After cycling more than 4,500 kilometers, a Lucknow man has returned home for a few days, over halfway through his journey across Canada.
Jurjen Weerman has been working his way across the nation since May 28, in an effort to raise money for the Wingham and District Hospital and the Children's Health Foundation.
His ride has taken him across four provinces and several states and now he's arrived home, where he says he plans on eating well and lightening his load.
"I could use a few calories, so in the morning I think I will skip the oatmeal breakfast and will do maybe some toast and some eggs, then a good lunch and supper in the evening," he said. "Clean up the bike, make a few adjustments, just looking after the gear a little bit... I can leave a couple pieces at home because I haven't used them. If you don't use something for — what is it? Forty-three days, something like that — then you don't need it."
Weerman also says he needs to pick up a belt, as he's shed a few pounds on his charitable ride. He'll rest up for a bit, then continue on another nearly 3,000 kilometres to St. John's, Newfoundland, where he expects to arrive in late August.
Because of the deadline he's on (Weerman returns to work September 4), he had to separate from the other two men he started the voyage with.
Weerman says cycling on his own has led to more people opening their doors to help him on the journey.
"If you're by yourself, people approach you. They say 'Hey, where are you from? Where are you going? Do you want to sit with us by the campfire? Do you want a beer?' So almost every evening I was invited by somebody and that is just phenomenal, people are so friendly," said Weerman.
So far, his ride has raised over $7,000 in donations for the two hospitals, including $5,840 for Wingham. He hopes to clear $10,000 by the time its all over.
"Thank you to all the people who I have met so far and who I'm going to meet," he said. "I want to thank you to all the people who have been donating or are going to donate, it's awesome. I really appreciate that on behalf of the Wingham Hospital and the Children's Health Centre. It's great that people are giving money for that."
To donate to his efforts, you can visit the page at the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation or the Children's Health Foundation.
You can also track Weerman's progress on Strava.
