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...
Josh Graveline
Josh was biking eastbound as I was headed westbound leaving Brockville Ontario. Josh instantly did a u-turn and pedaled with me for a few kilometers before saying our goodbyes.
Chris Adam of Bike Tour Adventures
On Monday March 15 I had the pleasure to be a guest on Chris Adam's podcast Bike Tour Adventures. I had recently found out about his podcast while I was still driving a truck and enjoyed listening...
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...
Andrew Caddell
Andrew has been following me for a long time now. Andrew let me stay at his family home in Kamouraska, Quebec on March 14th. I also stayed 3 nights with Andrew and his family in Ottawa. On March...
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...
Brian Kostick
Only a few hours into Ontario leaving Bourget on my way to Ottawa a pick up truck pulled off the side of the road and a gentleman get out and asking me if I am Arie. I could not believe it. Thanks...
Richard Arlen
Richard reached out and offered to take me to lunch on my way out of Montreal. Richard wanted me to experience Montreal's famous smoked meat so we meet at Smoke Meat Pete in Ile-Perrot. Richard's...
Andre & Claire Cournoyer
While in Montreal Andre reached out to me with an offer to host me. I owe Andre and his wife Claire a huge thank you as I ended up staying a bit longer than planned. Because of a Friday meeting in...
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...
Pascal Longhi
Pascal is originally from France who came to Canada about 5 years ago for school is living in Montreal. Pascal has been following my ride and reached out to me Wednesday March 4, 2020. Pascal...
Paul Directeur
Paul is the guy in charge of the HI Hostel in Trois-Rivieres. I really like him.
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...
John Doe
Of Quebec City asked that his name not be used on the internet I reached out to John through Warm Showers. I was thinking when I entered Quebec City I would see if anyone on Warm Showers was...
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...
Andrew Caddell
Living in Ottawa Andrew let me stay at his family vacation home in Kamouraska Quebec Photo is view from back window over the St Lawrence River. I hope to meet Andrew when I reach Ottawa. Andrew is...
Sandy Carr
Sandy is the driver that originally brought me out to New Brunswick to be picked up by my parents after leaving my job to start my ride. We left the bakery October 28. I had the opportunity to run...
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...
Shaun Albright of Crossing Path Guest House
Address: 698 Main St, Woodstock, NB E7M 2E3 Phone: (506) 324-0229 A great place to stay and bike friendly! Shaun is a long time follower and reached out about giving me a place to stay when going...
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...
Margo Campbell
On my way to Woodstock, NB just before getting to the TransCanada I had a pretty amazing experience. It is experiences like these that remind me that I am on schedule and where I am suppose to be at...
The Poirer family
Kai, Zavier, Anna, Tracy & Michel Poirer from Fredericton New Brunswick on Warm Showers Michel was the first person that I ever reached out on Warm Showers for. I was in Fredericton and was...
Russ Newman
I was pedaling along the Saint John River when a gentleman called out to me and I u-turned into his driveway. His name was Russ Newman. Russ was an American that spent 2 tours in Vietnam and had...
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...
Dean Roberts of Millennium Cycle & Sport shop
Millennium Cycle & Sport 28 Millennium Dr, Quispamsis, NB E2E 4B1 (506) 849-7433 Dean had a complimentary tune up done on my bike, gave me a usb chargeable bike light, gave me a free puncture...
Mike Cameron from CTV News
During my bike tune up at Millennium Cycle & Sport shop my host Wayne Arrowsmith made a phone call and within 15 minutes Mike Cammeron from CTV News showed up. I had a really cool interview...
Rachel Caves – CBC Saint John Radio
On February 10 the alarm was set for 5:30am and by 6:30am we were sitting inside the studio of CBC Saint John NB. This would be my first in-studio radio interview. I was being interviewed by Rachel...
Wayne & Sonya Arrowsmith
Of Saint John New Brunswick Wayne has been a long time follower from the very beginning and offered me a place to stay I believe even before my ride started. Wayne went so far out of his way to be...
Tom Adams and Joyce Bremner
From Digby Nova Scotia I received a message from Tom in the middle of a snow storm on my way to Digby that there was a bed waiting for me. Tom and Joyce live in a super cool home on the inside. ...
Leonard Adams
Of Bayside RV in Yarmouth Nova Scotia would not let me take his photo but let me sleep in one of his RV's for 2 nights Address: 203 Hardscratch Rd, Yarmouth, NS B5A 4A8 Phone: (902) 742-1916 Leonard...
Murray Robinson
I met Murray at the local Tim Horton's in Yarmouth. When I left Yarmouth on February 8 Murray came in the Tim's to bring me a special gift. It always touched me that Murray came in special with...
Chris & Kathy Goodick
Booked me a hotel room in Shelburne Nova Scotia Kathy approached me in a Tim Horton's on the evening of February 4 in Shelburne. She says "my friend over there tells me that you are biking across...
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...
What to pack on your first bike tour
Have you ever wondered what to pack on your first bike tour? This is the "everything you ever need to know about what to pack and how much to pack on your bike tour" blog post. "Bad decisions make...
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...
The MacEachen’s
My hosts - Mike and Monique decide to take me back to Mahone Bay for a longer visit. We went to visit Al and Rose MacEachen who own Sweet Ride Cycle. Lewis Hinks the other day had suggested that I...
Monique Gaudet and Mike Samson
From north of Bridgewater Nova Scotia Spending time with Monique and Mike was very special for me. They both had tragedy in their lives and they both overcame that tragedy and found each other and...
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...
Arlene, Owen, Elsa and Lloyd Nauss
Of Mahone Bay Nova Scotia Interestingly enough Lloyd was the only host that has reached out to me through Instagram. Our connection comes through the love of the outdoors. In recent years Lloyd has...
Lewis & Valerie Hinks
On the morning of January 30 I needed to take care of some emails first thing. Between emails I received a message from Lewis Hinks (only living a mile down the road). Lewis didn’t realize I was in...
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...
Colleen Jones of CBC Halifax
I decided to visit CBC and see if I could track down Laura Fraser the Social Media Editor. She was the only one who responded back to any of the messages/emails that I sent CBC Halifax. She was...
Robinson Lea Myers
of Halifax from January 25 to January 28 gave me the use of an empty rental apartment A message Robinson Lea Myers posted “So this is Arie Hoogerbrugge and he is biking across Canada! His journey so...
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...
Deloris D’entremont
A friend of one of my Halifax host - Hugo and Vera Ford stopped by for a visit. Me and Deloris decided to go to Pier 21 together. At Pier 21 pointing to the boat my father came to Canada on.
Hugo & Vera Ford
From Halifax Nova Scotia I spent an enjoyable evening with Hugo and Vera Ford and the next morning I joined Vera and her daughter as they visited the farmers market in Halifax. Hugo was only the...
Marian Girroir gave me the hat off her head
In the grocery store both me and Dale Spence spotted this woman with the coolest baseball hat that said “The Bicycle Thief.” I remember seeing the hat and before my mind could process “that is the...
Dale Spence – Super Fan
Of Halifax Nova Scotia Dale has been following me from the very beginning and it was awesome to finally meet. I was able to spend 2 evenings with Dale. Dales parents also follow me thanks to Dales...
Brad Peverill of Mt Uniacke NS
Brad is standing beside me with 2 thumbs up Brad Peverill of Mt Uniacke sent me a message that he wanted to meet me just as I was arriving in Mt Uniacke. We ended up meeting at the Mount Uniacke Pub...
Tammy Boggs
Hari and Tammy Boggs pulled over to the side of the road for a quick chat and a photo. I loved that they took the time to stop. Tammy handed me a few dollars for a coffee down the road at Mt...
Marcel Capp & Sharon Redden
Of Newport Corners Nova Scotia I still remember the day as being quite cold. The night before I camped in -14C. It was actually really nice to be indoors that night. I had a most enjoyable and...
Marilyn owner of Walton Pub & Eatery
The night of January 21 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 was taking down camp. She came in specially to make me...
Steve Lapierre
On my way to Walton Nova Scotia Steve Lapierre driving a school bus pulled up beside me and asked me if I was Arie and then handed me a Tim Horton gift card. I got the crazy idea that even though...
Tabitha Hardy
From Truro Nova Scotia Tabitha was one of the many people in Nova Scotia that reached out to me. I ended up spending 2 nights at Tabitha's because of a bit of snow storm the second day. We had...
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...
Kim Hillier
Of Great Village Nova Scotia Kim was another person from Nova Scotia that reached out with an offer to spend the night. I still remember running into a pretty wicked snow storm on my way to her...
Nick and Tammy and Trinity Bennett
of Parrsboro Nova Scotia (Tammy took the photo) When I woke up in Advocate there was a message waiting from Tammy that there was a bed waiting for me in Parrspboro. I ended up staying 2 evening...
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...
Mike & Sarah Berry of The Rite Stop in Advocate NS
The Rite Stop restaurant in Advocate gave me a complimentary breakfast.
Stephanie Morris
Of Advocate Nova Scotia Stephanie's story is kind of special because Stephanie was shopping at the Rite Stop grocery store in Advocate as I was packing my bike to get ready to set up my tent. When...
James & Amanda Campbell
James and Amanda Campbell are the two on the left from Amherst Nova Scotia. Also in the photo is Rob and Tara Trembley from PEI and Caleb - James and Amanda's son in the center James and Rob...
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...
Doris & Hanson Spence
I had an experience this afternoon that I won’t soon forget. I have a gentleman who lives in Halifax named Dale who has been following my ride very closely since the beginning. This afternoon while...
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...
Kelly Richard
Of Wellington PEI Kelly had heard of me while on PEI and was following the ride. She actually saw me pedaling near Wellington, PEI, and messaged me. She asked me if I was ok and if possible to...
PEI Information Center
Elizabeth Jorgensen & Kelly Richard Kelly runs the information center for PEI that can be found at the base of the Confederation Bridge on the PEI side. Kelly had heard about me during my time...
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 six 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...
The Voortman Family
Dexter, Heather David & Kayli Voortman of Glenwood PEI So I have a cousin that fairly recently moved to PEI and I had the pleasure to spend 2 nights with his family. It was a real experience to...
Craig Constain & Carla Kelly
Of St Lawrence PEI Meeting Craig is an awesome story. It was the day after my CBC Charlottetown article was released and I had barely got 20km's down the road and Craig recognized me from his truck...
Brenda Doucette & Michelle Van Summeren
From Tignish PEI Brenda is Irene's niece and it was Irene that set me up for a warm bed a Brenda's. Brenda works with special needs kids and her partner Michelle works administration at the local...
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. ...
Irene MacIsaac
Of Charlottetown PEI I can't say enough about Irene. Irene was very instrumental in helping to change the nature and focus of this ride from a solitary ride to an extended Atlantic Canada ride. I...
Alasdair Veitch
Of New Glasgow Nova Scotia Alasdair has been following me from the very beginning and has been one of my biggest supporters. Alasdair is a retired wildlife biologist who worked almost 30 years in...
Mattieu Fraser of Highland Bike Shop
Address: 258 Main St, Antigonish, NS B2G 2C1 Phone: (902) 735-3320 Matt is great!! Matt reached out while I was biking through Newfoundland. He told me I had a warm bed and a free bike tune up...
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...
A cyclist guide to Newfoundland
Newfoundland is an amazing Canadian province, and even a more amazing province by bike. Enjoy my cycling guide to Newfoundland. I am not convinced that I would necessarily recommend Newfoundland...
Dennis Dell
Of Hawksbury Nova Scotia I knew Dennis from way back at the from the church I attended in Hamilton called The Meeting House. We use to do "set up and tear down" together. Dennis and his partner...
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...