Day 53: (South of) Little Current (0km)

There isn't much to report on today's happenings. Once our bodies realize we're on a rest day they pretty much shut down and refuse to partake in any physical activity that doesn't involve eating. The heat too was reason enough to be glad we weren't riding today and also that we're not yet in Toronto (where the record for highest temperature is expected to be broken tomorrow). Even riding along Manitoulin Island feels like a slog when the humidex is pushing forty.

Regardless, rest days always give us the chance to take pause and reflect on what we're doing. As much as the trip has settled into our daily routine, now that we're more than halfway through we find it hard to actually grasp that we have just cycled from BC to here. Along the way we've been surprised by how many people are shocked or worried about the fact we are self-supported, without a vehicle aid. For us, the opportunity to exemplify a more sustainable mode of transportation is as much the purpose of our ride as raising awareness and funds for Cardiac Rehab. Adding a motorized vehicle to support our trip would be counter to this goal.

We recognize that for some people a supported tour may be the only feasible way to complete such a trip or that the purpose of another person's ride might be the physical challenge alone. We're not trying to pass judgement on drivers or supported tourers --after all, many of us are at one time or another, drivers. However, for Alex and I, it is important to be self-sufficient cycle tourists and to promote the bicycle as a viable means of transportation and travel.We know it is unrealistic and impractical for most people to create the time for a three month trek, it even seemed inconceivable to us right up until this year. But adding cycling into your daily commute or weekend recreation, as little as once or a few times a week can really add up. As more people take up the bicycle for fun and transportation, it can help reduce traffic and air pollution while improving heart health.

At the same time, we have utilized plane travel to start our trip and will be flying again to return home after we reach St. John's, so our trip isn't exactly carbon neutral. We are also reliant on the road network set up for cars, and ironically, on gas stations for washroom breaks and supplies. Even so, crossing by bicycle allows us to experience and visit innumerable communities up close with a lesser environmental impact than other transportation options. We're not saying everyone needs to travel for hundreds or thousands of kilometres, but just try picking up a bike and see if it can take you where you need to go.