It’s been a long two days of driving from Winnipeg to Hinton, Alberta, at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, but we are finally here, anxiously awaiting the start of the 2017 Habitat for Humanity Cycle of Hope.  When I say anxiously, I mean anxiously, for me at least. Riding the ups and downs of the beautiful Canadian Rockies promises to be a challenging but worthwhile endeavour.

Follow along as 46 enthusiastic cyclists tackle their fears and the Rockies all in the aid of Habitat for Humanity.  Leaving tomorrow, July 5th, from Jasper along the Icefields Parkway, we are heading south through Alberta, arriving in Waterton Lakes on July 11th.

As is the tradition at dinner on the eve of the ride, we shared what the ride means to us, whether we were “newbies” or seasoned Cycle of Hopers. It’s a moving, affirming experience.  For most it is a combination of things.  It is a chance to support the Habitat cause through our fundraising and change the life of a family.  It is the friendships we form on the ride, friendships that flourish beyond the ride. It allows us to be our best ourselves, to be part of a community of people with a common goal, moving beyond our imagined limits.

As we ready for bed, excited about tomorrow, with all our preparations behind us, now all we can do is to hope for north winds to help us along our way.