Europe where Canadian troops fought and died.”
“I had signed up in 2020 for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands but we got cancelled (and again in 2021) due to COVID, so 2024 will be my first battlefield bike ride and my first time riding in a different country.”
In 2019 Mr. Sinclair took part in his first Wounded Warriors bike ride, the Highway of Heroes from CFB Trenton to Toronto recognizing Canadian military and veterans. Since then, the Wounded Warriors incorporated first responders to the list of those. “I took part in the Wounded Warriors Ride for Mental Health in 2020 and every year since.”
The Battlefield Bike Ride website explains, “the itinerary takes us on an exploration of the Normandy coastline, where Allied Forces launched their audacious assault against Nazi-occupied Europe. From June 10-14, we will experience the past and the present merge as we ride along the same roads that witnessed courage, sacrifice and unwavering determination.”
“The ride is not just about cycling; it’s about connecting with the past, feeling the weight of the sacrifices made, and celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. As you pedal through picturesque landscapes, you’ll be a witness to the stories that unfolded here, stories of camaraderie, resilience, and ultimate victory.”
“The ride will be a five-day 500 kilometre ride in and around Normandy to see where the Allies landed, sites, gravesites and talk to the locals there,’” Mr. Sinclair told The Expositor. “I understand the Normandy people just love us as Canadians.”
Mr. Sinclair explained that the registration fee is $500 and each rider must fundraise a minimum of $5,000. “I raised just under $10,000. Every penny raised goes go charities that Wounded Warriors has to benefit veterans.” He noted he will be out of pocket of $3,000 in expenses to pay for his flight and expenses. “No charity can help support an individual rider.”
Mr. Sinclair said he is grateful for all those that have supported him on the upcoming ride, noting among them were Manitoulin Transport, CN Rail, Bousquet Real Estate, Adventure 365. He designed a bicycling shirt for the ride which includes those corporations he has received support from.
Mr. Sinclair pointed out over the years he has raised over $35,000 (including this year’s ride) for Wounded Warriors Canada.
Those interested in making a donation towards Mr. Sinclair on his trip can go on the Wounded Warriors website, and indicate they are making the donation in his name.
