The Safari Arie Road Show Episode #1 & questions from my audience
As many of you are aware on April 10 I released my first episode of The Safari Arie Road Show with my YouTube producer Brandon McCaskill. The purpose of this show is to partially replace the...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 10
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
Surviving Ontario – March 24 to April 9, 2020
I am not sure how exciting this post will be for most people as I am not pedalling anywhere. So I guess mostly this post is for my own documentation purposes. At the time of writing this I have...
Safari Arie Creative Writing Exercise #2
My plan during this self isolation is to work on and improve my writing skills. I am reading the book Wild Mind Living, The Writer’s Life by Natalie Goldberg. I hope to spend the first...
Safari Arie Creative Writing Exercise #1
My plan during this self isolation is to work on and improve my writing skills. I am reading the book Wild Mind Living The Writer’s Life by Natalie Goldberg. I hope to spend the first part of my...
Surviving Covid-19
I hate talking about Covid-19. Everyone and their mother posts 14 things a day about the virus. The last thing the world needs is another article posted about this virus. I wanted to avoid the...
Epic bike ride on pause in Kingston until pandemic passes
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Arie Hoogerbrugge to stop his 55,000-kilometre ride from the Canadian Arctic to the southern tip of South America. (Elliot Ferguson/The Whig-Standard) This article was...
The MEC Experience
Bike touring is hard on equipment. Bike touring in the winter is even harder on gear. I needed the right bike and the right gear and I needed to be able to count on my provider. There was only...
One Tree Planted
On March 9, 2020 I had the privilege of visiting the Montreal office of One Tree Planted at the Montreal We Work Office. Now that spring and summer are upon us I hope to engage and learn from tree...
Ontario – March 18 to 23
March 18 Pedal: 141 km's Destination: Brockville Weather: A sunny morning that turned overcast much of the afternoon; but temperatures were good. I am so glad to be moving on from Ottawa. Ottawa...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 9
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
Covid-19 and moving forward
What can I say about this virus considering I have been trying to avoid the whole topic since all this started. That being said a lot of people have reached out so I guess it is time to say...
What Runs Through Your Mind?
A question was posted on my personal Facebook Timeline. It was an interesting question and had some nice responses to my response that I was hoping to save in the form of a blog post and not get...
“Safari Arie” is the new Man in Motion
This an article that was written about me and published March 18, 2020 by one of my host's Andrew Caddell OTTAWA -- Arie Hoogerbrugge is a man on a mission. Two missions, in fact: first, ride his...
Ontario – March 12 to March 17, 2020
March 12 Pedal: 122 km's Destination: Ottawa Weather: Today was sunny coming into Ontario and bit on the cold side. Temperatures warmed up and while there was a bit of a crosswind more often than...
Quebec – March 5 to 12, 2020 plus the Summary
March 5 It was after 1am before I got to bed. I have potentially exciting news regarding getting my YouTube Channel running and am also working on some new content for my website. If people...
How do you decide to bike across Canada in the winter when you hate winter?
Perhaps Arguable, Perhaps Offensive or Perhaps Motivating The look of disbelieve that escape people's faces when I confess that I neither like the cold or winter. Would you believe I actually have...
Quebec – February 27 to March 4, 2020
February 27 Today I have officially been on the road 100 days and have pedaled 4,086 km's. Initially I was planning to take advantage of a walking tour of Old Quebec City this morning that is...
Quebec – February 21 to 26, 2020
February 21 Pedal: 63 km's (including the last 20 km's in NB) Destination: Temiscouata-sur-le-Lac, QU Weather: The morning was sunny and cold. I started the day with -20C and thankfully the sun...
I still feel empty
Why won’t this emptiness go away The roads I travel, the cold I feel Still so empty inside Every night the sun sets Every morning a sun rises Day in day out. Already experienced ten lifetimes The...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 8
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
Charity Bike Ride
So I feel that I have been asked at least 100 times or more (at this point) whether or not I am riding for or raising money for a charity. Usually I keep the answer pretty simple to - "No." ...
New Brunswick February 14 to 20 & Summary
February 14 Pedal: 25.5 km's Destination: Fredericton Weather: I camped behind the Tim Hortons and the temperatures dropped to -18C. I slept like crap though in the night but I didn't feel too...
New Brunswick – I have arrived
Intro to New Brunswick My route through New Brunswick is pretty straight forward. I will travel from Saint John to Fredericton up to Edmundston and then into Quebec. Because of where I am in the...
Media Day – February 10, 2020
Today was a pretty crazy day for media. At about 6:50am I was interviewed on CBC Radio Saint John New Brunswick with Rachel Cave in their studios. And later in the afternoon I did a TV news...
Nova Scotia – Feb 2 to 9, 2020 and Summary
February 2 Spent the day inside at Mike & Monique's working on blogs and photos. February 3 Pedal: 93 km's Destination: Liverpool Weather: Today was sunny with cloudy periods, most of the day...
Appreciation Overload!
It has been barely 2 weeks since I posted some of my favorite Facebook comments and here I am already needing to post another post of some of my most favorite comments. I want to thank everyone who...
Everything you ever need to know about what to pack and how much to pack on your bike tour
Bad decisions make for good stories Did you know that there are cyclist like Mark Beaumont that break world records biking around the world? Did you know that there are cyclists that bring a guitar...
A day in the life of a truck driver – Part 3
Back on October 23, 2019 I posted Part 1 and then on November 10 I finally posted Part 2. I am finally finally posting Part 3. For those interested in this post I suggest you read Part 1 and 2...
Nova Scotia – January 21 to February 1, 2020
January 21 Pedal: 45 km's Destination: Newport Corners Weather: Last night was cold. At least -14C but I had done -14C before and I did it again. Marilyn who owns the pub pulled up just as I...
What Happened To This Ride??
What is going on with this ride? This ride has evolved into something I could never have imagined. Slowly at first. Give me a break I am pedaling 185 lbs of bike and gear. (LOL). Anyways, like I...
Awareness
Awareness of my brokenness The feeling of emptiness that never goes away The heavy breathing of my emotions Awareness of my emptiness The feeling of loneliness that never goes away Where did all...
I Don’t Trust You
Something broke that day And I didn’t even know it Something broke so deep inside me I have been broken there for ever since So deep the human eye can’t see So deep in my soul. So deep in my heart...
Nova Scotia – Stage 2
January 11 to January 20, 2019 January 11 Camped at the Irving Big Stop Truck Stop. Worked on my laptop until 3 am last night. I am taking the day to catch up on blogging due to rain in the...
Those Moments
You were asleep in those moments You didn’t know I was watching You were oblivious in those moments I remember those moments Those were important to me You didn’t know I would watch you through the...
What I learned today
I have had so many amazing interaction during my bike ride already. In many ways my bike ride has just begun and the interactions are almost already too many to count. From old friends giving me a...
I Appreciate You Guys!
Hey guys, it's that time again! I love sharing some of favourite Facebook comments. It has been less than a month since I wrote my last appreciation post. I can barely keep up with them. This is...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 7
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
Prince Edward Island – January 1 to January 10 and Summary
January 1 - New Year Day - 2020 Pedal: 72 km's Destination: O'Leary Weather: Overcast, below freezing and a bit wind. But a pretty good day for biking. I couldn't sleep last night if I tried so I...
Nova Scotia – My Plans
I had a plan for Nova Scotia but then it changed. I was hoping to get to Halifax with enough time to get to Prince Edward Island for Christmas. By the time my ferry arrived in Sydney Nova Scotia...
Why this man is lingering over his winter bike ride through Atlantic Canada
The following is a copy of an article that was written about me in CBC Charlottetown ‘I've only gone through three snowstorms’ Kevin Yarr · CBC News · Posted: Jan 03, 2020 8:42 AM AT | Last Updated:...
35 Days On The Road
I didn't know what to expect Honestly I thought the first 6 months of this ride would suck. I had no expectation of enjoying this part of the ride at all. I just told myself suck it up and get...
2019 in Review
I don't even know where to start with this year. I don't think I could make up half of it if I tried. 2017 and 2018 were the happiest two years of my life and then 2019 happened. In 2017 and 2018...
Prince Edward Island – December 15 to the 31st
December 15 Pedal: 29 km's in New Brunswick + 54 km's in PEI = 83 km's Confederation Bridge on the NB side Destination: originally Cornwall, ended up camping behind the Simmons Sports Arena in...
I still mourn the loss
I still mourn the loss of that little boy I know I killed a piece of your heart To this day I never forgot No one would listen, no one cared No one fought for you and your heart You have to believe...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 6
Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7 hours a day. I have probably listen to a few 1000...
I thought of you
My failures overwhelmed me The sick feeling in my stomach returns What happened that this became my story How did this ever become my story I would do anything to change this script How does one...
Prince Edward Island – Introduction to PEI and my plans
PEI is one of three Maritime Provinces. It is the smallest province of Canada in both land area and population, but is the most densely populated. It became a British colony in the 1700s and was...
I Appreciate You!
It's that time again. A huge shout out and thank you to everyone who has reached out since my bike ride officially started. Now that my ride has started. Along with my favorite and meaningful...
Nova Scotia – December 3 to the 15, 2019
December 3 Pedal: 42 km's. 8:30 am to 1 pm Destination: Englishtown, NS Weather: Started as light rain and then the rain got heavier. Above freezing. Arrive in Sydney by ferry around 7:30am. ...
Breakdown of my bike build
I thought I would do a break down of my bike purchase costs. I know there are few bike geeks out there. One favor though, please don't waste my time telling me how you could have saved me $5...
Newfoundland in review for other cyclists
Newfoundland is an amazing province. I can't recommend enough for everyone and anyone to go there; especially by bike. I am not convinced that I would necessarily recommend Newfoundland when I went...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 5
Is it a blog cop-out to make a blog post into a list? Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
Newfoundland – November 24 to December 2, 2019
Newfoundland Complete plus summary November 24 Pedal: 53 km's Destination: Camped at Catamaran Park. Was going to go into the dark a bit longer until I noticed covered gazebos at a RV park that was...
Free Hot Showers!
I wish I knew this before my first tour. Looking for free hot showers across Canada and USA? Showering at campgrounds gets pretty expensive depending where you are camping and often the reason you...
Newfoundland – November 10 to 23, 2019
The plan is to post two week summaries of my ride. So this November 10 the day I arrived in Newfoundland to November 23. The summaries are pretty short. In many ways for my own personal memories....
St John’s and West
November 14, 2019 So today was the day. Time to escape St John's. I had pretty much seen what I had come to see and I knew I had to make a break for it. But man was I worried. The ride to cape...
St John’s – what an amazing town!
November 13, 2019 It was a warm day, almost 15 degrees with a light drizzly rain on and off. Today was all about checking out St John's. From what I had seen so far - an amazing town and a lot to...
What I learned in my first week bike riding Newfoundland
November 21, 2019 It's not my first bike tour; but it has been eight years. And that being said this is a completely different ride. But what I have learned is that Newfoundland is all up and...
St John’s to Cape Spear – The hardest physical day of my life
November 12, 2019 Ok, not very encouraging words for my first day on my bike. But today killed me. I almost feel it was the physically toughest day of my life. But fast forward to the end of the...
Newfoundland the place where people speak strange
November 11, 2019 All of a sudden I realized I was here in Newfoundland! How long have I wanted to come here? A long time. And this must be the least visited province in Canada. I can now say...
What’s out there
Looks like a lot of vastness Looks like a lot of trees Looks like a lot of wilderness Is it safe or is it dangerous Cold and inhospitable But it is good and it is freedom The wind cares not which...
A day in the life of a truck driver – Part 2
This Part 2 of a blog that I was attempting to write weeks ago. I posted Part 1 all the way back on October 23. I will include the link at the bottom of this post if you haven't read it yet and...
So it begins. PEI to Sydney Nova Scotia ferry
November 10, 2019 Last night I dodged a bit of bullet. The first time in the last six months of pulling this whole trip together did something go sideways. My ferry crossing to Newfoundland for...
Appreciation Post
Supporter and appreciation post #2. I have been so busy the last weeks with final preparations that I am so far behind in any recent blogs I am 5 days away from my ride but I thought I would get a...
Words
My words sound just like yours My words have hurt so many My words cause destruction Who do I turn to Who will give me the words Who will show me the way Do you have the answers I seek Do you have...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 4
Is it a blog cop-out to make a blog post into a list? Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
Safari Aries Christian, Lifestyle and Spiritual Bucket List
Perhaps a more important bucket list then my experiences and accomplishment bucket list Live with a purpose To not fall into resignation. To never give up That my greatest dreams and goals and plans...
Predictions For Biking Across Canada During A Cold Winter
So I am going to make some predictions mostly for shits and giggles and see what happens. Nothing is predictable about a Canadian winter. And nothing is predictable about crossing Canada during...
A day in the life of a truck driver – Part 1
Actually this is going to be more than a day. It occurred to me that as this trucking career winds down I should document a California trip so I have something to go back to someday. I should...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 3
Is it a blog cop-out to make a blog post into a list? Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
Kindness
I need Your kindness I am desperate I can barely breathe through my tears I need Your gentleness I am so broken I am so exposed My heart was never designed for this My soul cries out for kindness...
Darkest Hour
Did you not hear me cry out How loud must I scream Will my tears not be enough What other price must I pay Has anyone fought as hard as me Do you forsake me in my darkest hour Am I not worthy Have I...
Start Date Announcement & How My Start Date Was Chosen
I should probably start off by saying that even though I have been planning this ride since 2011 if someone had asked me six months ago if I thought I was ever going to start this ride I would have...
My Environmental Manifesto
Are the poles melting? Is climate change natural or man-made? Actually we need to perhaps be more accurate and call it what it is - global warming not climate change. Do the scientists even know...
Safari Aries Worldly Bucket List of Experiences and Accomplishments
Though many of these experiences and desires come as a result of Christian and spiritual longings Bucket List - a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish...
Winter Camping and Biking
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing” - Sir Ranulph Fiennes I have been doing a little research on winter camping and biking. I have read a few blogs and watched a...
Every night I whisper
Would you soften her heart Would you soften her heart towards me If it is Your will Every night I whisper this prayer into the dark Every night I feel the loneliness If it is Your will The day is...
A shout out to all of my amazing fans and supporters
Supporter and fan appreciation post I would love to give a huge shout out of thank you for your support! My website went live a month or two ago and the response has been amazing. I want you all to...
Life as a truck driver
While you sleep I am driving, while you are eating I am driving and while you spend time with loved ones I am driving. That is what I tell people. Probably the easiest and simplest way to describe...
Denial
Are you in denial of the pain I feel Do you not know how I have bled There my heart in pieces all over the ground You deny all the young places of my soul There is no freedom for the young places I...
The Great Constant
The great constant in life is loss, sorrow and regret Why do you have to add to it Can things not be different between us Is there not enough loss and sorrow in this life Can we not just get through...
How did you pick your bike?
Back in 2011-12 when I was doing the bulk of my research for this bike ride there was one bike in particular that was on my radar - the Surly Long Haul Trucker. The Surly Long Haul Truck is kind of...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 2
Is it a blog cop-out to make a blog post into a list? Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
Your Words
Did you ever consider your words Any chance you considered the affect The affect on one’s heart Why would say those words yesterday only to throw those same words out with the trash today Your words...
The Little Boy
I can’t explain myself to this world When you know that you don’t fit in And the worst part is that it is probably just in your head When all you ever remember is the pain When tears flow way too...
I See You All
I see you all. I see you all the time I know you don’t see me at all And that’s ok. I get it Did you know these tears are real Around you they flow on the inside Around me they flow on the outside...
My Words Kill
I know it was my words I didn’t mean for my words to kill What have I done Do you not know what I would do to take my words back I would climb the highest mountain I would dive the deepest ocean I...
Why am I out there?
Pain is temporary quitting lasts forever - Lance Armstrong (Not that I am a fan) This post serves two purposes. First, it is simple the 14th blog post for your reading pleasure; assuming that you...
I Miss You All The Time
I wake up fighting the loss Looking down at the pieces of heart in my blood soaked hands I hope to not feel for long Fighting to keep my heart together Meant to fight and protect for your heart Who...
Biking it alone
To bike alone or with a partner or a bunch of people. Depends on the person you are. If you are an introvert like me who has pretty much always been alone then that is simply how you do things and...
The god of success
It's no fun learning something new about yourself and then realizing that what you have discovered is a pretty big issue. I discovered and realized today that I worship the god of success. I don't...
What does my bike ride have to do with my passion to have the planet covered in trees?
That's a real good question and in many ways I would say nothing. That being said if there is a away to compliment the two dreams and goals I will figure out how along the way. I guess the bike...
How I plan to save the planet
Little did I know back in grade 9 the first small seeds of my greatest passion were being planted. No pun intended but from all the way back then a secret passion that I was not even aware of was...
How did I pick my 55,000 kilometer route?
Picking my route was probably my most enjoyable part of planning my ride. My guess is that I likely spent 100's of hours researching this part of the bike ride. My route is probably at least...
Better questions and reflections to live by – Part 1
Is it a blog cop-out to make a blog post into a list? Over the years in truck I got into listening to podcasts. First a few a week and then depending on the day sometimes listening to podcasts 6-7...
21 Crazy and Not So Crazy Ways I Saved Money For This Bike Ride
The truth of the matter is that I am cheap; really cheap. In fact I have had some of the most stubborn cheap Dutchmen I know call me the cheapest Dutchmen they have ever met. 1) Gave up driving a...
The Day The Inevitable Happens; I Quit My Job
I had a really cool career once. I successfully turned my hobby of keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets into a business and a fairly successful business at that. But I had a nagging question...
Your nuts! That can’t be done!
I think it goes without saying that there are inherent risks for sure. But as I write this post I am still employed and do one of the more dangerous jobs in North America. An average of 100 police...