For many motorcycle enthusiasts, a cross-country ride is the adventure of a lifetime. For Oakville shop owner Lorenzo Pellicciotta, it’s also an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Pellicciotta, owner of Pellicciotta Automotive Group, which operates NAPA AUTOPRO Oakville and CARSTAR Oakville West, is currently riding more than 14,000 kilometres to the four corners of Canada as part of Miles for Sight, a fundraising initiative supporting the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

“It’s actually pretty challenging,” he admitted. “But it’s something I knew I wanted to do.”

The idea for the ride came during a motorcycle trip home from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2024. While stopping at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Milwaukee, Pellicciotta spotted a red-and-black Pan America sitting on the showroom floor. The moment sparked an idea.

“I thought, ‘That’s the bike,'” he recalled. “I’m going to buy that bike and ride it to the four points of Canada for a great cause. And that’s to raise money for the CNIB.”

That cause is deeply personal.

Pellicciotta’s daughter was born with vision challenges and underwent cataract surgery when she was just four years old. Spending time at SickKids Hospital and witnessing the experiences of other children and families affected by vision loss left a lasting impression.

“My daughter is what brought me to this whole thing,” he explained. “Being there, seeing all these kids with vision problems, and then knowing family and friends who have lost vision… there’s just something I wanted to do.”

While he says he isn’t a doctor and can’t directly treat vision loss, he realized there was another way he could help.

“I thought, maybe I can raise money for the CNIB, who help visually impaired people with all of their programs,” he said.

That thought eventually became Miles for Sight, a journey designed not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of the challenges faced by Canadians living with vision loss.

For someone who enjoys riding motorcycles, the trip also provides long stretches of quiet reflection.

“When I’m riding, I’m always thinking,” Pellicciotta said. “My head is clear.”

Now those thousands of kilometres have become something much bigger than a personal adventure. Every stop, every conversation, and every mile travelled helps shine a spotlight on the work of CNIB and the importance of supporting Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

The journey also reflects something that has long defined the independent automotive community—a willingness to step up and support causes that matter. Whether through charity rides, local fundraisers, or community events, shop owners and technicians across the country have a long history of giving back.

For Pellicciotta, Miles for Sight is simply his way of making a difference—one kilometre at a time.

As for a goal for funds raised, Lorenzo has aimed to hit $100,000. “$100,000 is my goal,” he says. “If I don’t hit it, I gotta keep riding.”

To hear Lorenzo’s full story and follow his progress across Canada, listen to the latest episode of the Great Canadian Aftermarket Podcast.

Note: At the time of recording, Miles for Sight was approximately halfway to the goal of $100,000. For more information and/or to make a contribution, visit the Miles for Sight CNIB fundraising page.