Follow Ramesh's Journey

This morning the team relaxed at the home of Reid and Mary Asselstine prior to going to Couchiching Beach Park to meet with a reporter from the Orillia Packet and Times. While at the park, we met up with lifeguards from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department performing drills on the beach. Everyone was excited to hear about the message of Cycle to Walk and were quite shocked to hear that parks, schools, and pools were frequently shut down in the 1950s because of the fear of polio – it struck the lives of all Canadian in every community, town, and city.
The weather was perfect this evening for a community cycle. A number of local cyclists came out, and I was surprised when I saw my cousins Kelly and Glenn Kay arrived at the start point with their bikes. Shortly after speaking about Cycle to Walk to the people in the Blue Mountain Village Square, the team attended a Cycle to Walk fundraising dinner hosted by the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club. A big thank you to Stephen Couchman for all of his efforts in organizing the event. The club made a significant contribution to polio eradication in Cycle to Walk’s name.

To my big surprise, I was greeted by two friends from the Yukon, Danielle Lang and Mike Nixon, who planned their holiday to ensure they could attend the Cycle to Walk fundraiser. The presentation tonight was the first one I completed out-side in a patio setting. Centro Restaurant did a great job preparing the meals, and it seemed as though everyone had a wonderful time.

Afterward the formal presentation, Cycle to Walk had an impromptu opportunity to spread the message to many children and parents who were enjoying the entertainment in the square. Thanks to the musical entertainment for sharing the stage with us and for providing us the opportunity to talk about Cycle to Walk and polio.

Today was yet another exciting and diverse day out here on the road. Thanks to everyone for listening to our message and for making Cycle to Walk grow even more. When the World Health Organization eventually declares this a polio-free world, we can all be proud that we played a part in it!

The team has comfortable places to stay over the next couple of days, thanks to the great hospitality of Stephen and Cathy Couchman, and Steve and Helene Schofield. We really appreciate all you’re doing for us. Thank you so much!