Follow Ramesh's Journey - Archives
Day 142 - Fredericton, New Brunswick - Non-Cycling
- Sun, August 31, 2008
This morning we drove ahead of the route to be welcomed by The Right Reverend Dr. Claude Miller, The Very Reverend Keith Joyce and members of Christ Church Cathedral in Fredericton. It was wonderful to be able to speak at church today, as the church encompasses so many people from within the community. Today the team was able to connect with polio survivors, Rotarians, church leaders, young people thirsty to learn more about polio, and older people who recalled living in fear of polio during those dreadful days of 1950s.
Day 141 - Florenceville, New Brunswick - Non-Cycling
- Sat, August 30, 2008
We’re staying in lovely Florenceville, New Brunswick – French Fry Capital of the World. The team learned much about the history of potatoes this afternoon when our guide Alex toured us through the nearby Potato World museum. After the tour, I delivered a Cycle to Walk presentation to visitors and guests – including Allison McCain, Chairman of McCain Foods Limited, his wife Clare, and two Directors of the Harrison McCain Foundation, Steve Appleby and Marilyn Strong.
Day 140 - Woodstock, New Brunswick 109 km - 6000 km mark!
- Fri, August 29, 2008
What an exciting day! Cycle to Walk is truly now into its home stretch now that the team rolled over its 6000 km mark. Everyone is positive, spirits are up, people are healthy, and we’re all just so excited to continue to spread the message of polio eradication, education, and rehabilitation further east!
Day 139 - Grand Falls, New Brunswick - 93km
- Thu, August 28, 2008
I may disappoint some Yukoners by saying this, but one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to tackle over the past couple of days is the heat! Today was another hot day – the temperature reached 28 degrees and stayed that way for most of the day. We crossed into New Brunswick just before lunch, and we found that this province is not nearly as flat as Québec! We are just ecstatic to be sharing the message of Cycle to Walk with yet another province. It feels weird, though, for all of us to cross a provincial border after just two weeks: Before Québec we had been in (enormous) Ontario for two months!
Day 138 - Dégelis, Quebec - 85 km
- Wed, August 27, 2008
Today was a special day not only because it was our last full cycling day in Québec, but also because a certain someone on the team celebrated her birthday! Happy birthday, Bertha! I bet that never in your wildest dreams did you think you’d ever spend your birthday in an RV going 3 km/h up hills all day on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Cross-Canada hand cyclist arriving in valley this week
- Wed, August 27, 2008
Day 137 - Rivière-du-Loup, Québec – 57 km
- Tue, August 26, 2008
Our hosts Mario and Lise cooked us an amazing breakfast this morning before we set forth once again on our Cycle to Walk journey. Signs that summer is ending are starting to creep up here and there: mornings are cool and the fall leaves are beginning to show their colours. We’re quickly approaching the month of September, and I’m noticing many vehicles packed full of belongings racing eastward. Students are returning to school.
Day 136 - Rivière-Ouelle, Québec- 74 km
- Mon, August 25, 2008
Before we began cycling today, it was off to CBC Radio in Québec City to share the message of Cycle to Walk across the province on Quebec AM. We departed the city for the last time shortly thereafter so we could make it to Montmagny City Hall to meet with Mayor Jean-Guy Desresier and several members of the Rotary Club of Montmagny. Everyone in the welcoming party was extremely supportive of Cycle to Walk and was so happy that we stopped in to say hello and share the message of polio eradication, education, and rehabilitation.
Day 135- Québec City, Québec- Non-Cycling
- Sun, August 24, 2008
The Very Reverend Christian Schreiner and members of the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity gave the Cycle to Walk team a warm welcome at its 11 AM service in the heart of Old Québec. To our surprise, the congregation was treated to beautiful music throughout the service performed by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (United Kingdom).
Day 134 - Just outside of Montmagny, Québec - 58 km
- Sat, August 23, 2008
Québecers are giving Cycle to Walk thumbs up everywhere! Although it was a short sleep given the Celine Dion concert last night, the team was energized and we were ready to go for another day of Cycle to Walk action bright and early!
Cycle to Walk is a journey of awakening
- Sat, August 23, 2008
Day 133 - Québec City, Québec - Non-Cycling
- Fri, August 22, 2008
A New Day Has Come, and that means another exciting opportunity to spread the message of the Cycle to Walk polio campaign here in Québec City. The team headed into the old city centre where we met with City Councilors André Demers and Lisette Lapage, who welcomed us warmly, provided the team with words of encouragement, and invited us to sign the Golden Book of the city.
Rouler pour vaincre la polio : le défi de Ramesh Ferris
- Fri, August 22, 2008
Day 132 - Québec City, Québec - 129 km
- Thu, August 21, 2008
I’m in awe of the beauty of the banks of the St. Lawrence! Today was such a brilliant day for hand cycling, with hot weather and cool tailwinds coming off the St. Lawrence. Today’s route had the team travelling along the Chemin du Roy – The King’s Highway – which hugged the riverbank for most of the day. When we weren’t travelling along the river, we were nestled between beautiful old communities, churches, and bridges. Many residents applauded our arrival into their towns.
Day 131 - Trois Rivières, Quebec - 56km
- Wed, August 20, 2008
Many of the world’s 10-to-20 million polio survivors don’t have access to rehabilitative supports such as braces and crutches. This reality forces them to crawl around through the streets of their communities.
Polio survivor handcycles to “Eradicate, educate, rehabilitate”
- Wed, August 20, 2008
À la conquête du Canada contre la polio
- Wed, August 20, 2008
Day 130 - Montréal/Laval, Québec - Non-Cycling
- Tue, August 19, 2008
Today was great! We drove into Montréal bright and early to join Kim, Pete and Merv on 97.7 CHOM FM’s morning show. We went live at 8:10 am and had a great time with everyone in the studio. Fred Avertick, a local communications specialist, met us at the station. Fred has been working with Chris to help attract media in the Montréal area, and he joined us for the first half of the day.
Cycle to Walk contre la poliomyélite - Montréal accueille M. Ramesh Ferris
- Tue, August 19, 2008
Cycle to Walk to fight against polio - Montréal welcomes Ramesh Ferris
- Tue, August 19, 2008
Day 129 - Laval/Montreal, Québec - Escorted Cycle
- Mon, August 18, 2008
Québec’s support for Cycle to Walk is definitely growing, and we’re excited! Today, members of the CATAL retired cyclists club greeted the team along with Rotarians and representatives of the City of Laval. Everyone participated in a nice police-escorted cycle through the streets and had a wonderful time. A big thanks to the service de la police de la Ville de Laval for keeping everyone safe, and to Johanne Lachapelle who helped co-ordinate the event from the top!
Ferris wheels across Canada to fight polio
- Mon, August 18, 2008
Day 128 - Berthierville, Quebec - Non-Cycling
- Sun, August 17, 2008
Today was a lovely day in Berthierville. We took the time to study maps, clean the RV, do laundry, send emails, and finalize details about the journey ahead. In the afternoon, I met with young cadets taking a rest from their bus ride and spoke with them about polio and what Cycle to Walk is all about.
Day 127 - Maskinongé, Quebec - 157 km (Personal Best)
- Sat, August 16, 2008
It’s amazing to see how the weather can change over the course of one day. This morning greeted us with cool air and a thick blanket of fog. We hadn’t seen fog like this since we were travelling through the mountains in BC. Prior to hitting the road for the day, I was interviewed over the phone with a reporter from the Chronicle Telegraph, a Quebec City-based newspaper. The fog lifted shortly afterwards, and we were ready to roll.
Polio: The real ‘Terminator’
- Sat, August 16, 2008
Day 126 - Lachute, Québec - 43 km
- Fri, August 15, 2008
The team crossed the Ottawa River and officially rolled into Québec today. We are all just so excited that it’s time for Cycle to Walk to share its message with ‘La belle province.’
Day 125 - Alexandria, Ontario - 93 km
- Thu, August 14, 2008
It feels great to be back on the road after having several non-cycling days in the Ottawa area. Today the team progressed 93 km, participated in two media interviews, and spoke with a good number of people about Cycle to Walk. Today was John’s first day on the road, and he fit right in. He’s going to be a great asset to the team.
Day 124 - Ottawa, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Wed, August 13, 2008
Today was a cool but pleasant day to enjoy a hand cycle along the Rideau Canal, which is a World Heritage Site. Deirdre, an Ottawa native and a teacher, joined me for the ride. She told me about her recent trip to Guyana where she witnessed first-hand the reality for many polio survivors who must crawl to get around. Deirdre was so excited to hear of the Cycle to Walk polio campaign that she took me on a tour through Ottawa and cycled all along the canal with me.
Day 123 - Ottawa, Ontario - Cycle to Walk meets with the Prime Minister of Canada
- Tue, August 12, 2008
Just when we thought the campaign couldn’t get any bigger, it did. Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with the Cycle to Walk team today! It was such an honour for the team – both on the road and back in Whitehorse – to have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Harper in his Ottawa office.
Video of Ramesh meeting the Leader of the Official Opposition, Stéphane Dion
- Mon, August 11, 2008
Day 122 - Ottawa, Ontario- Cycle to Walk Meets with Stéphane Dion
- Mon, August 11, 2008
People say that Yukon MP Larry Bagnell is everywhere, and I believe it. The team had a wonderful visit with Larry as he hosted us at Parliament Hill today. We were sure to arrive early so we could all watch the Changing of the Guard and have a look around.
Day 121 - Kemptville, Ontario - 26 km
- Sun, August 10, 2008
Today marks Carly Ray’s final day on the road. When we leave Ottawa, she’ll be heading back home in the other direction. It has been such a pleasure to have Carly on the team. She has brought an upbeat, positive attitude to the team, and has worked incredibly hard for this campaign. Thanks so much Carly for volunteering your time over the past three months to assist in spreading the important message of Cycle to Walk to as many Canadians possible. The team will miss your corny jokes, your RV driving skills (Soft Shoulders), your spontaneous song and dance numbers, and of course, that wonderful smile!
Day 120 - Merrickville, Ontario - 114 km - 5000 km mark!
- Sat, August 9, 2008
Today the campaign crossed over the 5000 km mark. To the board of directors of the Cycle to Walk Society, volunteers, staff, and of course, the en-route team members, I appreciate everything you’re doing for this campaign. Thanks to everyone for all the amazing work you’ve done to get us this far into the journey.
Day 119 – Kaladar, Ontario - 109 km
- Fri, August 8, 2008
Gordon and Adele, our wonderful hosts, joined the team this morning to see us off. I figured we wouldn’t see one another again for some time, but it turns out I forgot my jacket at their house back in Peterborough. Thanks very much, Gordon and Adele, for driving out and returning my jacket. I’m going to keep a closer eye on my stuff from now on!
Polio survivor aims to raise $1M for cause
- Fri, August 8, 2008
Day 118 - Peterborough, Ontario - 72 km
- Thu, August 7, 2008
Okay, so I think every person, pet and passer-by in Peterborough now knows about Cycle to Walk. Thanks to the wonderful - and loud - police escort that was provided by Constable Dan Gemmiti, his wife Jill, and their daughters Olivia and Quinn. Constable Dan took the team through the main streets of Peterborough to the Holiday Inn where the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha, the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Rotary Club, and members of St. John ‘s Anglican Church warmly greeted us.
Day 117 - Lindsay, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Wed, August 6, 2008
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Going through rehabilitation can be painful, depressing, and lonely, and sometimes it’s hard to put on a smile. Today we visited Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation centre, Bloorview Kids Rehab, and were greeted by many smiling faces. Andrea, the organization’s communications coordinator, worked with the Cycle to Walk team to ensure that we could share our message with some of the kids and staff.
His aim: to rid the world of polio
- Wed, August 6, 2008
Cycle to Walk meets the Toronto Blue Jays!
- Tue, August 5, 2008
Tonight, Cycle to Walk was featured at the Toronto Blue Jays’ game against the Oakland Athletics. Beginning with our arrival at the Rogers Centre, Mike Volpatti, Director of Community Relations for the Blue Jays, ensured that we were well looked-after. Mike arranged complimentary tickets for the whole team, and made Cycle to Walk a part of the pre-game events.
Day 116 - Toronto, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Tue, August 5, 2008
Today started off great, and just kept getting better! As I was having breakfast, I saw that Cycle to Walk got some coverage in the Toronto Star. I headed back to the residence at Wycliffe College and the receptionist showed me that Cycle to Walk had made front page of Metro Toronto as well. The Cycle to Walk campaign had some great opportunities to share its message with so many leaders, and others in the Toronto area today. The team travelled to Queen’s Park and had a wonderful visit with The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. His Honour took the time to find out how each of the road team members got involved with the Cycle to Walk, expressed his support for the campaign, and thanked everyone for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of eradicating polio. Thank you so much, Your Honour, for taking the time to meet with the team. It’s inspirational for me to visit with other polio survivors such as yourself who have remained positive and focused on strengths and abilities to become successful leaders. You are a great role model.
Day 115 - Toronto, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Mon, August 4, 2008
Well, family has always been important to me, so I visited my Aunt Marian, Uncle John, and Gram this morning with my brother Matt and sister-in-law Lynda. After a great visit, Matt, Lynda and I met the team at the ferry terminal and we headed to Toronto Island for the afternoon. Chris’ hard work paid off and our Toronto Island trip attracted a number of media hits as both Global News and Citytv took the time to visit with us and learn more about the Cycle to Walk campaign.
Ramesh on Toronto Global TV and CityTV
- Mon, August 4, 2008
Day 114 - Toronto, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Sun, August 3, 2008
Well, after our wonderful overnight stay in Barrie’s Roberta Place Retirement Lodge, I must say I’m now looking forward to my own retirement! Rotarian Alex Jarlette kindly arranged accommodations for the entire team, and it was a great experience. We each had wonderfully-furnished, clean and spacious rooms, and everyone welcomed us with open arms, happy to learn about Cycle to Walk. I gave a presentation to the residents this morning, and afterwards, many people came and shared stories about how polio had touched their own lives. People in my generation really have no comprehension about living life in fear of polio.
Day 113 - Wasaga Beach, Midland and Penetanguishene, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Sat, August 2, 2008
After saying goodbye to our gracious hosts in Thornbury, the team drove into Wasaga Beach to meet with Guy Puccini, a Rotarian and owner of the local Beacon Restaurant. Guy generously provided the campaign with a sponsorship, as well as a round of coffees for Chris, Carly, and Bertha. Cycle to Walk is attracting a lot of interest: even Beacon’s head chef, Richard, took time out of his work day to learn more about polio. After Doug got a haircut and we finished an interview with the Wasaga Sun, the team progressed to Penetanguishene and was welcomed to the King’s Warf Theatre by Rotarian Rod Ferguson. We then saw a wonderful play headed up by Neil Atchison, who had us in stitches from curtain to curtain.
Day 112 - Collingwood/Thornbury, Ontario - Non-Cycling
- Fri, August 1, 2008
Today I would like to highlight the hard work of Doug Ayers, Cycle to Walk’s en-route tour manager. Doug has been a member of the Whitehorse Rotary Club for many years. He firmly believes that working together can lead to a polio-free world and has supported Rotary International’s PolioPlus program since it’s inception in 1985. Doug was excited to get involved with the Cycle to Walk campaign from the get go. He believes in the message of Cycle to Walk so much that took a 6-month leave of absence from court reporting so he could volunteer his time and spread the message to as many Canadians as possible.
