So I was cycling across Sudan on a fixed gear bicycle, as you do, having never before cycled further than 10km. On the very first day I thought to l myself, “you know, Canada would be an interesting country to cycle across. I should cycle across Canada.” And well, here I am …. about to cycle across Canada.

Never one to take the easy road, I’m taking the long way around – up to 11,000 km in total.

I’m a travel writer, after all, so I’ve fashioned a route that follows the ‘stories’, taking in the best and quirkiest that each of Canada’s 10 provinces has to offer with a goal of keeping you entertained by sharing a story a day.

I don’t want to give it ALL away! But there will be fun cuisine, distinctly Canadian experiences, interesting architecture, brushes with celebrity, inspiring interviews and no doubt a few tears as I test my fortitude and stamina over 153 days of cycling.

Sudan

Sudan

I don’t expect it to be easy. Nothing ever worth accomplishing ever is. I’m not too proud to say I’m nervous, but I’m also determined. Your cheers, your well wishes, your encouragement will go a long way. I’m also personally motivated. I’m doing this ride for mental health charities in four countries and I can’t think of a better carrot to edge me forward on those windy days, rainy days, exhausted days than knowing that my efforts are earning your charitable donations.

I’ve spent months researching and planning this cross country cycle. I’ve created the perfect schedule, but we all know, nothing ever goes to plan, and isn’t that when the fun really starts?

Moose - British Colombia

Hopewell Rocks – New Brunswick

Canada. The second largest country in the world. Home of a hip prime minister, friendly people and a tapestry of cultures peacefully woven together but individually celebrated. I’ll be cycling East to West, starting in Atlantic Canada or The Maritimes – Cape Spear in Newfoundland to be exact, then onto Nova Scotia, then Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, before moving onto Quebec, where I’m hoping to flex my French and even improve upon it.

From there, it’s onto Ottawa to shake the Prime Minister’s hand (Oprah says, if you don’t dream it, it won’t happen) and into Ontario, Canada’s most populous province. Next come The Prairies: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, with their wide-open spaces and, hopefully, favourable winds (some say they’ll be against me, but I’m up for the challenge.) Finally, it’s into British Colombia, up a few hills they call The Rockies, then I’ll roll down the other side and onto the finish line celebrating with a swim in the Pacific at Tofino.

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

British Colombia

Why cycle?

Well I hate walking and I don’t own a car. I’m not adverse to public transport, but it never seems to where I want to go (and the bathroom breaks are never long enough). Whereas on a bike I feel 17 again, the world is passing by at speed, but not so fast that I can’t take it all in, every last incredible detail. I leave when I want and I arrive fitter than when I left. In cities, I swear I’m faster than most traffic. And who can beat the door to door parking when any lamppost will do!? On long country roads, cycling becomes meditative, allowing me to get lost in thought while still communing with nature, soaking in my surroundings.

Saskatchewan

Ontario

Newfoundland

Why cycle across Canada?

Well, it’s big – I’ll be cycling a distance more than ¼ of earth’s circumference. It’s beautiful. It’s diverse. It’s welcoming. And there are large parts of it I haven’t seen.

Alberta

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse - Nova Scotia

Quebec

Why cycle across Canada for mental health?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve battled with depression, a black dog that regularly nips at my heels. On good days, it walks behind me. On bad days, it blocks my path. Over the years, I’ve developed the tools to recognise its onset, to tame it and even manage it. That’s not to say it’s gone. It’s there. It’s always there and there are times when it gets the better of me. But never when I’m fully engaged, fully present. And that’s what travel does for me, keeps me in the moment.

But while depression is my battle. Others have different challenges.
Along the way I plan to speak with Atlantic fisherman to Pacific lumberjacks, from First Nations bands to recent refugees, from country farmers to city financiers, from the youth to the elderly, from the isolated to the surrounded – to get a snapshot of mental health from a cross-section of Canadians.
This cycle is about conversation. Openness. Discovery. Understanding. Insight into each other.
As a friend with bipolar once said to me, ‘Gosh I wouldn’t want to have your depression, at least with bipolar, I get to be up some of the time. But you, you must always be down’

(You see, it’s all a matter of perspective!) 😊

Alberta

While I’d love you to donate, I definitely need sponsors to help me get across this oh-so wide land. So if you’re a business or corporation, or even an individual, that’s happy to assist, I’d definitely be grateful for any financial or product offers. Please reach out via the contact form or email me directly at michael@joyridecanada.com

I will be riding for a number of mental health charities around the world, primarily in Canada, Australia, UK and the USA to ensure that any monies raised remain domestically and dedicated to local initiatives, plus you get a tax receipt! (If you are from outside one of these countries and would like to donate, contact me directly and we can figure something out.)

To donate click on one the charity links below that will take you to a Joyride donation page in your country.

I would love to hear from you

If I’m passing through your town and you have time to speak, reach out.

If you’re outside of Canada, leave a message or share your story on the message board.