The only thing better than hitting the open road is hitting it to make a positive change.
Gregory Waldner is no stranger to long distance motorcycle treks in support of international fundraising and this year is no exception.
Last year, Waldner took part and completed a cross-country ride through Australia for a CAUSE Canada motorcycle charity ride.
This year, he is hitting the southern U.S., with three planned treks to raise funds for new CAUSE Canada (Christian Aid for Under-assisted Societies Everywhere) motorcycles to be used in Africa and Central America.
Waldner, manager of Canmore Summit Motosports, left Canmore on Tuesday (Oct. 15) to begin the first part of his journey. The three rides are: Sweet Home Alabama, Canmore to Brewton, Ala. – 4,100 kilometres; second, CAUSE Canada Motorcycles Coast to Coast, Jacksonville, Fla. to San Diego, Cali. – 4,033 km and, weather permitting; third, The Border Run, Tijuana, Mexico to Vancouver – 2,280 km.
“The most important rule in long distance riding (LDR), we call it the number one rule, is ‘get home safe,’” said Waldner. “If you have to abandon a run to stay safe, so be it. Planning the right route for what you are doing is important as well; a 2,500 km run in 24 hours being on interstate highways with high speed limits is just an example.”
According to CAUSE Canada’s website, “Motorcycles have become critical public health tools in remote areas of the developing world. Much of CAUSE Canada’s most important work is done on motorcycles, which allows emergency assistance to reach rural areas quickly and inexpensively.”
Waldner said he was introduced to CAUSE Canada when his daughter volunteered last year for the group during its half marathon fundraiser. “I was impressed with how they treated their volunteers. Then, recently, I was in Calgary for the CAUSE Canada gala they held in the Telus Spark Centre, and there again got to know more about their organization.
“I will be doing three IBA/FarRider long distance rides for charity. I have decided to raise funds for the CAUSE Canada motorcycle effort in West Africa and Central America. The motorcycles will be donated in memory of Nick Adams, who was taken from us this past June 6 at the young age of 20. The 2011 BMW R1200RT I am riding has been named ‘Nicky’ in memory of Adams. My goal is to raise funds for two motorcycles – one for Central America and one for West Africa.”
CAUSE Canada has worked in Guatemala since 1984 and Sierra Leone since 1988 and utilizes dual purpose motorcycles in most of its overseas programs.
“I will be using my Spot GPS for people who are interested in following along. Tracking will be close to real time and will show my progress,” said Waldner. “I will keep everyone posted on my progress on the Summit Motosports Facebook page as to the results and commencement of the three rides.”
To follow Waldner on his journey, visit: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0LioF7yfWq5ifJhxi0c1yfs4eRVsB4yEb. All donations will be received by CAUSE Canada. For more information on CAUSE Canada or the motorcycle program, visit: www.cause.ca, or call the Canmore office at 403-678-3332.
