Montreal cyclist first to complete the TransCanada Bike Race – Montreal
A Montreal man has turn out to be the primary individual to finish the TransCanada Bike Race, the longest and, in line with many, the toughest self-supporting solo biking race on the earth.
Henri Do, 35, left the Yukon on June 12, and simply after midnight Friday morning, he made it to the japanese tip of Cape Spear, N.L.
The race spanned 12,500 km, beginning within the mountainous terrain of Whitehorse, then crossed all 10 provinces earlier than ending in St. John’s.
“It’s bittersweet,” he instructed World Information in Newfoundland on Friday, hours after ending his 60-day experience.
Do stated he confronted numerous challenges, weather-wise, in addition to mechanical challenges that he stated he didn’t count on. “However no matter all of that, it’s been an incredible experience and an incredible journey. There’s been numerous highs, numerous lows, however that’s the journey.”
He stated numerous the expertise was about downside fixing and to simply persevere by means of. “You retain on going,” he stated.
Learn extra:
Montreal bicycle owner embarks on gruelling 12,500 km solo biking TransCanada Race
The 35-year-old enterprise intelligence analyst who works with Desjardins stated he has participated in ultracycling races earlier than, however nothing of this magnitude.
He cycled throughout the nation with no highway workforce, which implies he was fully solo and carrying his tools on his again: provides, meals, garments and tenting gear.
The race guidelines permit him to make use of public companies, like inns and grocery shops. “I camped as a lot as I might when the climate permitted, and survived off truck cease and fuel station meals — numerous quick meals,” he instructed World Information.
Do, who grew up in Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore and now lives in Villeray, stated he set out to do that experience to see the nation.
“It’s laborious to decide on which stretch was my favorite. Each province is so completely different, however I’d should say northern B.C. — the glaciers, the mountains, the wildlife.”
He stated his second favorite must be the Gaspe peninsula, which he has cycled by means of earlier than, however this time he stated he noticed northern lights for the primary time.
As for what saved him mentally and emotionally grounded all through the grueling trek, he credit his digital social connections.
“Documenting and sharing my journey, the highs and the lows, seeing individuals invested.”
