participant that contacted them through the bike tour website, to stay with his friend Sylvain, after all Canada World Youth is just a big family. They spend the night and enjoy a warm shower, a fresh meal and a comfortable bed. On May 7th
, Jamie and Ben
leave New Brunswick to arrive in their fifth province, Quebec. Along the road they are once again greeted by a friendly face, but this time it’s Irene and Chris- tina Rooney! Jamie’s mother and sister. The four have a happy reunion that night as they camp out in Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC, where Jamie and Ben recount stories from their early travels while sitting by the camp fire. The next day is Mother’s Day and the four spend it together before continuing South along the St- Lawrence River. From there until they reach Winnipeg Manitoba, Christina will join them on the road, allowing for more down- time as they rotate their cycling order. Irene will follow them with a camper, with the gear in the car. Next stop, Montreal and then off to Ottawa, where they
are hoping to meet new friends and maybe some elected officials willing to support their cause.
A lot of road to go
Jamie and Ben
have travelled over 2,300 km to this point, with the bulk of their journey still ahead of them. So far they have faced foul weather, have changed about four flat tires each, fell more times then they care to remember (the clipped pedals are a real challenge for two cyclists used to mountain bikes), made new friends and had adventures that will become last- ing memories; but above all, they are challenging themselves to accomplish something great, and for that we should all feel truly inspired.
To date, Jamie and Ben raised
over $7,000 for Canada World Youth and projects in the com- munity of Inhambane, Mozam- bique. Throughout it all they have received messages of en- couragement and support from family, friends and fellow Canada World Youth participant’s all of whom are cheering for them from a distance. So if over the next two months,
if you see a pair of bikers pedal- ling hard across the country, stop to cheer them on, offer a warm meal or sheltered bed, or make a donation to support their efforts. But above all else, next time you feel challenged, think of Jamie and Ben as they continue their cross-country bike tour. To follow Jamie and Ben’s bike
tour blog visit:
www.bikingcanada.webs.com To make a donation visit the Canada World Youth Jamie and Ben bike tour page.
42 ottawaoutdoors
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
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