2005
From the first day, the Novartis Ride for Life™ was personal. It has always been about riding for people touched by cancer. In 2005, five Novartis employees came together with behind-the-scenes support from two additional colleagues and rode their bikes 600 km from Toronto to Dorval over four days, raising money for breast cancer research. It was a small beginning inspired by a handful of employees.
2006
More riders were recruited the second year, especially for the last stage on the final day from the Ontario border leading back to the Novartis Canadian headquarters in Dorval. Over the years, riders have braved all types of weather. They see their commitment through to the end despite rain, wind and other things Mother Nature might throw at them!
2007
The heart of why Novartis employees take part in the Ride for Life is serious and any rider will tell you that while it’s hard work, having fun and each others’ backs are a must!
2008
The jersey colours may change from year to year but one thing that never changes is the enthusiasm. Each year, the teams that come together make lasting friendships and capture their memories through the pictures they take along the way.
2009
The thumbs up is well deserved for the 38 passionate riders who took part in the fifth annual event. The bigger the Ride, the better, but it also means more coordination is required. As always, it’s a team effort as each rider arrives at the Novartis headquarters.
2010
The sixth annual Ride will be remembered as having the largest team with a total of 42 riders. It was something to see – from the rousing send-off from the heart of Toronto, outside the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower to their joyful arrival in Dorval
2011
After four days, the final stretch along Bouchard Boulevard to the Novartis headquarters in Dorval is emotional for many. Not fatigue or even an injury will stop a rider from being part of that last leg of the Ride.
2012
The Novartis Ride for Life team extends beyond the riders – it takes an extended team to make it happen. Throughout the years additional team members have taken part behind the scenes as part of the caravan, driving vehicles carrying luggage and essential equipment like spare bike tires.
2013
Riding all day for four days straight can be long and physically challenging. One thing that helps riders get through the long-distance event is staying focused on the cause the Ride supports and the genuine camaraderie.
2014
The team makes stops along the way so that they can recharge and check in with their families and friends. This roadside break during the tenth annual Ride was welcomed by the riders!
2015
The reason to participate in the Ride is different for each person – to honour the memory of a loved one, for a friend or even their own personal battle with cancer. The collective goal remains the same: Taking part in something extraordinary while raising money for an important cause.
2016
Selfie? Why not? So many photos have been taken over the years, but the best ones are from the riders themselves.
2017
To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, the Ride took a detour to Ottawa. The result was a stunning team photo at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill.
2018
Ready to roll from the CN Tower in Toronto! The CN Tower stands 553 meters high and every year, the riders cover 1,100 times that distance, cycling 600 km to Dorval.
2019
Celebrating 15 years of the Novartis Ride for Life. The anniversary edition was commemorated with the planting of a “Rose of Hope” bush at the Dorval office. The special rose was created in 2006 by the grandfather of two Novartis employees, Montreal horticulturalist Jack McIntyre, in memory of his daughter who lost her battle with breast cancer.