In 2024, François Bernier and his partner Jean-Philippe Dubois embarked on an extraordinary adventure: traveling from Montreal to New York in a specially adapted wheelchair, pushed along on inline skates. To meet this challenge, they chose the Kartus, a wheelchair designed for outdoor use that combines robustness and maneuverability. Ten days and 700 kilometers later, their confidence in the equipment was fully justified: the duo reached Central Park and raised nearly $25,000 for muscular dystrophy.
Bolstered by this experience, François and his team renewed their confidence in the Kartus for an even more ambitious challenge. This summer, they set out to cross France, from Mont-Saint-Michel to Marseille: more than 1,200 kilometers in 21 days, to raise awareness and funds for people with muscular dystrophy.
The unexpected challenge: an accident that could have been costly
Right from the start, the team encountered a mishap. While traveling on a narrow country road, they veered off the road and had an accident. This unexpected event could have ended the challenge before it even began... and, as François points out, cost him his life
“The Kartus saved my life.” – François Bernier
At this critical moment, the Kartus's robustness played a key role. It provided François with the stability and protection he needed to continue his adventure.
The importance of imperfect roads
The journey across France was not a long stretch of asphalt. Cobblestones, gravel, steep descents: the road conditions were a reminder that adventure is never perfect. But anyone who enjoys the outdoors knows this reality: potholes on a bike path, headwinds on a lake, or a rocky cliff that slows down the climb.
Far from discouraging us, these discomforts are what make each experience memorable. Because you don't have to wait for the ideal conditions to get started. It's in imperfection—a bumpy road, a headwind, a steep slope—that we often get the most out of adventure.
A passionate pioneer
By accomplishing such feats, François is not only seeking to push his own limits. He wants to remind us that it is possible to dream big and dare to do so on our own scale. He accomplishes great things so that others, in turn, can accomplish something great—whether it's a family outing, a hike with a friend, or a shared race.
His commitment invites us to rethink inclusion. It too cannot wait for the perfect context. We are done waiting. Every action taken today, even if imperfect, can transform an outing into an encounter, a challenge into a shared victory, an adventure into a collective movement.
A community on the move
When they arrived in Marseille, François and his team didn't just cross a finish line. They grew a community convinced that every gesture of inclusion counts and that no one should be left behind.
At Kartus, we are proud that our wheelchair supported François in two such demanding adventures, from New York to Marseille. Above all, we are proud to see how one passionate individual transformed the unexpectedness of an accident into a message of collective hope: adventure is never about perfection, but about movement.
Whether in a Kartus, on a bike, in a kayak, or on a climbing wall: adventure takes on its full meaning when we choose to move forward, without waiting.
An adventure that continues thanks to you
François Bernier's story is not just about an exceptional journey: it is a call to build a more inclusive society, where no one is left behind.
And this adventure can continue with you. You can still contribute to François and his team's challenge by making a donation here 👉 Défi Traversée de la France en fauteuil roulant.
The funds raised support Défphys sans limite, an organization that helps people living with physical limitations to break out of isolation and increase opportunities for social participation.
Because, ultimately, every gesture counts. François is accomplishing great things so that everyone can dare to dream big in their own way.