John Murtaugh, who set out from Toronto in September for Mexico, has arrived at his destination

After only 44 days, Toronto cyclist John Murtaugh has crossed North America, his rubber finally having met its destination. As he set out to do on Sept. 15 — when he left Ryerson University in Toronto — Murtaugh is in Mexico, his ride at its conclusion.

What a ride it’s been.

As Canadian Cycling Magazine reported since his journey began, Murtaugh has been making the ambitious, trans-continental trek as a fundraising initiative on behalf of Amistad Canada, supporting the social and educational projects of CASA — Centro Para Adolescentes de San Miguel de Allende — in a public, visible, and very inspiring way. In terms of hard numbers, it’s certainly yielded results. His ride, which he called Bi-CICLO — named after the film that inspired the journey to begin with — has raised more than $24,000, within spitting distance of his goal of $25,000.

When he rolled to the finish in San Miguel de Allende, he was met by CASA students waving the Maple Leaf, and escorted by a squad of local riders as he made his way up the final, hilly stretch towards his destination. Songs were shared, and local government representatives, as well as officials from CASA and Amistad, welcomed Murtaugh with official greetings. Even Canada’s former ambassador to Mexico, David Windfield, was on hand.

His incredible, inspiring journey now at a finish, the money Murtaugh has raised since leaving Canada will be earmarked for the salaries of some of CASA’s vital agents. Between the clinical co-ordinator of CASA’s School of Midwifery, its library co-ordinator, and one of the organization’s Anti-Violence psychologists, the ride’s proceeds will provide for a year’s income for each of those positions.

For Murtaugh himself, meanwhile, a cold drink at the end of his trip was all he needed.