Day 14: Ride, Rest, Reflect

We have moved into the third R of the “ride, rest, reflect” triad of alliteration.

Quote of the weekend: “Touring by bicycle can be a metaphor for life. Each day comes with highs, lows and there are always struggles that need to be overcome…

OK, it sounded better in my head…” Gerald (after ordering food and before a nap)

Why interviews? Well, CTV news never got back to us and we had things we wanted to say! Also, Amelia thought it would be fun, (until she had to type up everything that was said…).

Amelia interviews Gerald:

A: How did this trip compare to other tours that you’ve done? (What was the same/different?)

G: Cycling is such a unique way to travel because the pace is so different. Cycling really causes you to slow down. All tours (for me) come with the struggle of sleeping and eating properly. There is the unknown of where you’re going to sleep and the importance of refuelling often. I find I need to fill my tank fully with regular meals. Food is interesting. I’ve learned over time what the right foods are for me to have as snacks along a ride (example: ice cream is a no, no while cycling). 

A big difference between this trip and others was that I was completing it with another person. On top of that, you have never done this before. I found there was a different lead up in that I needed to do my due diligence to ensure you were prepared. At the same time, I had a strong desire to care for you as my daughter. On the trip, I recognized the need to listen to one another without judgement before honouring the other persons needs. It helps to have the same mindset and build a relationship of respect with the other person.

A: What surprised you about cycling with me?

G: I was surprised by your endurance and your willingness to do more. I was not expecting to bike all the way to Kenora, because the end is usually the end, so 5 stars to you! I was also surprised by your flexibility and how well you adapted to unknown conditions. For example, on our second day when the forecast was calling for rain and thunderstorms you weren’t worried! But I was feeling protective and paternal, so that was interesting. Lastly, it was fun to recognize how similar we are when we are hungry. We had an idea of how to relate to each other (what to say and what NOT to say) when the other was in need of food.

A: What was the most challenging part of this trip?

G: The challenging part of any cycling trip is that there are so many unknowns. There are unknowns in regards to sleeping location and physical energy levels, as well as variables beyond your control such as wind direction and speed. This trip had the added challenge of maintaining cleanliness, which was not planned!

A: What comments do you have about the places we slept for night on this trip?

G: Sleeping in different places wasn’t really all that new for me. Although, I have never experienced going into a building unauthorized before! I find it helpful to have an idea of places to set up the tent in mind. What matters most to me is that I feel safe.

A: Would you ever go on another cycling trip with me?

G: I would love to! I would love to do another cycling trip with anyone (especially family), but we would have to have an agreed upon style. 

A: What are you planning for your next cycling trip?

G: Tip, to tip, to tip—a tour of Vancouver Island— a trip that almost occurred this summer with Cheryl until you interjected. (A: I was more serious when I first expressed interest in going across Manitoba then was originally understood. To summarize: plans changed!)

A: What other thoughts do you want to share?

G: This trip was a rare opportunity. I am glad that we were able to do this together. We were actually able to do it. And we had so much fun! I feel proud and fulfilled. 

A: I learned a lot from you on this trip—the importance of having cash when travelling and criteria for night lodging being just a few examples. You made this trip memorable and I feel so blessed that we did this together. For you, I would pick out all the corn nuts from the snack mix so you would be more willing to eat it. Thank you for your planning and then for allowing all the plans to change as we turned a trek across Manitoba into an adventure.

*We want to extend a huge thank you to YOU! It was so fun to write for an audience. Each of your comments and thoughts meant so much to us and we are so grateful for your support and prayers over the blessedly sunny past two weeks. 

Your support has far exceeded our expectations. To date, we have raised $8155 to support MCC’s work in the Ukraine! Thank you!!

Our donation page will remain open for another month, so you can still share our fundraising efforts with others. (And while you’re sharing, you may as well pass on a link to this blog!)*

Rested, reflected and (now) retired, 

Gerald and Amelia