Putting in the Memories

Meet the Feldmanns: Fritz (48), Cynthia (46), Stefan (12), and Tristan (10). On April 22, 2005, the four of them pedaled away from their home in Penticton, BC en route to St. John’s, Newfoundland. Over the next 170 days, this remarkable family would pedal 9027 kilometers across the width of Canada. “Some people have referred to Fritz and I as educated gypsies,” Cynthia says, “and others call us modern day nomads. We think of ourselves as simple minimalists, and normal people. Over time we have discovered a rich lifestyle with voluntary simplicity. We knew we could easily survive on little, that we didn't need the so called "comforts" of modern day living. Mind you, soft couches, big screen televisions, going to the fridge for snacks on a whim - - those all are nice, but they aren't necessities in our life. As a family, we all enjoyed each other's company, so traveling together would only enrich those experiences.”

During those 170 days, the family would experience more ups and downs than most families see in years. They watched, terrified, as lightening struck telephone poles a mere ten feet away. They had near misses which could easily have proven fatal. They almost cycled into moose, and played frisbee on the Trans Canada highway. They laughed together, they cried together, and they cherished being together as a family.

As they look back on those days on the road, they focus on the highlights; the special moments so embedded in their minds they can never forget. Cynthia talks about her pride in watching her young sons rise to the occasion and tackle such an enormous feat. Fritz remembers the stunning landscapes and warm people. Stefan focuses on the many waterfalls and early morning views of Canada’s many lakes. And Tristan? His highlights include visiting new towns and restaurants. Four different people, four different perspectives, one journey. A journey that has forever changed their lives.

And now, after having finished their remarkable journey and settling down to a more ‘typical’ lifestyle, the yearning is there, the ‘call of the road’ beckons them still. For now, they are content to stay put, but it might not be long before they succumb to the call, load up the bikes, and head out once again.

Tips for other parents considering a bicycle tour:

• Aim for feeding your children healthy food, but at times accept the fact that junk food is better than having them starve.
• Remember to fuel everyone up often, no matter what their age.
• Remember to take more times to stop and play, in ditches, ponds, roadside fields, etc.
• Slow down and make the time last forever.
• Give children the opportunity to rise to the occasion and they will. Don't under-estimate their abilities for one minute.
• Involve them in all decision making. Be receptive to their feedback and body language.
• Don't focus on putting on miles - instead focus on putting in the memories.