Today was a rather gentle day to ride from Duluth to lake Winnibigoshesh which is the lake where the Mississippi starts. The ride started with a steep climb out of Duluth, then gently rolling hills which suddenly flattened out and I reached the Prairies in La Prairie just before Grand Rapids. Large swamp areas, farms, forests, lakes and rivers. I met two men crossing Canada / the USA to raise money for Street kids in Santa Cruz Bolivia. We had a chat about Change the Cycle. Asked what they think needs to change: instilling positive values in boys, be good role models, get rid of poverty. Later I met people in a wonderful coffee shop in Grand Rapids who were curious a bout change the cycle. It seems every body I speak to is aware of violence against women being a big issue. Some blame poverty, some blame alcohol but everybody seems to agree it goes from generation to generation and we need to change the… [cycle].
I also got an email from a woman who has contacts in Winnipeg who I could talk with.
The question remains, how can we make change in the bigger picture as woman abuse is so deeply estranged in our culture and many of our institutions continue to fuel sexism and misogynist believes in boys and men.
It’s however reassuring that people are concerned and at least somewhat educated on the issue.
Now I am on a campground hiding in my tent from the mosquitoes.
Today’s distance was 195 km.
It seems I will be back in Canada in less than 2 days. I plan to stay at least one extra day in Winnipeg and meet people.
Orchid at the side of the road