Sign In / Join

Eganville – The Foymount Hill with its 3.2-kilometre climb may be the site for a major cycling challenge, attracting participants from both sides of the border, with the funds all going to the Canadian Cancer Society.
“It is a lovely idea,” said Mayor Jennifer Murphy last Tuesday during a committee meeting of council. “I am so excited. The challenge is Foymount Road is a county road.”
There will be more discussion needed with the County of Renfrew as a result, she said.
“It is a huge event,” she said. “They will pull people from everywhere.”
The organizer, Cameron Dube, believes there should be widespread interest, she said.
In a letter to council it noted he has a long history of hosting cycling and adventure related events in both Ontario and Quebec. He works at Algonquin College, lives in Beachburg, and is the owner of Grand Departs Productions.
“The fundraiser I plan to host is an ‘Everest hill climb challenge’, known as ‘Everesting’,” he wrote. “The event is located on the Foymount Road hill climb in Ontario not too far from Eganville. It would be a festival style of event, lasting up to 20 hours wherein participants can challenge themselves by ascending/descending this 3.2 km climb as many times as possible to accrue the same elevation one would gain by climbing up Mt Everest and for each lap they do up and down, a certain dollar amount is accumulated.”
He said there would be music and food at the base of the climb at St Anne’s church and ball diamond.
“I have already contacted the church and they are keen to support this event,” he wrote.
As well, the Canadian Cancer Society is able to provide the online support necessary for registered riders to acquire donations.
“This type of cycling event would attract cyclists from all over the province, Quebec and even south of the border, from NY, Vermont, etc,” he said. “It is a fantastic way for people to visit the area, spend some time and money in our small communities and experience the incredible landscape and resources that we have to offer.”
Mr. Dube said organizers are in the preliminary stages of the planning process. He said there are potential roadblocks, including insurance and working with public works to ensure road closures are in place, as well as communication with the community.
Members of Bonnechere Valley council voiced support in principle to the event, stressing the county has to be approached first.
“If we are all excited about this, and I think we are, we can leave it with Annette (CAO Annette Gilchrist) and the county to figure it out,” Mayor Murphy said.
Since the Tour de Bonnechere is already in place, and runs quite successfully, there should not be an issue, she added.
“I think this can be really good for our area,” Mayor Murphy said.
Mrs. Gilchrist said since it is a county road, the county has to be approached, and this is the first step.
Mayor Murphy said she would also approach the county directly.
“This is something our council is very excited about,” she said.