The End

(8334km, 138 days)

My name is Zain and I biked across Canada.

When I started this journey in Middle Cove, I felt unbelievably overwhelmed. I was questioning what I was doing in Newfoundland. I felt… alone. I had no training, no touring experience, no camping experience and limited bike knowledge. I didn’t know anyone for thousands of kilometres, and as I dipped my rear tire in the Atlantic to signify the beginning of my journey, I knew this was going to be the most difficult period of my life.

But why bike across Canada for Kids Help Phone? Why start from no training?

I wanted to throw myself into something completely new. Something I had no experience in and that was truly sink or swim. Something that was so challenging, it would test my physical and mental limits on a daily basis. But I didn’t want to just survive. I wanted to come out of this, completely and utterly dominating the challenge ahead of me. Crushing it. Destroying it.

I wanted my mentality to mean something - to be for a cause that I profoundly resonated with. Because of my sister’s struggles, I deeply care about youth mental health and knowing I was riding for Kids Help Phone made me even more determined. Thinking about my sister, I knew I had the mentality to accomplish anything.

I remember my first day - in the first minute of my journey, I had to walk a hill because it was too steep. After, I was struggling with the hills in St. John’s. I would bike, then stop because of my burning legs. Rest. Then go again. And again. And again. A stark contrast to when I was climbing mountains at the end of my trip, I’d say.

Remember how I said I felt alone? That feeling quickly dissipated throughout my journey because I wasn’t really alone. There were friends along the way that I simply hadn’t met yet - Joy, Louis, Sheldon, Marina, Ed, Vicki, the Costigans, Alvina and so many others. I’m so blessed to have met you all. Thank you.

Thank you to my brother for letting me borrow the bike and gear, but most importantly, the advice and support.

And thank you to my sister for wholeheartedly believing in me from the start. Together, I know we can dominate any challenge the world throws at us.

❤️✌️