A Final Thank You!

Six weeks ago Judah and I arrived back in Vancouver from Halifax. Three weeks after that I filmed this video of thanks and meant to post it here, but things have been demanding with my mom in hospital.

Before leaving St John's I filmed a video thanking everyone who had played a key role in supporting and hosting us on the trip. But it was 20 minutes long!

So, in addition to those I name in this much shorter video, Judah and I want to thank:

THOSE WHO HELPED US PREPARE...

Accies - You were among the first to give to our cause, and my ticker didn’t miss a beat on the ride - I think largely down to rowing with you!

Helen - Gotta love a nutritionist who authorises candy on the ride! You helped us be sober minded about the amount of calories we'd need. Thank you!

Alex - Faithful neighbour who knows far more about bikes than we do. Your advice on my gearing came just at the right time.

Alec - Bike fitter extraordinaire. You fit me in on little notice right before we flew!

Dom - Speaking to someone in Oxford who had launched on the same adventure only the summer before was a huge encouragement. Thanks for all the kit you gave Judah to boot!

Chris - Your book Eastward and Far about your own cycle across Canada helped me believe we should go ahead even when I didn’t feel as prepared as I wanted to be.

THOSE IN THE WEST…

Dave and Alicia, Hope - Having very close friends as our first hosts was perfect. Thanks for hosting us on Mother’s Day weekend, and letting Judah and I sing at the front of your church ;)

Stephan and Colleen, Vernon - You accepted us in soaking wet, and the food and wine and company warmed us.

Dale and Susan, Calgary - You let us stay in your home even when you weren’t there!

Salem, Calgary - Our first Eritrean meal of the trip was a joy! We were very glad Yoni connected us.

Marybeth, Lake Diefenbaker - You came and stayed with us in your cottage on a morning’s notice! We were moved by your family’s story.

Jason and Emily, Caronport - It was good to spend time with old friends in our old hometown - twice!

Laura and Jer, Tisdale - We couldn’t have asked for a better recipe for refreshment on our first full weekend of rest than to spend time with you and your lovely girls in your element.

Roberta and James, Regina - First we weren’t going to be going through Regina, then we stayed with you for three nights! You were so kind. Thanks for the carb powder to boot!

Salem, Regina - Our second experience of Eritrean hospitality on the trip - and just as good as the first! We’re grateful Goytom connected us.

Auntie Joan, Treherne - You are mentioned in the video, but Judah and I can’t thank you enough for taking such an interest in our ride. We loved meeting the people of Treherne United Church as well.

Alter Ego Sports, Winnipeg - When Judah’s bike started asking questions, you answered - twice!

THOSE IN THE EAST…

Monica and Rob - What a welcome to Ontario! The breakfast, the view, and the company. Bless you!

Nestor Falls United Church - Thanks for leaving a door open when no one is around. You were a refuge as we awaited rescue from our first major mechanical failure.

Kari, Thunder Bay - You welcomed us into Hillsdale Lutheran Church not only on Sunday, but the next morning for your community pancake breakfast too. Your enthusiasm is boundless!

Phil, Dinner Bell Motel, Bonfield - Meeting a fellow man of faith on his own cycling adventure after we had one of our most discouraging days to that point was very heartening.

Ottawa’s Drivers - Thanks to all those who honked, honked, and honked some more when I accidentally led us onto a non-cycling freeway through the city. Thanks especially to the woman who managed to finger us out her window for over a kilometer!

Chris and Claire, Ottawa - Breakfast and conversation with you after our traumatic freeway experience was just what was needed. We couldn’t have been more inspired by your work for the Canadian Nurses Foundation. You’re the real deal!

Doug and Laurelle, Ottawa - We loved our night at yours. The food! The conversation! The stories about my dad in military college! We wished we could stay longer.

La Roma Motel Management, Edmundston - You were there at the end of our most difficult day. Your Indian restaurant was a godsend. And the next day you drove us to the bikeshop and let us have the room late so we could finish repairs.

Shirley and Fred, Perth-Andover - When Judah’s bike tire blew, you drove him back to Edmundston, an hour each way, so he could get the parts. We still can’t believe it!

Dick and Rhonda - More stories about my dad in military college, and touching to see your heart for my mom too, Rhonda. Bless you!

Allison and Greg, Charlottetown - We couldn’t have had a more memorable Canada Day than the incredible lobster feast with your family. We loved it!

AND FINALLY…

In addition to those mentioned above and in the video, I want to thank you Judah. The adventure was packed with memories - not least with all those I’ve mentioned. But the best part of the ride for me was the unplanned conversations and simple meals enjoyed with you. I know you would have been motivated to do the ride on your own, or with a friend. But I wouldn’t have been motivated to do it were it not mainly about time with you. Thanks for all your patience with the old man, and for your strength. The way you rode with such skill in the final few days as your chainrings were worn and prone to skipping was especially impressive! Well done son.

PS:

Some asked for final opportunity to give to our Canadian Nurses Foundation campaign. So I have reopened it here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/ride-for-r…;

And, as I mention in the video, we’re grateful for those who asked after our personal expenses for the ride, given we wanted to forefront the charitable cause and so haven’t forefronted personal expense. Any interested in helping in this way are welcome to be in touch.

The final news media we are aware of is here: https://www.finnishcanadian.com/english-news/co…Read more