Cyclists arrive in Oyen
By Joan Janzen
Four cyclists began their journey from Calgary and arrived at Oyen on the evening of Wednesday, July 26th. John, Rick and Dan hail from Ontario, and Jeff is from Quebec. The foursome’s challenge is to cycle across the prairies from Calgary to Winnipeg.
Their journey began on July 24th, and their plan is to arrive in Winnipeg on August 5th, and it looks like they will be right on target. Their visit to Oyen included supper at Baker’s Dozen and setting up tents at the campgrounds. After cycling more than 100 km, the four men enjoyed a relaxing game of golf at Oyen’s golf course.
These four cyclists (three from Ontario and one from Quebec) spent an evening at Oyen on their way from Calgary to Winnipeg. Photo by Joan Janzen
You may wonder why four Canadians (two are retired, two are still working) are cycling across the prairies for two weeks. Dan, a member of the group, said the first time he mentioned biking across the prairies, many people at home in the east said he was a fool.
“But when you’re riding, you have a lot of time to appreciate the landscape,” Dan explained. “There’s nothing like it! It’s like you’re part of the landscape. Whether it’s the mountains or the prairies, it’s part of our country. These past few days, we’ve all had moments when we said - Look at that!”
Dan is a 20-year cancer survivor. “I never rode a bike until after I got cancer. I’ve done it for 15 years in a row now,” he said, adding that his wife is also a cancer survivor.
Throughout those years, he has participated in numerous rides raising funds for cancer research. “John (a member of the group) and I raised close to $8,000 on our fundraising rides,” Dan said.
However, the group isn’t biking for a cause on this trip. “We’re doing it because we’re proud Canadians, and this is a fantastic way to see the country,” he said. They’re also doing it because they are men who enjoy a challenge. And what could be more challenging than cycling across the prairies in the wind and heat?
“On hot days, we just drink a lot of extra water. We had some days where it was 42 degrees,” Dan said. And as far as the typical prairie winds are concerned, he said, “It’s like life. When it’s behind you, it’s good. When it’s facing you, it’s not so much fun.” Even the prairie wind offers a valuable life lesson.
Along the way, Dan acknowledged the graciousness of Canadians. “I’ve read about it, but it’s another thing to actually experience it. People are so gracious and kind; it’s been consistent from day one. We see it, especially on the road with traffic; the trucks all go around you,” he said.
The well-organized group schedules one cyclist to take a turn driving their rented Uhaul while the other three pedal between 100 to 150 km each day. Although the driver may be relaxing behind the wheel, he’s also in charge of making lunches, grocery shopping, arranging campsites and keeping his teammates hydrated. Maintaining a nutritious diet is crucial for the cyclists. Meanwhile, the cyclists keep each other entertained by telling jokes and singing.
Even when the group feels a bit tired, it’s obvious they’re enjoying the ride. “I don’t even mind the hard hills. It’s the challenge I enjoy,” Dan commented. “If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.”