Rouler sur le Tabou: bringing together passion and awareness-raising

A cycling challenge that allows people to push their limits while raising funds for an association. Rouler sur le Tabou is that and much more! Frédérick Besner, founder of the event, wanted to get out of his comfort zone and was looking for a challenge for the upcoming summer. Wanting to stay motivated, he took steps to get involved in a cause.

Having been part of a mutual aid team at his high school, Frederick was given training in listening techniques and how to spot the signs of psychological distress. Moved by these subjects, it was natural for him to turn to the Association Québécoise de la Prévention du Suicide (AQPS) as inspiration for the event. The distance between the Montreal and the national capital took on an even greater symbolic importance as it connected the two largest population pools in the province. In June of the same year, four cyclists rode the distance for the first time.

Riding over the taboo and 285 km

For 285 km, the cyclists are rarely alone, escorted by friends and family who provide supplies when needed. This is how Nicolas Dickey got involved for the first time. He is hooked. This day and his contribution touched his heart. One of his close friends took his life, that's when you wonder what you missed, what you didn't see. Could a moment or time for a deeper conversation have made a difference?

Sometimes, people don’t talk about how they feel for fear of worrying those around them. Occasionally people find someone they feel comfortable talking to, but that person is not equipped to listen or to intervene in the right way. That's why the AQPS exists. It's not just for the people in need, but also to raise awareness and provide the right ways to help.

That is why Sébastien Dupuis joined the team. He was looking to get involved with groups already involved in suicide prevention, but it was difficult for him to offer a constant presence due to scheduling and geographical constraints.  He heard about the event from David, another cyclist who was already involved, and the combination cannot be more perfect. In fact, it was Sébastien's father who introduced him to cycling and it was during weekends spent traveling to BMX competitions that he made his fondest memories with him. Following his father's death, riding again, this time on the road, brought him closer to his father. Cycling allowed him to escape, to "allow his emotions to rise at his own pace" and to get away from it all. "On a bike, it's okay to cry, you wear glasses and there's no one to see you. Cycling felt good.

Talking, raising awareness and lifting the taboo

Whether on the road, with friends, with an organization or on different social media platforms, we need to talk about it. It’s time to “break the taboo” on mental health issues as our escort Sabrina would say. Cycling to break the taboo raises awareness and funds through marketing tools or sponsors such as Oberson. The funds raised are donated so the AQPS who uses them to finance awareness campaigns on social media and public places. It has even developed a text message support platform. Greater visibility makes resources more accessible. The association also has a mandate to help refer people to resources and help centers in each region.

This year, once again, the event ended on a high note with more than $25,000 raised by the two participating teams and their escorts. Thanks to Frédérick for organising this event, thanks to Nicolas for his creative ideas and his networking skills, thanks to Catherine for her marketing involvement, thanks to Alexandra Oberson for her personal involvement, thanks to Chez Cheval for the food, thanks to our escorts for their infinite support, thanks to our cyclists for their continued efforts throughout the day and thanks to donors. Without all these great people, we wouldn’t have had all this success!