LAFLECHE – Cycling across Canada is a daunting enough goal, but who would be crazy enough to begin the trek in the east, going into the wind? Or make a detour north through BC, then crossing the Yukon and Northwest Territories?
Matt Devine, that’s who.
When caught up with Devine, he was on Day 35 - making a quick stop for a late morning interview. In those 35 days, he’s pedalled from Halifax, through the Eastern provinces, and is enjoying the southern part of the Prairies. That's around 52,000 km in just over a month!
So why embark on such a gruelling, yet amazing journey? For the kids.
Matt and Nicole Gratton-Devine are the force behind , supporting the work of - an Alberta-based charity that assists special needs children with obtaining adaptive bikes - custom built for them. The beauty of the program lies in the fact that donations stay in the region through YCR2 affiliates
“Anything that is donated in Saskatchewan stays there and benefits children all over Saskatchewan,” Nicole explained. “If it’s coming from here, it’s staying here. It stays, and it grows.”
So far, the couple have raised almost $18,000 of their $100,000 goal during the ride - and they’re not even at the half-way point.
“I believe that movement is medicine, and everybody has the right to pursue that opportunity,” Matt said.
“Its all people with a passion for helping kids and changing lives,” added Nicole.
That passion is important, as Matt explained it also acts as motivation to continue on some of those more challenging days.
The genesis of the current journey all began years ago when Matt was faced with some serious health changes. He explained being 300 lbs, a heavy drinker and smoker handed the heavy reality of an impending heart attack.
“It all came crashing down that I was heading towards an early grave,” he said. That transformation began over a decade ago, but it would take hitting a second self-proclaimed “rock bottom” before an epiphany would arise - doing a 300 km run through the Rocky Mountains from Jasper to Canmore. Nicole researched charities, and the couple landed on one that granted wishes to kids who were chronically ill.
With a purpose in place, he completed that 2022 run (equal to seven marathons in seven days) and raised $60,000 for the local charity.
“It just shows what two people can do…without the administrative overhead,” Matt said.
During the big run, Matt and Nicole began to plan their next big adventure, forming the rough plan for the Ride for Change. After tapping their networks, and word of the cycling plan travels through that extending web, sponsors came out of the wood works to make their idea a reality.
Typical days begin early in the morning when Matt hits the road, with Nicole driving ahead in their van - a mobile command centre, if you will.
“Once I get riding, that’s when the easy part happens,” Matt said of the six to eight hours spent pedalling down the highway.
Once that daily ride is complete, Matt goes into recovery mode while Nicole begins the task of unpacking the van. Then it’s time to get some calories into Matt’s system, and all the administrative work of uploading content to social media, responding to emails, and planning out the next day’s events. Logistics such as food and shelter are an ever-changing beast as the duo aim to keep costs at a minimum, yet still enable a quality recharge; ever mindful of that Aug. 27 finish line.
The hybrid charity campaign/fast ride across the nation certainly presents unique challenges, but Matt reflects on how such a journey mirrors life in general.
“Whether or not your making 100 miles a day or 10 miles, you’ve made progress,” he said, recounting the wisdom of one of the duo’s strongest supporters. “As long as you’re making progress… you need to stay out on the bike.”
The halfway point is appropriately Hope, BC, then the ride begins the northern leg.
To follow the progress of this epic adventure, and to contribute to the good work Matt and Nicole are doing, visit the website.
