Caledon, Ont., cyclists riding 5,000 km for Canada 150
The two riders plan to reach Tofino, B.C. by June 20
For two Caledon, Ont., riders, the idea of biking across Canada—more than 5,000 km—started as little more than a joke about two years ago, according to the Caledon Enterprise. It was a tall ambition for Mike Heslin and Eric Forsyth, two southern Ontario professionals who spent most of their adult lives living and working in Ontario.
That, however, was two years ago. This summer, that ambitious dream to put the second-largest country in the world under their bikes is close to being realized, as they near the halfway mark of a ride taking them west.
Their goal, they say, is to reach Tofino, B.C., by June 20—and after rolling out on May 1, they’re well on their way.
Not only does the ride commemorate the sesquicentennial of Canadian confederation, but it also marks the 200th birthday of the bicycle itself. For the riders themselves, meanwhile, the impetus to take to the road embraces both events, while resonating with a personal significance with which many riders—commuting, competitive or otherwise—can identify.
“I’ve never seen my own country before,” Forsyth said, explaining his reasons for taking to the saddle on such an ambitious, gruelling journey. “I am really just looking forward to doing some exploring on my bike.” Heslin echoed his partner’s sentiment, noting that the ride offers the chance to step back from the frenetic rhythm of regular life—an experience he knows well in Toronto business circles—and set a new pace, watching the country change from over a set of handlebars.
“I enjoy living and working downtown with people my age, but it seems like everyone is always in such a rush,” Heslin said. “It’s just going to be nice to step away from the hustle and bustle for a little while, shut everything off, take in nature and see where my brain goes with that.”
You can follow the adventure on the pair’s Instagram feed.
