July 14 2025

We arrived in Stettler Alberta for Race #9 on Friday, after passing huge fields of canola.

Stettler is a pretty little town, with a big sports centre with indoor pool, baseball diamonds, skateboard park, water park, walking paths, weight room, hockey rinks….Lots of new houses being built. And lots of activities coming to town. It’s great to see residents in smaller communities embrace life and welcome others to their world.

Mike took the truck in for regular maintenance (gee, forgot that stuff had to be done, especially when we’ve driven over 11,000 km!). Went for a run, then went to Jo-Jo’s café for lunch. The co-owner was thrilled to hear about our journey.  A family member had ALS. She said to let her know if we come back so they can support us more!

Then we walked across the street to John’s store and chatted with a young lady working there about our journey. Her entire face lit up when she heard about what we’re doing….her distant uncle had ALS and she really appreciated what we’re doing. I teared up hearing her story (what else is new!) and we hugged. Her reaction of pure enthusiasm for what we’re doing is one that I’ll remember.

Went for a ride along the race route Saturday morning.

Windy, mostly flat, pretty area. That’s Stettler in the background behind the canola fields.

The townspeople have been very welcoming to us and we’re glad we’re able to spend a few extra days here. The woman at the Visitor Centre was thrilled as well about our journey, even sharing our story on Destination Stettler’s website. We had an interview with Stettler Independent newspaper. We will add the link when the story is published

Race day started overcast and drizzly, then became sunny and windy.  We were very lucky to have Leslie and Nancy from ALS Society of Alberta drive 2 hours each way from Calgary and Edmonton to cheer us on! It was wonderful to meet them and hear their voices cheering us on.

 The race announcer enthusiastically mentioned our Tri’ing fundraising endeavour every time we came into the transition area. Mike and I both had good races, with Mike having his fastest run to date and coming in 2^nd in his age group.  We also won the ‘Longest Haul’ award for coming the furthest (from Vernon) to the race.

We spoke briefly at the awards ceremony and as we were introduced, the crowd enthusiastically began to clap. A few folks talked to us after, telling about their connection to ALS and thanking us for our efforts. Again, we are so very lucky to be able to do this and have the support from so many people out there.

We are half way through.