Alan Mackay

Why I’m Participating in the Great Canadian Hike

The Trans Canada Trail provides so many opportunities to get out in nature and experience the best parts of Canada. The few segments that I've ridden have given me some of my favourite memories on a bike.

The Sooke Wilderness Trail and the Cowichan Valley Trail are the sections I ride the most, whether I'm on a social ride with friends, a quick bikepack up to Cowichan Lake, or pushing myself in the Cowichan Valley Nightmare. This section of the trail is a blast to ride and I always see many other people out walking their dogs and spending time with family.

This summer I also had the pleasure of riding a large chunk of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail on a bikepacking trip with a close group of friends. The trail offered so many beautiful views and was a fantastic way to connect the cities of the Okanagan while staying off of paved roads. This experience also highlighted the need of a fundraiser like this, as some of the sections were in need of repair due to flooding that has occurred in the area.

It's so important to keep trails like these maintained and open to the public so that everyone gets an opportunity to experience the beautiful nature that Canada has to offer. Thank you so much for considering a donation to this fundraiser.