One decade, one wild idea

Going the distance for conservation

But Ride to the Lake isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the people who, year after year, put their hearts, legs and lungs into a cause they’re willing to go the distance for (literally) — people like Mark Tisdale, who has participated in all 10 rides.

“What first felt like a wild idea has led to meaningful connections with a community of family, friends, co-workers and partner organizations over 10 years,” he says. “It has protected my health and supported our environment. I’ve learned that real, positive change starts with people showing up and putting their energy into something that matters.”

Ashley McFadden was also there for that first ride in 2017 and has now participated six times.

“Taking part in this milestone year gave me an opportunity to reflect on where it all began and just how far the event has come,” she says.

Next year, McFadden takes on the role of event chairperson and is excited to continue the momentum built over the past decade.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see both new and familiar faces joining us. There’s a real sense of community that has developed around the event, and it’s awesome to watch more people embrace the cause, challenge themselves and help make a difference.”

This was Tim Schroeder’s first time in the saddle after volunteering in 2025 and seeing “how incredible the event is,” he says. As a volunteer with DUC for over 20 years, Ride to the Lake brings together his two passions: cycling and conservation.

“The experience was so amazing,” he says. “The positive energy from all the volunteers is really what fuels you to keep going. They are with us riders all day, and the support is unreal.”

What struck him most about the event was witnessing the changes in the landscape along the way — from urban Winnipeg, past yellow fields of canola, wheat and corn, into the hilly roads of eastern Manitoba, “then into the Canadian Shield and Lake of the Woods.”

“It solidified why I wanted to participate so much in this event,” he says. “It raises funds to ensure these landscapes are protected for future generations.”

Ride to the Lake: Marking a milestone

This year’s milestone also inspired ride director Lacey Schroeder to give the event a special touch by going back to the beginning. She contacted Len Thompson Fishing Lures with the idea to create a custom fishing spoon as a one-of-a-kind finisher’s medal.

“Every rider who finished the 220-kilometre journey received something that represents the very beginning of Ride to the Lake: a fishing lure inspired by the conversation that started it all,” she says. “It’s a reminder that extraordinary ideas can often come from the simplest moments, and that one conversation between friends can grow into a decade of conservation, community and impact.”

Riders also wore something special this year: a bold red jersey inspired by vintage Canadiana hockey sweaters and the Team Canada pride that united Canadians during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

“As the group travelled from Winnipeg to Kenora, the sea of red turned heads all along the route,” Schroeder says. The kit, she adds, “became a symbol of teamwork, perseverance, Canadian pride and the shared commitment of every rider supporting DUC.”

Ten years in, Ride to the Lake has grown from two friends with an idea into a movement that has raised millions for conservation. As Mark Tisdale puts it, real change starts with people showing up.

Consider this your invitation.