One of a series of posts featuring someone on the outside looking in. Special thanks to Herb for sharing your take on Arvid’s adventures.
It was an exciting moment to be with Arvid, his family, and others as we all waited for the official signal from his son Paul that it was time to begin the 10,000 km gruelling race to eclipse the 22 day Guinness record and to raise more than $300,000 to support orphans in Kenya. Surrounded by family we had prayed for safety, physical endurance, mental fortitude, emotional strength and spiritual support. It was thrilling to hear the grandkids cry out, “go Grandpa, go. Go Grandpa, go.”
He was off to Lockport, only 4 km away. We anxiously awaited his return and were not disappointed as he reappeared cruising at a comfortable (for him) 30 km/hr. Smiling and waving he was fresh and keen and pedalling strong. I returned that evening with Erna and there he was, pedalling south to his turn-around site at Hoddinott Road, still smiling and waving!
On day 9, we took Erna’s 88-year-old sister. There was Arvid, pedalling strongly towards us leaning on his middle handlebars. I rolled down my window and shouted and of course he acknowledged us with a quick wave as we passed by. A quick u-turn and a chase to catch him. I was amazed how he kept a close eye on approaching traffic behind him. A quick swivel of his head to make sure we were giving him space while his powerful legs kept on churning.
We pulled alongside and powered down our windows. His big smile of recognition felt so good as we asked him about fluid retention. He frustratingly replied that he was sick of that question and was doing fine! We all laughed and pulled away as the impatient traffic was blowing their horns. But shout we did,”praying for you.”
Get out there and see a real athlete in action. Give him a wave, a shout, a blast of your horn. And don’t forget that this ride is for a reason: giving kids who live on the streets of Kenya HOPE. Your donation can make all the difference.
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