Ken's Corner

BIG DAY

Yesterday was the big day arriving in Halifax and the Atlantic Ocean

When we started this 6300 km journey there was a large question in our minds

(and we are sure others) -- Can we really do this??

Now we have the answer. After 50 some riding days we have done it!

We have had highs and lows both in topography and otherwise.

We have learned so much about ourselves and the country of Canada, its beauty

and the magnificent people that make it what it is. What a glorious adventure and journey of discovery.

We now realize the richness of our heritage on a very close and personal basis.

The ride however has been about a much greater purpose than that.

It is about helping those who have not been blessed with so much.

Our greatest desire is to give an opportunity and hope to Ethiopian children.

To build a school that will educate children and give them the chance to become self supporting

and change the direction of their families for generations to come. Please help us with your donation

to reach that part of the goal.

We are grateful for the support of Canadian Humanitarian, the organization behind it all.

To our families and friends that have supported us in ways that are too long to list.

To the team at CIBC Wood Gundy that have taken care of everything at work and

to many many others that have been involved and donated to the cause.

So for the moment this is Ken and Audrey signing off.

P.S. THE CELEBRATION

We have been anticipating an East Coast Lobster Feed for months.

We were fortunate to connect with Danny, owner of Shatford's Lobster. He not only caught them but said, "We will cook 'em and crack 'em for you too.

We consumed, can you believe it, a 6 lb and a 3 lb lobster.

How we divided them between us will remain undisclosed, but you

can probably figure it out.

We feasted on delicious Lobster while looking out over a beautiful bay

on the South Shore of Nova Scotia

Ken's Corner - last days

Must be getting anxious to finish. Ken dug deep yesterday and

rode the longest day of the trip so far - 337 km.

No ill effects???

Nearing the end of our journey - Here are a few catch up experiences

Tons of eloquent and majestic churches scattered throughout the countryside in Quebec

Met Diane, a nice French Canadian Lady on the rode with a flat tire.

She helped me help her and together we got her rolling again

Beautiful Quebec - The crops grow well here

The St. Lawrence River about 20 km across

Please join in the effort and become part of the Chain Reaction with your donation. Together let's make sure the school in Ethiopia becomes a reality!!

Ken's Corner: More Friends

Meet Edward Barsby a fellow biker who has rode many thousand kms all

around the world

Also my regular riding companion SHADU

We have spent many hours riding together

I find he doesn't say much and is a bit of a fair weather rider

Only seems to come along when the sun is out

Bikes can be used for much more than just biking across the

country - here a bike makes a great swinging gate

A tired day yesterday. We discovered 4 1/2 hours sleep is not enough for 170 km

Need to either sleep more or ride less

We have rounded the corner at Rimouski QC and are headed toward NB

Ken's Corner

Have taken some time to get to know both Ottawa and Montreal. Beautiful Cities.
We are now past Quebec city and starting to turn our heads toward the finish.

Ken's Corner

After months of getting to know Canada on an up close and personal basis it was an emotional experience to participate in Canada Day festivities in the Nations capital. Happy Canada Day.

Ken's Corner: Arrived in Montreal

Made it to Montreal using sections of the TransCanada trail system. What a great thing that is! NO TRAFFIC. It will be fantastic when finished. Toured Old Montreal and experienced most things Montreal

Of course smoked meat and poutine!

Biking is popular there

Ken's Corner

We had a flat tire on the trailer today between Peterborough and Perth. Luckily it was right in front of a pie and ice cream shop. We didn't suffer too much with our apple pie and sweet potato fries, as the shop owner sent for her son and grandson to come bring us tools we needed.

We stayed at a campground where the owners, Shonagh and David Toddun, helped us find a pay for storage for our trailer.

Never say Canada is a remote hinterland. As you know, the beaver is our national animal and we passed his home on the way. He is all ready for Canada Day, patriotically flying the flag and his satellite dish set up to watch the festivities.

Ken's Corner: Toronto Chapter

Special thanks to Ian Green and his wife Eilonwy Morgan for organizing a fantastic Ethiopian dinner and presentation this past Saturday!

Meet Shirley Lewis (on the left in blue)

She is the president of the Toronto Chapter of Canadian Humanitarian. Shirley just returned from a 6 month trip to Ethiopia, and has previously lived in Ethiopia for 5 years, working there assisting libraries.
Shirley gave an inspiring message of the many positive things happening in Ethiopia.

Ken shared some of their experiences with the cross-Canada Chain Reaction Bike Ride to build a school in Gindo. He spoke of the outstanding success Canadian Humanitarian has experienced in Ethiopia and loves working with them, because of all they have been able to accomplish and the unparalleled efficiency of the organization.

We also enjoyed the injera bread and Ethiopian food!

Audrey's quote of the week:
"Ken! You can't stop at every bakery and ice cream store along the way!"
She may be right, but so far so good!!!

Ken's Corner: It's Getting Hot

The last day of riding was a challenging one through beautiful farmland and flowers taking us to Toronto for the weekend. Rode nearly 200km of sharp up and down hills at 36 C. And it's certainly not a dry heat (humidex rating 46 C).

Please meet one of our most exciting contacts. This is Dr. Anjali Oberai. She, along with her husband Mike Cotterill from Wawa ON, will be leaving in August to spend a year sabbatical in Ethiopia and are very interested in Canadian humanitarian. They also made a nice donation to the school in Gindo.