CALGARY, AB Dec. 10, 2020 — A group of adventurers who want to reconnect, restore, and rebuild our communities after months of disruption will cross Canada on bicycles this coming summer on an adventure that will highlight remarkable local people.
The group is seeking like-minded adventurers to join all, or part, of the journey as we bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, the trip will cover nearly 8,000 kilometres over four months, but riders who are unable to do the full ride are invited to join for a day, week or stage of the tour. Group leader Rick McFerrin underscored that this tour is not a race – the point is to discover our country at the speed of life.
“More than ever, this is about the journey,” said McFerrin. “We will meet with Canadians in small communities across the country, get to know them a little better, and tell their stories.
“Beyond the exceptional memories, we aim to fuel a movement – a national conversation on who we are and to celebrate the ordinary heroes who make us unique.”
The core group will leave Victoria, B.C., in mid-May, with a planned arrival in St. John’s, NL, by mid-September. Picking up co-tourers along the way, the group will avoid major highways when possible, and head to the secondary roads to learn more about the rich mosaic that makes this country unlike any other.
The full route can be seen here.
Communities along the route will choose remarkable local people to be highlighted in a blog and/or video. They may be people who have overcome illness or adversity, benefactors, or health care or public safety employees. Seasoned journalists Doug Firby and Lisa Monforton will be the chief storytellers.
“We believe this experience will be transformational, not just for participants, but for the people we encounter along the way,” said Lisa Monforton, ConnecTour’s media liaison.
The group is inviting both corporate and individual sponsorship. Corporations interested in supporting this cause, are invited to contact us at info@connectour.ca. Individuals who wish to offer financial support are invited to visit our Patreon page here.
Further information about the tour, and registration options, are available on the ConnecTour website. You can also follow profiles of remarkable people on the website here.
About ConnecTour
ConnecTour is a group of Canadian adventurers who share a passion for cycling. Core members are:
Rick and Tanya McFerrin who operate the Onavelo bicycle touring company, and have travelled the world on bicycles since 1993, including tours across North America and around the world with their three sons.
Allison Flach, a language instructor and employment counsellor for new Canadians, who discovered the joys of bike-packing while exploring the northern corners of Ladahk, India.
Doug Firby and Lisa Monforton, life-long journalists and outdoor adventurers, who discovered the transformative power of cycle-touring during a recent ride through rural northwest Argentina.
Contact Information
Lisa Monforton, Media Liaison
403-870-7724 / info@bigtreecomms.com
Twitter: @CanadaConnecTour
