It poured rain, we weren't making our goals, and sleeping on the hard ground felt terrible after a long day of riding.  I remember thinking to myself "what an incredibly awful idea".   However, having little choice, we persevered.  The end result was one of the best experiences of my life.  Once you get past the initial hurdles of adjusting to the lifestyle, bike touring is without question one of the best ways to travel.  It is hard to beat a trip where you cycle every day, meet unique individuals (we once talked to a man who was going to ride the Cabot trail on his Penny Farthing!)  and at the end of each day have the opportunity to read the night away.

Our ride took us along the South shore of Nova Scotia and then across to the Annapolis Valley.  After this we headed up through PEI and then back down to Halifax.  

It was in PEI where I had an epiphany that has brought me to what I am doing now.  I was climbing up a hill (one of the few in that province) when I started daydreaming about what it might be like to climb the Rockies by bike.  Being a bit of a challenge seeker, I concluded the only way to find out was to try it myself.  It was here that my dream to bike across Canada was born.

Six years of procrastination later, I am proud to say I am in the process of making this dream a reality.  Starting June 23rd, a friend by the name of Benjamin Love and I are flying out to Victoria to start our cross Canada bike tour!

On my previous trip, people often asked if we were riding for any particular charity.  At the time I had never thought of doing something along those lines but since then the idea has been in the back of my mind.  Doing a bike ride across the country seemed like a perfect opportunity not only to enjoy an exciting adventure, but also to help a great cause.  My grandparents on both sides of the family have had the misfortune of having to cope with Alzheimer's disease.  After losing my grandpa this winter it seemed only fitting to couple this wonderful adventure with a meaningful goal, and so we decided to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.  I encourage you to follow us on our website at www.acrossthenation.ca .  Here you will be able to read our daily blog entries about our adventures, view photos, and if you feel so compelled, make a donation.  

Thanks!

Ian Whatley