In 2019, I completed my first Battlefield Bike Ride (BBR) with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC). This was BBR19 - Operation Overlord. During the ride we travelled from Dieppe, France to Juno Beach in Normandy. This was the Canadian beach for Operation Overlord, better known as D-Day. We arrived on Juno Beach on 6 June 2019, … Continue reading BBR20/21.1 – The Liberation of the Netherlands
Post BBR22 – Menin Gate, Ypres
As the day after the final ride of BBR22 dawns and a mad panic to find the right bus or train to get home begins. I was lucky that I had other plans - my panic to get to the airport would have to wait. I was on my way to Ypres (Ieper if you … Continue reading Post BBR22 – Menin Gate, Ypres
BBR22 – Final Day
After another warm night, breakfast at the Hotel Hainault was, like the surroundings, outstanding. With a bit of time available, I decided to take a COVID test. I am happy to say that I was a solid negative. This took a lot of pressure off of my mind and allowed me to concentrate on the … Continue reading BBR22 – Final Day
BBR22 – Day 4
After 2 days in the hotel in Arras, it's time to pack the gear and head to Valenciennes. This will be our longest ride. The guide says it will be 80 km with 529 m of climbing. This is also the hottest day yet, so I hate to think what the final total will be! … Continue reading BBR22 – Day 4
BBR22 – Day 3
Today is a big day. Today I take a short trip back to Canada by bike. Place des Héros, Arras, today. Place des Héros, Arras for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It is getting hotter and the air conditioning in the hotel wasn't working. Funny that the best a/c that I … Continue reading BBR22 – Day 3
BBR22 – Day 2
Another warm day dawns in Amiens. Today, the plan is to travel north-west to Arras. The published ride details are that we are to cover 86 km and climb 530 m. Stops along the way include the Newfoundland Regiment Memorial in Beaumont-Hamel as well as the Ulster Memorial Tower War Monument. But first, we have … Continue reading BBR22 – Day 2
BBR22 – Day 1
The day dawned sunny and warm. As we gathered for breakfast in the hotel in Amiens, I was struck by the impact that COVID has had on those who were about to engage in this event. The last time that I rode with the Wounded Warriors Canada group, there were 100 of us plus support … Continue reading BBR22 – Day 1
Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 – Let’s Get Started!
The riders from all corners of Canada are starting to arrive in Amiens, France, to start the ride - The Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 - 100 Days to Victory. The Somme River as it looks today. Tomorrow we start with the first ride, but today we all meet at the ride hotel in Amiens for … Continue reading Battlefield Bike Ride 2022 – Let’s Get Started!
Wounded Warriors Day – After Action Report
After weeks of worry and concern about weather, Wounded Warriors Day at Oyama Zipline and Adventure Park dawned sunny and welcoming. And welcoming it was. And thanks to all of the preparation and planning by Jenn Madsen, we were ready for whatever came our way. Of course, there was the concern that nobody would come, … Continue reading Wounded Warriors Day – After Action Report
The United States in WW1
The United States remained neutral at the beginning of World War 1 and did not enter the war until 6 April, 1917. Initially, the United States supplied finances, raw materials, armaments and food to both the Allies and the Central Powers. However, a successful British blockade severely limited trade with the Central Powers. While individual … Continue reading The United States in WW1
Canada’s 100 Days to Victory 