Cyclists pass through Arnprior on way home to Ottawa from Jasper
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Theresa Fritz
Email
Print
Tweet This
Click to Enlarge
EMC News - Two Algonquin College faculty members have proven they aren't too old for adventure or to teach a life lesson or two.
Theresa Fritz, Arnprior EMC
Chris Rutishauser (left) and Mario Ramsay had reason to smile when the EMC caught up with them outside the Tim Hortons on Staye Court Drive last Thursday. They were close to completing their 3,747 kilometre cycling journey from Jasper, Alberta to Ottawa.
Culinary chef Mario Ramsay and pastry chef Chris Rutishauser cycled from Jasper, Alberta back to Ottawa recently. They began their journey June 24 and arrived home July 22, stopping in Arnprior to chat with the EMC before completing the 3,747 kilometre journey.
Not only was the trip a personal challenge for both men, they also wanted to remind their students of the importance of setting goals, striving for excellence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle - something both men have been focused on in their lives.
"He's (Ramsay) been asking me for three years to do it. I just really switched to cycling half a year ago because I've been running for the last 10 years. We used to run together," explained Rutishauser.
"Cycling (has) always been my interest and then maybe four, five years ago, I thought about a cross Canada trip," explained Ramsay, adding he formerly lived in Jasper and his children work there in the summer. "I thought it would be a good thing to do."
He said when he began looking at the logistics of the trip, he felt the Jasper to Ottawa ride would be perfect because it would take a month to complete it.
"A trip like this, one month away, you can't just go," Ramsay said, adding it was the spring when Rutishauser said he was ready to take the cycling challenge.
Once they got blessings from their spouses, both riders spent months preparing physically, riding their bikes to work, and on weekends to build strength and endurance.
"A trip like this, they always say you should do 1,000 kilometres before taking off so you get used to sitting down and then you go," Ramsay noted.
They spent time planning the route and deciding on the supplies that would allow them to camp in tents as often as possible, and still maintain a pace that would get them home in less than 30 days.
"We took one day off," Rutishauser said, admitting that he thought about "throwing the bike away" when he got his sixth flat tire during the trip.
The men, along with their support driver, drove out to Jasper from Ottawa with supplies and to check the route they would take.
"Finding a good partner (to do the ride with) is important," Ramsay said. "You are a long way from home and if you don't get along with the person, it would be a long ride."
Both men admitted the trip was a fun adventure and they learned a lot about themselves along the way.
"The idea is challenge yourself. I know myself, I like different challenges. Three or four years ago my challenge was to do my black belt in Ju-Jitsu. And then I said, what's next after this? Let's go for a little ride," Ramsay said smiling.
Once the trip got underway, the pair spent an average of nine hours on the road. They cycled through Canada and then parts of the United States because the road conditions were better in North Dakota than in Manitoba. They met many interesting people along the way and enjoyed themselves. They also maintained a blog detailing their adventure so family, friends and their students could follow them online.
Along with interesting tidbits about the travels, they also compiled a best of list. It includes:
- Most consistent restaurant (value/cleanliness/location) across Canada - Tim Hortons
- Best Breakfast - pancake - Perkins
- Best pizza - Carlito's Pizzeria, Banff Inn, Banff, Alberta
- Best road - Canada - Alberta #1, USA North Dakota #2
- Best Campsite KOA - Bemidji, Minnesota
- Best Hotel/Motel - Banff Inn, Banff, Alberta
- Best bicycle shop - Dutch Cycle, Regina, Saskatchewan
- Best City/town - Jasper, Alberta
- Best bicycle day - Day #13 - they traveled 202 kilometres
- Most friendly police officer - Ashland, Wisconsin.
Both agreed the trip was an opportunity for them to show their students that just because they are over 50, they have still got it - both physically and mentally.
"When you ride your bike, you start thinking and we realized we work well together. We had one goal and we did it and that's what's so good about it. With a goal, you go from point A to point B," said Ramsay.
"It shows me that with determination you can finish whatever you start," added Rutishauser.
Both men agreed the scenery out west was amazing as was the wildlife they came across. They also dealt with a lot of hilly terrain along the way.
"The amazing thing was the change of scenery along the way," said Ramsay.
Rutishauser recalled how they were chased by a tornado in Saskatchewan. People were stopping them as they rode telling them a tornado was right behind them.
Returning to regular life and chores like cutting the grass and making dinner is something both men were looking forward to. But, having tasted the adventure of a lifetime, there are thoughts about another trip.
"The goal is done. We will figure something out," concluded Ramsay, adding a similar trip out east could be in their future.
blog comments powered by Disqus
