Kevin Mills is coming down to the wire for his cross-country ride and still seeking donations to make it possible.
Mills, a quadraplegic, will be handbiking across Canada to promote activity-based therapy, accessibility, and inclusivity of the community with disabilities.
Along with riding partner Nikki Davenport, he will begin that journey this Thursday, May 18. They are loading up the RV now and leaving Newmarket to drive out east.
They will catch the ferry from Sydney, Nova Scotia and then drive through Newfoundland to St. John's, where Mills said he'll put his wheels in the Atlantic Ocean so the ride can officially begin.
The first actual day of riding will be May 24, which Mills said also happens to be his birthday.
"I feel good about the biking. I know I'm able to do that," Mills said.
However, it has been a busy time as he sorts out the logistics for the ride, something he said is not his strong suit. People around him have been really helpful in getting everything done though.
"Once I start biking, I know I'll be good," Mills said.
However, one of the logistics left to sort out is financing. They have been fundraising over the past year and they have enough now to get going but not enough to finish it yet.
"We're hoping people get involved in our ride and help us get across and anything extra we raise we just want to fund activity-based programs for people with disabilities," he said.
He added that the support from the community has been amazing so far, so he's confident they will reach their goal.
"It's so kind. All our friends and family and everyone in the community has come together," he said. "The support from Newmarket has been amazing."
The most recent fundraiser was a trivia night in Newmarket. Mills said it was a huge turnout with even Mayor John Taylor coming by to play a few rounds.
Once the ride starts, Mills estimates it will take them about four months to go from St. John's, Newfoundland to Tofino, British Columbia. He said he's not sure yet how far they will go each day but they will figure that out very soon.
"We're going to finish it no matter what," he said.
You can support the ride by donating online.
