Who do I talk to if I want to bike across Canada?

  • Thread starter Thread starter merish
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merish

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This sounds a little far fetched but I am seriously considering biking from Vancouver to Halifax to raise awareness for cancer. I am only 19 years old and figured I should do it before I enter the Dilbert world. I am in good physical shape and believe that I could do it. This is actually something that has been on my mind for some time now, but time is running short. I plan on starting near the beginning of June and still have much preparation. I have e-mailed the Canadian Cancer Society but have yet to hear from them.

My question however is.. how do I begin? Who do I talk to? How long would this take (taking all variable into account)?

I would really appreciate all advice, thanks!

Chris
 
Aww... I think thats amazing! I hope you fulfill your dream! I give you the best of luck and hopefully I will be seeing you on t.v biking for a good cause! Good for you!
 
its not that crazy but its alot of biking. You'll have to manage about 50-60km. per day from June to September which on bike isnt alot but its steady and tedious. Boredom will be your bggest challenge. At least by doing the mountains first there is not much left in the way of major obstacles. You could do it just for yourself and your pleasure without feeling guilty, If you want to organize something as a fund raiser maybe You should google the Terry Fox organization and the Rick Hansen Foundation to see if they have ideas or opportunities. along the lines you are planning.
Remember, terry fox ran unknown and not noticed all the way from st john to Ottawa and thats where he started to pick up some steam and then ended in Thunder Bay. So most of his campaign took place after the run....
 
It's been done dozens of times - contact the Velo Vets (they have a web site) for information on routes and advice.
 
There are organizations that do this each year, and a friend of mine did the bike tour across Canada, as well as another more adventurous bike tour from Cairo to Capetown. Their URL is attached.

If you are considering doing this, you should consider the following:

1) You have to be ready to bike 40+ kilometers each day for several weeks so you have to be in very good shape. If you are currently an avid biker, great. If you have not tried to sit on a bike from 8AM to 6PM peddling, try it first before committing to a long ride like this.

2) The bike you use will need repairs, new wheels, adjustments, along the way. Make sure you have a good quality bike, and you either know how to fix it yourself or will have someone to fix it for you.

3) I would strongly advise not to bike alone. Either bike with at least one other person, or have someone driving with you and meeting you at scheduled pit stops for food, drink, bike repairs, and medical issues. When Terry Fox did his run, he was followed by a friend in a van to get him a change of clothes, food, etc.

Once you are ready to start it and feel you can do it, try to locate sponsors that are not only willing to donate to the cause (Cancer research), but might be able to help with donated equipment. For example, Canadian Tire may be willing to supply you with a bike and replacement bike parts if you get approval from the Canadian Cancer Society and enough backing from people.

Good luck, and let me know when you are passing through Montreal area so I can make a donation and give words of encouragement!
 
There are organizations that do this each year, and a friend of mine did the bike tour across Canada, as well as another more adventurous bike tour from Cairo to Capetown. Their URL is attached.

If you are considering doing this, you should consider the following:

1) You have to be ready to bike 40+ kilometers each day for several weeks so you have to be in very good shape. If you are currently an avid biker, great. If you have not tried to sit on a bike from 8AM to 6PM peddling, try it first before committing to a long ride like this.

2) The bike you use will need repairs, new wheels, adjustments, along the way. Make sure you have a good quality bike, and you either know how to fix it yourself or will have someone to fix it for you.

3) I would strongly advise not to bike alone. Either bike with at least one other person, or have someone driving with you and meeting you at scheduled pit stops for food, drink, bike repairs, and medical issues. When Terry Fox did his run, he was followed by a friend in a van to get him a change of clothes, food, etc.

Once you are ready to start it and feel you can do it, try to locate sponsors that are not only willing to donate to the cause (Cancer research), but might be able to help with donated equipment. For example, Canadian Tire may be willing to supply you with a bike and replacement bike parts if you get approval from the Canadian Cancer Society and enough backing from people.

Good luck, and let me know when you are passing through Montreal area so I can make a donation and give words of encouragement!
 
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