At age 63, most people are settling into retirement. But not Richard “Richie” Boucher. He refuses to let his age or health
limit what’s possible. In fact, they inspire him.
This summer, he embarked on a grueling 4,000-mile bicycle ride across America to raise funds for the cardiology department at St. Joseph Hospital — the hospital he worked at for almost 20 years and the one that saved his life.
Just three years ago, doctors discovered a life-threatening leaky valve in Richie’s heart. After open-heart surgery, he was told he may never ride long distances again.
To Richie, that was unacceptable. He tackled rehabilitation with the same tenacity that has defined his life. Within months, he was not just riding but training rigorously for the adventure of a lifetime.
Richie’s cross-country journey began in Portland, Oregon in June. He started pedaling back to New Hampshire on a
trip expected to take about 2.5 months. His ride, which he fittingly calls the “Last Hurrah,” sees him climbing mountainous terrain, enduring brutal summer heat and overcoming every obstacle Mother Nature throws his way.
It’s more than just a personal achievement for Richie. It’s all about saving and changing the lives of more cardiology patients. The physicians, nurses and staff have been by Richie’s side through spine, knee and arm surgeries and, of course, his heart surgery. He sees his Last Hurrah as a way to share his gratitude for their world-class care and pay it forward in a big way.
Though he’s used to riding long distances throughout the country, Richie knows this journey will not be easy. He expects to spend most nights camping outdoors, relying on strangers’ generosity for lodging at fire stations and churches when luck permits. There will be rain, brutal headwinds and emotional depths where he may question why he’s taking this on at his age.
But Richie’s perseverance is unbreakable: “I will finish this ride, even if it takes until September or October because my body is hurting. That’s just the way I am.”No amount of sweat or sacrifice seems too great when Richie considers his ride’s impact on
St. Joseph Hospital’s life-saving mission. He hopes each mile makes hope, strength and adventures like his possible for more patients.
Support Richie’s Ride with a donation at justgiving.com/campaign/richiesride.