North Bay cyclist, stroke survivor organizes bike ride to support hospital

In a month's time, the sounds of bikes zooming around the gravel backroads of the North Bay-area will be heard in support of local health care and to raise awareness about a language disorder.

Stroke survivor Jeff Miller is organizing a bicycle ride called the 'Voyageur 200' to raise money for the North Bay Regional Health Centre and for others recovering from the same medical condition.

Stroke survivor Jeff Miller is organizing a bicycle ride called the 'Voyageur 200' to raise money for the North Bay Regional Health Centre and for others recovering from the same medical condition. August 13, 2024 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

Cycling was a form of rehab for him after suffering a stroke right before the pandemic began.

Now, Miller can often be found riding his bike through the trail system.

"That’s where I learned a lot of the trails and the region from when I snowmobiled. I tried pedalling for the first time," he said.

While in a hospital bed, Miller said he thought his life would never be the same.

"There’s such a scary feeling when your mind is not quite right," he said.

Following the stroke, Miller was diagnosed with a language disorder called aphasia.

With the event, he aims to raise awareness for aphasia, which affects speech, communication and understanding both spoken and written words.

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"My wife helped with that aspect," he said.

"There are speech therapists at the hospital and they, basically, work with you to start re-learning that information."

Wanting to give back to the stroke care team, Miller organized the inaugural Voyageur 200 last summer.

It’s a bike ride with three different lengths of courses, 60-, 100- and 200-kilometre rides, starting in Corbeil.

It follows a series of backroads and trails circumventing Trout Lake and the Mattawa River system through North Bay, Mattawa, Calvin, Bonfield and everywhere in between.

Stroke survivor Jeff Miller cycles on a North Bay trail ahead of the second annual Voyageur 200. August 13, 2024 (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)

The event is returning for its second year Sept. 7 and Miller said he is hoping to have more than 150 riders and has set a fundraising goal of $6,000.

"Anything we can do locally is great," he said.

"Knowing our hospital is growing in support to help with these challenges is amazing."

North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation President and CEO Tammy Morison told CTV News Miller was inspired about the care he received.

"It’s really a beautiful thing when people in our community can align what they’re passionate about with a cause," Morrison said.

All participants finish with an edible medal provided by The Green Store North Bay.

After the ride, a barbecue will be provided by United Rental and cold drinks by Gateway City Brewery.

Spectators can cheer on participants at the Four Season Club on Corbeil Road while enjoying live entertainment all afternoon and can attend the barbecue with a donation to the hospital foundation.

Riders will also be welcome to join a shorter pre-ride Sept. 6 to warm up for the main event.

Race details including registration, technical requirements and sponsorship opportunities are outlined on the race website.

Volunteers are needed on the day of the event.