Follow Ramesh's Journey - Archives
Day 50 - Regina, SK - 15 km
- Sat, May 31, 2008
The Cycle to Walk team rode in to the City of Regina today accompanied by three local hand cyclists, Mike, Gabby, and Craig. Our safety was ensured by a full police escort into the city by Regina’s City Police. We arrived at the grounds of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building at around 11:30, and were greeted by City Councillor Sharron Bryce and Rotary Assistant District Governor John Dawes. Thanks to the Regina City Police for helping us arrive safely, thanks to everyone at the Legislative grounds for such a warm welcome to your city, and thanks to Craig Lenz – one of the three hand cyclists who joined me today – for making this all possible.
Day 49 - Regina, SK - the 2000 km mark!
- Fri, May 30, 2008
After the Rotary District 5550 conference, the Cycle to Walk team drove back to Chamberlain – where we had left off yesterday – and resumed the hand-cycling at about 4:30 pm.
Today was a wonderful day for cycling: golden sunshine, emerald fields, puffy clouds… and tailwinds. I’ve been hoping for tailwinds like these for weeks!
Day 49 - 77 km - Regina, Saskatchewan
- Fri, May 30, 2008
Thanks to a wonderful invitation from Rotary District 5550 Governor June Cathcart, Cycle to Walk was able to spread its message of Polio Eradication, Education, and Rehabilitation to several hundred Rotarians hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Dryden, Ontario – and everywhere in between – as part of their annual District Conference.
A special thanks to Doug O’Brien, past 5550 District Governor, as well as the conference committee, for adjusting the agenda to accommodate the Cycle to Walk campaign into your already-full schedule. District Governor Cathcart has supported the Cycle to Walk since day one, and her support has been fantastic. Today was a true demonstration of how Rotary Shares, and Rotary Cares.
Day 48 – Chamberlain, Saskatchewan – 74 km
- Thu, May 29, 2008
Recently, students at Golden Horn Elementary School participated in Cycle to Walk’s “Purple Pinky Project” fundraiser, where each student paid $1 to have their pinky coloured purple. Allow me to explain:
When Rotary International conducts mass immunization days, hundreds of thousands – and even millions – of children are immunized from polio in just a matter of days. Each child’s pinky finger is temporarily dyed purple with gentian violet to indicate that they have received the polio vaccination. Making children’s pinkies purple ensures that everyone receives the polio vaccination, and nobody gets a double-dose.
Day 47- Bladworth, Saskatchewan - 90 km
- Wed, May 28, 2008
Thank-you to the Right Reverend Rod Andrews, Anglican Bishop for the Diocese of Saskatoon, and his wife Jacqueline Plante for welcoming the team into their home last night. Bishop Andrews even cycled with me for the first leg of the cycling day. It’s always great to start the day off right!
Day 46 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan- Non-Cycling Day
- Tue, May 27, 2008
This afternoon was a very special event for the Cycle to Walk team. The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Dr. Gordon Barnhart, hosted the Cycle to Walk team and the President of the Saskatoon Rotary Club, Bill Edwards, for tea. Thank-you, Your Honour, for supporting the Cycle to Walk campaign, sharing your personal connection to polio, and making us feel so welcome here in Saskatchewan.
Day 45 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - 76 km
- Mon, May 26, 2008
Saskatoon certainly knows how to show its support for the Cycle to Walk campaign to end polio! We had a full day of activities today that began this morning just outside City Hall. Cycle to Walk participated in a flag raising ceremony to honour the first day of Rotary Week with Mayor Donald J. Atchison, Rotary District 5550 Governor June Cathcart, and many Rotarians and community members.
Day 44 - Radisson, Saskatchewan - 67 km
- Sun, May 25, 2008
It was sure worth battling the winds to arrive into the Battlefords. Over the past couple of days the team really enjoyed meeting many community members and spreading the message of Cycle to Walk, we could truly feel the excitement of the campaign spreading within the community.
Day 43 - The Battlefords, Saskatchewan - Non-Cycling Day - Sprained Left Ankle
- Sat, May 24, 2008
Ever since I was given the braces and crutches that allow me to walk, I’ve believed I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I have never let my disability overshadow my ability to share life with others.
Yesterday was a busy day. There was the school visit, the mayoral meetings, and even a horse ride later in the evening. If there were to be an accident, one would probably assume it would have something to do with the horse. Well, that’s not the case.
Day 42 - The Battlefords, Saskatchewan - Non-Cycling Day
- Fri, May 23, 2008
I was reassured of the importance of Cycle to Walk’s message today. My good friend Jody Studney flew down to the Battlefords, her hometown, from Whitehorse to visit with the team and arrange a speaking opportunity with students at her old High School. Because of Jody, students at John Paul II High School heard the message of Cycle to Walk this morning during their phys-ed class.
Day 41 - North Battleford, Saskatchewan - 85 km
- Thu, May 22, 2008
While I was growing up, my mom would enforce the 10 am - 10 pm rule: all outgoing and incoming phone calls would have to be made within that window of time. Last night my cell phone rang just after midnight, and I answered the call without knowing who it was. It turned out to be gentleman by the name of Lalantha, who phoned from Australia. Lalantha and I have never met, but he heard of the Cycle to Walk campaign on Facebook and called just to wish the team well. Lanantha is originally from India and was very excited about the campaign. He said he hopes Cycle to Walk will involve other countries in the future. Thanks for the words of encouragement Lalantha, there are always exceptions to my mother’s phone rule!
Vaccination rates higher among kids from immigrant moms, study finds
- Wed, May 21, 2008
“More Canadian kids of immigrant mothers are being vaccinated, finds a new study, though the overall rate of vaccinations could be improved among both immigrant and non-immigrant groups.”
Day 40 - Maidstone, Saskatchewan - 54 km
- Wed, May 21, 2008
You know, when cows huddle together in fields to protect themselves from the weather, it’s not a good sign for cyclists.
Of the over 1550 km hand cycled thus far, today was the most challenging day yet. It felt like I was climbing a mountain in the rain for nearly six hours in my lowest gear. Headwinds averaged 40 - 50 km/hr. The rain came down so hard that it felt as though each cold drop pierced my face. I was sore, fatigued, chilled, and in need of many breaks today.
Day 39 - Lloydminister “Bordertown” wrap up!
- Tue, May 20, 2008
Today was the team’s fourth and final non-cycle day in Lloydminster, and I had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Androschuk’s Grade 2 class at Ecole St. Thomas.
Day 38 - Welcome Carly Ray
- Mon, May 19, 2008
Today the en-route team welcomed Carly Ray, who came to us from Nipigon, Ontario. Carly will be with the team up to Ottawa, assisting us in spreading the important message of Polio Eradication, Education, and Rehabilitation. Thanks Carly for volunteering your time to help support Cycle to Walk.
Letters to the Editor - Edson Leader Newspaper
- Sun, May 18, 2008
I’m so excited to share these letters to the editor I found in the Edson Leader newspaper. I’d like to thank Katia and Jairus Davi-Digui, and Lauren and Samuel Pelkey for the kind words, and for taking Cycle to Walk’s message seriously. It’s important for everyone to learn about polio and how we all can help to end it forever.
Day 37 - Thank-You Lynne Morris
- Sun, May 18, 2008
Today is a non-cycling day here in Lloydminster. Lynne Morris will leave the en-route team today, as this is her scheduled end date. Lynne volunteered her time because she believes in the importance of delivering Cycle to Walk’s message of polio eradication, education, and rehabilitation to Canadians.
Day 36 – Alberta/Saskatchewan border – 64 km
- Sat, May 17, 2008
Yesterday, I ran over a staple and blew my first bike tire of the campaign. For now, I’m riding a back up hand-cycle. This morning, I scraped my arm while applying chain grease, which explains the bandage I’m wearing today. Regardless of what’s happened, the team is taking great care of me, I feel great, and I’m ready to ride another day.
Day 35 - Vermilion, Alberta - 91 km
- Fri, May 16, 2008
Today the team woke up with a great feeling. Not only does Vegreville have the world’s largest Ukrainian Easter Egg, or pysanka, but it also has amazing community spirit. Thanks again for all of your support, Vegreville.
Day 34 - Vegreville, Alberta - 69 km
- Thu, May 15, 2008
A big thanks to Lesley and Allan Fath - and your horse Pumpkin - for opening up your home to the Cycle to Walk team last night. I think it’s safe to say that we appreciated your hospitality as much as your horse appreciates carrots.
Day 33 - Tofield, Alberta - 90 km
- Wed, May 14, 2008
Today’s average speed was 21.3 km and the total distance travelled, 90.2 km, was completed in a total of 4 hours and 14 minutes (not including stop times). I can definitely say I’m feeling the tailwinds from the west. Yeah!!
Fighting polio mile by mile
- Wed, May 14, 2008
“We live in a global community with global travel,” said Ferris, adding that it is a only a matter of time before polio will be seen in Canada if there are people who haven’t been immunized, despite the vaccine being cheap and readily available since 1955. “We have the tools to finish the job.”
Day 32 - Edmonton, Alberta - Non-Cycling Day
- Tue, May 13, 2008
I don’t know where I would be in my life if I didn’t have a strong, determined, positive attitude. I recall going to Easter Seal Camps in Squamish, BC when I was younger and chatting with other people who had limited mobility. Some felt sorry for themselves and didn’t focus on their abilities. I always tried to demonstrate to people the things that I could do rather than focus on what I couldn’t do. Going through rehabilitation myself, I know first hand that it is an extreme test on one’s patience, body, and ego. There were times in my life where I cried and I just wanted to give up, but I knew in reality that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I have challenging times in my life, just like everyone else. The trick is to keep pushing forward.
Day 31 - Edmonton, AB - Non-Cycle Day
- Mon, May 12, 2008
Today was exciting! It all began at 6:40 am in the studio of City TV’s Breakfast Television Show where Cycle to Walk had the opportunity to spread its message in a live interview. Thanks Wendy and all the Staff at City TV for welcoming us into your studio. Later in the morning, Cycle to Walk was presented a gift card for $500 for the team to use on any items sold by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Thanks to the HBC for the t-shirts.
Pedaling to fight polio
- Mon, May 12, 2008
“It’s been a challenge in putting polio back on the map,” said Ferris. “Many Canadians don’t realize that it still exists.”
When it comes to change, think small
- Mon, May 12, 2008
“Many diseases, long-gone in richer countries, are still rampant among the World’s poor. Too often we take basic health care and sanitation for granted.”
Day 30 - Edmonton, Alberta - Non-Cycling Day
- Sun, May 11, 2008
Cycle to Walk had an opportunity to share its message with members of Kirk United Church in Edmonton earlier today. Thank you to all of you for your kind hospitality and contributions to the campaign, helping us raise $852 this morning!
Day 29 - Edmonton, Alberta- Non- Cycling
- Sat, May 10, 2008
The team is so appreciative to Wayne and Gwen Halabisky (and their granddaughter Sammy) for opening up their home to us while we rest in the Edmonton area.
Polio victim raising money, awareness in cross-country tour
- Fri, May 9, 2008
An article by Alyssa Noel featured in the Edmonton Sun
Day 28 - Edmonton, Alberta - 25 km
- Fri, May 9, 2008
Today wraps up 6 days in a row of hand-cycling covering ?? km. The team is now in the Edmonton area for the next 5 days and will use this time as non-cycling to rest, restock, RV and bike maintenance, deep tissue massage, talk with schools, service clubs, members of government and media. Doug and Bertha are from this area and lots of friends and family to visit with. We have all worked so hard as a team to get hear and I’m so proud of all of them, thank you Doug, Bertha, Chris and Lynne- Yeah were in Edmonton.
Day 27 - Stony Plain, Alberta - 64 km
- Thu, May 8, 2008
At the ‘Welcome to Stony Plain’ sign, the team was greeted by Dr. Allon Reddoch—Cycle to Walk Society President and #1 fan.
Day 26 - Entwistle, Alberta - 96 km
- Wed, May 7, 2008
What a fantastic start to the hand-cycling day in Edson! Four of the newest young Cycle to Walk supporters came out to our starting point to wish us well and send us off.
Cyclical Journey
- Wed, May 7, 2008
An article from The Jasper Booster
Crossing Canada to Fight Polio
- Wed, May 7, 2008
An article from Barriere Star Journal.
Day 25 - Edson, Alberta- 72 km
- Tue, May 6, 2008
Yup, it’s truly spring now – I can smell it in the air. It’s a package deal though, complete with all the mucky dirt on the shoulders of the road.
Day 24 - Hinton, Alberta and the 1000 km Mark
- Mon, May 5, 2008
Today was the last day of hand cycling through Jasper National Park.
Cycling through town for polio
- Mon, May 5, 2008
“In 2002 he went to India and met his birth mom whom he now keeps in contact with. During his visit there he met polio survivors who didn’t have a chance at medical care. He learned of polio survivors who, without the necessary medical attention and supports, were forced to crawl on the ground and pad their knees with cup-up pieces of tire.”
The Communication Initiative Network
- Mon, May 5, 2008
A write-up about Cycle to Walk and its goals on the Communication Initiative Network.
Day 23 - Just Beyond Jasper, Alberta - 54 km
- Sun, May 4, 2008
Today’s hand cycle commenced at the BC/Alberta border and took the team through the town of Jasper and part of Jasper National Park.
Day 22 - BC/Alberta Border - 77 km
- Sat, May 3, 2008
We live in such a beautiful country. Today I hand cycled 76 km through the Canadian Rockies, completing Cycle to Walk’s journey through British Columbia.
Day 21- Valemount, BC - Wrap Up!
- Fri, May 2, 2008
Our last day of rest was sure busy! Cycle to Walk had the opportunity to speak with students at both Valemount Elementary and Secondary Schools.
I really enjoy sharing the message of Cycle to Walk with people in the communities we visit.
Day 20 - Valemount, BC - Non-Cycling Day
- Thu, May 1, 2008
Valemont has received the Community Superhost award in recent years, and I can most definitely see why.
