Follow Ramesh's Journey

The team continues to be amazed by the diversity of each and every Cycle to Walk day. We started off this morning in Owen Sound where we met with Mayor Ruth Lovell. About 25 people were on hand to learn more about the Cycle to Walk campaign and show their support. Many Rotarians that we met yesterday were in attendance, and even Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health with the Grey Bruce Health Unit came to greet us. Dr. Lynn later reaffirmed the urgency and need to eradicate polio to the people of Owen Sound, which was wonderful for us to hear.

To my surprise, the owners of local shop, Bikeface Cycling – Doug Miller and Patty Marr – brought over a hand cycle for Mayor Lovell to use. Near the end of our official visit, I enjoyed a lovely ride through the streets of Owen Sound with Mayor Lovell. After the visit, we brought the hand cycle in to Bikeface for a complimentary tune-up. Thank you to everyone in Owen Sound for the incredible support for Cycle to Walk – it’s just been fantastic, and we really appreciate it. 

I have talked about people living their dreams and raising money by going across Canada in past blogs, and I’m happy to share the story of four individuals who are hand cycling across Canada as part of the Wheel to Walk campaign for spinal cord research. It turned out that Cycle to Walk and Wheel to Walk all stayed at the same hotel last night, which caused only minor confusion for hotel staff at check in yesterday. Before checking out for the day, we had a wonderful opportunity to share with each other our dreams, challenges, and memorable road moments. We wish all the best and safe travels to the Wheel to Walk team as you journey across Canada!

In the afternoon, Mayor Francis Richardson officially welcomed Cycle to Walk to Meaford and the Rotary Club of Meaford presented a generous donation to the fight against polio. Afterwards, the team enjoyed a nice walk by the harbour and by the time we returned, I’d received a number of donations from generous people who just wanted to show their support for Cycle to Walk. We even received a $20 donation from attendants at the gas station we filled up at. It’s just wonderful to see Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life see the importance of achieving a polio-free world. No donation is too small, as every cent will make an impact in the fight against polio and the rehabilitation of polio survivors.

Jim Razeau joined me for the ride between Meaford and Thornbury. If you remember back to Day 92, Jim is a cyclist we met up with near Wawa who rode across Canada as fast as he could for the SickKids Foundation. Jim is from Meaford and he was so excited to express his support for Cycle to Walk once again. The team was greeted in Thornbury by Rotarian and hard working Cycle to Walk volunteer Stephen Couchman, his wife Cathy, and their son Sam, as well as former Rotary District Governor John Van Laar and his wife Cora, and Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary President Steve Schofield and his wife Elaine. Sam was holding smoothies for the whole team to enjoy, and they really hit the spot. It was really hot out today. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome!
The team progressed forward until dusk ending just outside of Orillia. I’m excited that the Cycle to Walk campaign is gaining stronger support and momentum as we continue east.
I at the end of the day I read a lovely letter and flipped through the photo album that was just given to me by Ruth Ann Boos, who happened to be in Victoria on holiday when Cycle to Walk launched in April. Ruth returned to Kitchener from her holiday in Victoria and has been following the Cycle to Walk campaign ever since. Thanks Ruth for the kind words of encouragement, continued support and of course, for the photo album!