Two bikes, two riders, and miles and miles of highway.
Drumheller had two pedalers stop through the valley last week on their quest across Canada to raise awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Senyk explains their primary motivation for the trip was to see the country and to do it for a good cause. She had lost a good friend and a neighbour to a brain tumour less than a year ago, and has also watched a neighbour fight the disease for years.
“I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to help those that I care about. Derek, being the great guy that he is, jumped right on board,” she said.
They have set a goal of raising $20,000 on their journey and as of Tuesday, they were sitting at $1,660.
Along the way, they are meeting press and talking to others including schools, classrooms and fire halls. She explains that brain tumours are common in firefighters.
Both are admitted recreational cyclists, but they have received support from a number of more seasoned distance riders along the way. So far they have met nine Cross Canada riders including a 61-year-old rider on his third trip across the country.
“There is really a community of cyclists, and we didn’t realize it until we immersed ourselves in it,” said Zwambag.
There are advantages and disadvantages to riding in the spring, while they haven’t been hit with the sweltering heat or a continual stream of motor homes, they have hit rain, wind and in Drumheller last week, mosquitoes.
Those interested in following the pair’s journey or want to donate can go to www.miles4minds.net.