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I had only ever intended to do the Italy ride. Funny how life has a way changing your plans.

When they announced BBR2017, I knew I was going to France. As a teen I was exposed to Robert Services’ poetry, “Rhymes of a Red Cross Man”. I was moved so completely by his poetry that it changed how I thought as a young person. Particularly this one, “Young Fellow My Lad“.

One hundred and fifty cyclists flew to France to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge.

WWI has over 579,606 men missing in action. This number is staggering. Their names are forever remember on memorials such as The Menin Gate, Tyne Cott Memorial Wall and many others. I had a name that I needed to find. It took me hours of looking to find the small reference to my Granny’s brother who never returned from France.

What moved me most on this ride was the Memorial at Poperinge. I was here that “Shell Shocked” soldiers were executed for desertion. I have a deep sorrow for these men, who suffer the mental strain of the brutality of the trench. My Great-Grandfather, Pte Walter Evenden’s trauma manifest itself in physical symptoms, “Disordered Action of the Heart”. He came home, but for the young men whose mind could not stand the strain, and who suffered “Shell Shock”. They were often executed for their crime of Desertion.

Why are these rides so important? Because the kilometres, the physical exertion, the emotions and the hours of quiet reflection are therapeutic for many riders.