Today is Last Day of The Road To Valour.
When I say “today” I mean yesterday. Yesterday was the last day of the journey, but I was so caught up in the activities of the day that by the time it was all over — I was too tired to do much.
| The Stats | Today | Total (so far) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 36.7 | 2,733.9 |
| Climb (m) | 183 | 15,451 |
On today’s ride I was joined by:
- Ehsan Bajestan
- Ernie MacDonal
Leaving Stonewall, we stopped at the local Timmie’s for an early breakfast. I wanted to be in Winnipeg with plenty of time to spare, just in case something went wrong. I was having issues (again) with my computer and so had to re-direct several time, but we arrived in Winnipeg with more than an hour to spare.
Stops along the Way
Stop 1
Valour Road Mural
This spot had always been my planned staging area. I wanted a place that was just a few minutes from the Valour Road Commemorative Plaza and this was perfect.
I had seen many photographs of this work of art, but standing before it in person revealed details that I had never noticed—or that had simply been overlooked.
On the left side of the mural are the three houses and the paths that each of these heroes took to make their way to the trenches of the WW1. It is a powerful reminder that extraordinary acts of courage often begin in the most ordinary of places.
The detail that struck me most is found at the far right of the mural, where workers are shown removing the old Pine Street sign and replacing it with the new name: Valour Road. It captures the moment when an ordinary neighbourhood street became a lasting tribute to the extraordinary bravery of three men whose heroism would earn them the Victoria Cross.
Stop 2
Valour Road Commemorative Plaza
Then at 11:55 we started riding, only to realize that we had to make a couple of loops in a lane to allow for the short distance to the plaza. I was just too anxious to arrive! That having been corrected, we headed out again and crossed Sergeant Street to the Valour Road Commemorative Plaza at precisely 12:00 on Canada Day. Exactly as planned over 2 years earlier.
As we arrived, there was Karen (directing traffic as expected). Along with her were members of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, an infantry regiment (representing Robert Shankland, VC, DCM, one of the VCs of Valour Road), the Fort Garry Horse, an armoured regiment (Karen was eager because she was looking for a real horse), several Rotary clubs in Winnipeg and a few members of local Royal Canadian Legion branches – and a bunch of friends and well-wishers.
Adjacent to the plaza, the Province of Manitoba built a beautiful monument to remember the three heroes of Valour Road(formerly Pine Street),
Stop 3
Cameron Highlanders’ Museum
Celebrating the end of the ride at the plaza, we headed off to the Minto Armoury with the Sergeant-Major to visit the Cameron Highlanders’ Museum.
As we were about to leave, the Sergeant-Major presented both Ehsan and me with a copy of the Cameron’s regimental history book: Winnipeg’s Ladies From Hell by Murray Burt. The name was a reference to the fact that most Scottish regiments during WW1 wore kilts.
Stop 4
Fort Garry Horse Museum
From the Minto Armoury, with Capt James Smith, we headed off to the Lieutenant-Colonel Harcus Strachan, VC, MC Armoury to tour the Fort Garry Horse (FGH) Museum and a very special treat.
Most of us have read, as children or to our children, the stories of Christopher Robin and his teddy bear, Winnie the Pooh. The real story of Winnie the Pooh began with a real connection to the Fort Garry Horse. It begins with a real black bear cub named Winnipeg, who was purchased in 1914 by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn of the Fort Garry Horse. Colebourn named the bear after his hometown and kept her as a mascot while training and later serving in England during World War I. When he was sent to France, he left Winnie, as she had become know at the London Zoo, where she became a favourite of Christopher Robin Milne, the author of the famous children’s books about the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
But that wasn’t the real treat. The real treat came when we got to the cabinet with Lt.-Col. Harken Strachan’s medals. We were advised that all of the medals were the originals except the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross. The originals were stored in safe keeping. Then, Gord Crossley, the curator of the museum handed me a pair of white gloves and told me to put them on. Then, he handed me Strachan’s Victoria Cross and Military Cross. I actually got to hold a real Victoria Cross! Truly one of the highlights of my time in Winnipeg.
Stop 5
Royal Canadian Legion St. James, Branch #4 Winnipeg
After all of the museum tours, I needed a bite to eat and a beer, Where better to do that than at a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. We headed off to meet up with Shelly Anthers at RCL St. James Branch. A great visit, a beer and a burger and a chance to chat with several members of the Legion.
The Closing?
The Road To Valour is now complete.
After more than two years of planning, and after weeks on the road through thousands of kilometres of changing landscapes, headwinds, rain, snow, sunshine, and countless acts of kindness, the ride has come to an end.
This journey was always about more than reaching Winnipeg. It was about honouring our veterans and first responders, raising awareness of the invisible wounds so many carry, and reminding people that asking for help is an act of courage, not weakness.
Looking back on the final kilometres, I do so with deep gratitude for everyone who encouraged, supported, donated, hosted, and cheered me on along the way. You were all part of this journey, and I will carry that with me.
The ride may be over, but the need is not.
Our veterans, first responders, and their families continue to face the challenges of mental disorders every day. They still need our support.
Please continue to stand with them by supporting the organizations that provide life-changing care, and if you are able, please continue to donate. Every contribution helps ensure that no one has to face these struggles alone.
The Final Chapter of
The Road To Valour
is yet to be written!
The Road To Valour 