Follow Ramesh's Journey

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.

The community of Portage La Prairie was ecstatic that Cycle to Walk was coming through town.  There were advertisements in the local newspaper and the Rotary Club arranged a special meeting for its members at Yellowquill School, where the team was able to share the Cycle to Walk message. Many of the Rotarians asked questions, expressed their interest, and made donations. Shortly after meeting with the Rotarians in the school library, I was able to speak with just over a hundred schoolchildren from grades 1-4.  All of the children I spoke with were very interested in the Cycle to Walk campaign, however I did catch a yawner!  After the visit, I cycled from the school to City Hall, accompanied by Paula and Rotary Youth Exchange students Claire and Samantha.  We were welcomed by mayor Ken Brennan and some staff members.  Mayor Brennan was so excited about Cycle to Walk that he made a personal donation on the spot!  Thanks Mayor Brennan and all the community members of Portage La Prairie for opening up your hearts to the Cycle to Walk team.  We appreciate your kindness so much. A big thank you to Owen and Paula for all your organization of events for Cycle to Walk.

After meeting with Mayor Brennan, I thought I would try something new today:  hand-cycling in the wind!  Though there was still a strong crosswind today, it was much better than yesterday’s “6km in one hour” business. With all of the wind I’ve had to endure over the past couple of days, I’ve decided to rename the City of Winnipeg to WIND-ipeg!  We met up with Jeremy from Global Television for a quick interview at Assiniboine Park prior to being welcomed into the Madden household. Chris must not be completely sick, annoyed, and tired of us if he’s allowing us to stay with him and his parents, Brendan and Jackie Madden, for the next 6 nights!