Peddling through France

St. John's residents gear up for a challenging experience

By Kenny Sharpe and Tristan Woodworth-Lynas

Two St. John’s city friends are about to embark on an unforgettable journey, one that will bring them closer to each other, themselves, and to the outdoors, as they gear up to cycle the grueling route of the Tour de France.

Ben Dalton and Mike Nordby are en route for Europe this week, where they will join two other cyclists. Together, they will embark on a 21-day, 3600-kilometre spin around France, beginning their tour 10 days ahead of the annual Tour de France.

Dalton, a retired psychology instructor with Memorial University, and Nordby, a prospective Memorial University student come this fall, both say the experience is primarily to explore their individual strengths.

“It’s certainly closer to the why not,” said Nordby, “but just going out there and seeing what we’re made of. A challenge.”

“Ben shared a quote with me once before going on a trip and he said, ‘within me I have everything I need’, and it’s true, we have a lot of power, a lot of strength, and lot of opportunity and I like exploring that…this is what this is all about.”

For the most part, the cost of the excursion has been paid out of their own pockets. However, for the monetary donations they have received, Nordby says they plan on buying a piece of medical equipment that will be donated to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s.

“I think in a way everyone who was involved in the project originally was touched by cancer in some way,” said Nordby. “It’s a good thing and it’s nice to help, Ben came up with the idea actually to buy a piece of equipment as opposed to just raising money, ‘cause then you have something tangible.”

Having been planning the trip for well over a year now, Dalton and Nordby, along with their team, will depart Rotterdam on June 26, and are planning on crossing the finish line in Paris at Champ Élysées on July 17.

The team will be riding on vintage-style, one-speed bikes, similar to those used by competitors in the first Tour de France in 1903.

Nordby, originally from Ontario, says they plan on riding between 160 to 220 kilometres per day. He points out that even for the most seasoned cycling enthusiasts, that range is sure to hack at their stamina.

“An average day on a bicycle going across country, which I’ve done a lot,” says Dalton, “is about 100 kilometres [per day]. Most guys who go across country do about 100 clicks a day and that’s a full day’s work.”

Dalton and Nordby say they plan on documenting as much of the experience as they can, with hopes to compile a short documentary about their journey once complete.

Through their documentary Dalton and Nordby say they will be able to share their experience with as many people as possible, with hopes to inspire others to challenge themselves.

“I think one of things I enjoy most is just getting out there and exploring myself right. Sharing that message and showing people that they can push themselves too. I don’t think I have a drive to be Lance Armstrong or anything but I have a drive to do the tough things and show it,” says Nordby.

For complete biographies of the cyclists or to show your support, visit their website at www.todaystour.net.

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