The situation: Marv falling across the nearest lane on the road, just beyond the crest of a hill.  Cars won’t see him until they are almost on top of him.  He knows this. 

Image: Marv writhing on the ground under his bike trying to get his feet detached from his clip-less pedals, while Ivy Pye (friend and cycling-mate) tries to block traffic behind him.

Situation: Marv had a flat tire, which would have caused only a minor delay had they not forgotten their pump in Sandra's car.  Marv walked to the house of Lyle Fraser in Kinsula, who took time off from his field work to try two different pumps which plugged into his car to get them on their way.  Thanks to Lyle, Marv and Loretta were on their way in an hour and made it to Barrière, their planned destination.

Thanks: Lyle Fraser of Kinsula for helping the Wideen Ride along.

The sign on the back of their bike is proving to be a conversation piece the entire trip.  On this day, they met a consultant who had passed them three times while on the road as part of his job, but was going too fast to read the sign.  He just had to stop and find out what it said.

Picture this:  An itty-bitty room with an itty-bitty bed.  Did I mention old?  The sheets don't cover the bed and there are holes in the pillow cases.  The room smells of smoke and there are construction workers next door.  No phone, no plug.  They didn't mention whether or not there was a bathroom, but if there was a bathtub Loretta refused to use it.   Their next day they stayed in a wonderful place and had an excellent meal and luxurious bath.

Editorial:  One of the exciting aspects when you cycle across Canada is you get to see luxury from all angles!

Of Ida, Loretta writes, "but above all, her interest and cheerful friendliness abounded with a 'love of life.'  When we showed interest in all the artwork in the restaurant, she spoke with enthusiasm about the artist (Terry McLenan) and his portrayal of the early history of the area."

He fed them an excellent German meal.

On two-lane highways (one each way), it gets particularly scary.  Trucks can't move over very far, and if the shoulder is poor or non-existent, they often find themselves getting off their bike to let the truck by.  When traffic is heavier, trucks need to stay in the lane and are often followed by a tightly packed convoy of cars further reducing the options of the truck driver -- he can't even safely slow down.

Interestingly, a truck traveling in the same direction as our brave cyclists aren't the only problem.  The oncoming trucks can generate the most wind.  One oncoming truck generated so much wind it ripped the plastic of Marv's map case! 

Cycling on two lane highways which also serve as major arteries in the region sometimes lead to troublesome situations.  At its worst, they simply have to move over and get off their bikes.  Marvin reports that sometimes they are within a meter of the truck, and when he watches it drive by Loretta it sometimes makes him wonder what he's doing on that highway riding a flimsy bicycle.

Loretta describes it:  You watch your rearview mirror all the time.  You see the truck and hear the drone.  As it is passing you, you hang on for all you're worth, hoping for the best.

Thanks: Paul and Teri for keeping my parents dry.

First was a younger couple, Martin and Anne Mack, who were from the Maritimes (St. Johns and Halifax).  They had flown to Vancouver and were cycling back, camping all the way.  They left Vancouver about a month after Marv and Loretta, passing them at lunch in Gravel River.  Did I mention they were much younger?  Loretta stressed that point.

Second was Coyote Kevin, a man running across the country.   They encountered him in the morning while leaving Gravel River.  He was also camping, and carrying his gear in a small cart he towed.  He was on his 5^th of 10 pairs of shoes, and hoped to hit St. Johns on New Years Eve -- I guess his way of celebrating  the new millennium.  He talked about how much he enjoyed interacting with kids along the way, spreading his message of hope.

Third was John Ryan, paraplegic cyclist, from Whistler.  He had set out from the Maritimes accompanied by fellow cyclists Tom and Sam, and by his father in a chase van.  John had a special cycle which featured three wheels, elevated feet, and hand pedals.  Loretta and Marv were amazed and humbled by John's saga, who is raising money for spinal cord research.  They took pictures, exchanging greetings, wished each other well, and set out down the hill.

Exciting encounters, each one surprising them.   Martin and Anne were great, impressing Loretta and Marv with their progress and the fact they were camping all the way.  Then they meet Coyote Kevin, and struggled with how someone could actually run across the country towing a mini-trailer and camping all the way.  But neither of these encounters prepared them for John Ryan, pedaling with his hands.  If you've ever cycled up a hill and recall how tiring it is for your legs, imagine requiring that level of strength and energy in your arms!  Can you?   Amazed and humbled they were.

I wish I could have taped the conversation as Loretta was relaying these encounters to me.  Reading back, these written words seem so flat.

It would be nice to list all examples somewhere on these pages.   I select some notable ones periodically, comment on others in the chronology.   Many are nameless people who just happen to provide a little help or warm wishes.  

To all those people who may be reading these pages, thank-you for your help and providing a nice break for my parents (break from cycling that is).  What they enjoy the most are the people they meet, the stories the hear, the kind words of encouragement, and an excuse to get off the bike.

Of course, like any good cold ocean front, it brought rain.

"The Wideen Ride"
by Fidele Goguen Jr.

Their energy must come from hearts that really care
because anything can happen when they are along out there

But the Wideens decided to go no matter what the risk
to ease the pain and suffering was their one and only wish

to bike across this country, from one end to the other
to help people suffering with schizophrenia, out sisters and our brothers

like passing through the mountains that are rugged and strong
they want to help those passing through pain to live healthy and long

support for schizophrenia is what its all about
because many suffer along with pain, fear and doubt

so at 6 AM they got up and started each day
mile after mile along that endless highway

they were homesick too, they missed their grandchildren so much
and to go on without them they had to be tough

The "Wideen Ride" was chosen, and it is a good name
but they thought the "Journey of Courage," could really explain

just how hard it is to go on when the body wants to quit
and how passing through Ontario was like a long and endless trip

but it will be just a short while and they will be flying back home
and their efforts will help people who are fearful and alone

These cows would ignore other traffic, but as our intrepid adventurers cycled by, the cows would watch, all heads slowly turning to keep their eyes on the cyclists.  Was it fascination? interest? a break for boredom? easy prey?   Who really knows, but on numerous occasions, their audience was cattle. 

Kind of eerie if you ask me.  Sounds like the basis of a good Hitchcockian movie.