2024-07-28 04:00:00
A cyclist from Saguenay will travel across the United States in September to support emphysema research and raise awareness in the fight against the respiratory disease.
Pascal Bilodeau from Jonquière will cycle nearly 5,000 kilometers in 28 days between Los Angeles and Montreal. To prepare, he sometimes goes to L’Étape in the Laurentide wildlife reserve and then returns home.
The 42-year-old athlete said his fear of Colorado’s heat and mountains was more important during his trip to the United States than the tense political climate of our southern neighbor.
“I’m leaving before the election on September 8, so I’m definitely going to hear about Trump. It’s not my country and my English isn’t great, so that doesn’t scare me!” he said with a laugh.
Photo courtesy of Pascal Bilodeau
long experience
With 20 pounds of gear on his bike, he hopes to achieve the feat by riding a little over 175 kilometers a day.
“I’m going to travel to Utah. I have a tent, a sleeping bag, water, and food in my backpack. I’ll do a mix of camping and motels. In 2023, I traveled across Canada in 29 days, and I want to travel in the same amount of time All over Canada.
Mr. Bilodeau has participated in the IUCPQ Foundation for the seventh consecutive year. For five years, he completed the challenge of cycling 1,000 kilometers in three days. Last year, his travels across the country resulted in him donating $5,312 to the foundation.
He raised more than $20,000 for his now-deceased mother, specifically to treat COPD. “When I ran the 1,000, I finished the race with her, but since she’s gone, I’ve changed the way I do things. She’s been on oxygen for four years and I’m her caregiver.
Improve care
As experienced athletes and used to riding long distances, cyclists know how to avoid injury and dehydration.
“You have to listen to your fatigue level and stop when necessary rather than driving another 100 kilometers to get to the shelter. Generally, the day is over at 7pm. When I can maintain 25km/h, I’m just happy. I’ll be careful about the Arizona heat.
If Pascal Bilodeau chooses to support the IUCPQ Foundation, it is because he firmly believes that research is the key to improving care for people suffering from severe respiratory diseases.
According to the institute, someone loses their battle with lung disease every eight minutes.
To support Pascal, click isi.
Do you have any information you can share with us about this story?
Write to us or call us directly 1 800-63 spoons.
1722187258
#Cyclist #Saguenay #travels #America #support #emphysema #research
