My father and I are bicycling across Canada this summer. We hope to raise some money and awareness for Amnesty International (AI).
AI is a worldwide movement dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights. AI takes action to stop grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination. We campaign to free prisoners of conscience, protect refugees, abolish the death penalty, and end political killings, "disappearances" and torture. AI seeks to expose human rights abuses accurately and quickly. We systematically and independently research the facts of individual cases and pattens of human rights abuses. These findings are publicized, and members, supporters and staff then mobilize persistent public pressure on governments, armed political groups, companies and others to prevent and stop these violations.
An ancient Japanese legend states that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. This legend was popularized by Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who contracted leukemia as a direct result from the atomic bombing at Hiroshima. She died after folding 600 cranes. Today, tens of millions of cranes are folded in that country and others every year. These symbols have come to represent hope for a better world. I have folded 1,000 cranes and we will give these out in exchange for donations.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Final Tally


Over the last few days we have been contemplating getting on our bikes and riding home, because you see, the sun was laying on our left shoulders coming west. We thought it would be a good idea if we were to return home the opposite direction to even out our tans. Common sense prevailed though, and we're sticking with the original plan of flying home. After all, 6344 kilometres is quite a good haul. Yes indeed, our final tally was 6344 kms in 78 days. We did have 12 days off though, so really we did it in 66 days. And every one of them was so worth it, I've managed to come up with several adages (Bob's word). Here are some of them:
#1. If you are offered a free hot shower, take it. It's sometimes better than waiting a week for the next one.

#2. Good people and good pizza go together like bacon and eggs.

#3. Speaking of bacon and eggs, after an hour of biking it's great to fill up on 'em, especially on the prairies where two people can eat breakfast for $10.

#4. Don't pee into the wind.

#5. And finally, the prairies are flat and the Rockies aren't.

If you ever travel anywhere by bike, these are pretty good to know, especially #5.

Despite how amazingly awesome and educational this trip has been, I have to admit that I'm starting to look forward to getting home. School's soon starting and so are all the other things that go with it. Seeing as I missed 2 weeks of school at the other end I figure I shouldn't miss too much now. One of the greatest parts of doing a trip like this is that you get to meet so many amazing people, hopefully I'll get to see all of them again..... Only next time I'll drive.
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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 30, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    Very proud of you...Oh by the way...Upper County UnitedU14 boys took silver....It was an awesome final game going to 2 overtime sessions and a shoot out...The guys were wishing you were there.... and they will be there for you when you get home...PARTY TIME....cg Konnor`s gran

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  2. Hala AL-MadiAugust 31, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    What an awesome blog, Tucker and Bob. Something to be proud of, and inspire others at the same time. Wonderful!

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  3. TayyAugust 31, 2009 at 10:24 PM

    hahaha, very nice, Tucker. proud of you for figuring out the peeing/wind one on your own. haha
    i hope you got my picture for me. :)
    see you soon! xoo

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2009 at 12:07 PM

    Hi Guys
    How does it feel to finally be home in your own beds-or in a bed period for that matter? It was great to see you both. We'll be having the incredible leftovers again tonight-could I get your gravy recipe Bob?
    Tucker-please come back-your buddy Quinn misses you and he's being a terrible pest! Give your Mom a squeeze for me.
    love Laurie, Don and Mr. Quinn

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 3:42 AM

      Jib Cranes
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      Delete

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