Day 25 - Regina - Storm and Tornado Warnings

Day 25 - June 7, 2026

Start Time: N/A

Stop Time: N/A

KM Travelled: 0 on the bike

Elevation: 0 on the bike

Special Stuff: Courage to face my fears with a clear mind and a plan.

As I have been planning for this trip over the past 10 months I have been continuously learning. I did not know where to begin, so I made stickie note headings for categories of learning and stuck them on the wall in the hallway:

• Geography/ Route

• Gear

• Bike Repair and Maintenance

• Training

• Mental Wellness

• Safety and Risk Management

The one category people ask a lot about is safety. Hazards are things that can cause harm to people and things. One of the hazards that concerns me most is weather and the environment. The elements are to be respected and I need to keep a clear, calm mind - and not get caught up with fear (though to be honest, sometimes it does creep in).

This southern Saskatchewan weather is new for me. Last night I made a ‘no-go’ decision for today – which was the right one for my knowledge and experience level. Throughout the day I’ve wondered though, “could I have somehow gotten some kilometres in?” (I’m not going to cross the country unless I am ACTUALLY biking).

At 3:00 pm today, I am faced with the same ‘go’/ ‘no-go’ decision to make – there is another “Orange Watch – Tornado.” (This is starting to feel like Groundhog Day).

Fear can be paralyzing. Many people (myself included) often don’t do things because they are afraid – it can be easier to avoid things and ‘play it safe’. The opposite is to recklessly do things - without taking adequate precautions to minimize harm. Somewhere between ‘playing it safe’ and recklessness is a place of rationale decision making. A place where knowledge about the situation is used to make a decision and a plan on how to address the situation.

I have decided that I will move forward with the ride tomorrow – but I am doing so with information I have gathered and with a plan.

-              I will double check the weather conditions before I leave.

-              I will leave early.

-              At each township, I will assess the weather forecast and look for any weather warnings.

-              I will stay in a motel and check in by 3:00.

-              My absolute cut-off to depart for the next town is 12:00 (this gives me 2 hours to bike and one hour for mechanical issues).

-              I will carry enough food for 3 days.

-              I have a pretty good idea of what to do if there is a tornado, thunderstorm, or hailstorm.

I feel confident with my decision – AND I’m also going to cross my fingers and toes that everything goes just fine (it can’t hurt).

After two days of not riding, I thought my enthusiasm might wane. I have given myself permission to stop this ride anytime I want to - this is not something I want to feel pressured or forced to do. As it turns out, I’m stoked to get back at it! Only 580 kilometers to Winnipeg! I’m looking forward to visiting the campus where I went to school for a year, going to Assiniboine Park and visiting a bike shop to get my chain replaced.

Not much for photos today. I basically went to the spa for a massage and had dinner - not too exciting. Here’s a pic of my salad - which I’m sure had the same calorie load as a burger and fries, but, it was nice to eat some crunchy vegetables.