Today is Day #37 of The Road To Valour

The Stats	Today	Total (so far)
Distance (km)	66.3	2,399.4
Climb (m)	69	14,571

We started the day with coffee with the Goodwill’s, then we all headed for the Moosomin South Cemetery, the final resting place for Major Harry Mullins, VC, MM. After a short search, we found the headstone for this Canadian hero. We took a few moments to honour Mullins and wonder why the Town of Moosomin doesn’t take a more active role in honouring him and promoting him as a son of Moosomin.

On today’s ride I was joined by:

• Ehsan Ebrahimnia
• Ernie MacDonald

Okay! Enough is enough! When I planned this project, I relied on the persistent nature of the prevailing winds coming out of the west. So, why are we getting slammed with head on high intensity winds? I asked that question many times and got the same response — heavy winds and heavy rain has plagued the prairies over the last few months.

Unfortunately, the winds and rain will continue probably for the rest of the trip.

Stops along the Way:

We entered Manitoba, the fourth and last province for The Road To Valour. After getting a photo of the Welcome to Manitoba sign And headed off. Then we needed to turn off the highway for a bio-break at the Manitoba Information Centre. Ernie went in to use the facilities and came running out, calling that they knew we were coming and that they were asking where I was.

Turns out that Kel, a member of the Virden Legion, was anticipating that we might pull in, so he was prepared! What a welcome to Friendly Manitoba!

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8 (Virden, MB)

Linda Smith, the Vice-President of the Branch had reached out to me several months ago. She said that the Branch executive was so impressed with what The Road to Valour that the Branch would put us into a local hotel and would host an event at their facility. The hotel was a very comfortable suite for the three of us. After a well needed shower to desalinate and a rest we headed over to the Virden Legion.

Linda arranged a great event for us, starting with the reporter from the local newspaper taking photos of us as we arrived and the sign out front calling all to the event. Then, as we walked into the hall we were greeted by a loud ovation.

After the first meat draw (this is Friday evening and this is a Legion) we got down to the real business of the evening. After the Deputy Mayor introduced me, there were several presentations, including a $500 cheque from the Legion to Wounded Warriors Canada and a beautiful handmade blanket.

I had the opportunity to talk about the reason for the ride and why I was there. Judging by the many discussions hat I had and the significant contributions that I received afterwards, I think that the message came across clearly.

Thank you Linda and to all of those involved in putting together this wonderful evening.

Riding The Road To Valour