Bikes of 2 cross-country cyclists fundraising for men’s mental health stolen in Winnipeg

Two cyclists crossing Canada to raise awareness for men’s mental health say their journey has come to an unexpected setback in Winnipeg.

After promoting their cause in the city Friday morning, Val Duquenne and Thomas Clark returned to find both of their bikes had been stolen.

The friends from New Brunswick began their journey in June, cycling across the country to raise awareness for men’s mental health and funds for Movember Canada. They say the two bicycles, worth roughly $15,000 combined, were donated by supporters who believed in their mission.

“When we started before even anything started, (a local veteran) met me and gave me his bike,” said Duquenne. “He struggled with PTSD and was nothing but help right away and that bike was very sentimental.”

In a Facebook post before the bikes were stolen, the cyclist duo shared their excitement of arriving in Winnipeg.

“32 days ago, we started from Sydney, Nova Scotia, completely unexperienced, and together we’ve reached Manitoba. It’s been absolutely unreal.”

The say just an hour after they were away from their vehicle for less than an hour while promoting their cross-country ride when someone cut the lock securing their bicycles and stole them from the back of their vehicle in downtown Winnipeg Friday morning.

“Our car was a little hit behind a corner so I walked out and saw the tail land where the bike should be and it was empty, and I was like just jaw on the floor,” said Clark, Men Don’t Ride Alone.

Winnipeg police are investigating the theft, while the pair are asking anyone who recognizes the bikes to come forward.

Clark also made a direct appeal to someone who may have stolen their bikes.

“These bikes are very sentimental to us. If there is any way in your heart to get them back to us that would be incredible, drop them off at the police station. They know how to get them back to us and contact us, were not looking to press charges we just want our bikes back.”

“Canadian Tire of Winnipeg called Thomas and said we wanna help you guys we’re giving you $9000 then we had a person in the community reach out for $5000 so it’s been absolute insane,” Duquenne said. “Greenfoot also gave us $1000 so it’s been crazy.”

Despite the setback, Duquenne and Clark say they aren’t giving up.

Whether it’s on replacement bikes or another way entirely, they say they’ll keep heading west, determined to finish the journey.

“We’re men don’t ride alone and our goal is to raise $250,000 for events mental health to go to Movember Canada,” Clark said.

“Every single person who donates gets their name written on our hood on sharpie and at the end of the trip, we will split the hood in half and keep half-and-half in our living room,” Duquenne said.