Follow Ramesh's Journey - Archives
Cycle to Walk on Tb Television
- Mon, June 30, 2008
Man cycles country to wipe out polio
- Mon, June 30, 2008
Day 80 - Thank you, Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay!
- Mon, June 30, 2008
Today was a great day of promotions for the Cycle to Walk campaign. During a interview with Lisa Laco on CBC Radio One, she asked me if I’d had a chance to see the newspaper yet this morning. Cycle to Walk made front page! What a way to find out.
Polio survivor reaches out
- Mon, June 30, 2008
Day 79 - Thunder Bay, Ontario - Non-Cycling Day
- Sun, June 29, 2008
Today all the Anglican Churches officially declared this to be Cycle to Walk Sunday in recognition and support of polio eradication, education and rehabilitation. The Cycle to Walk message was shared at the following churches: St. Thomas, St. Paul’s, St. Michael’s and All Angels, St. Mark’s, and the Parish of West Thunder Bay, and St. Luke’s. It was such a busy day going from church to church, however, each visit was worth the time. It was so moving for me to see the tremendous outpouring of support for the team and for the fight against polio. Many of the church leaders, youth groups, and parishioners have been planning and fundraising for months prior to the arrival of the Cycle to Walk team. Bulletin boards of blog updates, polio stats, pictures, and route maps adorned many of the walls in the churches. BBQs sizzled, and Kitchens bustled with people.
Day 78 - Thunder Bay, Ontario - 22 km
- Sat, June 28, 2008
So it’s official: the Cycle to Walk campaign is now in Thunder Bay. We’re nearing the halfway point of our 7200 km journey to Cape Spear, NL, and in my mind, it’s already been a great success. People young and old are talking about polio once again. We’ve had well over 100 media interviews since the campaign began, and to date, people have contributed a total of $237,179.00 in sponsorships and donations. Thanks so much everyone. The team is looking forward to being in the Thunder Bay area over the next couple of days to spread the message, rest, and motivate Canada to show the world what we can do when we work together.
Day 77 - Kakabeka Falls, Ontario - 111 km
- Fri, June 27, 2008
I’ve been to this place many times before and there’s always a special feeling in the air. Times have changed since my last visit, but I’ve arrived at Kakabeka Falls with the love of my life – my 27-speed hand cycle and the message of Cycle to Walk.
Day 76 - Upsala, Ontario - 104 km
- Thu, June 26, 2008
Al Johnston, an enthusiastic Cycle to Walk supporter, paid the team a second visit this morning. We met up with Al and his wife Kathy last week when they welcomed the team to Ontario at the provincial border. Kathy sent her best to all of us, as she wasn’t able to join us this time around. Al and Kathy, you two have been great supporters of the cause, and it means a lot to me.
Day 75 - Ignace, Ontario - 110 km - 3000 km
- Wed, June 25, 2008
We hit the 3000 km mark of the campaign this morning in Wabigoon, ON, and we are so energized by this milestone. Campaign headquarters has just informed us that the total value of contributions to date is just over $211,000. There’ll be more where that came from: Bertha was busy counting up donations today.
Day 74 - Dryden, Ontario - 42 km
- Tue, June 24, 2008
I’m so happy that my body is standing up to the challenges of the Cycle to Walk tour. I finally took the support wrap off of my ankle today, and it feels great! It seems as though the longer I’m on the road, the healthier and stronger I feel. Today I hand cycled half the way to Dryden from Vermilion Bay without taking a break (23 km). Perhaps not seeing a Lynx, or any other wild animal for that matter, gave me the extra boost I needed!
Day 73 - Vermilion Bay, Ontario - 92 km
- Mon, June 23, 2008
This morning started off with a nice 30 km hand cycle towards Vermilion Bay fueled by another gourmet breakfast served by our hosts, Larry and Marilyn Buhler. The team then headed back to Kenora to attend a noon meeting at the Kenora Rotary Club. Thank you to President Jim Retson and everyone at the Kenora Rotary Club for your donations, and for the support you have shown to us over these past couple of days. Before we said goodbye to Kenora and carried forth on our journey, we stopped for groceries and a bank deposit before checking bus schedules to arrange for Chris to travel ahead of the team and assist with preparations for Thunder Bay.
Day 72 - Kenora, Ontario - Non-Cycling Day
- Sun, June 22, 2008
The Very Reverend Hugh Matheson and St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral warmly welcomed the Cycle to Walk team this morning as part of its community waffle house fundraiser for the church. Thanks to everyone for supporting the Cycle to Walk by donating and by purchasing t-shirts. While I was at the booth, a couple who used to live in the Yukon, Murray and Carol Morison, approached me and said they both appreciated all the work that was being done by Cycle to Walk.
Day 71 - Kenora, Ontario - Parade Cycling
- Sat, June 21, 2008
Members of the Kenora Rotary Club have been so supportive of Cycle to Walk while we’ve been in town. Jim Retson, Rod Riopel, Lloyd Mack, Buck Matiowski, and Larry Buhler have assisted in arranging events, press coverage, accommodations, meals, and so much more to ensure that the Cycle to Walk message would be heard in Kenora.
Day 70 - Kenora, Ontario - Non-Cycling Day
- Fri, June 20, 2008
Below are some of the questions from students I answered today while visiting Ecole Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys here in Kenora. Today’s visit was my last school presentation until classes resume again in September. Thank you to everyone for showing so much interest in the Cycle to Walk today. It’s important that we all work together to educate others about polio and the need to get rid of it forever, and to assist polio survivors in poor countries.
Day 69 - Kenora, Ontario - 69 KM
- Thu, June 19, 2008
The team is ecstatic to have just rolled into the province of Ontario. We arrived in Kenora around dinner time and were warmly welcomed by Rotarian Larry Buhler at the infamous Huskey the Muskey Fish in downtown Kenora.
Day 68 - Falcon Lake, Manitoba - 132 km (Record)
- Wed, June 18, 2008
It has been wonderful to spend the last couple of days in the Winnipeg area. Today the team left the city with renewed energy and excitement to spread the Cycle to Walk message.
The temperature reached +27 making today the hottest I’ve ever hand-cycled in my life. It’s nice to hear the CB radios are working and truckers are talking to each other about Cycle to Walk. Mid-morning, the team reached the longitudinal centre of Canada - what a great accomplishment that was.
Day 67 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Wrap Up!
- Tue, June 17, 2008
We had originally decided for today to be a cycling day, however, the team collectively decided that it would be best to stay put in Winnipeg for just a little longer. We’re quickly approaching the longitudinal centre point of Canada, which is a very exciting milestone. Kilometre-wise, we will reach our midpoint east of Thunder Bay, ON.
Day 66 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Non-Cycling
- Mon, June 16, 2008
What a jam-packed day here in Winnipeg. It started out with travels to Citytv for 7 am so Cycle to Walk could appear on the Breakfast Television morning show with John Ljungberg. At 10:00 am, Ari Lahdekorpi and Jackie Madden hosted a fundraising bake auction for Cycle to Walk at their RE/MAX professionals office. Cookies were eaten, donations were given, and connections to polio were shared. Thanks to everyone at RE/MAX for showing your support for Cycle to Walk. Perhaps your involvement will challenge other RE/MAX agents across Canada to show their support as well.
Day 65 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - 12 km
- Sun, June 15, 2008
This Father’s Day Sunday, the team was welcomed by Anglican Bishop Donald Phillips, his wife Nancy, Rev. Canon Bill Oakley, and the parishioners of St. Bartholomew Anglican Church. Many people from the congregation approached us with donations and words of encouragement after the service, and the team had no choice but to remain in our pew as a result of the overwhelming support. Thank you so much to everyone for providing Cycle to Walk with the opportunity to share its message, for the donations, and for the kind words. It warmed our hearts.
Day 64 - Winnipeg, Manitoba- 8 km
- Sat, June 14, 2008
A full day of Cycle to Walk community engagement activities took place all because of the hard work of David and Gen Woods and the Rotaract Club of Winnipeg. Rotaractors, Rotarians, and people from around the city met at the East Gate of Assiniboine Park to cycle with me to Oodena Circle at The Forks. Cycle to Walk rode through the leafy streets of Winnipeg in style with a full escort. It was wonderful to have members of the Winnipeg Police Service there to ensure everyone’s safety.
Day 63 - Winnipeg - My own miracles in life!
- Fri, June 13, 2008
In 1981 my biological mother in India, Lakshmi, made one the biggest decisions of her life, so I could have a better life. I contracted polio 25 years after the world had a prevention. Polio paralyzed my legs, and my mother could not give me the care I needed. I was placed in an orphanage, and my Canadian parents, Ron and Jan Ferris, began the lengthy process of bringing me to Canada.
2 Months - Winnipeg, Manitoba - 71 km
- Thu, June 12, 2008
This morning I awoke in Portage La Prairie at the home of Brent and Debbie Gilbert. As I was about to wash my hands, I noticed there was a bar of soap with plastic wrapping which read, “Thank you for being here.” This made me feel so appreciated and it was a little reminder to me that this campaign is accomplishing great things. Sometimes you don’t have to look far; the message may be in the soap. Thanks so much to Brent and Debbie Gilbert and Owen and Paula McKenzie for opening up your homes to the team.
Crossing Canada for polio awareness
- Thu, June 12, 2008
Day 61 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba - 54 Km
- Wed, June 11, 2008
Today’s cycling day is one worth not repeating, as it went straight into extremely strong easterly winds. At some points of the day, I was traveling at no more than six km/h on flat land, but the team’s positive attitude and hard work kept my spirits up.
Day 60 - Austin, Manitoba - 75 km
- Tue, June 10, 2008
This morning, as I looked through the Brandon Sun, I was thrilled to see that the Cycle to Walk campaign received news coverage on page 2. Linda, one of our wonderful hosts in Brandon, has been so great to us while we’ve been in town. This morning, she had fresh cinnamon buns ready for the whole team before we left. Linda, your hospitality and support have been wonderful, and the whole team looks forward to meeting up with you again next Monday at the Post Polio Network Manitoba barbecue in Winnipeg. I’m in awe of the number of people we meet across the country who have been affected by polio - both directly and indirectly. It’s a learning opportunity for me to see how people like Linda manage with the effects of polio, and it’s inspiring to meet people such as her.
Day 59 - Brandon, Manitoba - Wrap Up!
- Mon, June 9, 2008
Today started with an opportunity to speak with Sandi Coleman of CBC Radio up in Whitehorse on A New Day. I really enjoy updating Yukoners on the Cycle to Walk. There’s so much support from my home territory, and it means a lot to me. Thanks, Yukon!
Day 58 - Brandon, Manitoba - Non-Cycling Day
- Sun, June 8, 2008
The first thing we did this morning was take a trip to the hospital to remove my cast. Yeah! After an assessment, I was told to take care when walking, to wrap my ankle with Tensor Bandages, and to wear a supportive walking shoe for the next couple of weeks. From the Brandon Hospital it was off to St. George`s Anglican Church where I caught the tail-end of the service and had an opportunity to spread the message of Cycle to Walk with the Reverend Jim Brown and his parishioners.
Day 57 - Brandon, Manitoba - 52 km
- Sat, June 7, 2008
Today was a nice relaxing ride into the Brandon area. Residents of Brandon were introduced to the Cycle to Walk polio campaign on the air waves thanks to AM CKLQ 880 and STAR 94.7 FM. Thanks to both radio stations for the Cycle to Walk promotions. Many people honked their horns, gave a thumbs-up, and cheered as we approached the Brandon area. After an interview with CKX TV, the team enjoyed a leisurely evening with our hosts Linda Wilkins from the Post Polio Network of Manitoba, and Reverend Jim Brown and his wife Jackie from St. George’s Anglican Church.
Day 56 - Virden, MB - 89 km
- Fri, June 6, 2008
Today was one of only three days since we hit the prairies that there was no easterly headwind to battle. What a treat! The western winds were blowing strong all day, providing tailwinds that helped me hand cycle 89 km in 3 hrs and 29 min.
Day 55 - Moosomin, SK - 73 km
- Thu, June 5, 2008
Today was the team’s last full cycling day in the Province of Saskatchewan, and like most days over the past couple of weeks, there was a strong easterly wind. For most of the day I felt alone out there on the road, and didn’t think I would have a whole lot to write about in the blog. I’m happy to say that by the end of the day, things changed.
Day 54 - Broadview, SK - 82 km
- Wed, June 4, 2008
Today was just a beautiful day of dreams. The Cycle to Walk team started its day saying goodbye to our new friends, Audrey & Jim at Cornerhouse B&B. Thanks Audrey the great breakfast! Indian Head High School invited Cycle to Walk to share its message of Polio Eradication, Education, and Rehabilitation with students. A young man excitedly shared his dream of cycling across Canada when he is older to raise funds and awareness for a cause. I encouraged him to remain focused and positive, and wish that he, too, will be able to achieve his dreams.
Day 53 - Indian Head, SK - 61 km
- Tue, June 3, 2008
It was another grueling day of rain and intense easterly headwinds today. Anglican Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson joined me for the first part of the day, and we cycled together out of the Regina area.
Day 52 - Regina - Non-cycling day
- Mon, June 2, 2008
The joy of effort is one of the main motivational themes for students at Jack MacKenzie Elementary School. Today was a joyous one indeed, The team was welcomed to the School by Mr. Jack MacKenzie himself, and Brad Howard, Principal of the School. There, we shared Cycle to Walk’s message of Polio Eradication, Education, and Rehabilitation with the students, which is one of my favourite aspects of this campaign. I feel that the joy of effort is a motto that fits very well with the Cycle to Walk campaign. I feel joy in knowing that the effort put in to the Cycle to Walk campaign will help children around the world live lives without polio, and help polio survivors live with dignity, and not in the dirt. Thanks to Mr. Mackenzie and all of the students and staff for your excitement and support for the Cycle to Walk campaign.
Raising awareness, funds for polio prevention
- Mon, June 2, 2008
Day 51 - Regina, SK - 13 km
- Sun, June 1, 2008
Today was another beautiful day for the Cycle to Walk team in the prairie city of Regina. This morning, Cycle to Walk visited the Living Spirit Community Centre to share the message of polio eradication, education and rehabilitation. The centre is the church-home for Anglican, Lutheran, and United Church members, and there are services scheduled for the different denominations at different times. It was great to sit down with the children to talk about polio and about Cycle to Walk. Several kids even tried out the hand cycle that’s taken us from the coast, through the mountains, and in to the prairies.
“Bishop’s son cycles for a cause”
- Sun, June 1, 2008
Hike to Walk - Thanks, Golden Horn Elementary!
- Sun, June 1, 2008
Thank you so much to all of the hard working students at Golden Horn Elementary School in Whitehorse, Yukon for their recent “Hike to Walk” fundraiser in support of the Cycle to Walk polio campaign!
It touches my heart to know that people in my hometown and throughout this great country are rallying together to help their communities understand that polio is still something we need to focus on. Thanks Golden Horn School - you are truly making a difference, and all of you are in my thoughts as I hand cycle across Canada to raise funds and awareness for polio eradication, education and rehabilitation efforts.
