Cyclist, Ingrid Eder-Carrizo, has come from Spain to bicycle across Canada. Turning 61 in Winnipeg two weeks ago, she has always been passionate about cycling. When her children were young she was unable to travel and cycle; but, now with her children grown she has been able to traverse the globe.
Originally from Germany she has lived in Spain on an island in the Mediterranean called Menorca for the past 40 years. At the age of 50 she decided to begin cycling and through her travels has seen much of the world. This is her third time to Canada, which she has enjoyed immensely, though the first time bringing her bicycle.
"I decided that I would do this and asked my husband if he would come with me. He hmm'd and said no, so I came on my own." Eder-Carrizo exclaimed.
Having arrived in Canada on May 1, she stayed at a bed and breakfast in Halifax for two nights. Beginning her trek across Canada she hadn't realized how cold it would be in May. Though rainy and chilly, she endured and is on her way to Vancouver.
"The majority of places I've stayed overnight have been in the homes of Canadians. They give accommodation, cook breakfast for me, and ask if I have any laundry to be done. The people are really nice here." Eder-Carrizo said.
Choosing to cycle across Canada mainly because it is safe and the people are friendly. Being mugged in South America last year during travels, losing her camera with all of her photos was heart breaking, however, this year she has enjoyed the hospitality of Canadians and hope it endures as she reaches the west coast.
"People here are nice, friendly, and proud. Without the help of Canadians I couldn't be doing this. I would have turned around with the strong wind and the rain," she stated.
A coffee lover, she has stopped at Tim Horton's whenever she could find one. Around 10 a.m. she always finds a group of retirees sitting and chatting, having stopped for their daily coffee. She has met many wonderful people through this means and now has a collection of about 20 Canadian pins.
Though she is greatly enjoying her adventure despite the weather she did comment that she may have decided to travel the wrong way because of the strong west winds. "I meet others travelling west to east and think that would have been smart, the wind would be behind me, but I chose to travel into it the entire way. It makes it a little harder, but it is nice."
