In September 2026, alumni from Canada’s military colleges will take to the road for Le Tour des Collèges, a commemorative ride celebrating two historic milestones: the 150th anniversary of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and the 75th anniversary of Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMCSJ). Your donation helps honour this legacy—and strengthens what these Colleges make possible for future generations.
A team of alumni cyclists—known as the “Older Eighteen” in tribute to RMC’s first class of cadets—will ride approximately 500 kilometers from RMC Saint-Jean to RMC via Ottawa, arriving at RMC during Reunion Weekend. This journey reflects the enduring values of leadership, service, and commitment that define the Canadian Military Colleges.
The Ottawa Branch of the RMC Alumni Association is proud to be named Lead Sponsor of Le Tour des Collèges, answering the call to support this inspiring 500 km journey from RMC Saint‑Jean to RMC.
This generous sponsorship covers key logistical costs, allowing riders to focus fully on what matters most meeting (and exceeding!) their personal fundraising goals of $2,000 in support of fellow alumni and future generations.
Beyond financial support, the Ottawa Branch will also welcome the riders to Ottawa with a hosted BBQ and Meet & Greet as they pass through on Monday, 14 September at Hylands Golf Club a chance for alumni to come together and celebrate their commitment, camaraderie, and shared pride in the Colleges.
Thank you to the Ottawa Branch for leading the way and helping make Le Tour des Collèges a resounding success!
Weekly Updates
| Cyclist | Amount Raised Week 15 | Amount Raised Week 16 | Amount Raised Week 17 | Total Raised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Wongkee | $300.00 | $0.00 | $206.00 | $2,282.50 |
| Alan Cassels | $257.50 | $103.00 | $1,353.00 | $2,783.00 |
| Bruce McAlpine | $603.00 | $612.00 | $2,667.50 | $10,899.00 |
| Chris Cole | $0.00 | $1,537.00 | $0.00 | $2,293.00 |
| Chris Peachment | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3,786.50 |
| Donald Falardeau | $210.50 | $0.00 | $456.00 | $4,598.50 |
| Eric McKay | $50.00 | $206.00 | $507.50 | $1,786.00 |
| Garry McCracken | $100.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3,397.00 |
| George Vanderkuur | $300.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $2,108.75 |
| Glen Mackay | $407.50 | $0.00 | $564.50 | $4,859.00 |
| Helga Rausch | $811.50 | $669.50 | $100.00 | $5,549.50 |
| Jim McKenna | $412.00 | $0.00 | $360.50 | $1,389.00 |
| John Pavelich | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $3,284.00 |
| Louise Leblanc | $200.00 | $200.00 | $950.00 | $3,577.50 |
| Michel Nazair | $206.00 | $0.00 | $309.00 | $3,234.50 |
| Paul Stanborough | $450.00 | $0.00 | $2,125.40 | $7,096.12 |
| Sharon Donnelly | $0.00 | $0.00 | $356.00 | $8,477.25 |
| Terry Buehl | $0.00 | $51.50 | $0.00 | $3,829.00 |
| Tim Gijzen | $0.00 | $654.50 | $225.75 | $2,531.50 |
| Tim Sparling | $254.50 | $154.50 | $206.00 | $10,877.00 |
| Tom Keogh | $706.00 | $103.00 | $978.10 | $11,379.10 |
| Yvan Beaupre | $0.00 | $100.00 | $0.00 | $2,074.00 |
Meet the “Older Eighteen” cyclists
Bruce McAlpine
Chef du Peloton — 72 (CMR RMC)
Helga Rausch
Ride Logistician and Public Affairs Officer — 86
Jim McKenna
Ride Technical Director — 86 (RMC)
George Vanderkuur
65 (RMC)
Tim Sparling
66 – (CMR RMC)
Yvan Beaupré
72 – (CMR RMC)
Chris Peachment
73 (RMC)
Garry McCracken
74 (CMR RMC)
John Pavelich
78 (CMR)
Glen MacKay
79 (RMC)
Tom Keogh
79 (RMC)
Eric McKay
80 (CMR RMC)
Tim Gijzen
82 (RRMC RMC)
Paul Stanborough
85 (RMC)
Michel Nazair
85 (CMR RMC)
Donald Falardeau
85 (CMR RMC)
Louise Leblanc
86 (CMR)
Alan Cassels
86 (RRMC RMC)
Al Wongkee
86 (RMC)
Chris Cole
88 (RMC)
Terry Buehl
89 (RMC)
Sharon Donnelly
90 (RMC)
Our fundraising goal
The Cycling Project is raising $150,000 in support of the Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association. Funds raised will be directed equally to the Museum Project and the Truth, Duty, Valour Fund—supporting both Colleges and helping preserve their legacy for future generations.
Why your support matters
- Preserve the story: Help safeguard the history, traditions, and lived experiences of the Colleges through the Museum Project.
- Strengthen the values: Support the Truth, Duty, Valour Fund—ensuring leadership, service, and sacrifice remain more than words for future generations.
- Carry the legacy forward: Mark these anniversaries with action, uniting alumni and supporters in a visible tribute that endures beyond Reunion Weekend.
- Honour those who served: Celebrate the enduring commitment of alumni and the values the Colleges instill—leadership, duty, and service.
- Invest in what lasts: Your gift sustains projects that protect institutional memory and strengthen the Colleges’ long-term mission.
- Unite a national community: This ride connects Saint-Jean, and Kingston as a living symbol of one shared tradition.
How to donate
Your gift—at any level—helps carry this commemorative ride from Saint-Jean to Kingston and strengthens the programs and projects it supports. Donors can choose to:
- Donate to a specific cyclist to sponsor an individual rider’s effort and training commitment as listed above
- Donate to the general Le Tour des Collèges campaign to support the team goal and overall impact
What’s next
In the coming weeks, we’ll share rider biographies, training updates, and stories that highlight each cyclist’s connection to the Colleges—along with clear ways to donate to a rider or to the campaign. Please check back often and consider sharing this initiative with classmates, friends, and colleagues.
Questions?
For information on the journey please contact:
Bruce McAlpine Chef du Peleton, – [email protected] , or Helga Rausch Ride Logistician and PAO – [email protected] .
If you have questions on how to donate, please contact Jennifer Jordan, RMC Alumni Association Director of Fundraising and Marketing – [email protected]