Community
Through rocky Canadian Shield and boreal forest, cyclists set out to support Habitat for Humanity
Cyclists will embark on a scenic ride for a good cause in early July. Habitat for Humanity is having its 5th Annual Spirit of Hope cycling fundraiser. The event is quite the challenge — cyclists will spend a total of three days tackling the terrain of Lake of the Woods, Ontario. The route, which is curated for beginner and intermediate cyclists, will take participants from Kenora to Minaki into Rushing River Provincial Park and Redditt, Ontario. The ride is sure to be as challenging as it is beautiful. Deborah Fehr and Nancy Bezan are two cyclists of a team of four (along with Yvonne Stoesz and Brent Gouthro) that will take on the elaborate route from July 3-5. Fehr says that this is third time she has participated in Spirit of Hope, and she has also done one Cycle of Hope, which is another cycling fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. “There's just lots of bike riding and you chat with people while you're riding, and it's just a lot of fun," says Fehr. “You see the scenery at a way slower pace than in a car, and it's just way more relaxing.” Bezan is also a seasoned participant who has been involved in five Spirit of Hope fundraisers. “I've been a long-time cyclist, and it was an opportunity to get a long-distance type of ride, and I really do like what it stands for [and] what it's doing for people.” Bezan says she expects to cycle about 80 kilometres a day — approximately the distance between Altona and Carman. For Fehr, preparation for the 2024 Spirit of Hope is ongoing. “[W]e just ride as often as we can. We do some group rides on Thursday nights based out of Morden and . . . it's a lot of soul training.” When it comes to Bezan's preparation for the Spirit of Hope, she says that cyclists of the Pembina Valley benefit from its landscape. The hills are close-by and provide quality training ground that even attracts people from surrounding areas. For Bezan, amidst the physicality of the 3-day undertaking, the Spirit of Hope is also an opportunity for reflection. “[There’s] a lot of time to think when you're out there. [To think about] why you're doing it," says Bezan. “It's kind of special that way.” Fehr and Bezan are hoping to raise $1500 each for the 2024 Spirit of Hope. Donations to the fundraiser will go to the Winkler-Morden Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which strives to empower low-income families through providing affordable homeownership for purchase. Habitat Manitoba has helped over 500 families to date. To support Fehr and Bezan's fundraising goals, see the link below and click the “Participants” tab. ~With files from Connie Bailey~