Goal 1 — A Greater Sense of Community

Connections across Canada: visits, billets, meetups, and shared meals that brought the PKU community closer together.

Kevin wrote about his journey on his blog. Read it here.

From Mile Zero to Atlantic Shores

Starting June 7, 2014, Kevin set out from Victoria, BC. Along the way, PKU families, adults, and supporters hosted, guided, and encouraged the ride — from Vancouver and Kamloops through the Rockies, across the Prairies, and into Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces.

BC: Community gatherings in Vancouver; support in Kamloops and Salmon Arm; the challenging Coquihalla climbs.
AB & SK: Billets, meals, and events; school talks in Saskatoon; a Regina BBQ with strong community momentum.
MB & ON: Weathered fog and rain, then big mileage days toward northern Ontario and a welcome stop home in Kitchener.
ON (East): Local ride-alongs (Peterborough Zoo), Ottawa clinic connections, and meetings with PKU pioneers.
QC & Atlantic: From La Chute to Quebec City and onward to New Brunswick and PEI, where clinics and schools hosted awareness events.

What Community Meant on the Road

The ride showed how every connection matters: a spare room, a hot meal, a poster on a counter, a child’s question, a clinic tour, or a wave from a passing car. Each act helped people with PKU (and allied disorders) feel seen and supported.

Quote (2014): “Being able to meet people who have PKU and meet parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings and friends of those who have PKU was the absolute best part.”

I am PKU Strong Blog - June 12, 2014