August 22

 

It has been good to be home for the past few weeks, resting some tired muscles while catching up on yard work and getting back in touch with family and friends.  Since my return, the total amount of money donated to paediatric oncology and the Children's Hospital Foundation by way of this project has increased to over $36,000 and while it is not near the lofty goal of $100,000, it is significant.  Donations will continue to be accepted for the Coast to Coast for Kids initiative throughout the remainder of this 2010 year and it is my hope that the total will continue to grow. 

A special thank you is extended to all those who supported this fundraiser throughout the past few weeks and months, whether it was by donations, words of encouragement, phone calls, help with special events like the silent auction, media coverage, and purchase of equipment.  The success of any venture is not determined by one person alone, rather, it is the cumulative effort of many for a common cause which help a dream to be realized.  This was evident during the media blitz of this initiative when I came through Saskatoon on May 20th and met family, friends, school groups and others at River Landing who were cheering me on.  At that time I invited those in attendance to take a moment to 'capture a dream', to share it with those around them, and to pursue that dream with a passion.  It is my belief that pursuit of something important to each of us helps us to grow, both individually and as a community.  That day, I believe the community of Saskatoon was strengthened a little bit more and the larger dream of having a hospital for children in our province grew in stature.  Thank you for sharing that dream...your support has been motivational.

 

To my wife Vivian, children Tyson, Desiree and Cody, thanks for cheering me on and on more than one occasion, cheering 'me up'.  To Toby and Jeff from TJ'S Pizza, this whole venture would have been a struggle without your financial support...thank you for you interest, belief in this fundraiser, and commitment to it.  Shane, your expertise with computers and generous donation of time setting up and maintaining this website during a busy work schedule has been invaluable...thank you for being the communication link for this project.  Jamie, your special talent with graphic design has impressed people across Canada...your ability to take a concept and develop it into a work of art included the Coast to Coast for Kids logo, T-shirts (the special order ones received rave reviews wherever I went), letterhead, and business cards along with forms for the silent auction...thank you for your considerable time and effort, always with a smile.  To Brynn and other CHF staff, thank you for saying yes to this fundraiser and then embracing and endorsing it with excitement and for encouraging me throughout the process...you have all been wonderful to work with and you are a tremendous asset to our community.  To Gerald and staff at the Bike Doctor, thank you for patiently walking me through answers to my many questions and for giving me advice for the 'right' equipment to purchase and then, teaching me how to maintain that equipment.  To Janice and staff at Outter LImits and Ryan at  Computer Trends, thank you for your help with the purchase of equipment required for this venture. To Westjet, your corporate sponsorship with air travel to and from both ends of Canada has been a much appreciated gift which has certainly helped this cause.  And, to all the media personnel who from radio, television, and newspapers, thank you for your interest and time in sharing this initiative with a wider audience...your attention to local news items is a gift to our community and highly valued.

 

Where to from here?  Well, as stated earlier on, I encourage further donations to Coast to Coast for Kids.  This is a 2010 fundraising project with a silent auctions and bike trip across Canada having been completed.  In the four months which remain in this year, I will try to make myself available whenever possible to speak about this fundraiser, sharing highlights of my cycling experience, complete with ideas which inspired me, while offering hope for health care for children in a children's hospital setting.  If you wish to contact me in this regard, my email is wfdyck@shaw.ca     Thank you once again for your interest and support. 

Note:  Fundraising total will continue to be updated at the end of each month until Dec. 31, 2010

July 14th

Yahoo!!!   Arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland with arms raised this afternoon...what a great feeling.  Had pictures taken at 'mile zero' and at the waterfront on a beautiful, sunny day, this following a couple days of rain and mist.  Newfoundland scenery is magnificent, a kaleidoscope of colored buildings, rugged, rocky terrain accented by a rainbow of wild flowers which sometimes appear out of the fog and mist like a mirage.  This evening celebrated with my wife, Vivian with a lobster dinner and a relaxed conversation, knowing that I don't have to get to bed early in readiness for a strenuous day of biking.  This has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to sharing some of my stories in more detail upon my return...speaking of which, I will be back in Saskatoon on the 20th and shorly thereafter will make another entry bringing closure to this part of the fundraising initiative.  Thanks you so much for donating in excess of $34,000 for the children of our province...I look forward to seeing that number continue to grow and will speak more to that later...in the meantime, it's getting late out here in St. John's and my bed is calling...see you after the 20th...check the website for a couple of pictures of my arrival in St. John's.

July 11

Will be at the Argentia Ferry, leaving from North Sydney on Tuesday morning at 1 am for a 14 hour ride to Argentia, Newfoundland so that I can complete my last day of cycling, approximately 150k to St. John's on Wednesday...Took a circuitous route to get here, meeting my wife Vivian at the Halifax Airport a couple of days ago so that we could be together for our anniversary.  Appreciate all the well wishes and the kind thoughts as I near the end of this journey...the past few days have been extremely hot with a humidex hovering in the high 30s, with many hills and a strong headwind....great scenery, beautiful historic towns, and wonderful seafood which I hope to enjoy more of upon the completion of this trip.  Will provide an entry after the ride on Wednesday...look forward to being back home on the 20th.

July 5

New Brunswick, a province of contrasts, from the French in the north to the English in the south, this difference is very noticeable by the names of towns/cities and their streets.  Rugged, green, hilly, forests, farms, water, friendly people are all characteristics of the New Brunswick I've cycled through.  Plan to be in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in the next few days and am looking forward to seeing my wife Vivian, when she joins me on July 10th.  She will travel with me when I cross over to Newfoundland for the end of this trip.

Had to get new tires this weekend because the old ones were worn out...should be good till the end...the last two days have been extremely hot and humid...the legs are feeling it...

IF YOU HAVEN'T DONATED TO THE 'COAST TO COAST FOR KIDS' FUNDRAISER, PLEASE CONSIDER DOING SO....THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Have a great week! 

Thanks for the continued donations to 'Coast to Coast for Kids'.  As I near the end of this experience I often think about the many helping hands who have made this initiative possible and for the potential for helping sick children and their families from our province...thank you so much for your support...you are special people!  I have spent the past few days maneuvering my way through secondary roads from Ottawa to Montreal to Trois Rivieres to Quebec City and am now getting close to the New Brunswick border.  The roads have been very busy and thank goodness there have been many helpful cyclists who provided directions as I tried to navigate the big cities.  My basic French is being tested daily, as is the basic English of many locals I ask questions of.  I have been following the St. Lawrence River the past couple of days and the countryside adjacent to it is beautiful and alive with history dating back to the 1500s.  A rain cloud seems to be following me and it's a rare day that I am not drenched by the end of my day's ride.  Tomorrow is Canada Day and I encourage each of you to take a moment to give thanks for the wonderful country we live in...it truly is a land of contrast, from geography to weather conditions to cultural diversity.  The richness of this diversity is overwhelming at times...we are fortunate to live here and to call this county of Canada ours...Enjoy Canada day, and, thanks again for your donations for the children of Saskatchewan.

June 25

Bonjour from the very French speaking community of Alfred, about 75k east of Ottawa and 110k from Montreal.  If I don't back off the poutine I'm going to have to go on a diet when I finish this trip.  Was in Ottawa yesterday and was fortunate to have both my boys, Tyson and Cody with me.  Tyson biked with me 4 days this week while Cody came to Ottawa from Montreal where he is living...Yesterday was a day of torrential rain at times and flat tires, 2 for Tyson and only the second one of the trip for myself.  Two days ago we felt the rumblings of the earthquake which originated in the Gatineau region although the shaking of army trucks from Petawawa going by equalled the effects of the earthquake.  Last night in Ottawa we stayed one block from the Parliament buildings...there were several foreign delegations in the main street, numerous buses, heavy [pedestrian traffic, and best of all, the North American barbecued ribs cookoff taking place with at least a half dozen booths set up to sell barbecued ribs, chicken, and pulled pork...needless to say we had a good meal and pleasant conversation followed by a walk through the area I have described.    off to Montreal tomorrow and try to figure out a way to bypass the city on secondary roads...the countyside is beautiful with many older buildings and historical sites. and, guess what, rain is in the forecast once again.  Have a great weekend...will try to send some new pics during the next week.

June 20

Arrived in North Bay after a couple of days of fair weather biking, sun and a bit of a tail wind...loved it.  Last couple of nights I tented, one night in a provincial park, and last night in the shed of a man in a small town who waved me over, offered me what he laughingly  called the 'Hilton', complete with wood floor,  an outdoor toilet a 100 steps away, a bucket of water, and a most enjoyable conversation.  Actually, I did use their shower, enjoyed a couple of drinks and a bowl of ice cream.  Happy Father's Day to all those fathers who may be reading this...my day included a shortened riding day, some rest and tomorrow I will have a delayed start while I wait for my oldest boy, Tyson, who will arrive by bus from Toronto at 3 pm to ride with me to Ottawa...hope to be in Ottawa on Thursday.  Have cycled past Lake Huron, and tonight am staying close to the shores of Lake Nipissing.  Have a great week...will let you know when I reach Ottawa and am entertained in the Prime Minister's residence (who am I kidding).  KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING...OVER $30,000...WOW!

June 16, 2010

Am typing this from the confines of my tent which is about 2m x .8m and it's almost dark.  Arrived in Sault Ste.Marie, leaving the rugged beauty and hills surrounding Lake Superior behind, after a day and night of rain which made the roads just great for the big trucks to spray me over and over again.  Continue to meet some fascinating people such as one guy who is just completing the last leg of a sailing and cycling venture around the world which started in 2001.   The place I'm tenting in is the back yard of a cycle shop...my bike has been checked and tomorrow I'll start for Ottawa about 800k away.  Can't see much any more...take care and good night.

June 11, 2010

Arrived in Marathon, a small town on the shore of Lake Superior in driving rain (so what else is new), got my groceries for tomorrow and then had a very good, and filling chinese food meal.  The past few days have seen me travel through Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Terace Bay and a few other small communities which are on this main highway which goes around Lake Superior.  The hills are huge and many, the views of the lake are incredible (this is the largest fresh water lake in the world and it seems to go on forever), and forest surrounds you throughout the day.  A definite highlight was visiting the Terry Fox Memorial just a few Ks out of Thunder Bay.  Great pictures, interesting conversations with some other visitors, and cetainly emotional and uplifting.  I can't believe how Terry Fox managed to do a marathon a day through this harsh, yet picturesque environment.  Truly an amazing story, and a true Canadian hero...his efforts have been motivational to me as I continue to navigate this terrain.  Hope the sun comes out in Saskatoon...I understand that there have been record amounts of rain...keep those donations rolling in and have a great weekend.

June 7, 2010

Sorry for the delay, poor internet access. One week ago in Kenora, Ontario with severe leg cramps,required physio and other medical treatment along with four days of rest. Left Kenora last Friday in steady rain which continued through Saturday day and night. Was caught in an area with no services, tented, ate trail mix, reminded me of some canoe trips. Last two days have been mostly sunny and very scenic, like having a trans Canada highway through northern Saskatchewan with services few and far between. Will be in Thunder Bay tomorrow......Legs are working but can't be pushed.....130k tday, 120k yesterday. Have a great week!!!

May 29, 2010

"Arrived in Winnipeg with a great tailwind last Wednesday in record time and visited the two schools where two of my brothers-in-law teach to make four presentations...great kids and enjoyable visits.  Also had a relaxing toime with those same brothers and their families, sharing stories and having fabulous meals.  And then, the weather...torrential rain in and around Winnipeg creating lakes in ditches, fields, and even on parts of the highway, accompanied by strong easterly winds and considerable thunder and lightning...All in all, very nasty weather which kept me off the road.  Today, with the help of family, I arrived in Kenora, Ontario to calmer conditions because of the tree shelter found in the rocky terrain in this area.  Although there is still rain forecast for the next two days, wind should not be as significant as it was on the prairies and I am hoping for warmer, drier, calmer weather.  By the way, did you know that while leaving Swift Current, Sask. a few days ago, I counted over 100 dead gophers, so, keep your head up Gainer!  Here's to a great week."

May 25, 2010

"Sorry for the delay but during the past few days I would get off the bike, have something to eat and then go to bed.  The weather has been windy, windy and more windy, sometimes with rain thrown in and with gusts of up to 90k per hour; had to stay put in Grenfell, Sk. one day because of bad weather.  I am in Portage la Prairie tonight having spoken at a school because of a contact through Ida Nerbas and her sister Marilynn (husband Ron), the latter whose house I'm staying at tonight after a great home-cooked meal.  Will be in Winnipeg tomorrow staying with my in-laws and speaking at a couple of schools on Thursday, and, Good News...forecast for tomorrow is sun and a tailwind...here's hoping...The winds remind me of an old saying...'Absolute calm is not the law of the ocean and so it is with the ocean of life'.  Have a great day."

Journal Entry - May 20, 2010

"During the past three days I've been fighting high temperatures and strong headwinds which tested my resolve as much as any of the mountain passes.  I made it to Regina yesterday for a radio interview and then caught a ride to Saskatoon (love that air conditioning and the quiet of a vehicle).  Today turned out to be a very special day, beginning with another radio interview, a tuneup and new chain for my bike at the Bike Doctor, and then a staged ride at noon from the westside Wal Mart parking lot with friends (so good to see you) to River Landing, accompanied by bike patrol police officers and a police cruiser with lights flashing.  At 1:45 there was a program organized by Children's Hospital Foundation staff which blew me away.  There were several school groups in attendance, CHF staff, media representatives, and several other people, all of whom I consider as friends and strong supporters of this project.  Thank you so much to all who were able to attend and for making this a special day...your strong sense of community spirit was overwhelming, providing an emotional high and renewed sense of purpose to get back on the road.  I leave to Regina for tomorrow (by truck), will pick up where I left off yesterday, and will be biking by the afternoon towards Manitoba with school engagements in Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg.  By the end of the month I hope to be well into Ontario.  When the money of today is added up this fundraiser should be around $25,000, and I know of a couple of groups which will be contributing more donations before the end of May.  Thank you so much for this financial support of paediatric oncology and the Saskatchewan Children's Hospital, and, thank you so much for the many kind thoughts and inspirational words...have an enjoyable, and safe long weekend."   

 

Journal Entry - May 16, 2010

"Am in Swift Current after a warm 133k ride from Maple Creek...yesterday coming out of Medicine Hat was good until the border but then, after taking a picture of the 'Welcome to /Saskatchewan' the wind abruptly turned direction and was in my face for the rest of the day.  Today was a good day...am looking forward to being in Saskatoon on Thursday and invite all of you to River Landing at 1:45 for a media event and hopefully presentations of some donations...please refer to my May 14 email for details.  Also, this Wednesday at 2 p.m. there will be a media opportunity at the Southend Mall on Albert Street in Regina...donations to Coast to Coast for Kids (Children's Hospital Foundation) will also be gratefully accepted at this time as well...here's to a good week."

Journal Entry - May 14, 2010

"The terrain has changed incredibly during the past few days.  After leaving Fernie, B.C. it was a short cycle to the Crownest Pass, my last pass to cover in the mountains.  It was a beautiful day and I took several pictures of the scenery around the Pass.  Then a quick ride downhill, past historical sites such as Franks Slide (an amazing amount of rock which collapsed), and on to Pincher Creek...I was tired but with a favorable wind the next day left for Lethbridge, leaving the mountains behind and seeing the landscape dominated by giant windmills, ranches, and always the captivating song of the meadowlark within earshot.  About 10k from Lethbridge I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who was also admiring the view of the Oldman River Valley and the interpretive signs explaining the history of the area.  Before leaving he provided a cheque of $1000 for the Coast to Coast pediatric oncology initiative...wow, he made my day!  Come on Saskatchewanians...match that!  From Lethbridge, I cycled to Medicine Hat (170k today) in warm, pleasant weather...sure beats the cold and snow.  Today's ride was through very flat and open country and thank goodness the wind wasn't a factor...met a guy who is part of of a group of 4 cycling from Vancouver to P.E.I. which is where they are from...he offered a place to stay when I get there.  Tomorrow I should be at the Saskatchewan border and on Thursday, May 20 will be Saskatoon for a 1:45 p.m. media opportunity at the amphitheatre at River Landing...please drop by if you are available...if some school or other groups have raised money to present, this would be a great time to do that.  As part of that, there will be a staged bike ride (please join me) with police escort to River Landing, beginning from the parking lot of the new westside Walmart at 12:15.  Make your ride arrangements and join in...school, special interest groups, and interested individuals are all welcome to take part (remember your helmet).  Thanks for your support...see you soon."

Journal Entry - May 11, 2010

"I'm sitting in a motel room in Fernie looking out the window at snow peaked mountains at the end of a sunny day, having cycled from Cranbrook after a pit stop this morning at a cycle shop where I had a new back tire and tube installed along with one new shifting cable and some other minor adjustments.  A couple of days ago when I left Castlegar I picked up some glass on the back tire and since then it had deteriorated to the point it needed to be replaced...a much better ride today.  Since the last entry I have travelled through beautiful country, met some wonderful people who have been very interested in the Coast to Coast for Kids project, and who have been very helpful when I was having bike problems.  I'm not the only traveller on the road, having met a couple of people who are walking through several provinces for personal reasons...I have also met several road cyclists who are in training for upcoming triathlons or other race events, and man, do they fly.  I hope I'm in for a good weather break, people I meet can't believe I made it through the mountains considering the wet, cold, and snowy weather of the past two weeks.  Tomorrow I'l  be crossing the Crowsnest Pass into Alberta...it's been a grind some days and my legs are sore from the constant pushing up ,hills but I'm going to miss the beauty and fragrance of the mountains, the fresh scent of pine and cedar, the always present sound of moving water in creeks, streams, and rivers, ands the very hospital people who supported me at the beginning of this journey...I'm looking forward to the Prairies."

Journal Entry - May 7, 2010

"Arrived in Castlegar after a summit ascent of over 1500m from Christina Lake which made me work...it was about 35k uphill, very similar to the ascent out of Osooyos two days ago which was around 30k uphill.  Scenic, and very cold at the top (close to zero with snow showers) and chilling on the descent with wet clothing and with wind biting through me (3 pair of gloves and my fingers were still numb), but, what a sense of accomplishment.  On days like this I cover a little less ground, around 70-85k  but know that I will do better when I get out of the mountains. Many well wishes from people I meet along the way...because of the cold and rain/snow, I have been staying in motels and the warm showers and beds have been a relief at the end of a tiring day.  When I share the story of the fundraiser for children people share their own stories which leads to some great conversations.  Because of the extreme conditions at the top of the Kootenay Pass I've changed my route plans and will be going through Nelson, Balfour, Kootenay Ferry, Creston, Cranbrook and then Fernie and the Crowsnest Pass in the next few days.  Keep those donations coming in...let's make a difference for the children of our province.  Here's hoping once again for warm and sunny weather.”

Journal Entry - May 2, 2010

"Have arrived in Princeton after 4 days of cycling 334 K in all kinds of weather ranging from a bit of sun to a lot of clouds, including rain and a trace of snow.  Beautiful country, one mountain pass yesterday was a brute made somewhat enjoyable by the bear I saw and which I was too tired to get away from if it had chosen to chase me...certainly a bear story for another time.  Here's hoping for warmer weather with sunny skies."

JOURNAL ENTRY - APRIL 7, 2010

 

  Well, it's been a busy few months and in three weeks time, on April 28th, I'll be leaving for Victoria for the beginning of my cycling trip across Canada.   About one year ago I decided on this venture, shortly after our provincial government announced that it had allocated 200 million dollars for the new Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan.  After submitting an application for an independent fundraiser to the Children's Hospital Foundation I was well on my way and what really got me going was the sponsorship by TJ's Pizza and co-owners Jeff Plascko and Toby Jaeger, students I used to work with years ago at Confederation Park School.  They have been most gracious in providing funds to help me with equipment purchase and in the next few weeks with accommodation and food assistance while on the trip.  The special event we held last week at Nutana Collegiate was a springboard to this fundraiser and was very successful, raising almost $9000 which brings the total to dat to over $16,000...still a ways to go to achieve the $100,000 goal but I am hopeful and will continue to invite people to donate funds to what I consider a very worthy cause.  The significance of this fundraiser rally hit home when Kim Grant and her husband Matt Deutscher, along with David Katzman shared their personal stories of children who had been affected by cancer.  We certainly do need a child-centered facility which is built and furnished for children and their support system...their stories certainly reinforced that notion.  An event such as the one on the 31st takes many hands to make it a success and a special thank you is given to Kim Grant and Phyllis Fowler and Nutana Collegiate staff for making the school available, for helping to find auction donors, for arranging for tables and chairs, and for being wonderful hosts.  A special thank you is given to my wife Vivian for the time spent baking for the auction, arranging to have some of her friends help with set up and takedown that evening, and for organizing forms for the auction...speaking of forms, the terrific logo with the Coast to Coast for Kids picture which has appeared on auction forms, T-shirts, posters, the website, and business cards is the brainchild of graphic artist Jamie Swidsinski, good friend of  Toby and Jeff from TJ's Pizza and a wonderful support throughout this venture. 

In between this event, getting donations for the auction, and teaching a couple of university classes (just finished marking 73 essays) I have tried to keep to a training regime in preparation for a few kilometers on a bike.  The good weather of late has seen me go from the Field House cardio equipment and weights to riding my touring bike outside with my favourite ride being to the Dakota Dunes from our acreage.  What a great time of year...birds are singing, gophers are piping up as I ride by, and even the wind has been favourable the odd day along with warm, sunny days.  In the days ahead, prior to leaving for the west coast, I have several last minute equipment decisions to make, a bunch of things to do on the acreage, and a few media interviews to complete.  I'm becoming more excited, somewhat apprehensive at times, hoping for good health and fair weather and continuing to work out until I leave on the 28th.  I've rented a room in a motel opposite Beacon Hill Park in Victoria where Mile Zero (most westerly location of the # 1 highway) is and where I will begin my ride from on the 29th. 

I'll be checking in and updating this journal every few days along the trip so check in the odd time to see what progress I'm making.  And, remember, this is a     FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN OF OUR PROVINCE and your financial support is very much appreciated....pass on the word to your friends...thanks.

 

Wayne.