Clara’s Big Ride; Day 26

On Monday, Clara Hughes continued to pedal onwards on her loop of Canada. In the morning she made an appearance at École Notre-Dame d’Edmundston where she spoke about her campaign to young children. She focussed on the difficulties she experienced as one of Canada’s greatest Olympians and on the stigma of mental health. In a fittingly Canadian and perhaps Clara way, after her speech, she embarked on a 185km day of riding with her crew towards Woodstock, NB.

Again, the conditions of the day were anything but balmy; nevertheless the elements never seem to dissuade Clara or anyone within her entourage. She arrived in Woodstock, NB yesterday evening in time for the day’s events today. She spoke at the Woodstock Middle School on the theme of her tour, before hopping on her bike again to notch another 99km off of her 12,000km tour.

There is no doubt her ride is inspired by the support of all her followers. On day 26, despite her not racing at speed, the distance and fatigue is insidious. Her momentum is impressive and for the sake of mental health, that’s fantastic news.

Clara’s Big Ride can be followed on her Facebook page, her Twitter feed or at Clara’s Big Ride.

Listening to an amazing girl tell her lived mental health story to entire school before going in

#ClarasBigRide pic.twitter.com/kXuanQhBft

— Clara Hughes (@ClaraHughes_) April 8, 2014