Neepawa to Churchbridge Manitoba – 225km
This was a long day. It was again very hot and sunny but not humid. In Neepawa I briefly looked at Margaret Lawrence’s house and kept cycling west. It was a slow incline but steep enough to slow me down significantly. Overall I gained about 300 meters. Then there was a steep downhill to Minnedosa a beautiful little town with a wonderful coffee shop where I answered emails.
An older woman, with her husband, was curious about Change the Cycle. She was very aware of Violence Against Women and thought we need God’s kingdom. When I asked what she meant she said that for the longest time women were not allowed to say anything and she gestured her mouth being zipped shut. It seemed a message that this is her story. Her husband did not say anything and looked at me as if he knew what this was about.
This was a very lonesome ride today with some good roads with wide shoulders and parts where the highway was without any shoulder and i just hoped for the best when trucks came from behind. There wasn’t much traffic and trucks at times completely slowed down behind me which was reassuring.
At one little gas station – store – coffee shop I explained Change the Cycle to a father of a teenager and he gave me $20 to support me.
One believes the prairies are flat, but today I encountered great climbs and steep valleys cut by rivers. When the road had wide shoulders and trucks passed with lots of space, I was able to contemplate about my messaging. One way to help men understand their possible need to change is by suggesting: if you treat your wife, girlfriend or partner in ways you would not want your daughter, sister, or mother be treated by her husband, boyfriend, or partner, you need to change. If you use pornography that portrays women being treated in ways you would not want your daughter, sister, or mother be treated, you need to stop using this material.
Now I’m in my tent on a nice campground beside Churchbridge where the church bells toll every quarter and half hour. Memories of Europe.
Hi Joachim
As I was driving with my boys from Vancouver to Kelowna, I heard on the CBC that the Vancouver police have just started a poster and awareness campaign titled: “Don’t be that guy” targeted at men and aimed to decrease sexual violence. They are promoting this message in the bars and clubs. I thought you might be interested. As I left my friend’s house this morning in Kelowna to go for a run, she warned me there is a rapist on the loose and 2 women joggers were recently raped here. Scary stuff. You are very brave and courageous initiating discussion on the topic. Stay strong.
Thanks May
This is why I’m doing this.
So more guys will be not just these guys.
How can men accept women having to second guess when they go out. Rape cannot be normal news.
Looking at your current highway photo..it looks like you have the roadway all to yourself! Perhaps you packed an audio book amongst your trip goodies.. for the long flat miles ahead… stay strong .. wasn’t sure if you’d find bike mates along the way to travel with you or not.. wishing good weather..
The road to change is a shared one.
It is not only the highways that have “wide shoulders” my friend. You carry a heavy load with a great message of warning and hope. Be strong and remember all of those that support you.
Yes, changing the cycle is on all our shoulders
Glad you enjoyed your visit to Minnedosa and Chipperfield Coffee Company, yesterday. Thanks for stopping by and safe travels on the rest of your journey.
Yes things went well and I remember your coffee shop with warm thoughts. What a nice village off the Highway