German Cyclists Stop in Cornwall

 The First Canada Inns on Vincent Massey Drive recently welcomed 2 cyclists from Germany to their motel. Almi and Itao were only in Cornwall for one evening during their 29 country, 37,000 km year long cycling tour. Yes, you read that correctly, 37,000 kms – by bike! This trip took 6 months of planning and research. Each day was planned out with a destination and any stops along the way, so their use of our recreational path and their stop in Cornwall was part of this grand plan.

This is not their first tour either. They have been enjoying bicycle excursions for the past 12 years and have travelled 70 countries. This is their third trip to North America - they previously crossed the USA twice, once from New York to San Francisco and once from Mexico to Alaska. They did admit that this particular year long excursion has been the biggest, and will cover 29 countries – Albania, Greece, Turkey, Iran, China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia – just to mention a few.

Almi and Itao arrived in Cornwall after travelling from San Francisco to Vancouver where they stopped for 2 days for a little break. They then headed to Winnipeg and through to Thunder Bay. Their path took them into Sault St. Marie and then into Cornwall. In the morning, bright and early, they will head to Montreal and then to New York City. From New York they will then fly to Morocco and into Spain, France, Switzerland and then finally home to Germany.

While relaxing on the lawn swing and enjoying the cool evening breeze with a glass of wine, this energetic couple told me a little about this world tour. In a normal day they travel 100 to 120 kms, staying at motels each night. Depending on the temperature, their day begins between 6:00 and 6:30 am. A special little smile crept onto both of their faces as they recalled the days in Thailand and Australia with 43 degree heat – they started the day at 4:00 am as a means to beat that heat! There are many special memories from each country and they keep track of all of these experiences in a diary and with lots and lots of photographs. Luckily they have not had any major problems with their bicycles – the odd flat tire, but that was expected. Their only method of communication with their family in Germany is through post cards and letters. When I asked them what countries they enjoyed the most, they quickly answered Iran, China, Turkey and Canada. They love the scenery and the people, which is one of reasons they enjoy cycling the globe.

Itao held out his arms to show me the tan he has, which clearly outlines the fingerless cycling gloves that he wears. The muscles in both of their arms and legs are sleek and strong, and there is a definite twinkle in those 4 eyes as they talk about the various aspects of their “world tour”. We are indeed privileged to have hosted this amazing couple as they cycle their way around the world. We hope that Cornwall will be a stop that they will always remember with a twinkle in their eyes.

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