Canadian cyclists reach Prince Edward Island on cross-country ride against Lyme disease

On May 11, Daniel Corso and Tanner Cookson, two elite rowers, traded their paddles for bikes and took to the road, heading east across Canada from Victoria, B.C. Like others who have embarked upon cross-Canada tours — expeditions second only to biking around the world in their intensity — their planned trip was a blend of realizing a lifelong ambition and the desire to do some good.

In this case, the cause taking the two riders across country is the fight against Lyme disease, something about which Corso and Cookson hope to raise awareness, as well as funds. They call the journey Ride for Lyme – The Adelaine Project, named after a close friend affected by the illness

Inspired by the struggle of Adelaine Nohara with Lyme disease, doing something meaningful with the ride, Corso said, became its impetus — as much as the weekly training rides totalling 400 kilometres that Corso and Cookson undertook in preparation. For years, Corso had wanted to see the country by bike, he said. But for just as long — perhaps longer — he also wanted to do something for Nohara, who has been afflicted by the tick-borne inflammatory infection for five years. Pairing the resolve to see Canada from the saddle with an equally strong resolve to make a difference, he told Prince Edward Island’s The Guardian, presented that opportunity.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for her and it has always been her wish that any suffering that she goes through is for a reason,” he said. “Hopefully we can educate people, and really prevent a lot of cases from happening.”

As rowers, Corso and Cookson were certainly in good shape to tackle the ride to begin with, which has streamlined the nearly 7,000 kilometres that the pair have already put under their tires. After riding a planned total of 8,300 kilometres, the two are anticipating the ride’s conclusion this week, as they roll into Newfoundland.

“We’ve really had a smooth ride in terms of the route that we take,” Corso said, looking back on the journey. “We’re starting to smell the finish line.”

Proceeds raised during the trip are donated to the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, and while the total funds raised fall $80,000 short of the $100,000 goal, the ultimate goal, Corso emphasized, is to raise awareness — a goal made more critical by the season, with summer and fall being the riskiest times for tick bites.