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Riding back through Winnipeg on his way back across Canada, a cyclist from B.C. stopped at the CHVN studios on Friday with an update.
"I did, I cycled across Canada in three months," says Tyler J. Ashton from Port Coquitlam, B.C. "I have an auto immune disease called A.S. or Ankylosing Spondylitis. More people have it than M.S., ALS, or R.A. combined. That's over half a million Canadians."
At it's worst progression, A.S. fuses the spinal cord together, leaving people in a wheelchair. There is currently no cure and this ride across the country is Ashton's way of raising funds and awareness for the disease.
"I'm hopeful with nutrition, exercise, the biologic, the medication injection I take once a week, will help slow that."
Even though Ashton has A.S., it hasn't stopped him from doing this solo bicycle trip. He initially was going to go from Vancouver Island to St. John, Newfoundland and be done. However, when he got to his destination, he decided to cycle the return trip. All of this while camping as much as possible and relying on the kindness of strangers.
"Every day has been an adventure. The thing about this journey is that I run on a budget of oatmeal and generosity. Relying on the kindness and generosity of strangers has been the most incredible thing I've ever experienced."
While Ashton has countless stories, he shared one that happened just this past week.
"I had a broken bottom bracket just before I hit St. Francis (Ontario). I ran into this couple at a gas station on motorcycle. The next thing I know I thought they left but she came back in and gave me her address and phone number. She said, 'We're a little over 100 km away. If it fits, you're more than welcome to stay with us.' I stayed with them and it was the most incredible experience. They let me stay a few more nights and then gave me a ride to Kenora so I could get my bottom bracket."
People interested in following along Ashton's journey back to B.C. or want to donate towards A.S.'s cure can find all the details on his Linktree.
"I have really big plans for next year. Just you wait. You thought cycling across Canada and back is a long distance? Wait till next year!"