Twenty-two years ago, Arvid Loewen went for a really long bike ride.
It would have been an inconsequential event had it not marked the beginning of his passionate participation in the world of ultra marathon cycling.
It was an obsession that would last for years, eventually leading to him using the sport as a platform to give voice to orphaned children.
It’s now been a decade since Loewen quit his job in order to devote his full time to volunteering for this cause, establishing an ongoing fundraising marathon bike ride called Grandpas Can which is affiliated with the charity, Mully Children’s Family.
“The mental challenge it takes to ride a bike for 20 hours a day for two weeks is inspiring,” says Loewen. “It helps me understand how quitting is not an option.”
Susan Huebert, co-host of CKUW 95.9 FM program People of Interest, spoke with Arvid Loewen about his long distance cycling and his passion to use the sport as a way to raise awareness and money for orphaned kids:
