The first stop on Saturday was the bike shop to have them look over my recalcitrant tyre and determine whether it was worth persisting with. The conclusion was that it was a high quality tyre that was starting to demonstrate some wear, but probably had another 600-800 km left in it at least and I would probably be able to replace it in Regina. It was given a thorough once over, had a small piece of wire surgically removed (hey - that could be part of the problem) and was returned to me.
Sunday afternoon and we were invited over to Simon's house to catch up with more of the family for a BBQ. We spent some time in the afternoon chatting with Helen's niece, Katy-Sue about life the universe and everything, and then into the evening with everyone else.
On Monday we were invited over to visit Kristal from Hands @ Work Canada, and we had a wonderful visit with her. Good old Google Maps advised that the bike ride should take about 1 hour and 15 minutes ... 2 hours later ... but the riding with Helen was great and it is encouraging to see how she is gaining confidence with her wrist and shoulder, that had been giving her so much grief.
Richard and Judy have been so wonderful for the time we have been here, so generous with their time, and with the amazing food and accommodation. On Wednesday we drove into the city for Helen and Judy to get some chiropractic treatment and then to have a 'must eat' Vietnamese Satay Beef Sub that was to die for - amazing.
I also managed to get a little 'work' done, although the communications with Australia start to get a bit confusing, trying to work out what day - and what end of the day - it is at any given time. On Thursday afternoon it was suggested that I should try to connect with a business colleague that worked in the city centre. Although this would mean extending my stay in Calgary by another day, it seemed like a great opportunity. (As it turned out, it also meant that I can resume my ride in reasonable weather, rather than the drizzly rain that was to greet us on Friday morning)
On Thursday evening we were picked up by Bree, another advocate for Hands at Work , and she kindly drove us over to a meeting at Krystal and Will's house. It was a wonderful evening as people shared recent experiences in Southern Africa and their passion for the work being done there and, more importantly, their admiration for the people that they have established lasting friendships with and the lives that have been dramatically changed there.
We were able to share about the numerous conversations that we had struck up with people, in all kinds of random places, about what we are doing and about this amazing project that is impacting the lives of people in some of the most vulnerable communities in Africa. All of this prompted by the logo on our shirts. We even had a man who was riding in the opposite direction on his bike turn around and chase us down to find out what it was about. Turns out he had recently been involved in a similar situation in Rwanda.
For those who are unaware, please visit www.handsatwork.org to find out what is happening in this awesome organisation through their work across Southern Africa.
If you feel inspired to donate to help some of the children being cared for in Hands at Work community programs, you can visit:
(for our Aussie friends) www.givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/BikingAcrossCanada2018
(for our Canadian friends) https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/biking-across-canada/
Any money donated goes directly to Hands at Work programs in vulnerable communities and a receipt will be issued to you for tax purposes.
My time in Calgary has been great. This is a great city. I've met so many warm and gracious people, wrestled with the road system and enjoyed some amazing food. But it all had to end sometime. Tomorrow I need to get back onto the bike and begin the next leg of this journey from one side of Canada to the other.
Special thanks, again, to Richard and Judy for hosting us for SO LONG ... and for the rest of the family for being family.
For Simon picking us up on Sunday and driving us to his home for the BBQ and then driving us all the way back late at night. You rock!
For the Hands at Work crew, you are each so amazing and your commitment and passion is quite inspirational. Whilst we joke a little about the H@W logo on our backs pushing us up the difficult hills, the reality is that every hand makes a difference. Stay strong!
... and for my amazing wife, whose tenacity and determination to 'get back on the bike' and continue this ride together has been a highlight of this week. I love you to bits.
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